CHESTERFIELD CHAMPION: '˜The town is full of friendly faces'

I am Lydia Gregson, I'm currently the Destination Chesterfield coordinator.

I am 24 years old and I now live in Swanwick with my amazing husband, but was born and raised in Hasland.

Destination Chesterfield is responsible for developing a co-ordinated approach to promoting our town.

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Each day is different working here, from promoting local events and news stories about development in the town, to organising events such as the Food and Drink Awards – taking place this October – or co-ordinating the Chesterfield Champions scheme.

1. What do you like best about living in Chesterfield and why?

I like how well connected the town is, everybody knows everyone, you can go to town and guarantee you’ll bump into a familiar and friendly face. I am currently enjoying how much the town is developing as there is so much more to see and do than when I was growing up.

2. What are your favourite ways to spend free time in Derbyshire?

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I love Chatsworth – the house, the gardens and the events. It’s always a favourite to show off Derbyshire to friends that visit from out of town. I also love to eat and I’m very happy with how many new restaurants are springing up across the town.
I am particularly excited about the opening of the new Greek restaurant. A bit further out in Derbyshire, I love The Dog at Pentrich for a lovely celebratory meal.

3. Where is your favourite place to shop locally and why?

Huckleberry Willow is one of my favourite places to shop, you are always guaranteed to find a unique gift or accessory there.

4. What is your favourite hidden gem in Chesterfield and why?

Calabria is my favourite hidden gem. Calabria offers amazing food, a great atmosphere and it is a fantastic place to catch up with friends.

5. What are the positives about running a business here?

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Being centrally located in terms of road, rail and air makes Chesterfield an ideal place to run a business. 
Also, there has been a huge push on inward investment in the town through Destination Chesterfield and the development of the Chesterfield Champion scheme – a network of businesses working together to develop the town and expand it’s potential to grow even further.

6. What new development in the area excited you the most?

The development of the former Co-op. Having a hotel in the town centre will attract more staying visitors and hopefully develop the evening activity in the town. There will potentially be a food quarter there too – and I really do love my food.

7. What do you believe Chesterfield needs but doesn’t yet have?

It’d be great to see more large scale events in the area. One of my favourite memories in Chesterfield was when the Olympic Torch came here, the town was buzzing and it showed off our community spirit.