chesterfield charity news

Long serving Ashgate Hospice staff member marks 30 “incredible” years

One of Ashgate Hospice’s longest serving members of staff is marking 30 years caring for palliative and end of life patients this month – and her ‘desire’ and ‘dedication’ has been praised by charity bosses.

Pam Garvey, who as a Palliative Care Support Worker, cares for patients and their families in their own homes, celebrated her 30th anniversary at Ashgate on Thursday (21st October).

Over the past three decades, the 65-year-old has been there to provide compassionate and comforting care to thousands across North Derbyshire.

Before starting at the hospice, Pam worked in a role supporting people across the county with mental health problems.

She says although it wasn’t her first job when she started at Ashgate in 1991, she ‘knew quickly after starting that it would be her last’.

After reaching the milestone this week, Pam said: “The past 30 years have passed by so quickly, but I’m so glad that I followed my heart and joined the hospice team back in 1991.

“So much has changed at Ashgate over the years to meet the needs of our patients but our goal has always remained the same: to provide excellent, compassionate palliative and end of life care to the people who need us.

“I meet so many inspirational people, who make me feel so humble and grateful for everything I have. I have learnt something from all of them.

“I feel a sense of pride when I tell people I work at Ashgate Hospice; I still have the letter offering me the post from all those years ago. I just can’t believe it’s been 30 years!”

Pam initially started at the hospice as a volunteer in 1989, before being offered a permanent position on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit two years later.

After a short length of time supporting patients on the ward, Ashgate started caring for patients and their families in their own homes – and Pam instantly knew that was her dream job.

She added: “Two years after starting out on the Inpatient Unit, Ashgate extended our care offering to people in their own homes, and I instantly knew that’s where I wanted to be.

“The role has certainly changed since then, there were no mobile phones or sat navs; our matron, Jean, would wave us off, armed with just a map and the patient’s details – that’s where each day began!”

When Pam started at Ashgate, there were approximately 12 nurses, four health care assistants, a few doctors, three kitchen staff and three office staff.

Today, there are 340 members of staff and 600 volunteers at the charity, which last year cared for more than 2,500 patients across a range of different services.

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospice, said: “On behalf of everyone at Ashgate I’d like to wish Pam a huge congratulations as she reaches her 30th  year caring for patients.

“From starting as a volunteer when we first started providing care on our Inpatient Unit to being involved with the launch of our community services – she’s achieved so much over the past three decades.

“She has helped and continues to help make a positive impact on the lives of so many families – she’s truly one in a million.

“I’m so grateful to Pam for her incredible service over the years and the desire, commitment and hard work she brings to work each day emulates everything Ashgate is about. Thank you, Pam – Ashgate wouldn’t be the same without you!”

Would you like to work alongside Pam and other Ashgate colleagues? The charity is currently hiring for Bank Registered Nurses to join its award-winning ‘Outstanding’-rated team on the hospice’s newly refurbished 21-bed Inpatient Unit.

To find out more about the role and other vacancies at Ashgate Hospice, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/vacancies

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Kids Planet raises money for Prader Willie Syndrome in sponsored walk

Staff at Kids Planet North Wingfield took part in a 10-mile sponsored walk on Thursday 14th October to raise money for Prader Willi Syndrome.

The group of 11 members of staff were representing Jaxson, to help raise money for his expensive Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) treatment.

Sophie Hoyland, Nursery Manager, said: “Jaxon is a close family friend of one of our parents at the nursery, and the cause is very close to their family. They reached out to us to help, and we were pleased to not only get involved but generate positive support. Lots of families sponsored and cheered the group on at the roadside and over £200 has been raised so far. It was a fantastic event to be a part of and great to give back.”

Jaxson was born early and was diagnosed with PWS when he was just three days old. The rare disorder can affect muscle tone, motor skills, sleep, and speech. Due to this condition, Jaxson has to live a very healthy and active lifestyle to stay in shape. He is currently receiving support from Physiotherapy and is doing extremely well and has recently started crawling and standing.

The walk started from the Nursery in North Wingfield on the corner of Chesterfield Road and The Green, through the surrounding villages in Chesterfield. One of Jaxon’s parents is also doing a sponsored 103-mile bike ride for the cause, from Manchester to Wales.

Kids Planet North Wingfield is a purpose-built nursery and opened in 2017. Split over two levels, the nursery has three large spacious rooms and two secure outdoor play areas. The company runs five centres across North Derbyshire – including Sheepbridge, Newbold, Brampton and Chesterfield.

Kids Planet supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield community and voluntary groups reminded to take advantage of local funding

Community and voluntary sector groups and organisations in Chesterfield are being encouraged to take advantage of funding, enabling them to play a key role in improving the health and wellbeing of Derbyshire residents during the ongoing pandemic.

The Covid-19 Community Response Fund allows formally constituted organisations to apply for a maximum of £2,000, while non-constituted organisations can apply for up to £250.

An extra £50,000 was allocated to groups in Derbyshire through the fund back in June 2021, with a total of more than £185,000 awarded to a diverse range of Derbyshire organisations including parents’ associations, ethnic minority groups, older people’s charities and churches so far.

Cllr Carol Hart, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for health and communities said: “The response to the pandemic has seen many organisations across Derbyshire working tirelessly to ensure the basic needs of the most vulnerable residents are met.

“The COVID-19 fund was set up to ensure that community and voluntary organisations had enough resource to carry on with their vital work.

“This additional funding will enable more groups to carry out work within their local communities. We’ve already seen some amazing work being carried out including food parcels for vulnerable people, a community café being set up and support for students.”

The closing date for groups to bid for funding is 31st March 2022, however local authorities in our area are urging them to get their applications in as soon as possible in order to avoid missing out.

Applications must be linked to an existing Public Health programme, for example to support mental health and emotional wellbeing or to tackle social isolation.

Find out more about the Covid-19 Community Response Fund here.

There are currently plenty of other ongoing support schemes for local business and organisations across Chesterfield, including the Chesterfield Digital High Street initiative, along with the Vision Derbyshire Business start-up support scheme.

Find out more about all the different types of grants, advice and other business support available in Chesterfield here: Business Support | Destination Chesterfield

Support the Community

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Ashgate Hospicecare staff reunite with relatives of patients they’ve cared for

Ashgate Hospicecare has released three ‘emotionally charged’ videos reuniting its staff with the relatives of patients they cared for in their final days.

The videos, released during Hospice Care Week (4th – 8th October) and filmed in the hospice gardens, reveal the crucial support patients and their families received from Ashgate and how its staff care not just for its patients but for their families and loved ones too.

One of those people is 38-year-old Simon Birley from Clowne, who in October 2020, married his wife Lindsay in a special ceremony at the hospice where Lindsay was being cared for in Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit. Tragically, Lindsay died just one month later.

Simon said: “Throughout her short illness, she never once complained; it’s just awful that one minute we’d just welcomed our son Isaac into the world and were so happy, the next thing life comes crashing to pieces. All we ever wanted was our own family, and then cancer took it away from us.

“I’m just so grateful that Ashgate was able to be there for us all. Lindsay was so comfortable here and they did everything they could to offer the best care possible.

“She loved all the people that came around and supported her. She truly loved Ashgate and was so thankful that a place like the hospice existed.”

Simon breaks down in tears when he is reunited with Ashgate’s Ward Manager, Karen Walker, who supported the couple on their special day.

He adds: “Karen is just an amazing person. It’s hard to put into words the difference that somebody has made. When my life had been shattered and I was seeing my loved one changing due to the disease, Karen was there to support us all.

“On the wedding day, Karen was there to support Lindsay and having her there made us much more relaxed, she helped make our wedding day go as well as it possibly could have. Without her and everyone else at Ashgate, we wouldn’t have been able to get married.
“I look up to Karen as someone who made a positive impact on my life, and I’ll be forever thankful for that.”

In another video, 61-year-old Sheryle Scott, from Sheffield, pays tribute to Helen Harrison, an Ashgate Community Nurse Specialist who cared for her brother Mark Coley at home after he was diagnosed with MND.

Sheryle said: “Without Helen, I don’t know what we would’ve done. We felt like we’d known her all our lives.

“With Helen, her patients must all feel the same way, we felt that we were the only patients she had.

“She just pulled everything together for us in a matter of days. I could phone her whenever I liked, even during the lockdown it was never a problem.

“Helen became such a big part of our life and I’m so grateful for everything she did for Mark and our family. She just never stopped caring.”

In the final video, Graham Matthews, from Killamarsh, returns to Ashgate to reunite with Lucy, the physiotherapist who “helped to extend the life” of his wife Diane, who was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a rare degenerative neurological condition similar to Motor Neurone Disease.

Graham said: “We were so worried about how life would end for Diane, but fortunately, thanks to the support of everyone at Ashgate, it was very peaceful for her.

“Lucy was a big part of Diane’s life towards the end. She helped make a terrible situation much brighter and more cheerful.

“I remember when she couldn’t even stand up or get her head up, but through Lucy’s hard work Diane managed to get her head back up and even stood up a couple of times.”

The charity, which provides specialist end-of-life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, hopes the videos will provide an insight into the care and support they offer and raise awareness of their services.

Hayley Wardle, Director of Quality and Patient Care at Ashgate, said: “Hospice Care Week is all about raising awareness and challenging perceptions of hospice care. These videos help to do just that by highlighting the lasting impact that good quality hospice care can have.
“The stories shared in these videos are incredibly emotional and I feel a deep sense of pride that Ashgate was able to support those families when they needed us most.

“Our hope is these videos will help explain in a bit more detail the support we provide not just to our patients but to their families and loved ones too by bringing the reality of what we are all about straight into people’s homes.”

To watch the videos, go to: www.youtube.com/user/ashgatehospice or to donate visit www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/donation

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Volunteers required for the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

Charity partners of the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k are on the lookout for volunteers to get involved with this year’s event, which takes place on 17th October, beginning at 10am from Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.

Volunteer marshals will help to play a key role in the success of the event and will be stationed at various points around the 10k course, assisting and supporting participants, local residents and spectators.

John Timms, Event Director, said: “Due to the pandemic cancelling the 2020 event, we are eager to make this year’s 10k memorable whilst fundraising in support of the local charities; Ashgate Hospicecare, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and The Redbrik Foundation.

“We are calling on volunteers to support Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood and all the runners, cheer them on and get them around the course safely.

“The 10k is also a great way to gather the local communities back together again after a difficult past year during the pandemic and what better way to come together than supporting these charities that provide extremely valuable services.”

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, added: “I would like to personally encourage individuals to take the opportunity to get involved.

“If you can spare a few hours, it’s such a rewarding experience to witness the determination of the runners, as well as the amazing community spirit of the supporting locals.

“Access to marshal points is very straightforward and all volunteers are well looked after before and during the race.”

If you are aged 18 or older and are interested in volunteering at the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, contact the events team at Ashgate Hospicecare on 01246 233404 or email events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k will take in some of Chesterfield’s most prominent landmarks, starting and finishing in the famous Queen’s Park.

You can find out more about the event in a conversation with Event Director, John Timms and The Redbrik Foundation’s David Cooper on the latest episode of The Chesterfield Show Podcast, now available on Spotify.

Redbrik  supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

competition

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Citizens Advice chair of trustees to step down after 12 years of service

The Chair of Chesterfield’s Citizens Advice Bureau has announced she is stepping down from the role next year, after dedicating 12 years of  service to the organisation.

Linda Moore said: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as chair; I’ve found it challenging, diverse, interesting & rewarding. The team is amazing, but after 12 years it’s time for a new leader with new & refreshing ideas.

“I’m sure I will find a different role in order to continue my support of this vital, local charity.”

Citizens Advice supports people across the town with free, confidential, impartial, independent advice and information for the problems they face and works to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.

The Chesterfield group is now looking for someone to  join the board, possibly as vice-chair in readiness to take over at the AGM in November 2022.

They are hoping to find someone who is passionate about making a difference in the local community, excited to support a leading local advice charity, and is a natural leader.

Applications for the voluntary role close on Friday, 22nd October 2021 at 5pm. Anyone interested in taking on the role is asked to get in touch with Julie Astell via email: julie.astell@chesterfieldcab.co.uk for an application pack.

Recently it was announced that Phoebe Sellars who works for fellow Chesterfield Champion, Bridge Help was appointed to the board as the youngest ever trustee at the age of just 22.

Phoebe explained why she decided to join the board: “I live and work in Chesterfield and feel passionately about strengthening the community that I live in, work in and love. Citizens Advice Chesterfield does such good work for so many people in my home town.”

Citizens Advice Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

champion of the week

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Schoolteachers and staff to swap classroom for Sparkle Night Walk in memory of much-loved colleague

More than thirty primary school teachers and staff are taking on Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk together in memory of their friend and colleague who died in the charity’s care.

The 31-strong team from Mary Swanwick Primary School are swapping the classroom for the sparkling streets of Chesterfield on September 25th as they hope to raise money to help fund Ashgate Hospicecare.

They’re taking on the fundraiser in memory of Claire Sivorn, a former Teaching Assistant at the school, who died in Ashgate’s care earlier this year, aged 55.

Claire had planned to marry her partner, Craig, in Edinburgh this month, but when her cancer made her progressively more ill, doctors advised the couple to cancel their special day.

However, Ashgate was able to step in to help arrange the pair’s wedding at an earlier date in April, so they got to tie the knot before Claire died just weeks later.

Her best friend and fellow Teaching Assistant, Becky Jackson, will join 30 others from Mary Swanwick in taking on the 10km route in tribute to Claire, whilst helping fund care for future families who need the hospice’s support.

The 50-year-old, from Woodthorpe, said: “We wanted to say thank you for everything Ashgate did for Claire and her family at the end of her life.

“Not only was the care she received outstanding, but the hospice went above and beyond to arrange her and Craig’s wedding. It was such a special day; something me, Claire’s friends and family will be able to cherish for ever.

“Claire was so caring, selfless and incredibly hard working. She worked for nearly 20 years at Mary Swanwick Primary School and was an incredibly talented artist; her artwork is still proudly on display throughout our school.

“She put everyone before herself, so we wanted to do something special in her memory. We all can’t wait to take part and are hoping to raise some much-needed funds for such a fantastic and worthwhile cause.”

Claire spent six weeks on the Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit before receiving the hospice’s support at home when she died on 6th May with her family by her side. Meanwhile, Craig and her children have received counselling from the charity’s Supportive Care team in recent months.

The team from Mary Swanwick Primary School are among more than a thousand participants to have signed up for the return of Ashgate’s Sparkle Night Walk this September.

Previously, the event, sponsored by Vertu Toyota, has taken place in July, but the charity has pushed back the date this year in light of the ongoing roadmap out of lockdown.

Ashgate hopes the new September date will allow the hospice to hold a socially distanced event while ensuring the safety of its supporters, volunteers and the local community.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “It’s so wonderful to hear Becky and her team from Mary Swanwick Primary School are coming together to take on our Sparkle Night Walk in memory of Claire.

“I’m glad our incredible team was able to be there for Claire and her family at the end of her life; it’s thanks to fantastic fundraisers like Becky and the team from Mary Swanwick that we’re able to be there for the families who need us most.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming back our supporters and seeing some familiar faces, as well as those new supporters taking part for the first time. We hope you’ll consider joining the team from Mary Swanwick Primary School along the route this September!”

Ashgate is encouraging their local community to sign-up to the Sparkle Night Walk and help raise much needed money to fund the specialist end-of-life care they provide.

Like last year, a virtual option will also be offered, for those who would prefer to choose their own route and complete it separately.

The charity is asking those taking part virtually to walk, run, cycle or dance their way through the streets to raise money for charity’s care.

To find out more about Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register go to: www.sparklenightwalk.org.uk or call 01246 568801.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

sparkle night walk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Ashgate Hospicecare director raises more than £6,000 in incredible marathon challenge

An Ashgate Hospicecare director who set himself the challenge of running 12 marathons in as many months has finally crossed the finish line – two months ahead of schedule.

Peter Stone, Director of Income Generation at the North Derbyshire charity and Destination Chesterfield board member, was inspired to fundraise having seen others go above and beyond to help fund Ashgate’s vital care.

Starting last October, the 60-year-old challenged himself to run 12 marathons in just one year – a remarkable 314.4 miles in total.

And on Saturday, Peter was delighted to complete his final marathon of the challenge, finishing at Ashgate’s hospice site in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, where family, friends and colleagues applauded him as he passed through the gates.

Thanks to the generosity of Peter’s supporters, the challenge has helped raise an incredible £6,200 towards the charity, smashing his target of £1,000.

Following the final marathon, Peter said: “My final marathon was one of the hardest yet – it included 3,500 feet of ascent and a lot of off-road navigation in the area around Tansley and Ashover.

“That, combined with hot weather, made for a tiring trip out. I am delighted to have completed the 12 marathons and I am so grateful for all the support I have received.

“I am responsible for the fundraising and retail teams at Ashgate who every year must generate around 70 per cent of the organisation’s income. I was keen to raise some funds myself – to help with fundraising and to remind me how hard our fundraisers must work to generate the money we need.

“Even as a keen runner this challenge has been difficult. The older I get, the longer it takes to recover from a marathon so trying to cover one every four weeks has been tiring. Plus, there’s been runs in the rain, sleet and snow which haven’t helped matters at all!”

From a double marathon – with no stopping– in Northumberland to a 50km run along a disused railway line in Shropshire, Peter has taken part in marathons across the UK.

He’s averaged around one marathon every four weeks – a task he admits was “tough”, but now he’s got into the routine of it he’ll find it difficult to stop.

Peter’s efforts will help Ashgate in continuing to provide caring and compassionate palliative and end-of-life care to people all over North Derbyshire.

He added: “I wanted to fundraise for Ashgate because the charity undertakes such amazing work – offering specialist palliative and end of life care to patients with a life-limiting illness and their families across North Derbyshire.

“Ashgate is so loved by the community, and this has been apparent by the level of support I have received to date. I couldn’t have asked for more from everyone who has supported me and made donations – thank you all so much.”

Have you been inspired by Peter’s fundraiser? You can run for Ashgate Hospicecare at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K on 17th October.

To support Peter following his mammoth marathon challenge go to his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/peterstoneag

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

ActionCOACH boosts fundraising efforts for children’s cancer charity

Business coaching company ActionCOACH, which has a team based in Chesterfield has partnered with Children with Cancer UK to help raise money for the charity.

Throughout September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Action Coaches across the UK are raising funds by delivering seminars for business owners – and 100% of the ticket price is being donated to the charity.

Children with Cancer UK is the leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer.

Julie Wagstaff, UK Co-founder of ActionCOACH, is thrilled to be launching the initiative: “I think everyone has been affected by cancer at some point in their lifetime, but childhood cancers are particularly agonising to encounter and it’s a shocking statistic that on average 12 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every day.

“We’re determined to help raise both awareness and funds for a brighter future for the children and families touched by cancer. We understand that children are the dreamers and entrepreneurs of the future, and that’s why we want to encourage business owners to get involved and help us make an impact on so many families across the UK.”

Around 4,500 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK, with it being the leading cause of death in children aged one to 14 years old.

Survivors can face a lifetime of serious health issues as a result of the intensive treatment used to treat their cancer, so the charity’s funds also focus on research for new therapies that are safer, kinder and with fewer toxic side effects. So far, the ActionCOACH UK network of 200+ coaches has raised over £27,000 for the charity, but they don’t want to stop there.

Cliff O’Gorman, CEO of Children with Cancer UK said: “We are so grateful for the fantastic support of ActionCOACH UK and their ongoing commitment to fundraise for Children with Cancer UK with such a great initiative. We are delighted that they share our mission to improve survival rates for children and young people diagnosed with cancer. The impact of this partnership is far reaching as it will help us continue to fund vital, life-saving research and find kinder, safer treatments with fewer toxic side effects.”

ActionCOACH Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s Camp Inspire receives praise from local MP

An initiative which has been providing activities, food and support to young people and families in need has been praised by a local MP, alongside receiving regional TV coverage.

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, recently visited Camp Inspire, the innovative programme delivered by Chesterfield FC Community Trust at Parkside Community School.

Camp Inspire was designed to help children and young people, many of whom are disadvantaged or vulnerable over the summer holidays.

After taking a look at the activities organised to keep the attendees engaged, Mr Rowley said: “It was fantastic to visit Camp Inspire again and see the great work happening every day by those involved.

“Having visited last year as well, it is brilliant to see Camp Inspire even bigger and better this year – and doing so much.

“Thanks again for allowing me to come and meet with the inspiring leaders and young people!”

Following the success of the inaugural programme, Camp Inspire returned on a larger scale this summer, with over 200 youngsters attending on a daily basis.

With funding from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, every child is provided with a free, hot, nutritious lunch.

Camp Inspire also received television coverage on ITV’s Calendar news recently, displaying the work carried out by Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust for families in need.

Scott Atkinson, the Trust’s head of education and wellbeing, said: “We received so much positive feedback following the inaugural Camp Inspire and we are determined to make a similar impact this year.

“With over 200 attending daily, I understand that we are going to be the largest HAF provider in the East Midlands, catering for the most vulnerable children in our community, which is fantastic.”

Chesterfield FC Community Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Junction Arts links up with Hardwick Hall to deliver ‘This Girl Codes Curiosity Academy’

Chesterfield Champion, Junction Arts has linked up with the historic North Derbyshire landmark, Hardwick Hall to deliver a project aimed at inspiring and empowering local people.

‘This Girl Codes’ is a Junction Arts project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and The People’s Postcode Lottery. The project uniquely uses arts, science, technology and maths to give new interpretation and relevance to the rich heritage in and around Chesterfield.

This Girl Codes aims to empower and inspire people of all ages and genders through the stories of strong women in history such as Bess of Hardwick and Florence Nightingale. Taking inspiration from their work, lives and homes to inspire creative outcomes that build science, maths and technology skills in playful ways.

It is an aim of This Girl Codes to work with different heritage partners each year; in 2020 the project worked with English Heritage at Bolsover Castle. Junction Arts have built a good relationship with Hardwick Hall through working together on previous projects.

The partnership this year has drawn on the themes of light, data science and conservation. Hardwick Hall has a significant textiles collection to conserve including The Noble Women embroideries which are around 450 years old. Both organisations wanted to convey the importance of this work to the public and how The National Trust monitor and control light within a property locally known as ‘Hardwick Hall more glass than wall’.

During 2021 Junction Arts have worked with home educators, Tibshelf School, Rhubarb Farm, Forest schools, families and individuals collecting light data, creating ‘Data Selfies’ and more.

In July they held the first ‘Curiosity Academy’ at Hardwick Hall for participants to delve deeper into the history on site and explore steganography – the practice of concealing messages. Over three days they welcomed over 40 people to the Academy, from ages 6-83! Lead artist Cora Glasser and technologist Claire Garside guided participants through creative activities inspired by hidden messages in Tudor times right up to NASA’s Mars Rover landing.

The Curiosity Academy encouraged all ages to be inquisitive, think creatively and decode messages in historic and contemporary images. All participants experienced Hardwick Hall in new and exciting ways, learned about binary code and how to create images using UV light.

Participants said “The history is really playful, relevant and inspiring. The same code can be translated so many ways. The behind the scenes tour and insider information has made us want to plan another visit.”

The project has been working towards a co-created, collaborative art piece which will be designed and made by artist Cora Glasser using participant’s artwork. The piece will be exhibited at Hardwick Hall later this year.

Jemma Burton, Project Co-ordinator said: “We’re so pleased to be engaging a diverse range of ages and backgrounds with this fantastic heritage and bringing the stories to new audiences in exciting ways.”

This Girl Codes will continue into 2022 working with a new heritage partner and there will be another Curiosity Academy next summer. Anyone can get involved with the project including schools and community groups. If you are interested in hearing about the upcoming activities email info@junctionarts.org to be added to the mailing list or call 01246 209219.

Junction Arts’ work across Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield supports communities, improves well-being and provides access and opportunity in the arts for everyone.

The group also supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter