chesterfield news

Bring Jubilee celebrations to your garden with this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition

Local people are invited to take part in this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition and mark the Platinum Jubilee in style by showcasing flowers that are purple, red, white or blue.

Chesterfield in Bloom takes place annually and includes three different competitions for residents to take part in: the council’s tenants gardening competition, the allotment competition, and the general Chesterfield in Bloom category.

Although it is not essential for those entering to grow or showcase their gardens and allotments with a link to the Jubilee celebrations, Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved to help us to mark this once in a generation event.

If your garden is brimming with plants and colour, you grow your own vegetables, or you have a hanging basket that you are really proud of, we would love to see it.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “You don’t have to be green fingered to enter the competition. We would encourage anyone to get involved as showcasing what you do in your garden to other people can be really rewarding.

“There are a range of events happening in the town centre to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee so we thought it would be a great idea for people, if they are looking for ideas, to include a few themed flowers, pot plants or any other ideas they may have in colours linked to the national event.

“There is a thriving allotment community in Chesterfield, and we would like to encourage our growers to share their hard work with us as part of the competition.”

If you fancy entering the general Chesterfield in Bloom category, you could choose to complete your application about your front garden, back garden, your container garden/hanging basket or your pub/restaurant garden. You can also nominate a neighbour or company into the competition.

To find out more about each of the categories and how to enter visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/parks-and-green-spaces/chesterfield-in-bloom.

The competition is free to enter, and everyone is welcome to take part. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday 17 June 2022.

For more information please contact John Ramsey, bloom@chesterfield.gov.uk

The council is also repeating its popular competition for residents called ‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ that aims to find the best sunflowers in the borough.

There are three entry categories:

  1. Tallest sunflower – from the top of the soil to the top of the flower (please make sure your picture is taken next to a tape measure).
  2. Largest Sunflower – the largest flower head based on diameter or width (please make sure your picture is taken next to a ruler or tape measure).
  3. Most Sunflowers – plant with the most sunflower heads (please try to make sure all flower heads are visible in your photo).

To enter please send a picture of your sunflower, stating your name and the category you wish to enter to green.spaces@chesterfield.gov.uk

‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ will run from until Sunday 11 September 2022.

Find out more about the competition here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/in-bloom.

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

Businesses and organisations can now sign up for Chesterfield 10k’s Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge

Organisers of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10km have launched this year’s Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge and are calling for local businesses and community organisations to get involved.

Local businesses are being offered the opportunity to gain 10 percent discount on Chesterfield 10k entry fees, as well as recognition from the 10k stakeholders as an organisation that promotes and supports a healthy lifestyle and mental health wellbeing.

This year the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K is taking place on Sunday 16th October, starting from Queen’s Park, at 10am. Registrants for the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge must be over 15 years of age.

David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Paints, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Wellbeing Challenge once again, after many years of involvement. It’s a great incentive for staff of local businesses like ours to create a running goal and stick to a training plan, while encouraging team members to get stuck into some healthy competition.”

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re excited to see the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge opened up to local businesses and community groups once again, it’s a great way for people in the area to show their support for mental health and a healthy lifestyle, and of course raise money for important local charities. As a previous runner at the event, I can certainly recommend it.”

Charity Partners for the event are Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

To sign up for the challenge and receive your team discount code please email; info@chesterfield10k.com

Redbrik supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Ashgate Hospice announces return of popular Forget-Me-Not Appeal

People in North Derbyshire will be able to celebrate, mourn and remember their loved ones in a special and unique way when Ashgate Hospice’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal returns this month.

As part of the appeal, which is sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, supporters can make a suggested donation of £25 for a custom made, beautifully crafted forget-me-not flower, to pay a lasting tribute to friends or family.

It’s the second year that the charity has held the fundraiser after last year’s appeal raised £117,300 towards care for patients and families.

This year the striking stainless-steel flowers are pink and each measure 45cm in length, having been made by the British Ironwork Centre.

The limited-edition flowers will form a display between 15th to 19th and 22nd to 26th June, within the picturesque grounds of Renishaw Hall and Gardens, near Eckington in Derbyshire.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Our Forget-Me-Not Appeal is a beautiful way for our communities to come together to remember those they love. Anyone can dedicate a flower, whether they have a direct connection to the hospice or not.

“The Forget-Me-Not Appeal is a chance for us all to come together, pause and take time to reflect. Visiting the display of pink flowers and reading the names of all those who have been remembered promises to be very moving.

“The generous donations we receive during an appeal like this one are crucial to the hospice and make such a difference to the families we care for. Every donation helps to ensure we can be there when we are needed most.”

Amanda Griffiths will be dedicating a forget-me-not in memory of her beloved dad, Victor Tye, who experienced ‘exceptional’ care at Ashgate Hospice’s Inpatient Unit after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Before his death on July 28th, 2019, aged 73, the hospice team ensured his final wish of dying at home with his family by his side was granted.

It’s because of this care that Amanda is urging people to support Ashgate’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal.

“My dad was so scared of going into Ashgate and said he felt like it was a one-way ticket,” said Amanda, 46, from Bolsover. “But once he was there and settled in, it was like his second home.

“It ended up being his place of security. He knew whenever he needed someone, whatever time of day or night it was, they were only ever a button press away.

“Dad was most worried about being in uncontrollable pain but felt safe knowing that someone at Ashgate was always there to try to take the pain away whenever he needed it.”

Thousands of forget-me-nots will form a display at Renishaw Hall and Gardens this summer several weeks after the campaign’s launch.

The suggested donation for a forget-me-not is £25 and money raised will be used to fund the hospice’s round-the-clock specialist end of life care.

Jack concludes: “Whether you supported the campaign last year or didn’t, please consider dedicating one of our beautifully crafted pink flowers in memory, or in celebration of that special person. You’ll not only have a lovely flower to add to your garden or to keep in the house, but you’ll be helping us fund vital care for the families who need us most.

“A forget-me-not flower can be dedicated to anyone; they don’t need to have accessed the support and services of Ashgate Hospice.”

To dedicate a flower, visit www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/forget-me-not or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.

Supporters will be able to collect their flower from Ashgate Hospice from 1st to 3rd July or have them posted to them once the public display is removed.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Fortem launches new health and safety standard

Fortem has launched their new Health and Safety standard, Safe4Life, which builds upon their existing promises to ensure everyone goes home safe, every day.

Safe4Life – Taking Care of You, represents Fortem’s commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all its staff, trades, supply chain partners and stakeholders. The aim of this rejuvenated standard is to reinforce the essential requirements and expectations, which all levels of the business must meet, to develop and maintain a world-class Safety, Health, Environment and Compliance (SHEC) culture.

The existing standard includes the four key principles required to embed a robust health and safety culture:

  • Value- No one should suffer pain.
  • Belief- ALL accidents can be prevented.
  • Attitude- Everyone has a zero tolerance of unsafe behaviour.
  • Behaviour- Everyone looks out for themselves and others.

These guiding principles are at the forefront of everything Fortem do, be that in the planning and delivery of work, community engagements, on the move and any other way in which its people operate.

The new model builds upon these four guiding principles to incorporate seven key elements:

  • Empowerment
  • Engagement
  • Intervention
  • Supervision
  • Consultation
  • Leadership
  • Recognition

The new standard has been designed to reflect how Fortem approach and manage Safety, Health, Environment and Compliance. Each component of the model details elements of the management system that is either already in place or that will be launched as part of the initiative.

Mike Hart, Managing Director at Fortem said, “The Health and Safety of our workforce, customers and members of the public continues to be our number one priority. A robust, well embedded safety culture creates the foundation for which high Health & Safety standards develops and thrives.

“It helps prevent accidents and incidents and encourages people to report observations, in an environment that does not apportion blame. It leads by example. It protects our people by making sure they receive the right training, equipment, safe systems of work, PPE, support and mentoring. It does not compromise on the safety of its people. It keeps abreast of current legislation and industry best practice and ensures our people are given the relevant information from these so they can continue to work safely. It empowers people to do the right thing, all the time, even when no one else is looking.

“Our refreshed Health and Safety strategy ‘Safe4Life’ is an important milestone in ensuring that, together, we drive our Health and Safety culture across our workforce and supply chain to underpin how we design, plan and deliver all of our work in branches and projects.”

Fortem supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

University of Derby recognised for ‘world leading’ research

The University of Derby is delivering world-leading and internationally excellent research in Education, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 results announced today.

In total, the University submitted 27 Case Studies demonstrating how research has impacted business and society across its core academic themes and subjects.

Notable achievements for the University across other subject areas include:

  • Computer Science and Informatics (74%), Social Work and Social Policy (71%), Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (69%), Art and Design (66%) and Communication, Culture and Media Studies (58%) is ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
  • 100% of the University’s research impact and significance in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences is classified as 4* (outstanding) and 3* (very considerable). 83% in Education is classified as 4* (outstanding) and 3* (very considerable).
  • A 3* research environment – assessed in terms of vitality, sustainability, and how this enables research – for areas including Allied Health Professionals, Business and Management Studies, Social Work and Social Policy, Education, Art and Design and Communication and Cultural Studies.

Speaking about the University’s results, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “Since the last REF in 2014, our researchers have continued to generate distinctive, world-leading, and impactful research as part of our ongoing drive to becoming a more research-focused institution.

“These REF 2021 results mark a step change for the University of Derby, reflecting our commitment to delivering excellence in research at an international level, while positively impacting our high-quality teaching and learning. I would like to celebrate our staff, students and partners for the effort, expertise and collaboration that has gone into our submission.”

Professor Warren Manning, Provost Innovation and Research the University of Derby, added: “Working collaboratively with businesses and organisations in Derby, Derbyshire and the region to deliver applied research and knowledge exchange is an area of strength for us. Our REF submission further demonstrates how our innovation and research expertise aligns to our partners’ needs and supports them to tackle challenges and make a positive impact regionally and globally.”

The University has demonstrated positive impact on the economy, society or culture through its submissions.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

University of Derby’s St. Helena Campus in Chesterfield

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

Stephenson Memorial Hall refurbishment receives further funding boost    

An ambitious project to refurbish Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – which is home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum – has been boosted by £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.

The funding has been secured by Chesterfield Borough Council and will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet. This funding will complement the Government’s Levelling Up Funding and investment from the council which aims to create a modern cultural attraction in the heart of the town centre.

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities. The £17.5 million project will also protect the Grade II listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve received more support for our multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Stephenson Memorial Hall. This funding will help ensure we realise our ambitions of creating an accessible cultural experience, allowing more of our residents and visitors to access this building to enjoy performances and learn about our heritage.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director of Arts Council England, said: “Our Capital Grants programme provides organisations with vital funding to ensure they have the right buildings and equipment to help them become more sustainable and innovative places, as they deliver exciting and creative work to the public.

“We’re pleased to be investing in seven projects in the East Midlands – from replacing well-worn seats in auditoriums and purchasing the latest digital technology to installing ecologically friendlier lighting and making buildings more cost-effective.  Funded work includes updating access facilities designed to ensure a more welcoming experience for visitors.”

As part of these 2021-22 and 2022-23 grants, over £22.7 million has been awarded to 66 cultural organisations across the country. The Capital Investment Programme aims to help cultural organisations across the country transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely post-pandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities, and reduce environmental impact. From Barrow-in-Furness to The Isles of Scilly, the organisations receiving funding share a vision to build a fit for the future cultural sector, which all members of their communities can access.

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

New menswear retailer set to open in prominent Chesterfield town centre store

A retailer selling a range of clothes for men is moving into a prominent Chesterfield Town Centre location, adding to the plethora of new retailers in the town.

WiseGuys menswear will be opening in the former Greenwoods store on Packers Row, offering a broad choice of clothing, including casual shirts, knitwear, suits and shoes.

Mike Willis, who used to work for Greenwoods before launching his own clothing business, says he is pleased to be bringing a new store to the town: “I’ve always had Chesterfield in mind as the place where I wanted to open my next store, as it fits with the ‘market town’ profile of my business.

“I opened my first store in Sleaford in 2013, followed by Newark, Melton Mowbray and Boston, so I am delighted that the opportunity has arisen to continue growing the business and offering our products to a wider audience.

“We’re really pleased to be welcoming customers from Chesterfield and beyond, and cannot wait to be part of the evolution of the local high street. We’d love to see as many new faces in our store as possible, so please pop in and say hello.”

The store plans to cater for a broad range of sizes, with no skinny fits on offer. Casual shirts range from sizes small to 4XL, while shoe brands are sold in sizes 6-12. Shoes up to size 15 can be sold to order.

Suits are on sale ranging from sizes 34-60 chest. A number of recognised brands will be stocked at WiseGuys, including Dude Shoes, Lambretta Brogues, Ben Sherman Casuals, Lizard King Shirts, Swole Panda socks and underwear, Redpoint Chinos and casual coats, Sunwill jeans and much more.

The store is also recruiting for new staff, with Mike commenting: “I’m looking for a manager and part-time staff to work at the store, ensuring our customers enjoy the best possible visit to WiseGuys. Anyone wishing to apply or find out more, please email wiseguys2014@gmail.com FAO: Mr Mike Willis, Director.”

To find out more about WiseGuys menswear, head over to the website: www.wiseguysmenswear.co.uk

Chesterfield’s high street is home to an array of independent and chain retailers. To find out more about shopping in the town, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield plans set to be considered

A multi-million pound project to revitalise Chesterfield town centre – helping the borough thrive for generations to come – is set to be considered by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The £10.28m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme aims to transform the look, feel and flow of the town centre – creating a contemporary market town that has better connections between key public spaces, and a more attractive physical environment.

It includes plans for significant improvements to Chesterfield’s historic market grounds, along with proposals that will help maximise the potential of the iconic Crooked Spire as a key attraction for visitors, while also re-imagining town centre spaces for a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations and community gatherings.

Together with the £17m refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall – which received planning permission in March 2022 – the project is being brought forward thanks to almost £20m which the council secured from the Government’s levelling up fund at the end of last year.

The latest designs for the scheme will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on 17 May and, if approved, the proposals will be subject to a consultation period running from 24 May to 8 July 2022 before a final Master Plan is developed.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield has been a flourishing market town for hundreds of years, but like places everywhere, we must address the challenges that the rise in online shopping presents to the future sustainability of our town centre.

“Our town has so much to offer, and we want to harness and build on this to create a town centre that remains vibrant, and relevant in today’s world.

“This project, together with the scheme to refurbish our historic Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum, will transform the experience for those visiting the town centre, and help sustain the economic future for the wider borough.”

Levelling up funding will be used to extend the council’s planned regeneration of the market grounds, with extra investment now centred on key public spaces and the connections between them – including Burlington Street, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Spire Walk, Market Square and New Square.

It is proposed that new paving, seating, lighting, and street furniture will combine with more greenery, to create better-looking and better-connected spaces which people can enjoy and socialise in.

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will complement work to regenerate the Northern Gateway and – at the other side of town – will connect with plans to transform the area around Chesterfield Station.

Key areas of focus are:

  • Corporation Street – a tree-lined boulevard with improved paving and lighting will transform this key gateway to the town centre and provide a welcoming environment for visitors to the refurbished theatre and museum.
  • Spire Walk – the council will work in partnership with the Church of St Mary and All Saints to create a more welcoming and attractive space in which to enjoy our iconic Crooked Spire.
  • Rykneld Square – the proposals seek to make better use of this open public space – providing a better connection with the Crooked Spire, improving the feel and flow of this area.
  • Burlington Street – proposed upgrades to paving, planting and lighting will create a more attractive main route – better connecting the Market Place and High Street through to Rykneld Square and Spire Walk.
  • New Square and Market Place – a multi-million pound investment will revitalise Chesterfield’s historic market. Our plans will create a modern, vibrant town centre experience with additional space alongside our traditional markets to host outdoor events and speciality markets. The council is working with local traders to develop a revised market stall and layout design for the main market, and to consider how New Square could be used to complement the town centre offer in future.
  • Packers Row – under existing plans, in place before the successful bid for levelling up funding, this area will also undergo improvement, following the completion of similar public realm works at the nearby Elder Way. Plans include improved lighting and paving, with an overhead light canopy to add character. Work here is set to start in spring 2022.

Councillor Sarvent added: “We have been successful in pulling in millions of pounds of extra funding into our borough over the last 18 months, which is fantastic news for local people. It will complement the significant investments that we and our partners are already making and puts Chesterfield town centre in a strong position for the future.

“We want Chesterfield to continue to be the go-to place and we’re confident that, taken together, the widespread improvements will achieve this by creating a contemporary market town that builds on our proud history and heritage.”

The work will be carried out in phases from spring 2022 and is due for completion in 2025.

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

‘Leaving the door open’ – Chesterfield’s Property & Construction forum continues to highlight sustainability

Jillian Mitchell, Vice Chair of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group and Director of Lomas and Mitchell Architects has penned this month’s blog on how the group is coming together to highlight the importance of sustainability across the town.

I was asked recently to deliver a 15-minute talk on ‘how to make your home more sustainable’.  It’s a pretty tall order, given the magnitude of the subject.  The first question was ‘how on earth do I cover the subject in only 15 minutes?’  Definition of the word ‘sustainable’ is wide-ranging, covering anything from saving the planet to reducing energy bills, and everything in between.

It can be overwhelming and we often feel powerless to think that anything we do can make a difference, so it is tempting to do nothing.  It doesn’t help that there is a bewildering array of measures and targets out there, quoted in impenetrable units which are hard to put into any sort of context.  Take the example of your fridge.  If you regularly leave the door of the fridge open whilst trying to decide what to make for dinner, for example, you can be wasting 50 – 120kWh/yr.  These numbers don’t mean a lot on their own, but if you understand that 50kWh/yr could run your dishwasher twenty times or 100kWh/yr the washing machine for fifty cycles, the scale and context become much more tangible.

At the heart of the issue, however, is a simple message – we must all do something to contribute to reducing our energy consumption and our dependence upon finite planet resources.  It really doesn’t matter which sector you work in – everyone can do something to make a difference.  The current energy crisis has brought all these themes into sharp focus, and now is the time to capitalise on the opportunities to look at our consumption and behaviours and commit to making a difference.

The Construction and Property Forum have identified key themes, one of which is ‘Sustainability and Quality’, because we want to highlight the need for more ambitious targets across the region.  The challenge is to shift from historical drivers, such as shareholders and regulations, and move towards the over-arching target of net-zero carbon by 2050 whilst still demonstrating profitability and compliance.  The shift needed is seismic and not to be underestimated – but we all have to do something, and we need to do it now.

The Forum seeks to support and challenge our local authorities as they strive towards these ambitious goals whilst providing exemplars of best practice for our colleagues in the sector to learn from and share.  We are keen to explore who is working on these themes in our area and welcome input from colleagues across the sector.  You can get in touch by emailing PropertyGroup@chesterfield.co.uk

In the meantime, maybe it’s time to not leave the fridge door open.

Jillian Mitchell is a Chartered Architect and Director at Lomas and Mitchell Architects.  Jillian is a member of the steering group of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group and heads up the themes of  Sustainability and Quality.

Find out more at: www.lomasandmitchell.co.uk

Chesterfield Property and Construction Group

 

Posted in Blog, Business, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield residents encouraged to support local retailers over the Jubilee bank holiday

Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is only a few weeks away and residents and visitors are being encouraged to support our local retailers during the bank holiday weekend.

There are a number of events taking place across Chesterfield to help mark this historic milestone, as well as the market place and Market Hall being adorned in special Jubilee decorations, and the Market Hall Café offering a special Jubilee themed menu.

Local businesses are also being asked to consider taking part in the Best Dressed Window Competition over the bank holiday weekend, that will be judged by the new Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Tony Rogers.

If you are a business owner and would like to take part, you can use any materials you like to dress the window, but it has to have a Jubilee theme. Judging will take place on Friday 3 June 2022.

To take part or to register your interest in the competition as a business owner, please contact Rebecca.Bland@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Chesterfield Borough Council is continuing to work with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that is great about our borough, through the Love Chesterfield campaign.

The campaign is centred around our town centre, high streets and shopping areas and aims to encourage everyone to discover or rediscover the great shopping, hospitality and leisure experiences we have on our doorstep.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are going to be a fantastic way to not only mark the Queen being the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service, but it is also a great opportunity for residents and visitors to come into the town centre to enjoy some of the events on offer, check out the Jubilee decorations, do some shopping and spend time in each other’s company.

“Following the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important for us each to do our bit to help support local businesses. I think there is going to be a great atmosphere in the town centre on the bank holiday, and we are encouraging as many retailers as possible to take part in our best dressed window competition to help us to celebrate this fantastic occasion.”

The council is also calling on residents and visitors to join in with the celebrations and has put together a programme of activities that people of all ages will be able to enjoy, including a tea dance, a fun-fair, and a royal exhibition. Residents and visitors can keep up to date with all of the events and activities planned over the Jubilee weekend by visiting https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/queens-platinum-jubilee

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

Charity’s transport service for Chesterfield cancer patients celebrates one year since launch

Weston Park Cancer Charity and several partners have celebrated a year since the launch of a Chesterfield transport service, which provides vital free travel for people living in Chesterfield who need cancer treatment at Sheffield hospitals.

In the year since the service launched, it has covered more than 14,000 miles, making more than 500 round trips to provide essential access to treatment – which may otherwise have been difficult for people in need of treatment and care which could change or save their lives.

A team of volunteer drivers has dedicated more than 4,000 volunteer hours over the last 12 months, with patients saving more than £33,000 on taxi fares and transport costs collectively, based on a £30 taxi fare each way between Chesterfield and Weston Park.

Most importantly, though, the transport aims to relieve the stresses and strains which travel to and from Weston Park can bring.

Figures suggest that around 20 per cent of patients at Weston Park Cancer Centre reside from Chesterfield, the equivalent of more than 3,000 patients at any one time and more than 1,300 each year.

The transport service launch in 2021 followed Weston Park Cancer Charity’s takeover of Chesterfield cancer charity, Nenna Kind, in 2020. It marked a ’major step forward’ for Weston Park Cancer Charity in its ‘commitment to care in every sense’ for cancer patients and their families in Chesterfield.

Graham, from Chesterfield, who travelled on the service 23 times during his treatment for prostate cancer, said: “What helps is that the drivers all have so many stories and anecdotes and some have been in similar situations.

“You got back onto the bus to come home and sometimes you can have banter on the way back – but the drivers always seem to know whether you want to talk or not. Some days I came on and I don’t think any of the drivers would have minded if I’d have had a nap – it was wonderful.

“It got to the point that the bus journey was the best part of going to the hospital because you knew you were going to be talking and having a laugh all the way. The drivers become your friends.”

Chris, who lives in Matlock also travelled on the Weston Park bus for 21 days during his radiotherapy treatment, said: “I’d never been to Weston Park before my treatment started, I didn’t understand the layout of the place or the parking, and I thought ‘I’m going to be really wound up if I drive there’.

“And then one of the Macmillan nurses mentioned to me about this service, I got in touch with Matt (Hadley, Weston Park Cancer Charity’s Transport Manager), he talked me through it all. And I’ve got to say the service is absolutely unbelievable. They’ve thought of everything.

“You feel at ease the drivers completely take your mind off everything – they’re so friendly, they’re so knowledgeable and they’re always happy to have a chat.”

The success and importance of the charity’s Chesterfield transport, which is operated in partnership with Community Chesterfield, Derbyshire Voluntary Action, the University of Derby, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, led to the launch of its Barnsley transport service in December 2021.

Emma Clarke, Weston Park Cancer Charity CEO, who oversaw the launch of the Chesterfield service along with Transport Manager, Matt Hadley, said: “We’re so thrilled to see and hear the impact which our transport has had since it launched a year ago in Chesterfield.

“We never want transport to prevent anyone accessing the treatment which could change, or even save, their life. That’s why our free, safe transport runs each day from St Helena Campus in Chesterfield, and Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley respectively.

“If you or anyone you know could benefit from our free transport, please don’t hesitate to get in touch as we are here to support you as we face cancer together – together at every step.”

Weston Park Cancer Charity’s transport service operates twice daily at 9.30am and 1.30pm between the University of Derby’s St Helena Campus in Chesterfield, and Sheffield hospitals.

For more information on Weston Park Cancer Charity’s transport services from Barnsley and Chesterfield, or to book a seat, call 0114 553 3330 or email transport@wpcancercharity.org.uk.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Community Chesterfield, University of Derby and Chesterfield Royal Hospital support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Stay informed

Keep up to date

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

Signup to our newsletter