Love Chesterfield

Create memories to last a lifetime this summer in Chesterfield

Make memories in Chesterfield this summer – with a packed events line up, including new family festivals, the return of some old favourites and lots of activities that everyone can take part in.

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield have today launched Summer in Chesterfield, a campaign that will highlight all the fantastic things happening across the town this summer.

The campaign will support the town’s businesses by promoting what is happening in and around Chesterfield on social media, via website content and e-newsletters to communicate to as many residents, visitors and business owners as possible. There will also be prizes to win throughout the summer.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy said: “Chesterfield has so much to offer, that it’s easy to plan fun things to do to make memories with your friends and families. We’ve got some great ticketed events which are new to Chesterfield but also the return of some familiar favourites. But we’ll also be promoting some great free activities and events to help ensure everyone can make memories together this summer.

“We have fantastic parks, lots of places to picnic, markets to wander around and a range of events many of which have no cost attached at all. The popular Medieval Fun Day will include a range of entertainment around the town, and many people return year after year to attend this.”

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, said: “This summer is a great opportunity to create memories to last a lifetime in our beautiful market town, while supporting our fabulous independent retailers and venues.

“With an abundance of events and activities coming to Chesterfield to match all tastes, there has never been a better time to support our town and help showcase what an excellent visitor destination we have. Hopefully, we will get a nice dose of sunshine to go with them too!”


Events and festivals

Summer in Chesterfield events

Chesterfield is welcoming back popular events, but there are also some new events to make memories at this summer.

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, will return to Queen’s Park from 11 – 18 June, with the T20 game on Sunday 18 June expected to sell out once again.

Chesterfield Canal Festival will see all four tripboats in action over the weekend of 24 – 25 June, with two having wheelchair lifts, as well as concerts in the evening canoeing, mini diggers and more.

The Plastic Free Festival returns on Sunday 16 July, where you can learn how to reduce your single use plastic and have a fun family day out with craft workshops, kids entertainment, food, drink, and live performances.

Indulge in street food as well as enjoying live music and bubble magicians at the free two-day Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival which takes place in Queen’s Park from 22- 23 July.

One of the biggest pride festivals in the region, Chesterfield Pride will take place in Stand Road Park once again on 23 July, featuring headline acts A1 and Tinchy Stryder.

The popular Medieval Fun Day is returning to entertain the crowds on Tuesday 25 July, from 10am to 4pm in Chesterfield town centre. The Market Place will be full of stalls selling a range of goods as well as fun and games for children in the same location. Head to the medieval encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire Church to see knights in battle or look out for the medieval themed entertainment, including Epico the Dragon, a jester and a Tudor musician, across the town centre.

Celebrate imagination and play at the Children’s Festival, organised by Junction Arts from 29 – 30 July with entertainment to include a circus, story time yoga, silent disco and much more.

For foodies, tribute bands and local musicians, head to Eat in the Park in Queen’s Park from 5 – 6 August.

You can find out more about all the events happening and how you can get involved on the Summer in Chesterfield page: www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer


Great outdoors

Summer in Chesterfield outdoors

If you are a fan of the great outdoors there is a lot to experience from cycling adventures to, big hikes and even paddle sports with many activities being free to go along to.

Chesterfield has a range of organised walks throughout the week that are open to everyone, and two Parkruns for those who fancy something slightly more involved. You can also find local self-led walking routes that will take you into the countryside and Peak District through the Summer in Chesterfield campaign.

Get out on the water with the Chesterfield Canal Trust and try out paddle sports or cruise up the historic canal on one of the trust’s tripboats. You can also take in an unrivalled view of the town and the surrounding countryside with a tower tour at the Crooked Spire.


Shopping and markets

Summer in Chesterfield shopping

Visitors will be able to enjoy one of the country’s leading street food markets when Peddler Market takes over New Square from 23 June – 24 June. Come along to sample award winning street food, craft drinks, music, art, and family activities.

Chesterfield not only has regular markets on Monday, Friday, and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm, but we also have one of the largest flea markets in the country every Thursday. A variety of specialist markets are taking place throughout the year too including the record fair, artisan market, young person’s market, and the vegan market amongst others.

Shopping in Chesterfield is a great experience both in the town centre and just outside on Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor. We have a number of well-known chain stores, and a fantastic selection of independent retailers who are happy to offer gift advice where needed. The Summer in Chesterfield campaign includes details of 50 independent retailers to try.


Food and drink

Pizza pi

If you are planning a special family meal out, or a night out with friends there are many different food and drink venues in Chesterfield for you to experience.

Check out the Summer in Chesterfield campaign’s blog detailing 50 different restaurants, cafes and bars to try.

For more ideas to make memories with family and friends this summer in Chesterfield, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.

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

Unusual markings designed to ‘ward off witches’ discovered at historic Chesterfield landmark

A series of unusual markings on the fireplace at Chesterfield’s Revolution House have been officially confirmed as protection marks designed to ward off witches.

The apotropaic markings (commonly referred to as anti-witch marks) depict a double ‘V’ which is a reference to the Virgin Mary Protector of Life and Family. Markings like this were usually placed near openings or windows with the intention of keeping witches and evil spirits out.

The unusual markings were spotted by one of the museum team who photographed them and sent the images to Professor Ronald Hutton, who kindly identified them.

Professor Ronald Hutton, a professor at the University of Bristol and leading authority on folklore, said: “These are convincing examples of apotropaic markings. The interlocked VVs are absolutely standard. The others are harder to make out but could correspond to more than one other known type of mark in the repertoire.”

Revolution House was originally constructed as a farmhouse in the 16th century and later became an inn during the 17th century – during this period there was a heightened belief in witches and witchcraft.

On Sunday 11 June Revolution House will be hosting a Witchcraft event. Visitors will be able to learn all about the 17th century witch hunts and get hands on to create their own witch pot.

Like apotropaic markings, witch pots were believed to protect your family and house from an attack by a witch’s curse and ensure you came to no harm.

Witch Marks at Revolution House

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We already knew that Revolution House had a rich history but this is an interesting discovery that tells us more about the people who have used the building in the past.

“We’ve been planning the Witchcraft event for a while and this discovery makes it even more relevant – the event is set to be a great day out for everyone and I hope lots of you will come along and make your own witch pot.”

The Witchcraft event is free to attend but donations are welcome and takes place on Sunday 11 June between 11am and 4pm. Creating a witch pot will be a drop-in session and visitors will be treated on a first come first served basis.

Other events are planned at the house each month throughout the summer including the return of legendary Tudor Minstrel Dante Ferrara, a demonstration of the healing properties of herbs and a display showing a selection of the council’s collection of sketches and art by Joseph Syddall.

You can find out more about Revolution House and the events planned by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/revolution-house

Revolution House

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Chesterfield’s RA Information Systems celebrates 35 years of success

RA Information Systems, a software company and IT provider based in Chesterfield, has announced its 35th Anniversary in business.

Over its 35 years, the company has grown from a small start-up to a well-known, nationally and worldwide recognised firm. Right from its inception in 1988, RA has been offering bespoke software services to a variety of customers in the UK.

The company has experienced a substantial growth since its inception and rapidly expanded into the supply of complete IT systems and services to corporate users, laying the foundations for the company it is today.

RA Information Systems has successfully implemented many fully managed service contracts, including Shared Internet Infrastructure design, high-capacity, fast and secure data connections, hosted and on-premises VoIP telephony solutions, data security and on-going support. RA Information Systems has also been successful in the development and implementation of their specialised enterprise software packages for over 30 years.

In addition, RA Information Systems has become a market leader in the UK tree management software arena. Primarily used by local authorities, such as county, city and borough councils and their contractors, it is also used by other large-scale tree managers including housing associations, universities, water companies, zoos and large independent consultancies.

In 2000 RA Information Systems expanded their software services creating a software for the business centre industry and innovation lead sector.

Over the years, its clarity code software has evolved into a powerful solution to streamline the management of combined spaces and laboratory units. It is widely used by laboratory, workshop and office space providers, science, research and innovation-led companies, flexible office and managed workspace providers and event venues.

Annette Dabbs, Company Director at RA Information Systems, commented: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, especially in such a competitive market place. We’re pleased to have become a part of the UK business community and have had the pleasure of working with and meeting many professionals over the years and look forward to continuing to build on these strong relationships in the future.

“It was great to celebrate our 35th Anniversary with our employees and friends this May and we’ll continue celebrating it throughout the year with more events to come.”

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

RA Information Systems land

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Redbrik Estate Agents reports almost 200% increase in Google searches for Chesterfield homes

A Chesterfield estate agent says recent investment in the town is attracting more people to live here.

Data revealed by Redbrik, based on Glumangate in the town centre shows that Google searches for homes in the town have rocketed by 196% over the last year.

The figures come shortly after Chesterfield was named the 2nd best place in the UK to raise a family, thanks to its affordability, access to green spaces and a range of highly-rated schools and education facilities.

Redbrik’s data also shows that a number of people are looking for a move away from the larger cities. It shows more than 200 people in the Sheffield area have begun their search for a move to Chesterfield recently.

Jessica Risorto, Director at Redbrik, said: “It’s great to see so much interest in Chesterfield at the moment and so many people looking to move there as there is so much going on.

“Lots of young people choose to continue living in the city after they finish university as they don’t want to give up their exciting lifestyle, but more people are now realising that moving slightly further away doesn’t mean they have to give up on all the benefits of city living.

“In fact, they can have all those benefits with the advantage of the beautiful Peak District on their doorstep and more square footage for their money.”

Chesterfield will play host to several new events and activities this summer, such as the renowned Peddler Market and the first ever Chesterfield Children’s Festival.

On top of that, the independent food, drink and leisure offer in Chesterfield Town Centre, Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor provides people with great options for socialising and spending their free time.

Pubs and bars dirty habit 873x466

Chesterfield is also well connected, with the beautiful Peak District sat on the western edge of the town, and great connectivity to major cities such as Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby, Manchester and Leeds. Chesterfield residents can also reach London within two hours by train.

Jessica added: “It’s amazing to see so much investment in Chesterfield and so many new offerings which are making a real difference in attracting people to the town – and bringing a slice of the city to the area. Coupled with recently being named one of the best places to raise a family in the country, Chesterfield is well and truly on the map!”

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

Stanedge Golf Club owner awarded PGA Advanced Fellow Professional status

The owner of a picturesque golf club nestled on the outskirts of Chesterfield has been awarded a prestigious status by the world’s leading golf association.

Fame Tate, owner of Stanedge Golf Club says she is ‘elated’ and ‘honoured’ after being awarded PGA Advanced Fellow Professional status, which she successfully gained after submitting her PGA Excel application.

PGA Excel is the Association’s dedicated assessment framework, enabling members to demonstrate their impact, achievements and value to employers, golfers and the wider industry.

This is the latest in a highly successful career for Fame, who previously represented both England and Great Britain & Ireland as an amateur. She also played on the Ladies European Tour for six years, before launching a coaching business and eventually taking over the reigns at Stanedge.

Fame explained: “When the news came through, I was absolutely over the moon – it certainly put a smile on my face.”

“For me both personal and professional development are extremely important – every step of the way I’ve always endeavoured to develop my own skill set and knowledge, with a focus on specialist knowledge, business management and golf growth and development which of course appear heavily within the value blocks of PGA Excel.”

Founded in 1931, Stanedge Golf Club is located on the outskirts of Chesterfield, providing idyllic views stretching over four counties.

The golf course is a beautiful moorland/parkland course suitable for all levels of ability, offering an engaging, challenging and varied test of golf.

Fame added: “In terms of the business, I’m continually looking at areas where we do really well, or areas for improvement, but with this, I felt it provided a vital insight into myself within my overall career and enabled me to look at areas both personally and professionally where I have done well, and areas that I’d like to focus on in the future.

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

Fame stanedge golf club

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Work begins on new Chesterfield cycle route

Work to put in a cycle lane along Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield will start today (24 May 2023)

Preparatory work will take place until 3 June 2023, and then on 12 and 13 June 2023, before continuing from 19 June 2023. Traffic lights will be needed along the road for most of the time workers are on site, but they will be monitored so that delays are minimised as much as possible.

From 19 June 2023 work will start at the west end of the scheme and move towards the town centre, with work directly outside Brookfield Community School being carried out during the school summer holidays.

The work will be undertaken in coordination with planned surface dressing which will be around 21 June 2023, depending on the weather.

Chatsworth Road is towards the western end of the new cycle and walking route which will take people into the town centre, past the train station and on towards Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “The new walking and cycling route, once completed, will give a real alternative to taking the car for short journeys across Chesterfield, which is for the benefit of everyone who lives, works or visits the town. Fewer car journeys will bring health benefits to the whole town including cleaner air.”

The government has awarded Derbyshire County Council £1.68 million to create the new route. Further work will take place later this year.

The market town of Chesterfield has an excellent network of cycle routes and is perfectly located as a base for a cycling holiday to explore the Peak District and Derbyshire. Here are some suggestions to help plan your next two wheeled adventure.

Find out more about the facilities available for cyclists in the area here.

We caught up with Paul Chapman, Owner of the local lifestyle magazine and website, S40 Local, who loves cycling, to tell us more and share one of his favourite routes. Read more from Paul.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

More growth announced for businesses in Chesterfield

Firms across Chesterfield have announced further growth, with new recruits, promotions, major deals and takeovers announced across the town.

Check out some of the latest stories of growth in our roundup below.


Laura Pain becomes first female equity partner at Mitchells

Laura Pain

Laura Pain has been announced as an equity partner at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers – the first female equity partner in the company’s 155-year history.

A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), Laura has been with the Chesterfield-based accountancy firm since 2008 and became an associate partner in 2021. She now joins fellow equity partners Tim Leeman, Tony Hornsby and Andrew McDaid in leading the business.

She commented: “Becoming an equity partner coincides with my fifteenth year with the firm, making it an incredibly special milestone for me. I am honoured to be the first female equity partner at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

As equity partner, Laura will continue to lead the firm’s team of digital accountants who specialise in advising start-ups and small businesses leverage the power of Cloud Accounting to automate their business processes and reduce costs.

Laura brings extensive experience to her role at Mitchells, boasting a 23-year career in accountancy.

Her appointment as equity partner recognises her contribution and leadership within the business. Senior partner Tim Leeman commented: “Tony, Andrew and I are delighted that Laura is now an equity partner. Her experience and passion for the business and clients is very much valued and will be instrumental in helping us grow the business further.”

Laura added: “I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of Mitchells in the years to come.”


Banner Jones strengthens personal injury team with new hire 

Sarah Schoolar and Sarah Sadler

Law firm Banner Jones has strengthened its leading personal Injury team with the appointment of experienced Chartered Legal Executive Sarah Schoolar.

Bringing more than 15 years’ experience in civil litigation to the role, Sarah works to secure compensation for clients who have suffered life altering injuries sustained through no fault of their own.

Joining from Elliot Mather, and based in the firm’s Chesterfield office, her appointment follows hot on the heels of news that Sarah Sadler will also take on the role of Head of Personal Injury. Chief Executive, Simon Wright (former Head of Personal Injury) maintains a role in the team as consultant.

Having joined Banner Jones in 2017 Sarah oversees all types of injury claims including Clinical Negligence, Road Traffic Accidents, Accidents at Work, Public and Occupier’s Liability and Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority claims (CICA) and sexual abuse compensation claims.

She is ranked as a Recommended Lawyer in the 2023 UK Legal 500 guide.

Welcoming Sarah Schoolar to the firm and commenting on her promotion to Head of Personal Injury, Sarah Sadler said: “I am delighted to welcome Sarah to the team and to take on my new role as Head of Personal Injury. We are excited to grow the department and to help people, who have been through difficult experiences, get the outcomes they hope for”.

Sarah Schoolar added: “I am really looking forward to joining the Banner Jones and working alongside Sarah.

“The Personal Injury team has a strong reputation across the region for its in-depth legal knowledge, but also for its personal approach that helps to put clients at ease and makes them feel that they are treated as individuals.

“The firm as a whole has an unrivalled reputation for delivering accessible, customer service-led legal services and that’s something I am equally passionate about.”


Elliot Mather Appoints First Non-Lawyer as Designated LLP Member

Alan Grant 1

Full service law firm Elliot Mather LLP has announced the appointment of new designated LLP Member – Alan Grant.

Alan is the first non-lawyer in the firm to be appointed as a Designated LLP Member, with his focus being on the strategic and operational aspects of the LLP.

He has been integral in the development and growth of the business in recent years, after having joined Elliot Mather in 2016 as Chief Operations Officer.

Since he joined Elliot Mather, Alan has planned and coordinated office relocations in three of the firm’s locations, and was also instrumental in the smooth installation of a new IT system in 2017.

Commenting on his recent appointment as Designated LLP Member, Alan said: “It is a pleasure to be part of a business that recognises the need for diverse skills.

“I believe my skillset compliments those of the existing Designated Members. I am excited for the future of Elliot Mather and for the staff being developed to continue our success and growth. I am grateful for the experiences I have obtained in different professional industries and look forward to the challenges within the legal sector.”

In his new role, Alan will retain overall responsibility for Finance, HR, IT, Marketing and Admin but will also shift his emphasis to the strategic development of the firm.


The Skills Centre acquires Chesterfield’s Sorted Training

Jon Howlin, Managing Director of The Skills Centre

The Skills Centre, one of the UK’s most successful vocational construction training providers, has acquired Sorted Training to bolster its commercial training portfolio.

The acquisition of Sorted Training, a leading provider in Health & Safety Training and NVQ Assessments, will result in the further expansion of The Skills Centre’s portfolio nationally.

The Skills Centre already has training centres across London and Birmingham, and training programmes in Liverpool, Bristol and along the HS2 line.

Sorted Training, based in Chesterfield, offers an innovative approach to Health & Safety training, helping employers within the industry through delivery of Health & Safety training and NVQ assessments.

It complies with key tender applications and principal contractors, including creating policies and reviewing safety equipment, on-site short courses, offering CSCS / CPCS NVQ to specialist accredited Face fit testing through Qualitative or Quantitative methods.

Jon Howlin, Chief Executive of The Skills Centre commented: “The construction sector has a massive skills shortage across all parts of the industry. Thanks to this merger, we will be training even more people new to the construction industry to fill pivotal positions. Sorted Training aligns perfectly with The Skills Centre’s missions to transform lives by providing local people access to local opportunities, so the acquisition makes total sense.”

Gareth Davies, founder of Sorted Training, will take the role of Commercial Director at The Skills Centre. He added: “It’s a match made in heaven in my eyes.

“I bonded with Jon, the directors and team immediately. I loved everything about them and what they stood for – helping communities, individual progressions and client support and care.

“We will now be operating nationally with a local provider approach with the aim of being the number one training provider in the country.”


Chesterfield’s FA-ST Filtration appointed UK distributor for internationally renowned products

FA-ST

A Chesterfield business has announced a major international link, becoming an official UK distributor for the Checkfluid range.

For 18 years, FA-ST has been innovators in promoting oil filtration and analysis products and service to a broad range of industries.

Checkfluid’s oil sampling valves allow for the sample to be taken in a uniform, consistent and representative way, making the process more reliable.

The team at FA-ST say the addition of Checkfluid’s range of sampling valves is a real game changer for the company, and the entire oil sampling/analysis industry.

Craig Cousins, Business Development Manager at FA-ST, commented: “We understand that our customers require high quality and reliable products and the Checkfluid valves certainly meet those criteria.

“With the cost of oils and fuels continually rising, our ongoing task is to promote the use of these sampling valves combined with oil analysis to aid companies in reducing their usage of oils which in doing so will reduce their overhead costs of purchasing new oils, reduce waste disposal and aid the environment improving their Green credentials.”


Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Banner Jones Solicitors support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield manufacturer Robinson creates wedding cake boxes for Betty’s

Robinson Paperbox Packaging has been chosen by iconic bakery Betty’s of Harrogate to produce an elegant range of wedding cake boxes.

The boxes have been designed to protect the cakes, which are manufactured at the Betty’s bakery in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Ranging in size from 8 inch to 16 inches in diameter, the packaging had to be strong and robust, so Robinson produced a litho laminated corrugated box and lid. The boxes are finished with an elegant, foiled logo on the lid.

Claire Louise Armitt, packaging technologist for Betty’s says: “It was great to finally get this project over the line, changing the logo from a printed black one to gold foiled has really lifted the packaging for these boxes that contain highly decorated wedding cakes.”

Robinson are involved in several other projects for Betty’s in both confectionery and bakery-based products.

Jon Walker, New Business Development Manager for Robinson commented: “Securing work with this high-profile customer is great for our business and shows exactly why BRC accreditation is so important”.

Robinson were recently awarded FSC certification for its Paperbox division.

FSC certification ensures that all products produced at Paperbox are sustainable. FSC-managed forests help provide clean air and water by restricting hazardous chemicals and following strict harvesting and forestry practices. Their work also helps ensure a diversity of animals, trees and plants as well as providing safe working conditions for everyone involved.

This further demonstrates the investment that the company is making in its Paperbox business, following a significant investment in its new SATE box-making machine in Chesterfield, with improved quality and a reduced carbon footprint that allows customers to avoid long, complex supply chains from Asia.

The company partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating widely recyclable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material.

Robinson 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, Development, Home, Manufacturing, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Work progresses on refurbishment of former Chesterfield register office

Internal work has started on Chesterfield’s new centre for talking therapies – the building which formerly housed the Chesterfield Register Office.

Beighton Construction is nine weeks into the refurbishment of the premises on Beetwell Street, for charity Derwent Rural Counselling Service.

Having completed roof works, internal strip out, new damp proofing system, floors, heating and new electrics, a team of contractors is now underway with plastering and decoration, plus installing new toilets and a lift.

The three storey centre, set to open in summer 2023 with an official launch event in September, will include office space, numerous treatment and consulting rooms, meeting rooms and relaxation space to help cope with the increased demand for DRCS services in the area, plus options for businesses to rent rooms and floorspace.

Andrew Holmes, director at Beighton Construction, based in Chesterfield, said: “A new damp proofing system has been installed in the basement, partition walls and plaster repairs have been completed plus a new heating system, and the first phase of decorating is underway.

“The new lift will offer access to all floors for centre users.”

Janette Smeeton, chief executive at DRCS, said: “Progress continues on the site which will be one of the largest talking therapy centres in the county.

“Bringing the building back to community use will create a valuable asset for people and businesses in the region.”

The Beetwell Street hub is part of ambitious plans for DRCS which operates a large team of freelance and employed staff based at seven centres across the county covering the Amber Valley, Erewash, Chesterfield, Buxton, Matlock, Ashbourne, Derby, Swadlincote and the Peak District.

Over the last 30 years, DRCS has become one of the largest third sector provider of counselling services in the region offering help to individuals, via self-referral or via a GP, with common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress and long term conditions through counselling, CBT, guided self-help, and other forms of talking therapy.

In the last eight years, DRCS has been in partnership with Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust to deliver the NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression service, throughout Derbyshire.

former register office 2

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Chesterfield FC honours community heroes with glittering awards ceremony

The Technique Stadium witnessed a night of high emotion off the pitch recently, at the Chesterfield FC Community Awards.

The event, which was sponsored by KranLee Logistics, saw 13 awards handed out to reccognise outstanding individual acts of kindness and bravery from people in our local area.

The club’s marketing manager, Bridget Ball, said: “It was a truly humbling experience to listen to the stories told on the night about the award winners by those who had nominated them.

“I would like to congratulate the award winners and thank all the companies and organisations who supported the event.”

Hosted by Becky Measures and Simon Morykin, the event also featured live music from Russell Shaun and Amber Holmes.

  • Community Award, sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors, won by Dan Walker.
  • Carer of the Year award, sponsored by WS Sherburns LGV, won by Lillie Evans.
  • Neighbour of the Year award, sponsored by PK Group, won by Dan & Lauren Harley.
  • Act of Kindness award, sponsored by Elite Contract Clean, won by Rebecca Smith.
  • Above & Beyond award, sponsored by Ideal Flooring, won by Gary Topley,
  • Sporting Achievement award, sponsored by Leengate Valves, won by Amy Calpin.
  • Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by Bridge Inn Blues Away Travel, won by Clare Black.
  • Young Person of Courage, sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, won by Anya Willerton.
  • Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by Netcoms IT, won by Patricia Willerton.
  • Adult Bravery award, sponsored by FabworX, won by Ruth Haslam.
  • Local Hero award, sponsored by Kimberley Caravans, won by Craig Collins.
  • Green Champion of the Year award, sponsored by Penny Hydraulics, won by Samuel Morris.
  • Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by KranLee Logistics, won by Martyn Rhodes.

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

Chesterfield FC Community-Awards

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Chesterfield has all the ingredients you need for the perfect picnic in the sun

It goes without saying you’ll be taking advantage of the glorious summer sunshine by visiting Chesterfield’s wonderful outdoor spaces. But of course, no day out is complete without the perfect picnic!

There are so many great producers in Chesterfield ready to provide you with everything you need, whatever the occasion!

So why not sit back and relax, while letting these fabulous local businesses take care of all the hard work for you?

Find out more about all the great activities you could be getting up to in the local area this summer by checking out our Summer In Chesterfield page!

Don’t forget to share the love on social media by telling us what you’ve been up to, using #SummerInChesterfield and #LoveChesterfield!


Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

Chatsworth farm shop picnic

 

 

Enjoy a taste of Derbyshire luxury, with Chatsworth’s delicious chocolates, buttery biscuits, and moreish cakes.

A range of delicious sweet preserves are available too, including vintage dark orange marmalade!

Prices start at £3.99

Purchase online at: https://shop.chatsworth.org/pages/estate-farm-shop


Dronfield Wine World

dronfield wine world picnic 873

This independent store can put together a delicious picnic in the park for wine lovers everywhere!

Enjoy a gourmet sharing hamper with red wine, chocolate cakes, cheese, crackers, dry roasted nuts, Yorkshire Salami, and chutney.

Prices start at £44.99

Purchase online at https://dronfieldwineworld.com/39-hampers


Brampton Brewery

Brampton Brewery

Of course, you’re going to need something to wash down all that great local produce!

If you’re fancying a cold one while chilling out in the great outdoors, Brampton Brewery has a fantastic range of award-winning beers to suit all tastes.

Find out more at: https://www.bramptonbrewery.co.uk/


Cheese Factor

Cheese Factor

This shop on the side of Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall has traded in town for more than 60 years now, with owner Simon Davidson and his team supplying everything a cheese lover could ever want!

Alongside more than 130 cheeses to pick from, the store also sells delicious sandwiches which are really popular with visitors – perfect to pop into your picnic basket for your summer day out.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not grab a cheeseboard with some of the delicious chutneys that the shop also supplies?

Find out more at: http://cheese-factor.co.uk/index.html


Northern Tea Merchants

Northern Tea Merchants picnic

If you’re partial to a cuppa and like to take a big flask of tea or coffee on your adventures, look no further than Northern Tea Merchants.

And the best news of all is, they’re based right on our doorstep! Visit them on Chatsworth Road or order online and check out their huge range of flavours.

You may be surprised to find that you can also purchase a range of sweet treats, including delicious gourmet chocolate pizza slices, or their signature almonds coated in chocolate and dusted with cocoa.

Find out more: https://www.northern-tea.com/


Dronfield Hall Barn

Dronfield Hall Barn

Dronfield Hall Barn’s coffee shop serves a range of tasty scones and a wide variety of drinks. Not to mention daily specials, which can all be enjoyed in the coffee shop or to take away.  The barn also offers tasty picnic boxes and sharing platters too.

You could even enjoy your picnic in the picturesque setting of the Barn’s beautiful gardens.

  • Prices vary

Find out more: https://dronfieldhallbarn.org/coffee-shop/


Franklin & Sons

Global Brands

If you’re looking for something to refresh yourself on your summer picnic, Global Bands’ Franklin & Sons range has you covered.

A range of flavoured soft drinks are available, including pressed raspberry lemonade, hedgerow elderflower lemonade, and Bartender Brand Awards 2023 winner, brewed ginger beer.

If you’re looking for a new summer tipple, Franklin & Sons’ wide variety of tonics and sodas harmoniously pair with all spirits, to create a unique twist on your summer favourite.

Why not try the award-winning Pineapple & Almond Soda with Rums, Whiskies, Vermouths, and Vodkas?

  • 200ml x 24 – Franklin & Sons Soft Drinks – £20.00
  • 200ml x 24 – Franklin & Sons Sodas & Tonics – £20.00

Find out more: https://franklinandsons.co.uk/products/


Qoozies

Qoozies picnic

Load up your picnic bag with a unique burger from Qoozies, based at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre! Featuring two housemade spinach and egg fritters, sandwiching a wide choice of fillings.

Options include chicken, green pesto and mozzarella, to halloumi, mango chutney and lettuce. Bringing pizazz to your picnic, these burgers are served with a choice of sweet potato hash brown or a side salad.

  • Prices start at £4.35

Purchase the product via City Grab and other online food delivery websites


Hogg Norton

hogg norton

Add some fruity flavour to your picnic, with Hogg Norton’s fruit liqueurs.

The Chesterfield-based producer is passionate about its products, which can be enjoyed on their own, over ice, or with lemonade, tonic, or soda!

Hogg Norton’s products are versatile, as they can also be added to champagne and prosecco, or used to flavour gin, vodka, whisky, rum, and cocktails.

  • Priced between £5 and £28

Find out more and purchase at www.hoggnorton.com (use the code CC10 for 10% off!)


Outdoor Picnic Chesterfield Queen's Park

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