Derbyshire

Derbyshire and the Peak District promoted to the world at major travel events

Derbyshire and the Peak District has been promoted to the world at three major travel events last week.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire promoted the delights of the destination to thousands of consumers and travel trade buyers at events in Dublin and London to showcase the area’s tourism offer.

As international travel begins to increase, the area’s official destination management organisation has been working hard to keep the Peak District and Derbyshire front and centre in the minds of potential visitors and the world’s leading travel trade operators.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire showcased the destination to an estimated 40,000 visitors at Ireland’s biggest annual travel exhibition, the Holiday World Show, in Dublin and also met with key international travel trade representatives at VisitBritain’s Showcase Britain event and the Britain & Ireland Marketplace, both held in London.

While capturing demand from the rise in domestic staycations has been a key part of their recovery marketing efforts, keeping international markets warm has been just as important, and the Holiday World Show (27th-29th January) was the first large-scale opportunity the organisation has had since the pandemic to promote the Peak District and Derbyshire to overseas visitors and travel trade buyers.

Visitors to the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire stand were given information on the destination’s vibrant tourism offer and had the chance to taste quality local produce with whisky samples from Ambergate-based White Peak Distillery. Visitors also had the opportunity to win tickets to Chatsworth, an iconic cultural attraction for international tourists.

In a further boost, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire promoted the destination to international travel trade representatives at VisitBritain’s Showcase Britain event on 26th January before meeting with overseas tour operators and travel trade buyers at the Britain & Ireland Marketplace, in partnership with UKinbound and the European Tour Operators Association (EOTA), on 27th January.

The events provided a valuable opportunity to forge new relationships with key travel trade decision makers and promote bookable product – ranging from group accommodation to sustainable experiences – to hundreds of international buyers.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Increasing international travel to the Peak District and Derbyshire is crucial for the recovery and growth of the visitor economy. Being part of these important face-to-face events helps showcase the area as a world-class destination for both international visitors and key travel trade buyers, inspiring visits from overseas markets which are continuing to build their confidence about returning to the UK again.

“There are lots of potential opportunities for the area to benefit from some big events happening in 2023, with international visitors expected to take a keen interest in both the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool and King Charles III’s Coronation, which gives us plenty of reasons to shout about the Peak District and Derbyshire as a must-visit holiday destination.”

Hot on the heels of these successful events, the organisation is also registered to attend VisitBritain’s flagship event ExploreGB, which brings together hand-picked international buyers from over 30 markets and the best of the UK travel trade.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s work to increase international visitor numbers is in line with its key aims to drive visitor spend, boost overnight stays, and extend the tourism season.

Inbound tourism has been identified as a key driver of recovery and economic growth and VisitBritain predicts international visits to the UK will total 35.1 million in 2023 (86% of 2019 levels), with a spend of £29.5 billion (104% of 2019 levels).

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is a committed member of UKinbound, a trade organisation that represents the UK’s inbound tourism sector. Tourism businesses interested in working with the travel trade should contact industry@visitpeakdistrict.com.

Peak District and Derbyshire promoted in London and Dublin

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Chatsworth House to celebrate 20 years of iconic festive exhibitions

Chatsworth is set to celebrate The Magic of Christmas with a look back over the 20 years since the house first opened for the festive season in 2001, to help revive Derbyshire’s tourism industry which was badly affected by foot and mouth disease that year.

Visitors will see nods to a variety of themes that have featured in the house over the past two decades, as they enjoy decorations designed to capture the magic of the festive season.

With the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in February 2001, the countryside was effectively closed to visitors until the summer, which had a huge impact on the whole visitor economy. At that time, Chatsworth normally closed from October to Easter but in 2001, the 11th Duke of Devonshire decided to keep the house open in the hope that it would encourage visitors to come into the area and help the local economy.

What was originally intended as a one-off Christmas season proved an instant hit, attracting thousands of visitors, and has become the biggest event in the calendar for the Derbyshire estate.

The return of the festive season this year following the restrictions on businesses due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 brings the story full circle, as hopes are high for a Christmas full of reflection, reminiscence and positivity, as the country continues on a path to recovery.

Since 2001, Christmas at Chatsworth has grown in size and scale, with displays becoming more elaborate each season making it a much anticipated and popular activity for thousands of people who return year after year keen to see what’s in store. With a different theme each year, Christmas at Chatsworth has become increasingly grand and more ambitious, involving dozens of specially grown Christmas trees, yards of great garlands, and copious amounts of fairy lights.

This year’s standout feature looks set to be the snow installation in the Inner Court. A newly installed lamppost will bring to mind the snowy scenes from Narnia, while other rooms on the Christmas route will evoke seasons past from the traditions of the Victorian era and the world of Charles Dickens to the imaginary worlds of Mr Toad and Alice in Wonderland.

Following its successful introduction last year, there will once again be a festive light installation in the garden to make a Christmas visit last even longer. Visitors can enjoy an illuminated walk round the garden, with atmospheric lighting bringing a festive sparkle on a route past the Emperor Fountain, Rock Garden and the Cascade surrounded by hundreds of glowing lights.

Tickets are on sale now with the timed slots still in place to help manage the flow of visitors at all times. This year will also see the return of the famous Chatsworth Christmas market, with over 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations taking place on Lodge Hill next to the house from 6-24 November 2021.

Over in the farmyard, there will be a variety of festive activities, with more details to follow. Early booking is recommended.

For information and advance booking, visit www.chatsworth.org

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

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Derbyshire Institute of Sport launches programme to instil ‘Olympic know-how’ in local businesses

An organisation which has created more than 20 world-class athletes, including 10 Olympians and Paralympians who competed in Tokyo this year, has launched a new scheme aimed at improving leadership within local businesses.

Derbyshire Institute of Sport is offering to give firms in our area the same performance psychology tools and techniques they use in the elite sports environment to build resilience, motivation and a mindset for success.

Managing Director Chloe Maudsley explained: “Our Business Champions club is a unique 12-month programme designed by our performance psychologist, Dr Phil Clarke, to give you the tools to be the best version of yourself and through that accelerate your business growth. It offers something different from traditional business coaching.”

The second cohort of Business Champions starts in October and only six places are available. This time it is all online, except for a final, face-to-face event in September 2022, making to easier for busy professionals to join sessions from anywhere without time-consuming travel.

Dr Clarke, who has trained elite athletes and FTSE 250 companies, said: “The sessions and tasks in this year-long programme will help you learn how to thrive in high-pressure situations and adjust to rapidly-changing situations in the business environment.”

Craig Harbron, of Bennett Engineering Design Solutions, completed the first Business Champions programme. He said: “It has enhanced my ability to understand new approaches to situations and new ways of thinking. Having these methods and understanding has led to increased motivation, focus points and with the one-to-one support I’ve been able to overcome current challenges.”

Another graduate of the first programme, business owner Sarah Gatford, said: “Working with DIS Business Champions has been a great decision.

“Having been knocked sideways by the pandemic business-wise, being part of this programme and having access to the incredibly knowledgeable and insightful Dr Phil Clarke has supported me in turning things around.

“I’ve had the opportunity to talk things through individually, attend webinars and generally feel that I’m back on my feet with some exciting new challenges ahead.”

During the year, Business Champions will have six educational webinars, 11 group reflection webinars and six one-to-one coached sessions online with Dr Clarke where they can work through specific challenges that they face at work or work on improvements to their reactions, communication and behaviours in different circumstances. There will also be five peer tasks during the year that champions will work on remotely in pairs.

You can read more about the programme at https://www.derbyshireis.co.uk/business-champions-club and request a digital brochure from Chloe Maudsley by emailing info@derbyshireis.co.uk or ringing 07974 231564.

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

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Local leaders shine spotlight on sustainable transport for English Tourism Week

Robert Largan, Member of Parliament for High Peak, has joined Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire (MPDD) together with local leaders to shine a spotlight on sustainable transport for English Tourism Week (22-31 May 2021).

Mr Largan MP joined Jo Dilley, Managing Director of MPDD; Andrew McCloy, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority; John Young, Commercial Director of Stagecoach; Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Chair of MPDD; and John Harrison of Speedwell Cavern to highlight the Peak District’s new Hope Valley Explorer bus service – and to promote green travel across the county.

Following a successful pilot in 2019, the Stagecoach-operated bus will run from 23 July to 3 October 2021, offering a hop on hop off service in the Hope Valley. Visitors are encouraged to leave the car behind, take the train from Sheffield or Manchester and join the Hope Valley Explorer at Hope or Bamford – or hop aboard direct from Chesterfield or Dronfield.

Attractions on route include the Peak District’s dramatic Upper Derwent Valley and the fascinating cave networks at Castleton, providing a great chance for visitors to travel by public transport whilst supporting the recovery of local businesses.

In a bid to further boost car-free visits, a series of extended bus services has been announced by Derbyshire County Council for summer 2021, including new hourly Sunday services on routes connecting Derby and Ashbourne; Matlock and Chatsworth; Sheffield, Castleton and Buxton; and Chesterfield and Bakewell. Some of the services also connect with trains at Buxton, Chesterfield and Matlock stations.

The news follows the launch of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s 5-year Tourism Rescue & Rebuilding Plan, which highlights the destination’s aims to lead the way in sustainable tourism, active travel and transport connectivity.

Led by VisitEngland, the annual English Tourism Week campaign – which this year uses the slogan ‘Here for Tourism’ – highlights the importance and vast contribution the sector makes to the UK economy. In 2019, tourism was worth £2.5 billion to the Peak District & Derbyshire economy, supporting 32,000 local jobs.

Details of the Hope Valley Explorer Bus and public transport across Derbyshire can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/getting-here.

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, said: “Tourism and hospitality are absolutely vital to our local economy in the Peak District and it’s fantastic to see so many great public transport options available to visitors this summer.

“English Tourism Week is an ideal time to recognise not just the value of the tourism sector, but also the key role it can play in levelling up the UK’s economy, and sustainable tourism will play a huge role in the industry’s future success.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “English Tourism Week is a fantastic time to shine a light on sustainable tourism and the role it can play, not just in the sector’s recovery, but in improving public transport links for all those who live, work and visit here.

“Assets like the Hope Valley Explorer offer a great way to enjoy green travel in the Peak District & Derbyshire, whilst supporting the recovery of local businesses, and when used alongside the area’s many fantastic rail links can make for an enjoyable and hassle-free day out.

“Our 5-year Tourism Rescue & Rebuilding Plan maps out the new long-term vision for the sector and sustainable transport will be a key driver of recovery and growth. We’re encouraging visitors to explore as many car-free options as possible this summer and to enjoy a great, green day out in the Peak District & Derbyshire.”

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council said: “I’m delighted that we are able to provide more bus services into the Peak District on Sundays for the coming summer season. These services will benefit local people and will also link with rail services at Chesterfield, Buxton and Matlock for those coming from outside the county.

“By increasing the services on offer we hope that those without a car can visit the countryside more easily, and that more people will decide to take the bus rather than drive. Having increased services also opens up the possibilities of walkers being able to use them to link up with their walks, opening up additional possibilities for local people and those who come from further afield. Derbyshire is now well and truly open for business.”

Andrew McCloy, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority said: “We’re delighted to be working again with operators Stagecoach during summer 2021 to bring the Hope Valley Explorer service back to some of most scenic parts of the National Park. It can drop you at the start of a walk, take you to the heart of a picturesque village, or you can simply stay on for a relaxed tour of the valley in the company of a knowledgeable and friendly driver and the fascinating on-board commentary.

“More than anything, you will be helping to lessen the impact of cars on this sensitive location, reducing congestion and pollution and helping us develop more sustainable travel choices for everyone to enjoy.”

“We all need to think about the long-term effect of how we get to and around the National Park and the impact on local communities, our health and fitness, and ultimately the climate. The Hope Valley Explorer shows that there is an alternative to the car that is every bit as attractive and accessible.”

Phil Medlicott, Managing Director, Stagecoach Yorkshire said: “We are delighted to support the return of the Hope Valley Explorer service, working in partnership with the Peak District National Park, which opens up a beautiful part of the countryside for people to enjoy in a sustainable way.

“This service is a great example of partnership working to encourage people onto public transport through connecting with local rail journeys. As the country moves forward and people look to take short breaks or adventures closer to home this year, it’s important that buses play a key role in supporting this and moving towards a greener and cleaner future for travel.”

Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Chair of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “The Peak District & Derbyshire has so much to offer visitors and these great public transport services provide even more reasons to explore this summer – without the need for a car.

“From stately homes such as Chatsworth and Haddon to the caves of Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff near the wonderful village of Castleton, so many areas are easily accessible by public transport. After the past year, it has never more important to visit and support local businesses and we look forward to welcoming visitors back for a bumper season.”

Throughout English Tourism Week, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is also celebrating other methods of green travel with a dedicated Cycle Week across its social and digital channels.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Rescue & Rebuilding Plan can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/about-us/rescue-and-rebuilding-plan

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Medieval Masterpieces ‘coming home’ as Chatsworth House reopens

Two medieval masterpieces are returning to Chatsworth after more than 60 years and will go on display to visitors for one season only as the house reopens on Tuesday 18 May 2021.

At almost 600 years old and measuring more than 11 x 4 metres each, the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries are one of the largest pictorial representations of any kind from their period and the only great 15th century hunting tapestries to survive. Depicting medieval scenes of fabulously dressed noble men and women hunting in imaginary landscapes, they are believed to have been made in Arras, France between 1425-1450.

Having been closed for more than six months, the house will reopen its doors to ‘Life Stories’, a new exhibition that shares stories about the fascinating lives of people associated with Chatsworth through the placement of nine paired portraits and objects. Life Stories will run throughout the house before visitors reach the last room, the magnificent Sculpture Gallery, where the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries will be hung on the walls.

The tapestries belonged to the Devonshire family for more than 500 years before they were accepted by HM Government in lieu of tax payable on the estate of the 10th Duke of Devonshire. They were allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum where they have been housed ever since. Chatsworth is working in partnership with the V&A to bring the tapestries back to the house for this eight-month display.

The Duke of Devonshire: “It is a great privilege to welcome these tapestries back to Chatsworth; they had been part of the Collection for very many years until they were given in partial lieu of death duties in the 1950s. Since then they have been superbly looked after at the V&A Museum and we are delighted that they are allowing us to enjoy them here in Derbyshire once again for a few months in 2021.”

Tapestries were enormously costly objects in the Middle Ages and therefore the preserve of only the wealthiest families. The details of the tapestries give an insight into medieval life, but the action is set in imaginary landscapes. Hunting tapestries, with scenes of forests, people and animals, were a popular subject, transforming the cold and draughty interiors of medieval castles and mansions into forest glades.

The ‘Life Stories’ exhibition (18 May – 3 October 2021) includes the pairing of the artist Elisabeth Frink’s Tribute I with Angela Conner’s portrait of Frink herself; Alicia Paz’s painting Courage Calls to Courage Everywhere is connected to Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, to highlight her interest in politics, science and poetry; while Henry VIII’s rosary, Natasha’s Daintry’s 2015 ceramic work Skin Deep, and a recreation of Bess of Hardwick’s necklace of 1000 pearls, made by leading Derbyshire based jewellers C W Sellors, also feature. Focusing on the traces of lives in the house, the exhibition presents objects in new ways, demonstrating how past figures continue to resonate in our lives today.

The house completes a phased reopening at Chatsworth with the garden, farmyard and adventure playground already open to visitors.

Tickets are now on sale and must be booked in advance. Each area of Chatsworth will reopen in line with government guidance on social distancing, household mixing and travel restrictions applicable at the time.

Indoor restaurants will also reopen on 18 May while most other restrictions will be lifted from 21 June.

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

 

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‘Escape the everyday’ campaign launched in Derbyshire to boost holiday bookings

The county’s official tourist board, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has launched a new ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, supported by funding from VisitEngland, to help local tourism and hospitality businesses recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Visitors are being encouraged to Escape the Everyday on a unique range of bookable experiences in the area as part of the £70,000 campaign, which aims to support the sector’s recovery by promoting short breaks and boosting visitor spend.

The campaign has kicked off with a short video and branded content across social media, digital display and radio advertising. The content also drives online ‘traffic’ to visitpeakdistrict.com/escape-the-everyday, where visitors can book a range of activities and experiences across the Peak District & Derbyshire.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has worked with local tourism businesses to create engaging content for the campaign centred around the themes of ‘Discovery’, ‘Freedom to Explore’ and ‘Treat Yourself’.

Experiences include walking with alpacas, feeding lemurs at a local wildlife park, foraging for wild ingredients on a fine dining experience, short breaks at luxury spa hotels and enjoying a rock-climbing taster day in the Peak District National Park.

The campaign will target pre-school families and young couples and is funded by the VisitEngland Destination Management Organisations’ Recovery Marketing Fund, which supports recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch our Escape the Everyday campaign to encourage visitors to book their holidays and experiences here in the Peak District & Derbyshire.

“We have an outstanding year-round tourism offer and we hope this campaign will inspire people to explore and discover all that we have to offer, following official guidance, whilst helping our £2.3 billion tourism industry to recover.

“From foraging and fine dining to e-bike experiences, there is so much to enjoy right across the Peak District & Derbyshire and now is the perfect time to escape the everyday and support local businesses on a short break.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism right across the country and the industry needs all of us to make sure it gets back on its feet. It is great to see the activity that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire will be delivering locally, with support from VisitEngland funding and aligning with our national ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, to encourage more people to get out and discover the outstanding destinations and quality attractions here on our doorstep and to drive bookings.

“It will also support local businesses who have been working so hard to welcome visitors back safely, adapting and innovating to meet new ways of working and still providing a great visitor experience.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Derbyshire’s 2021 County Championship cricket fixtures released

Derbyshire’s County Championship group stage fixtures have been released, with Billy Godleman’s side set to return to Chesterfield’s Festival of Cricket in July.

The 2021 first-class season will be split into two parts, with the group placings after ten games determining which division a side is in for their remaining four matches, with the top two teams in Division One competing in a final for the Bob Willis Trophy.

The competition begins on Thursday 8 April, with Derbyshire facing Warwickshire, and continues for eight solid weeks prior to the start of the Vitality Blast in June.

The eagerly anticipated return of cricket to The Incora County Ground comes on Thursday 15 April, when Derbyshire play host to Worcestershire.

Derbyshire will enjoy a duo of blockbuster Group One encounters against local rivals Nottinghamshire as the East Midlands rivalry restarts in Derby on Thursday 29 April, with old scores to be settled after Fynn Hudson-Prentice starred in a record-breaking win at Trent Bridge in 2020.

Another annual highlight of the cricket calendar begins on Sunday 11 July as the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket gets underway with the visit of reigning champions Essex to the north of the county.

Following on from the hugely popular Tourist Fixture against Australia in 2019, Derbyshire will once again test themselves against international opposition, as India A travel to The Incora County Ground for a four-day first-class game, starting on Sunday 27 June.

Head of Cricket, Dave Houghton, said: “Our guys performed really well in 2020, and they all have a year of experience behind them now, so hopefully we can go out there and give these teams a test.

“We have a really tough group, with teams like Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire and the champions, Essex, so it will be a challenge, but we’re up for the fight.

“When you play against the best sides, it shows you the standard that you aspire to get to. You can also learn a lot from what they do, but I expect us to be a challenge for any side.”

Derbyshire Fixtures

Warwickshire (A)
8-11 April • Edgbaston

Worcestershire 9 (H)
15-18 April • The Incora County Ground, Derby

Durham (A)
22-25 April • Emirates Riverside

Nottinghamshire (H)
29 April – 2 May • The Incora County Ground, Derby

Essex (A)
13-16 May • CloudFM County Ground

Durham (H)
20-23 May • The Incora County Ground, Derby

Worcestershire (A)
27-30 May • New Road

Warwickshire (H)
3-6 June • The Incora County Ground, Derby

Nottinghamshire (A)
4-7 July • Trent Bridge

Essex (H)
11-14 July • Queen’s Park, Chesterfield

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

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Get involved in shaping Derbyshire County Council services and budget priorities

Residents from across Chesterfield and Derbyshire are being asked to take part in online focus groups which will help to shape Derbyshire County Council’s services and budget priorities for the year ahead.

The online focus groups are currently being arranged and Derbyshire residents who would like to take part are encouraged to find out more and register their interest.

People signing up will be able to get involved in discussions and give their views on a wide range of issues affecting them and the council, with the results feeding into its wide-ranging annual residents survey, ‘Your Council Your Voice.’

The focus groups will be held via Zoom and are designed to give us a greater understanding of residents’ satisfaction with how the council runs its services and how it sets budget priorities, as well as topics including value for money.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Due to the challenges we are all facing this year it is more important than ever that we know if Derbyshire residents think we’re getting it right, what changes they’d like to see and whether their priorities have changed from last year.

“While we’re encouraging people to take part in the Your Council Your Voice survey, we’d also like people to get more involved if they can and be able to go into more depth about their views.

“We’re hoping people from all walks of life, all ages and backgrounds will consider taking part in one of the focus groups so we get a really clear picture of what people think, what their priorities are and what they think we should be prioritising for the coming year.”

The online focus groups will run until Tuesday 8 December 2020 and people wanting to take part are being encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Groups will meet at different times of the day to make it easier for people to take part, and each session will take 90 minutes.

Places at each of the focus groups are limited and people who register will have their place confirmed with further details provided along with the date and time of their session.

People with any queries about taking part should email haveyoursay@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 533091.

The Your Council Your Voice survey runs until Sunday 13 December 2020.

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National Award for School Games collaboration work in Derbyshire and Notts

Active Derbyshire, Active Notts, and the School Games Organiser Networks in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have won a School Games National Award for collaboration.

The award comes after the organisations pooled resources and expertise to support schools with a new virtual School Games offer during lockdown in the Summer term 2020.

Working together, colleagues produced 11 weekly resources featuring a range of sporting activities themed around daily physical challenges and cultural competitions.

The development of the resources also involved colleagues from National Governing Bodies, and partners within education, health, community groups, sports clubs and associations supported by circulating resources more widely.

Resources were developed further to help local communities include physical activity cards in food parcels for those in deprived areas, assist with the provision of physical activity at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby, and for a Staycation resource to help keep young people physically active over the holidays.

Naomi Bennett-Jones, who leads young people work for Active Derbyshire and Active Notts, said: “It is fantastic to be recognised for what was a truly collaborative approach to keep children and young people active at home and school during lockdown at what was a very challenging time. The trust and relationships between a range of colleagues that have developed through this work have established a new culture and ways of working that will benefit all future work.”

Paul Ryan, Tupton Hall School Games Organiser and Partnership Development Manager for SHAPE Learning Partnership in Derbyshire, said: “I am extremely proud to have been part of this collaboration. It was vital that we came together as a School Games network at a time of real challenge and it was amazing how well we worked across the districts and counties. The unity showed, created a real opportunity to share the vast knowledge and experience we have as a collective and resulted in a meaningful and worthwhile set of resources that provided support for teachers, parents and young people.”

Chris Ballard, School Games Organiser for Rushcliffe School Sport Partnership, said: “The weekly resources enabled schools to be able to simply follow and deliver a variety of tasks and activities with and to their pupils. The consistency of format and challenge ensured that pupils were able to engage whether that be within a school environment or at home.”

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Peak District & Derbyshire tourist board launches virtual Christmas market to support local business

Delicious Derbyshire food and drink, locally-made products and exciting experience days are amongst the great gifts available at the virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market, launched by the area’s official tourist board.

The free online market at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/christmas-market showcases the fantastic variety of quality items made and sold in the area, from arts and crafts to photography, homeware and locally-brewed beer, plus gift vouchers for overnight stays, dining and days out.

Over 100 independent local businesses are exhibiting at the market, where each ‘virtual stall’ leads to an online selling platform – allowing visitors to browse and purchase fine, festive gifts with ease during Covid-19 restrictions.

Stalls are arranged in eight categories including Accessories and Jewellery; Art, Ceramics and Glass; Experiences and Annual Passes; Local Food and Drink; Homeware and Books; Landscape Calendars and Prints; Short Breaks and Afternoon Tea; and Pet-friendly Gifts.

The market is part funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project and aims to support local businesses who have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions by boosting online sales whilst celebrating the range of unique products available in the area.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Christmas markets are a key part of the festive season and, in the absence of many annual markets and craft fairs due to Covid-19 restrictions, we’re delighted to launch our virtual market thanks to support from our ERDF project.

“The Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market offers a great chance for people to buy quality gifts online and get a head start on their Christmas shopping, whilst supporting independent local businesses and producers during this critical time.

“From fine food and drink to arts, crafts and amazing experience vouchers, the market has something to suit all tastes and we’re encouraging everyone to show their support, pay a virtual visit and discover unique local presents!”

Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Peak District & Derbyshire’s first virtual Christmas market.

“A lot of small businesses in Derbyshire rely on local markets to sell their goods and with many being cancelled or postponed this year it has never been more important to shop local and show our support.

“We have so many talented makers and designers in our county and you’ll be able to find truly unique gifts while at the same time supporting someone’s dream.

“We’re working hard to support businesses right now and we are doing all we can to help them through this difficult and challenging time.”

People are encouraged to get involved and spread the word using #PDDChristmasMarket.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Derbyshire County Council offers free careers advice for those who need it

Derbyshire County Council says it is offering free careers advice to anyone who is aged over 19, or anyone who is 18 and not working or in education. They can ask for free advice on:

  • Training courses – including how to get funding
  • Career planning – including help to understand the current labour market, identifying skills, looking at new career paths and routes into employment
  • How to write a CV or update an existing one
  • How to write covering letters that will gain the attention of prospective employers
  • Helpful tips on finding new employment such as making the most of ‘Find a Job’, using social media and exploring the hidden labour market guidance on how to write an application form and relating it to a possible interview

Appointments are either offered on the phone, or by video call. Advice is also available by email or text.

Cabinet Member for Young People, Councillor Alex Dale said: “We can offer advice to those who may have been affected by the changes to the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“If you have been made redundant and need help then please get in touch and our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you with your CV, offer advice on training, or suggest a change of career.
“There is government funding earmarked for training and job creation, and our team of career coaches can help you to find out more.”

The team can also offer advice on interview skills, including video interviews and advice on volunteering and work experience opportunities on offer across the county.

You can find out more by visiting the County Council’s website. Find out more about working in Chesterfield here. 

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here. Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

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