Chatsworth in the community

Bondholder Devonshire Group's Chatsworth Estate and its communities have been pulling together to support those in need.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life on the Chatsworth Estate. In these unprecedented and uncertain times, the estate and its communities have been pulling together to support those in need.

In order to say thank you to those working hard to keep us safe, chefs at Chatsworth have been producing boxes of edible goodies for NHS staff. Distributed by the Community Health Trust in North Derbyshire, these treat boxes have brought a little cheer to over 800 NHS keyworkers in the local area, including staff in surgeries, care homes and hospitals.

In further appreciation of the health service, Chatsworth House was illuminated bright blue each Thursday evening during the Clap for Carers, and NHS staff can also receive a 10% discount at the Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop in Pilsley.

The estate has provided three holiday cottages, free of charge, to frontline NHS staff who need to isolate from vulnerable family members. An industrial unit was also provided, free of charge, to Derbyshire County Council and the Ministry of Defence, for use as a logistics hub. Located near Chesterfield, the building is being used to distribute PPE, food and other vital equipment in the battle against the coronavirus.

For many locals, the estate farm shop is a lifeline which was cut off by the need to self-isolate. As such, a no-contact food collection and delivery service was developed in partnership with Pilsley Village Shop. As well as keeping customers safe in isolation, the move has helped support a local business in challenging times.

In order to protect the most vulnerable members of the community, the teams at Chatsworth have been supporting local foodbanks. Following lockdown, over £800 worth of surplus stock was donated, as well as 240kg of chocolate eggs which were originally destined for Easter egg hunts in the Chatsworth Farmyard, and the catering team has been busy preparing ready meals for a local foodbank. They produce around 150 meals each week and so far more than 1,000 meals have been donated to the foodbank, providing vital help to those who rely on its support.

“The Chatsworth Estate has been intrinsically linked with its local communities for generations. During the crisis now more than ever, we have been striving to support the wellbeing and safety of our surrounding communities, those that may be vulnerable and our key workers.”

Further details of Chatsworth’s work with local communities can be found at: www.chatsworth.org/community.

Chatsworth looks forward to welcoming back visitors, but only once it is safe to do so. To protect local communities and minimise the spread of coronavirus, please check the Chatsworth website before visiting.