Author: Tara Underhill

DIY SOS star opens Chesterfield College Construction Centre with gold medal winning joinery apprentice

18th March 2016

Celebrity carpenter Mark Millar from DIY SOS helped to celebrate the opening of the new construction workshops on Infirmary Road today, along with Chesterfield College’s Worldskills UK gold medal winning apprentice, Jack Chambers.

The duo gave expert advice on how to carve a career in construction as well as judging a ‘We Built That’ competition for Year 8 & 9 school pupils from across Derbyshire.

School teams were given a brief to build the best rocket before spending the day working in the joinery, plumbing and painting and decorating workshops of the new construction workshops under the watchful eye of Chesterfield College students and tutors.

The competition finished with a rocket launch for VIP guests, prize giving ceremony for the winning team from Chapel-en-le-Frith High School and the official opening of the new building by Mark Millar, Jack Chambers and the Chair of the College Corporation Frank Smith.

Mark Millar said:

“It is a fantastic honour to be part of the opening of the new workshops and to be able to spend time with the next generation of construction experts. I can see already that the college is training people with the ability to shine. Who knows, they might be the construction stars of the future.

“When I started my career as a carpentry apprentice, learning at work and in a college, I never thought that I would be doing what I do. Not many carpenters end up on TV, but it is amazing where construction skills can lead to. It‘s fantastic to see young people being inspired and learning important construction skills in modern facilities like this because I know skilled employees are in demand.”

The new building was part funded by the Skills Funding Agency and houses several workshops and classrooms designed to give students the skills they need to succeed in a range of construction disciplines from plumbing and joinery to painting and decorating. The facility provides internal and external space for students to gain practical experience in areas that replicate real construction sites.

Joinery apprentice, 18 year old, Jack Chambers is one of the students benefitting from the facilities at Chesterfield College. He recently beat the best of the best to bring home the gold medal in joinery from the Worldskills UK competition. He says that mixing college study and his apprenticeship at Pennine Woodworking in Bradwell gave him the skills he needed to succeed and could help him compete internationally in Abu Dhabi in 2017.

Jack spent some time explaining to the school teams where apprenticeships and studying at college can lead to. He said:

“When I left school I knew I would end up doing a hands-on job but I had no idea that learning a trade through studying at college and doing an apprenticeship would give me the chance to compete at an international level. It has given me a brilliant opportunity to prove what I can do and it has helped me to be better at the job I do every day too.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

New parking rate to attract shoppers to Chesterfield

18th March 2016

Shoppers will be able to park at a reduced rate of £3 for three hours – equivalent to £1 an hour – in all Chesterfield Borough Council-run car parks from 1 April.

The rate is part of a move to standardise charges across different car parks with the aim of attracting drivers to stay in the town for longer to go shopping or do business.

It previously cost between £3.30 and £3.90 to park for three hours, depending on the car park used. Most car parks will also see reductions in the cost of parking for four hours with a new standard rate of £4.30 replacing charges that varied between £4.30 and £5.20.

Parking for up to two hours will remain the same in the most popular car parks – Soresby Street, Rose Hill and Holywell Cross – but increase in others to a consistent rate across the town.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said:

“Shoppers have told us that they want to spend longer in town at a reasonable rate and the introduction of the new £3 for three hours rate in all council run car parks enables us to deliver that.

“In addition we offer a range of permits that enable commuters or daily shoppers to park for less. Depending on the permit chosen these can work out at an average of £2.30 for a whole day’s parking.

“In the past we had different charges for car parks depending on how far away from the town centre they were. To simplify things for customers we have now designated car parks as either short stay or long stay and standardised charges across them.

“This is on top of the residents’ free parking scheme that lets people who live in the borough of Chesterfield to park without charge before 10am or after 3pm Mondays to Saturdays and all day on Sundays and bank holidays at the car parks named on the back of their free parking permit.”

From 1 April all Chesterfield Borough Council-run car parks will charge:

• 70p – for up to 30 minutes
• £1.30 – for up to an hour
• £2.60 – for up to two hours
• £3 – for up to three hours
• £4.30 – for up to four hours

Above four hours it will cost a flat rate of £5 in long stay car parks and an extra £1.30 per hour in short stay car parks.
The following car parks will be short stay car parks: Holywell Cross, Rose Hill, Soresby Street, and St Mary’s Gate.

Long stay car parks will be: Albion Road, Derbyshire Times, Devonshire Street, Durrant Road, Hollis Lane, New Beetwell Street multi-storey car park, Saltergate multi-storey car park, Spa Lane, Station Road, Queen’s Park Annexe, Queen’s Park North, Queen’s Park South, Theatre Lane and West Street.

The price of parking permits have also been standardised across council long stay car parks, except for multi-storey car parks.

They are now:
• £60 a month – which works out at approximately £2.50 a day if used 25 times in a month or
• £600 a year – which works out at approximately £2.30 a day if used on weekdays throughout the year.

Scratch card prices have also been standardised. They can be bought in blocks of five and cost a flat rate of £3.50 a day in all long stay car parks, except for multi-storey car parks, which require a separate pass.

Anyone wanting to buy a parking permit or scratch card can ring 01246 345593 or email parking.services@chesterfield.gov.uk Scratch cards are also available from the Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square.

Chesterfield Borough Council is not responsible for running all car park areas in the town. Some car parks are privately owned, while on-street car parking charges are set by Derbyshire County Council. These organisations set the charges for these parking areas.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Campaign launched to attract more visitors to Peak District & Derbyshire

16th March 2016

Young, hard-working professionals are being encouraged to escape to the beautiful Peak District to recharge their batteries and experience new adventures in a new campaign launched by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

‘The Land to Forget Time’ was revealed to unsuspecting shoppers at Birmingham’s Bullring on Saturday as a young, innocent bystander hit a flashing escape button before entering an Escape Pod and, just minutes later, re-appeared carrying a mountain bike over his shoulder looking blown away by a recent adrenaline-fuelled experience of bombing down some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. The audience watched in awe as TV and video screens suddenly flashed on, revealing a short captured moment of a mountain biking experience viewed from the riders’ handle bars!

This was just one of three fun social media flash events designed to gather audiences, connecting them together and encouraging them to participate by sharing the experience with others through social media.

The pace slowed down on Sunday when the adrenaline-charged Escape Pod was re-introduced as the ‘Recharge Pod’. Shoppers were invited to inhale the fresh air offered by the Peak District and Derbyshire and even getting a taste of it from the oxygen bar, whilst enjoying a complimentary head and shoulder massage, before being handed a goody bag full of exclusive offers and a few extra surprises.

Following on from this event, both Manchester and Birmingham commuters will be wowed by billboards and mega bus rears portraying some of the iconic attractions and things to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire. Online and printed coverage delivered by the Guardian and a well-planned social media strategy will make sure this campaign drives up a successful return on investment.

“This campaign is very exciting and has really captured the imagination of our partners with many helping to fund it. We have every confidence this campaign will capture the imagination of our target audience, and successfully influence their ideas for a short break. We want to encourage people to help us breathe real life into the campaign by taking their own short videos and GoPro films that capture ‘moments’ in time”, said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

“Historically the area has always performed well in attracting families and over 50s – but this campaign has been carefully crafted to widen that reach by appealing to a young ‘hip’ urban audience, the results being twofold with the campaign attracting new additional visitors, increasing spend and boosting both the local and regional economy.”

‘The Land to Forget Time’ graphic is based on a photograph taken by Dronfield-based Mark Henson, one of Experience Peak District & Derbyshire’s Destination Partner Photographers.

To have your opportunity to get involved with this campaign simply take your own short video or GoPro film of your ‘moment’ in the Peak District and Derbyshire and upload it at www.thelandtoforgettime.co.uk for the chance to win a prize worth in excess of £2,000!

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Win a 2 week apprenticeship taster with the Derbyshire Times

14th March 2016

A competition has been launched by the Derbyshire Times and Learning Unlimited (part of the Chesterfield College group) to offer one talented young person the opportunity to try an apprenticeship within the local media.

Designed to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place from 14th – 18th March, the lucky winner will enjoy a 2-week ‘apprenticeship taster’ with the digital team at the Derbyshire Times’ head office in Chesterfield.

The Derbyshire Times is looking for a passionate young person who believes they can make an impact with captivating articles and social media posts which will get people talking. The team is inviting anyone who will be between the age of 18 and 24 by the start of the summer holidays* to enter.

Apprenticeships are now offered in over 250 professions and so Learning Unlimited and the Derbyshire Times are getting behind the campaign to show how being an apprentice could be the right way to get the training and experience needed to kick start a huge range of careers in roles such as social media, marketing, healthcare and engineering.

There will be a competition workshop on 21st March from 4 -5pm at Chesterfield College where the editor and digital manager from the Derbyshire Times will give entrants a project brief and a chance to find out more about what they are looking for. To register to go along to the workshop email apprenticecomp@learningunlimiteduk.com with your name, age, and why you want the chance to do the apprenticeship taster.

To find out more about entering the competition visit https://www.learningunlimiteduk.com/apprenticecomp

*To take part in this competition you must be between 18 and 24 years old by 21st July 2016. The deadline for entries is the 5th April 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Coalite redevelopment moves a step closer

14th March 2016

Plans to redevelop the former Coalite site could soon become a reality now measures to bring it back into use are gathering pace.

The 140 acre site, which lies partly in North East Derbyshire District and partly in Bolsover District, has already been granted planning permission for employment use by Bolsover District Council.

A further application for up to 660 houses, a school and a neighbourhood centre is due to be considered by North East Derbyshire District Council in the coming weeks.

And now Derbyshire County Council has given the project a further boost by agreeing to look at potential funding to help kick start the long-awaited regeneration of the site which has remained derelict since the Coalite coking works closed down more than 12 years ago.

If planning permission is granted for the ambitious plans drawn-up by Bolsover Land Ltd, a joint venture between Marcol and St Francis Group, work will first be needed to clear up a number of contaminants on the land − and we’ve offered to help.

Derbyshire County Council Leader, Councillor Anne Western said:

“The Coalite site has been an eye sore for many years since the plant closed down but it has massive potential to help regenerate the area.

“We’re using our experience and expertise in successfully developing the former colliery site at Markham Vale to support Bolsover District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and developers Bolsover Land Ltd in their proposals to develop Coalite for jobs and housing.

“We all want to see the site properly cleaned-up and we’re taking bold steps and exploring funding options to help pave the way for redevelopment.”

Councillor Ann Syrett, Leader of Bolsover District Council, said:

“The regeneration of Coalite has been a long-standing priority for the council and the people of Bolsover and we welcome the involvement of the county council to help make this development a reality.”

Councillor Graham Baxter MBE, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, added:

“We’ve been working closely with all the partners concerned to make sure the whole of the Coalite site is redeveloped. We’re determined to see high quality jobs and houses on the site and this commitment from the county council to work in partnership with us to clean up the land is a major step in the right direction.”

Derbyshire County Council is due to meet with Bolsover Land Ltd over the coming weeks to discuss funding options.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure

Play on the Proact pitch

11th March 2016

Businesses, local football clubs and individuals are being given the opportunity to play on the pitch at Chesterfield Football Club.

The Spireites are now taking bookings to give fans the chance to experience what it’s like to be a professional footballer.

From corporate events and inter-company matches with colleagues, to charity events, or even a game between friends who fancy an upgrade on a public park, the Proact Stadium will be available on the following dates:

May 17 – 7pm kick-off
May 18 – 7pm kick-off
May 19 – 7pm kick-off
May 24 – 7pm kick-off

One of the first businesses to take part will be the Proact themselves, based in Chesterfield, following their participation last year.

Each organisation that books will get the chance of a 90-minute, 11-a-side game, including full use of the stadium’s playing facilities, from the dressing room to the players’ tunnel.

A match co-ordinator and referee will be provided by the club and entry to the Proact Stadium will be free for spectators, with each business that signs up given two complimentary footballs to use during the game – and keep as a souvenir.

The cost to ‘Play at the Proact’ is just £1,750 per time slot. Playing slots are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of 16 players per squad, and a non-refundable deposit of £300 is required to confirm the booking. The full balance is due 30 days before the game.

To book, please contact Janice Kew on 01246 269300 (ext 4153) or email janicekew@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Harry Ramsden’s comes to Chesterfield

11th March 2016

World-famous fish and chip restaurant, Harry Ramsden’s is preparing to open in a Chesterfield pub next week.

Making an entrance into the licensed trade sector, the iconic British brand will launch at the Wingerworth on Derby Road on Tuesday 15 March.

Harry Ramsden’s at the Wingerworth will feature an updated interior design popular with families, at the same time as retaining the pub’s local identity and remaining true to its own heritage.

Joe Teixeira, CEO of Harry Ramsden’s comments:-

“We relish this opportunity to enter into a new market and the great location, surroundings and reputation enjoyed by the Wingerworth Pub and Kitchen make Chesterfield the ideal place from which to unveil our newest model and further extend the modern day face of Harry’s to a new generation of customers.”

This latest opening comes as a result of its partnership with Punch Taverns and the Harry Ramsden’s team will manage of all aspects of the outlet’s day to day operation serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Businesses invited to share in success of young entrepreneurs at the Winding Wheel

11th March 2016

Chesterfield businesses are encouraged to show their support for local students at the Area Final of the Young Enterprise Company Competition.

Taking place on Tuesday 22nd March at the Winding Wheel, the event will celebrate the achievements of pupils from schools and colleges across North Derbyshire; all of whom have been running their own company over the past academic year, with support from local business advisers and teachers.

Finalists will compete for a number of awards during the evening – from Best Presentation to Overall Winning Company, as well as the opportunity to represent North Derbyshire at the County Final – taking place at The Roundhouse, Derby College on 25 April 2016.

Given the task of presenting for four minutes on their company achievements and experiences, each team will be assessed by an independent panel of judges including representatives from 2 local businesses – BRM Solicitors and North South Training. The range of products and services designed and created by finalists will also be on display.

Sharing his enthusiasm for the event, Steve Taylor, Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board said:-

“Our young people reveal so much potential and capability through the Young Enterprise Company Programme and so it’s fantastic that we are able to recognise this at the annual Area Final.

“The active involvement of volunteers from business and the local community is fundamental to Young Enterprise’s mission to inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. It is our volunteers’ enthusiasm, knowledge and real life experiences that enrich the learning for students, bringing to life the world of work and preparing them for an enterprising future. I hope that lots of local businesses will join us at the Winding Wheel on 22nd March.”

The Young Enterprise Area Final begins at 6.30pm on Tuesday 22nd March with a complimentary drinks reception and an opportunity to look around the trade stands and talk with the competitors about their experience.

To confirm your attendance please email Steve Taylor – Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board at steve@startfp.co.uk

(Image shows the winners of the 2015 Young Enterprise Company Competition Area Final – students from Tupton Hall School who created a successful nappy cake business called Tantrum Baby Products)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Gill Lewis highly commended at Enterprising Women Awards

10th March 2016

Gill Lewis, Company Secretary at The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) in Chesterfield has received the accolade of ‘Highly Commended’ in The Female Employee of The Year category at the Enterprising Women Awards 2016.

Facilitated by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicester, Nottinghamshire) the ceremony at Shearsby Bath, Leicestershire hosted by ITV presenter Emma Jesson, was a celebration of the most talented women in business across the three counties. UKATA were one of only three companies to be shortlisted from the Chesterfield area.

The award recognises Gill’s commitment and passion in supporting UKATA. Gill said: “I was shocked to find out I had been nominated for this award, but to receive the honour is extremely flattering.”

Gill was joined by General Manager, Craig Evans at the Award Ceremony in Leicester, Craig commented: “Such a fantastic event, where unsung heroes were recognised for their achievements. Gill deserved to be in the finals, and I am very proud of her success”.

UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) actively promotes asbestos awareness, to include the dangers of working with the substance and health threats associated.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Expanding team at Handelsbanken Chesterfield

10th March 2016

Handelsbanken Chesterfield has appointed a new member of staff in response to increasing demand for its local relationship banking services.

Nicola Rodgers joins the fast-growing relationship bank, with 17 years of banking experience. Nicola will be involved in the operational side of the branch, supporting and serving existing customers, as well as welcoming new customers to Handelsbanken’s bespoke approach to local banking.

Nicola’s recent banking experience has been in credit documentation – skills that will be put to full use in Handelsbanken’s decentralised branch model. Branches are responsible for making all day-to-day banking decisions based solely on their customers’ requirements, free from product and lending targets or bonus incentives.

Nicola commented: “I am delighted to have joined Handelsbanken Chesterfield. What attracted me to Handelsbanken was its focus on close personal relationships with its customers, its reputation for high levels of service and its traditional values. I have joined a team of experienced bankers who have the power to make decisions that matter to our customers here in the branch.”

To coincide with Nicola’s appointment, Claire Leach has also moved into the role of individual banking manager in the Chesterfield Branch she helped establish in 2012. Her new appointment supports the demand for Handelsbanken’s individual banking services in and around Chesterfield.

Claire commented: “We offer our customers a bespoke banking and mortgage service, provided to them by experienced and CeMAP qualified bankers. I am delighted to be given this opportunity to support the growth of our business in Chesterfield.”

Phil Walker, Branch Manager, added: “I am very pleased to welcome Nicola to the Chesterfield branch team. Her appointment has given Claire the opportunity to undertake her first account manager role, and means that we can continue to meet the growing needs of both our existing and new customers in and around Chesterfield, whilst maintaining the high level of service for which we are renowned.”

(Image shows Handelsbanken Chesterfield team L-R: Nicola Rogers,Fraser Kirkman, Phil Walker, Claire Leach, Andy North, Cheryl Scothorne)

Posted in Business

Spireites quartet joins Jeff Stelling on charity walk

10th March 2016

A Spireites quartet will join Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling on a walk in aid of Prostate Cancer UK later this month.

Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner, media chief Nick Johnson, Kevin Fitzgerald (head of commercial & marketing) and former player Bob Newton will walk with Jeff from Rotherham United’s New York Stadium to the Proact Stadium on Thursday, March 24.

Jeff, who hosts the popular Soccer Saturday show, will walk from Hartlepool United to Wembley between March 21-30.

Clocking in at more than 250 miles, Jeff’s Men United March will see the 60-year-old check in on 31 football clubs.

Jeff said: “I deal in statistics – but the ones we are dealing with here are shocking. One man dies every hour from this disease, that’s six in the course of Soccer Saturday every week. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and for black men the odds are even worse at one in four.

“Within the next ten years Prostate Cancer UK believes they will find the answers to make this disease something men and their loved ones no longer fear. I’ve met the scientists who pledge to do this and I can see how dedicated they are. But do to this we need to raise vital funds – and I need everyone to support me and all the men affected by prostate cancer by visiting menunitedmarch.org and pledging their support.”

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/Chesterfield-FC

(Image courtesy of Tina Jenner)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting