About Chesterfield

Vicar Lane Celebrates Its First Wedding

The first-ever wedding reception took place at Vicar Lane last week, with guests enjoying a fabulous celebration in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Bride and groom Sam and Drew Hutchinson tied the knot last Friday (8th) at Chesterfield Town Hall. They later went on to celebrate at The Vintage Tea Rooms with opulent cakes and bubbles for an unforgettable celebration with friends and family. The wedding party later had a further top-up from the newly opened Pizza Pi in St James’s Square as the celebrations continued.

Vicar Lane’s Sarah Bowler said: “We are thrilled that the happy couple celebrated their wedding at Vicar Lane in such an individual way.”

“We have a few hidden secrets at Vicar Lane – Vintage Tearooms has its own function room which can be hired for everything from a birthday to a baby-shower. We also now have a beautiful wedding dress shop, Precious Memories, so for any future weddings we’re able to offer an even more complete service. We’re looking forward to playing host to more weddings in the future.”

A number of fabulous wedding venues have been highlighted across Chesterfield recently, with the Peak Edge Hotel being awarded the ‘best wedding venue in Derbyshire’ at the Hitched Wedding Awards. Meanwhile, Dronfield Hall Barn was recognised as one of the top wedding venues by Lux Life magazine in 2021.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is home to a wide range of both quirky, independent shops and cafes, sitting alongside well-known national high-street retailers. Find out more about the shopping centre here.

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

 

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

Revolution House reopens for the summer

Revolution House, a public museum with an important role in history, is set to reopen its doors and welcome visitors over the summer.

The Museum opens on Friday 15 April and will then be open from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays until Sunday 18 September. It is free to visit but donations are welcome.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Revolution House is a fantastic little attraction in our borough, it tells the story of a small piece of our history that not many people are aware of and is a chance to learn more about our heritage whilst Chesterfield Museum is closed. It is well worth a visit and is completely free. We’ll also be hosting some great events there over the summer so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more details.”

Chesterfield Museum is currently closed as a multimillion-pound refurbishment is set to get underway at Stephenson Memorial Hall where both the Museum and Pomegranate Theatre are based.

The work will create a bespoke visitor attraction in the heart of Chesterfield which will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

Whilst the Museum is closed, the team will be arranging a series of interactive activities around the borough called Museum on the Move and Revolution House will also be open to ensure everyone can learn about the borough’s history.

Revolution House, then the Cock and Pynot Inn, was the meeting place of the 4th Earl of Devonshire, John D’Arcy, and the Earl of Danby as they plotted to overthrow King James II in 1688.

At Revolution House, you can find out more about the Revolution of 1688 and there is also a collection of 17th Century furniture.

On Monday 2 May, professional Tudor minstrel Dante Ferrara will be performing at Revolution House. The instruments he will demonstrate are the lute, cittern, hurdy-gurdy, colascione and English bagpipes.

He will be performing five times throughout the day with the first performance at 11.15am and there will be the opportunity to ask him questions and take photographs with him.

More events will be hosted at Revolution House throughout the summer. Find out more details about upcoming events online at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revolutionhouse

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

Chesterfield’s Central Technology partners with South Yorkshire charity

Chesterfield’s Central Technology has announced it will now be providing IT Support to South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA).

SYEDA is an independent charity, based in Sheffield, originally established in 1996 by a group of people who were affected by eating disorders and were concerned by the lack of information, guidance and help available.

Today they provide non-judgemental support directly to over 500 people each year affected by eating disorders, which includes one-to-one therapeutic and practical support, as well as additional support sessions for families and friends affected. They also facilitate support groups and deliver education and training sessions in schools, colleges, to professionals and the wider community.

With the rise of remote working, CT will be supporting SYEDA in a new independent, agile way of working by providing them with a Microsoft 365 solution and ongoing support.

Madeleine Thomas, Business Development Manager at SYEDA said “It has been a pleasure doing the onboarding process with CT and the staff and the support we have received has been brilliant. There has been some steep in-house learning getting to grips with Office 365 but we have been fully supported all the way by CT staff and the CT knowledge hub has been a great asset. We look forward to building a long-term relationship with CT and improving our own IT skills along the way in-house!”

Even closer to home, Central Technology also worked with local charity and fellow Chesterfield Champion Ashgate Hospice in upgrading their IT systems as part of their partnership working across the town. Find out more here.

If you are wondering how to ensure your business is cyber-secure and protected whilst harbouring an agile working set-up, contact Central Technology today.

Central Technology supports 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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Workpays’ Big Assembly Wins at the 2022 Annual Apprenticeship Conference Awards

Big Assembly, a project delivered by Workpays in association with its partners, has won the FE WEEK AELP Annual Apprenticeship Conference 2022 Award for Promoting Apprenticeships ‘Campaign of the Year’ at the award ceremony in Birmingham.

The annual event returned in 2022, with the broadcast informing thousands of young people about the benefits of apprenticeships. The live event enables schools, parents, students and employers to receive  information and advice about possible next steps in their careers.

For the 2022 event, The Big Assembly teamed up with companies such as Pret A Manger, Bakkavor, Disability Rights UK, the Co-operative Bank & Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Alex Glasner, Managing Director at Workpays said: “It’s a real honour to be receive the Promoting Apprenticeship Campaign of the Year Award. Our entire team works hard throughout the year to provide young people with information and real stories about incredible apprenticeships.

“I’m proud that the work we are doing has been recognised with a national award. We will always keep young people and their careers at the centre of what we do.”

Twenty-four awards winners were recognised at the awards including Workpays, revealed at the ceremony in Birmingham as part of the two day conference which is held annually.

There are many great opportunities to become an apprentice across Chesterfield, with more than 2,500 people currently taking part in an apprenticeship in the town.

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.

Workpays 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, Apprentice Town, Business, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Walkers raise funds for Ashgate Hospice

More than 150 dedicated fundraisers embarked on hikes across the stunning Peak District to help raise funds for Ashgate Hospice’s vital care.

In March, ramblers took on three different routes for the return of the charity’s High Peak Trail Walk, sponsored by MVIS – all of which followed the former Cromford and High Peak Railway line.

From a 3.5-mile route for walkers after a leisurely stroll to an 11 or 17-mile walk for dedicated hikers – all participants enjoyed the stunning scenery of the North Derbyshire countryside in all its beauty.

Despite rain in the morning, the sun came out from behind the clouds at intervals throughout the afternoon, as a record total of 160 supporters took part – helping fund the hospice’s vital care for patients and families.

One of the participants signed up was Alice Morley, who was walking in memory of her friend Nicole Goodison’s mum, who died in the hospice’s care.

Speaking after crossing the finish line, she said: “We took part in the 17-mile route of the High Peak Trail in memory of our friend Nicole’s mum and really enjoyed it.

“The weather was nice on the day which kept us going until the end, although I think my legs will be stiff tomorrow! I’d urge anyone thinking about taking part in Ashgate Hospice’s High Peak Trail to just go and do it!”

The event was made possible thanks to the support of a small army of volunteers including Matlock Derwent Valley Lions and 35 young Derbyshire Fire Cadets who gave up their time to help ensure the event ran smoothly.

Anyone interested in taking part in Ashgate’s High Peak Trail Walk in 2023 is encouraged to keep an eye on the charity’s website and social media channels later in the year.

The off-road linear walk, which was launched last year, is traffic-free and promises to be a fun day out with friends and family.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We were delighted to see such an incredible number of our super supporters at our High Peak Trail Walk.

“After launching the event last year, we couldn’t wait to bring it back in 2022 – and it was wonderful to see some of the same faces from last year, as well as plenty of new ones too!

“I’m so grateful to each and every one of the 160 participants who came out at the weekend to walk across the Peak District in support of Ashgate.

“Thanks to our sponsors MVIS for their support, including their Commercial and Operations Director, Anne, who took part herself on the day!

“We rely on the support of our amazing supporters to help us raise £7 million each year, so we can be there for the patients and families who need our care.

“If you weren’t able to come this year or happen to be reading about our High Peak Trail Walk for the first time – we hope to see you at next year’s event!”

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.

Ashgate Hospice Hike

Posted in About Chesterfield

Local accountant retires after 48 years at the same company

Local Accountant Andrew Heelin has retired after a career spanning 48 years working at the Chesterfield offices of local accountancy firm, Shorts.

Andrew joined Shorts straight from school in 1974 and his continued loyalty to the firm was rewarded in 2012 with his promotion to the position of Accounts Director.

A popular character amongst the team, Andrew’s presence at Shorts will be missed after his retirement. His experience and knowledge, coupled with his approachable and affable nature, have made him the first port of call for any questions or queries. An unflappable figure, he has always been a welcome sounding board for teammates.

“To be honest”, Andrew says, “I never thought that I would retire. I always wanted to be a workaholic, and I think I can probably now say that I succeeded in that ambition. But time moves on, circumstances change, and (maybe reluctantly) I think that now is the right time. My wife Catherine, and I are looking forward to spending more time on our hobbies, with our family and in the fresh air. Part of me thinks that I will still get up for work every day. I’m sure I’ll wake up early and think to myself, ‘I could get up now and make the most of an early start in the office before everyone arrives’ before remembering that I no longer need to.”

He added “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Shorts. I don’t know where the last 48 years have gone. It’s been a pleasure to witness the firm’s growth over that time and I take with me great memories of working with some lovely people. I will watch Shorts’ continued development with interest – even if it is from afar.”

Managing Partner Andy Irvine added “All of us at Shorts wish Andrew a very long and happy retirement and thank him for the years of dedication and service he has given to the firm and our clients. Andrew has seen many changes during his time at Shorts, one of which being the growth experienced by the firm over that time. He has played a significant role in the ‘Shorts story’ and we wish him all the very best as he begins this new chapter.”

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

Accountant retires

Posted in About Chesterfield

Custom Solar support local authority on their journey to Net Zero

Chesterfield headquartered Custom Solar have completed a solar project with Bassetlaw District Council.

Bassetlaw District Council chose Custom Solar to undertake a number of projects which has enabled the use of renewable solar energy at its Carlton Forest Depot in Worksop and will contribute to its ambition to improve the environmental credentials of the local area.

Custom Solar has equipped the Council building with a solar system that is able to produce 53,844kWh of renewable energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 14.5 tonnes each year. The effects of the project equate to having 146 solar panels installed.

The site will also receive 5 electric vehicle charging points that take power from the solar installation and will allow the Council to begin the electrification of its vehicles.

Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council said: “Custom Solar have been first-rate partners, installing PV panels on our depot buildings at Carlton Forest, Worksop. Improvements to the Carlton Forest site are a key element of our decarbonisation journey and these works will see a reduction of carbon emissions from this site by over 16%.”

“Throughout the whole installation process Custom Solar were supportive and attentive, never accepting second best and working consistently hard to ensure precision and accuracy. The work will be completed with the installation of electric vehicle charging points which will initiate the electrification of the Council fleet.”

Gary Sucharewycz, CEO of Custom Solar said: “We are thrilled to have completed the solar PV and electric vehicle charge station project for Bassetlaw Council at their Carlton Forest site. Our expert in-house design team created a system that utilises integrated technologies to enhance the loading capabilities of the system. Custom Solar is proud to work with local councils and authorities to assist in their aspirations for Net Zero”.

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

Solar Panels - Custom Solar

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home

Chesterfield FC Academy Female Football and Education Programme Launched

A new Female Football and Education Programme has been launched by the Chesterfield FC Junior & Youth Academy, in partnership with Outwood Academy Newbold and Loughborough College.

Post-16 students will have the chance to extend their knowledge through various courses: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, A-levels, and Higher National Diploma in Sport.

Youngsters will have access to excellent facilities, enabling them to train, play and progress as players and people, as they look to improve their understanding on and off the pitch.

With a chance to learn from the very best, coached by UEFA and FA-qualified staff, training will enhance skills, fitness, strength and conditioning.

There will be progression routes into women’s football and international links with clubs for player development loans, together with university pathways and US soccer scholarships with leading sports universities.

Chief executive John Croot said: “This programme shows our commitment to the development of women’s football in Chesterfield, providing excellent opportunities for those involved.

“Players will represent Chesterfield FC in the well-established National Football Youth League, competing against the likes of Everton, Burnley, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and AFC Sunderland.”

There will be an engagement day for Y11s on Thursday, April 14 at Staveley MWFC and the Technique  Stadium. To book a place, please email academy@spireitestrust.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home

Hospital Charity Makes £1m for Health and Wellbeing Hub

The ‘A Night Under the Rainbow’ evening event, hosted at Chatsworth House by The Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, heralded the announcement that they are halfway there – raising £1m to date!

Business and community leaders from across the region were invited to the prestigious event, co-hosted and funded by the Duke of Devonshire to raise support and donations for the purpose-built Health and Wellbeing Hub at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT.

The £2m appeal for the Health and Wellbeing Hub is the Charity’s most ambitious appeal in its history. The speakers for the event included the Duke of Devonshire, Beverley Webster OBE, Chair of the Charity Development Board as well as heartfelt pleas from two Critical Care Matrons, Maxine Hardy and Natalie Cooper-Hatch – both talked about the personal impact of the pandemic and how the Hub will be vital for supporting colleagues in to the future.

Alongside the grandeur and splendour, as well as Webster the Duck – the 8-foot charity mascot – the star of the show was local women, Nicola Mounsley, who was a nurse at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT and sadly lost her husband, Ian (51), to the illness in March 2021.

Atul Patel, Chair of the Chesterfield Royal Charity, who also spoke on the evening, said: “It’s fantastic news that we are now halfway to our goal. To raise £1m is such a mark of success for us and after last night, I’m confident that we can reach for our goal and have the Hub built and open in Spring 2023.

“I’d like to thank everybody who joined us on the evening in the Painted Hall. The message was clear, we need to provide these facilities to ‘care for the carers’ and I’m confident that those who attended will be able to provide the vital funds to really leave a legacy at the hospital for our 4,500 workforce to truly benefit from.”

One of the first of its kind, the Hub plans to offer all working at the hospital from porters to radiologists, physiotherapists to cooks, financial accountants to receptionists, a real haven to actively look after their health and wellbeing – supporting them to care for the people of Chesterfield.

The Hub would include counselling rooms and complimentary therapies as well as talking therapies and areas for group and individual reflections after traumatic incidents, like those seen during the pandemic. There is a proposed gym and multi-use games area too.

Donations can be made through the Trust website or Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity – JustGiving.

Ken Godber, Charity Director, added: “We want to ensure that everybody at the hospital will benefit from the Hub and we need everybody in the community to be involved – this isn’t just about businesses or community groups coming to Chatsworth. We now need everybody to get behind us and held raise the vital funds to make this a reality going forward.”

The Health and Wellbeing Hub has a number of high-profile partners: NHS Charities Together committed £250,000 and Westfield Health further contributed £250,000 – both of whom were speakers on the night through Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHSCT and Steve Purdham, Chair of Westfield Health.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield’s Pantomime moves to the Winding Wheel Theatre

Chesterfield’s annual pantomime will take centre stage at the Winding Wheel Theatre this year, while the Pomegranate Theatre undergoes a multimillion-pound refurbishment.

Discounted early bird tickets are now on sale for the performance of Sleeping Beauty, which will be presented by Paul Holman Associates from Tuesday 6 December 2022 until Tuesday 3 January 2023.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The pantomime is a Christmas tradition for many families in Chesterfield and it’s great that it’ll be back this year and that we can accommodate it in the Winding Wheel Theatre.

“Whilst the Pomegranate is closed for refurbishment, we’ll be making full use of the facilities at the Winding Wheel Theatre and ensuring that everyone can still enjoy a wide variety of fantastic performances and events.

“It’s a great opportunity to book at a reduced rate now and secure your tickets ahead of the Christmas rush later in the year.”

Paul Holman said: “We are delighted to have been selected one again to produce the pantomime for Chesterfield Theatres. Having produced the pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre since 2012, we are really looking forward to presenting a pantomime in the Winding Wheel Theatre for the first time.”

The Pomegranate Theatre is set to close later this summer for works to begin on the multimillion-pound refurbishment project.

The work to Stephenson Memorial Hall, which is also home to Chesterfield Museum, will create a bespoke visitor attraction in the heart of Chesterfield – bringing together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The Sleeping Beauty Pantomime is a fantastical tale full of fairies, bravery and enchantment. Featuring all of the best-loved panto shenanigans live on stage – with an abundance of laughter, dance and music along with dazzling scenery and costumes, spectacular special effects and plenty of audience interaction. This perfect Christmas treat with a star cast to be announced is for the entire family to enjoy!

There will be accessible performances including sign language, audio description and relaxed sessions. There will also be a touch tour of the set which partially sighted or blind customers will be able to book.

Discounted early bird tickets for the Pantomime are now on sale from at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/panto or by calling the box office on 01246 345 222.

Discover more about what is happening in Chesterfield.

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Visiting

Council leaders set to gather for milestone meeting

Council leaders from across the county will gather for the first meeting of the Vision Derbyshire Joint Committee – a milestone for the partnership which will enable local authorities to work more closely on key issues affecting local people.

Hosted by Chesterfield Borough Council, the meeting will take place on Monday 4 April and will lay the foundations for the formal governance arrangements and programme of work for the partnership.

It is a key step forward for Vision Derbyshire, which is a collaboration of local authorities across Derbyshire and is designed to deliver priority projects which have a positive impact on people’s lives and achieve greater council efficiency.

The main aims of the Vision Derbyshire Joint Committee are to:

  • Provide collective leadership for Derbyshire
  • Progress shared ambitions for the area
  • Work together to tackle the issues and challenges outlined in the case for change
  • Enable agile, timely and effective decision making

The meeting will also consider the Vision Derbyshire Climate Change Strategy (2022-2025) which sets out what needs to be done to reduce emissions across the county to net zero by 2050, or sooner, and how Derbyshire’s councils will work to achieve this.

There will also be discussion around the recently announced County Deal and the submission of a devolution proposal to Government last week, after Derbyshire and Derby was one of nine areas put forward to receive extra investment and local powers as part of the Government’s levelling up plans.

The location of the meetings will be rotated between the member authorities.  They will be open to the public and meeting agendas, reports and minutes will be available to view, in line with usual local government processes which ensure open and transparent decision making.  Papers are available to access at www.chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home