Author: Tara Underhill

Three Chesterfield schools triumph at Derbyshire School Games

10th July 2015

Three schools in Chesterfield have seen considerable success at the Derbyshire School Games – a national competition, this year featuring sprint stars Jonnie Peacock MBE and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Top achievers at Springwell Community College were proud to receive both gold and silver medals in the Tennis Plus, while Tupton Hall School took home silvers in a total of three events – Cricket Plus, the Super Sixes Golf Plus and the Quadkids Athletics Secondary competition.

Also celebrating are students at Brookfield Community School who were pleased to scoop bronze in the Super Sixes Golf Plus.

Paralympian Peacock – London 2012 gold medallist in the T44 100m – was interviewed during the opening ceremony about his rise to stardom and spoke about how he had been inspired as a School Games athlete.

“These Games are so important because it teaches the kids so many different things on so many different levels,” he said. “If they can look at my journey and emulate that in any possible way, that’s going to be a huge win for me.”

World, European and Commonwealth medallist Aikines-Aryeetey was just as popular, giving a speech about the importance of having a positive, ‘can do’ attitude.

Aikines-Aryeetey said: “It has been really fun, an honour to be here. I really enjoyed listening to the young people talking about their experiences in sport, watching them in action and seeing the enjoyment on their faces.”

Both athletes took part in the opening ceremony, which saw captains from each of the school sport partnerships act as flag bearers, accompanied by athletes on the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) programme.

A Heritage School dance group also performed at the opening ceremony and then assisted Katherine Wilkins from Deda in leading the warm-up routines.

Others to show their support at the Derbyshire Sport-led event were nine-time Paralympic swimming medallist Martin Mansell, Paralympic footballer Leon Taylor and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Caroline Povey.

Almost 1,000 young people from across the county attended the Derbyshire School Games Event at Trent College – all competing in 11 events in a total of seven sports.

Each of the 87 teams from 58 schools taking part – from High Peak to South Derbyshire – had already excelled to get through to this stage, having qualified by winning their local area competition.

Image: Tupton Hall School students with DIS athlete and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Caroline Povey and Paralympic CP footballer Leon Taylor.

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

Devolution plans welcomed by local leaders

8th July 2015

The Chancellor has used his Budget speech to announce that the Government is looking to negotiate a further devolution deal with Sheffield City Region.

If an agreement can be reached the deal will include an elected mayor who will work with local leaders to oversee new powers devolved from ministers. The potential deal which is being discussed would see Sheffield City Region granted significant additional powers and the opportunity to take control of its own affairs to support economic growth.

Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, said: “Local leaders in Sheffield City Region have started the conversation with Government on a devolution deal and the possibility for a City Region metro mayor. The Sheffield City Region is central to the success of the “Northern Powerhouse”, at the head of the pack as one of only three areas with a Devolution Deal, alongside Leeds and Manchester.

“We support Government plans to devolve further powers and funding to City Regions because local funding decisions are more effectively made by local Council and business leaders who better understand what our local economy needs to be able to grow. We want to see the economy rebalanced and our productivity rise to strengthen the Northern Powerhouse. However, a deal is not inevitable and any deal for significant changes in governance in Sheffield City Region will only be made if a significant devolution deal is on offer.”

James Newman, Chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “For continued economic and job growth in our City Region we must build and strengthen our existing businesses and attract new businesses to invest. By negotiating a possible deal with Government for more devolution of powers and access to funding streams, the City Region will attract more inward investment, provide more certainty to local economic policy making and local leaders will be better able to plan for the long term.

“Sheffield City Region has a heritage as an industrial powerhouse in its own right and any devolution deal will enable it to play a leading part in both the Northern Powerhouse and a resurgence of manufacturing in the UK.

“This further devolution conversation with Government is a direct result of the success of the City Region in delivering previous deals and the strong public and private sector partnership that has been created and is now being recognised by Government as leading edge.”

If a devolution deal can be agreed, it will focus on accelerating delivery of the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan, which aims to stimulate economic growth and create 70,000 jobs over the next decade.

Posted in Business

Chamber reacts to summer budget

8th July 2015

Commenting on Chancellor George Osborne’s first Budget on a Conservative mandate, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and External Affairs at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “Before the Budget, the Chamber called on the Chancellor to deliver a package of measures focused more on boosting growth than austerity and what was announced today will, by and large, provide stimulus for the economy while continuing the tough task of eliminating the deficit at a steady pace.

“However, given that the Chancellor was in Derby only last month to state his ambition to make the Midlands an ‘Engine of Growth’ for the UK, it was disappointing that he didn’t say anything specific about fuelling that engine. There was a lack of any real action on infrastructure spending – which plays a critical role in generating growth – beyond the proposed road improvement fund, to be paid for by ring-fenced Vehicle Excise Duty.

“While it wasn’t explicitly mentioned, we await further details about two infrastructure initiatives mentioned in the written Budget which will have a real impact here in the East Midlands – the commitment of £5m of additional funding for Midlands Connect, to help develop its vision and strategy for transforming transport connectivity across the region in order to drive economic growth, and the allocation of the extended New Stations Fund to support a local bid for stations on the Robin Hood Line to Edwinstowe and Ollerton, subject to a business case, linking Nottingham city to the north of the county.

“There were, however, several measures announced that will be welcomed by business. Firms across the East Midlands are reliant on the roads for the movement of their goods and people, so a further freeze in Fuel Duty is a good thing.

“The Chamber has long campaigned for more clarity and certainty around Annual Investment Allowances and although we knew it was going to fall from its current level of £500,000, to just £25,000 from 1 January 2016, it was pleasing to see it will now be set at a new long term level of £200,000-a-year. This will provide a significant incentive for businesses to invest in their future and hopefully go some way to addressing the productivity puzzle.

“Reductions to the headline rate of Corporation Tax to 19% in 2017 and 18% by 2020 will be welcomed by business, as will the increase of the NIC employment allowance from £1,500 to £3,000. This could help to offset the expected increases to the National Minimum Wage, as recommended by the Low Pay Commission, which may well have a disproportionate effect on smaller employers already facing financial pressures as they implement pensions auto-enrolment.

“While there is still more specific detail to come, the commitment to set time scales for many of the measures set out in today’s Budget will offer the certainty to support businesses with their planning processes as they look to invest, recruit and grow.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chatsworth chosen to host RHS Flower Show

6th July 2015

A new annual RHS Flower Show is set to be held in the beautiful 1,000-acre parkland of Chatsworth.

The iconic Peak District attraction will hold the show in 2017 alongside Chelsea, Hampton Court Palace, Tatton Park and London.

Sue Biggs, RHS Director General, said: “We’re thrilled that in 2017 we will be hosting an RHS Flower Show in partnership with Chatsworth on its breathtaking grounds. The amazing estate with its gorgeous surroundings has a rich gardening heritage and we’re honoured and excited to soon be a part of it.

“RHS Chatsworth Flower Show will join our current portfolio of shows at Cardiff, Malvern, Chelsea, Hampton Court Palace, Tatton Park and London. It will be an incredible new show – a stunning addition to the flower show calendar, bursting with fresh ideas that will delight visitors. It’s a fabulous opportunity for exhibitors and a great platform to showcase and sell their amazing plants to a new audience.

“The show will be held on the banks of the River Derwent, providing some of the most magnificent views in the country amid the landscape of ‘Capability’ Brown,” said Sue. “The spectacular home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire will give the event a dramatic and beautiful natural backdrop.”

Nick Mattingley, RHS Head of Shows, said: “It’s so exciting to be in the new role of Head of Shows at the RHS, as we announce the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show. The show will be full of innovation and fresh ideas – it will be unlike anything we’ve done in previous years.

“I can’t wait to speak to exhibitors about being part of this fabulous new show – what an incredible time for the RHS, UK growers and nurserymen, garden designers and, of course, the public. RHS Chatsworth Flower Show will be like no other.”

The Duke of Devonshire commented: “After our wonderful experience at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Amanda and I could not be more thrilled that the RHS has selected Chatsworth for its new show. There is so much happening in the garden at Chatsworth and we very much hope the RHS Flower Show will encourage more garden lovers to come to see us.”

In May, Chatsworth exhibited at an RHS Flower Show for the first time. ‘The Laurent-Perrier Chatsworth Garden’, designed by Dan Pearson, was awarded Gold and won RHS Best Show Garden 2015 at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The garden was a beautiful representation of a small – and less-trodden – part of Chatsworth Garden. Inspired by Chatsworth’s ornamental trout stream and Paxton’s rockery, the garden gave Dan an opportunity to demonstrate his passion for naturalism.

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show will be an annual event. It will take place for the first time on
7 – 11 June 2017.

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

Extra week to enter Chesterfield in Bloom competition

6th July 2015

The deadline for residents to enter the Chesterfield in Bloom competition has been extended until Friday 10 July.

Organisers at Chesterfield Borough Council have so far received 127 entries in nine categories.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “We are pleased with the number and standard of entries to this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition.

“We know that there are several people who would like to enter but have not had the time so we are pleased to extend the deadline for entries for another week.

“You don’t need a large garden, there are plenty of categories to enter including best container garden and best hanging basket.”

Full details and entry forms are available on the council website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Shorts welcomes another new face to growing team

6th July 2015

Chesterfield Champion Shorts are delighted to welcome Gemma Clare as the most recent member of their rapidly expanding Healthcare team. Gemma, who will divide her time between the firm’s Sheffield and Chesterfield offices, joins as Accounts Senior with in excess of 12 years’ experience, specialising in advising GP practices.

Welcoming Gemma to the firm, Healthcare Director Ceri Lewis commented “Gemma’s appointment is the latest in a series of quality Healthcare recruitments for the firm, shortly after that of Tax Senior Connor Smith earlier this year. Following sustained growth for the firm, both appointments continue our long term strategy of investing in the very best people in order to continue delivering high quality advice and service to our clients.”

“Shorts is committed to helping Healthcare professionals achieve their business and personal objectives in the most tax efficient manner. By increasing our dedicated Healthcare team we are able to ensure they receive specialist accounting, tax planning and advisory services with the assurance of AISMA accredited professionals who have a detailed understanding of the complex issues and challenges facing GPs.”

Posted in Business

Local lad wins Derbyshire Student Chef of the Year

3rd July 2015

Chesterfield pupil Ryan Bruce has been crowned Derbyshire Student Chef of the Year at ceremony held at The Dome in Buxton.

The proud 15-year-old won the title on the back of his freshly-made sweet and sour chicken and wholegrain rice followed by chocolate, orange and raspberry cake.

Dishes had to include some seasonal, local produce, reflect cultural diversity and be suitable for serving to 14-year-olds in school.

To be named overall winner Ryan, who studies at Whittington Green School, also had to ensure his menu for two was on budget at just £2 per head.

Open to students from years 9 to 11, the competition − now in its fifth year − was organised by Derbyshire County Council’s school catering service.

Ryan was presented with a certificate, trophy and £100 of shopping vouchers from Councillor Caitlin Bisknell, deputy cabinet member for children and young people, who praised all winners and finalists for their fantastic culinary skills.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said:

“The standard of cooking was superb. They all did extremely well in a very pressured environment.”

Also commended from Chesterfield was Leah Roberts, 15, another pupil at Whittington Green School.

(Image shows Ryan Bruce from Whittington Green School with judges: Primary Catering Manager Kevin Hill, Menu Development Officer Katie Woods and Karen Stanley, lecturer in hospitality and catering at Buxton College.)

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

Young Chef of the Year tickles taste buds with local recipe book

3rd July 2015

Chesterfield’s Young Chef of the Year 2014, Natasha Hart, has been cooking up interest for ‘Taste’ – a new, mouth-watering, local cook book featuring favourite recipes from top food spots and keen cooks living and working in the town.

Collated by Chesterfield College, ‘Taste’ is designed to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare and is part of a bigger campaign by the college to raise £30,000 for the hospice’s £1 million Urgent Bed Appeal. Natasha visited the charity this week to help launch the new book as well as offering some tips for making her recipe at home.

Packed full of savoury and sweet delights, the book includes delicious treats like a stuffed chicken recipe from the Chesterfield Football Club Physio, Jamie Hewitt and a chocolate and caramac Roulade from Andrea Loomes, Head Chef at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Local restaurants and food retailers like Calabria and Jacksons the Bakers have shared their favourite recipes too, making the book a must for any self-respecting foodie to have on their cook book shelf!

Mhairi Herring, from Ashgate Hospicecare said “Thanks to all who have contributed to the Taste book and to Chesterfield College for producing it.

“Every penny from the sale of Taste will raise vital funds to allow us to provide care for people with life limiting illnesses. So grab a copy and get cooking.

“The recipes look delicious. I can’t wait to try Ainsley Harriott’s sticky toffee pudding. I wonder if the calories won’t count as it is all for charity!”

The books are now on sale for £5 from Ashgate Hospicecare shops, Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Football Club, Calabria, Jacksons the Bakers and Maison Mes Amis.

Natasha Hart was named Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year at the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. This year’s Young Chef of the Year will be crowned alongside 12 other winners at a glittering ceremony taking place at Chesterfield College in October.

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

Spireites defender extends contract

2nd July 2015

Chesterfield have been boosted by the news that experienced central defender Ian Evatt has signed a one-year contract extension.

Evatt, who began his second spell with Chesterfield two years ago, is now tied to the club until the summer of 2017.

After penning his new deal, Evatt said: “I’m delighted to stay. There were a few rumours about clubs being interested in me, but I feel that I’m one of Chesterfield’s own. I love the area and I’m settled here so hopefully I can finish my career here. It’s a club that is very close to my heart and hopefully we can have some more success in the future.

“The manager is such an enthusiastic character and his enthusiasm rubs off on everyone else. We’re not a million miles away, as the gaffer knows, so that’s why I wanted to stay.”

Spireites manager Dean Saunders added: “It’s great news for everyone that Ian has agreed an extended deal. He’s an experienced player who has a key role to play for the club. I will use him to help bring the young players on because you learn from experienced pros.”

Saunders has revealed that he is also in negotiations with other players who are in the last year of their contract.

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

Residents choose sculpture for Queen’s Park Sports Centre

1st July 2015

Members of the public have chosen the design of a sculpture to go in the grounds of the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre being built by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Jump, by West Midlands based artist Mick Thacker, is based on the concept of time lapse motion photography and shows the various stages of a person jumping through the air. It received 48 per cent of the 718 votes.

It was chosen ahead of Wave, by Matlock sculptor Stuart Marsh, which received 30 per cent of the vote. The wave sculpture was designed to represent grace, strength and determination.

The other option, Heartbeat, got 22 per cent of the votes. Designed by Nottinghamshire sculptor Michael Johnson the design showed an image of a regular heartbeat to symbolise well-being and exercise.

The winning artist will now make the full size sculpture which will go outside the café area of the new sports centre currently being built on the Queen’s Park Annexe site, off Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for planning, said: “The sculpture will add to the growing collection of public art across the town being delivered through our Per Cent for Art Scheme.

“All the artists were asked to come up with themes that represented the health and fitness agenda that the new sports centre will deliver.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The sculpture will be sited in a prominent location near the café and will help provide a focal point to the grounds.”

The public consultation for the artwork was held during June. Residents were able to vote online or in person at the existing Queen’s Park Sports Centre, the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley, Chesterfield College or the Visitor Information Centre. The consultation was also publicised in the local media, on websites and social media.

Mick Thacker, who will produce the winning sculpture, said: “I am delighted to have won the public vote and very much look forward to making and installing the new work.

“The theme and form of the sculpture perfectly fit the context of a brand new sports centre and my hope is that the work will inspire and inform in equal measure. Jump celebrates the beauty of the human body in motion and the joy of life itself.”

The final scale and finishing details will be worked on over the coming weeks before fabrication of the sculpture begins in September ready for installation during mid-December.

The new Queen’s Park Sports Centre is on schedule to open in early 2016. The £11.25 million project is paid for by £6.725 million from Chesterfield Borough Council, £2.5 million from Chesterfield College, as part of a dual use agreement, £2 million from Sport England’s Strategic Facilities Fund and £25,000 from Squash England.

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

Former councillor to be commended for long service

1st July 2015

Former councillor Jim McManus will be made an honorary alderman of the borough in recognition of his long service.

Jim was a member of Chesterfield Borough Council for 28 years, serving continuously for seven terms from 1987 until retiring at the recent borough elections. During that time, he was a member of many council committees and spent the last four years as the council’s executive member for housing.

During his time as executive member, all of the council’s housing reached the Decent Homes standard for the first time and work began on building the new purpose-built Parkside older-persons’ accommodation on Stand Road.

Jim will receive the honour at an extraordinary council meeting on Monday 6 July. At the ceremony, he will be presented with a scroll and will sign the roll of honorary aldermen. His name will also be added to the board displayed outside the council chamber in the Town Hall.

Honorary alderman status is the second-highest honour the council can bestow after the freedom of the borough. Jim will become the 11th person to be granted this status.

Posted in About Chesterfield