Author: Tara Underhill

007 Theme Returns for Young Enterprise Charity Dinner

Back by popular demand, The Fox and Goose in Wigley near Chesterfield is set to host a second James Bond themed charity dinner.

Designed to raise money for North Derbyshire Young Enterprise, as well as helping to raise the charity’s profile locally, the event will be once again be based on the 2006 film, Casino Royale.

The prestigious black tie event takes place on Saturday March 14th from 7pm and includes a delicious four-course dinner, which will be complimented by casino entertainment, a live band, raffle and silent auction.

Hazel James, volunteer board member of North Derbyshire Young Enterprise and event organiser said:-

“As well as being a really fun night, the dinner is also a vital part of the charity’s fundraising efforts.

“The event funds 90% of the work we do in supporting the schools and running the Young Enterprise Company Programme and is an incredibly important date in the board’s calendar.

“It’s a great cause for local businesses to get behind as part of their commitment to charitable giving and corporate social responsibility and we hope many people will join us at the event.”

Tables of ten are now available priced at £400 each, with all proceeds supporting North Derbyshire Young Enterprise. A limited number of individual tickets may also be available for smaller parties and couples. For more information and to book email Hazel.James@rykneldhomes.org.uk.

Posted in Business

Hear all about it at Hollingwood Hub

An audio post has been unveiled as the latest attraction at Hollingwood Hub on the Chesterfield Canal.

Visitors can now hear eight short messages about the canal, the trust and local history. Wherever possible, the recordings have been made by people who have worked on the canal or by people with detailed local knowledge.

Chesterfield Canal Trust Secretary, Bev Hunt, said:

“We are very grateful to the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation for awarding us the money for this splendid audio post. We are sure that it will increase the public’s enjoyment and knowledge of the canal and the amazing history of the immediate locality.”

Joanne Rhodes, manager of Yorkshire Building Society’s Dronfield branch added:

“I’m delighted the Charitable Foundation – which is funded by our members through Small Change Big Difference, has been able to support the Chesterfield Canal Trust and its audio post project.

“The commitment and enthusiasm that the trust members have for what they do shone through! They do an amazing job and are so passionate about their work, the canal and also the history of the area.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Local Company offers Accredited Courses in Industrial Hose Fittings and Safety

Chesterfield distributor Industrial Ancillaries will deliver its first accredited course in Industrial Hose Fittings and Safety next week.

Working in partnership with the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), the training is designed for people working with hydraulic and pneumatic hoses across all industries including construction, oil and gas, plumbing, process and analytical instrumentation, energy, aerospace and medical.

As a BFPA approved training centre, the Industrial Ancillaries Academy is an important addition to the core business in helping to raise standards and awareness, especially in the area of safety within the industry.

Jamie Dennis, Managing Director of Industrial Ancillaries said:

“These training programmes have been established to raise the awareness levels of people who work with hydraulic and pneumatic hoses at all levels: from the system designer and field engineer, to the machine operator and the person who actually makes hose assemblies.

Being a supplier of these products, we have a responsibility to promote health and safety when the products are in use. Anyone looking to improve their working knowledge is welcome to participate in the courses.”

Run from the firm’s head office at Markham Vale, courses range from Foundation level, through to more intermediate classes in Hose Inspection and Management, and are aimed at anyone wishing to improve their current knowledge or job prospects within the industry.

Set dates are being advertised and private bookings are also available.  For more information and to book visit www.indanc.academy.

Posted in Business

X Factor’s Amelia Lily to Join Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Amelia Lily is set to bring yet more X Factor to the Winding Wheel in this year’s production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat as she steps into the role of Narrator alongside fellow X Factor finalist Lloyd Daniels, who plays Joseph.

Amelia, who was mentored by former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland, finished third on The X Factor 2011, and then went on to have chart success with her debut single You Bring Me Joy, which got to number two.

No stranger to the bright lights, the star was also the support act for Girls Aloud’s farewell tour in 2013, and for Olly Murs at the INTRO Festival.

Coming to Chesterfield in April, the colourful retelling of the biblical story about Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours stars will once again star Lloyd Daniels as Joseph.

Lloyd became the X Factor’s youngest contestant in 2009 and got to the final five out of 250,000 contestants to perform in front of 10 million TV viewers. Since then he has performed to sold-out arenas on a 56 date X Factor tour and released his popular single Suburbian Girl.

The musical also sees the welcome return of Matt Lapinskas who will be donning his Elvis outfit once more to reprise the role of the Pharaoh. Best known for playing Anthony Moon in BBC EastEnders, Matt was also runner up in the penultimate series of Dancing on Ice. He joined the Joseph cast in 2014 for the UK, making his first musical theatre role.

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel from Tuesday 14 to Sunday 19 April 2015. Tickets can be booked via the Chesterfield Theatres Box Office by calling 01246 345 222 or visiting chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk.

Posted in Visiting

Training and Apprenticeship Advice on Offer to Help Businesses Grow

Business owners and managers are invited to find out about local training and apprenticeship opportunities at a workshop being held at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield this March.

Hosted by Sheffield City Region, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), the event will include presentations from small businesses that have grown by developing their staff and taking on apprentices.

Sheffield City Region LEP Board Member Nigel Brewster said: “The benefits of taking on an apprentice or investing in skills training for staff are clear. However, we know that for some sole-traders and small businesses the whole process can seem time consuming and knowing where to start can be a barrier. These events will begin to tackle this by giving local business owners practical advice about how they can upskill their workforce. Business growth is at the heart of the LEP’s vision, and we recognise that if business owners and managers give employees the right skills then they will be better able to grow.”

Melanie Ulyatt, FSB Regional Chairman, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, said: “The FSB is passionate about helping small business to grow and succeed. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the LEP and SFA to host these events which will give businesses up-to-date information and effective advice about skills training opportunities in Sheffield City Region.”

The workshop will take place Tuesday 10 March, 9am to 1pm, Casa Hotel, Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield.  Free to attend, businesses encouraged to register online as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. For booking information visit http://growththroughtraining.org.uk/skillsevents.

Posted in Business

Local Charities Benefit from Chesterfield Marathon Money

A number of local organisations have each received £100 thanks to money raised at last year’s Chesterfield Marathon.

More than £3,000 has been shared between charities including Ashgate Hospice, Fairplay, the Mayor’s Appeal and others during a special presentation of cheques, which took place at Maison Mes Amis in Chesterfield.

The rest of the money raised from the race has gone towards children’s charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK, which specialises in securing Proton Therapy treatment for young people with different forms of cancer.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield attended to receive their cheque for the Mayor’s Appeal.

Also at the event was 24 year old, Victoria Crampton, who is gearing up to take part in the Marathon De Sables – known as the toughest footrace on earth – in aid of Kids ‘n’ Cancer.

Victoria talked about her preparations for the challenge, which will take place in April 2015 and will see her run 150 miles, the equivalent of nearly six marathons, over six days in extreme temperatures of up to 50 degrees centigrade.

Victoria said: “I know it is going to be mentally as well as physically challenging and will be the hardest thing I will probably ever do. The heat, exhaustion and pain will be overwhelming! But I hope that thinking about the reason I am doing it will spur me on and keep me going.”

Mike Hyman, founder of Kids ‘n’ Cancer and organiser of the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon, said: “We are delighted to donate a share of the funds raised to these extremely worthwhile organisations and we hope the money goes some way to ensuring that the charities can continue the fantastic work they do.”

Registration is open for this year’s Chesterfield Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 20th September.  For more information visit www.chesterfieldmarathon.org.uk.

Posted in Uncategorised

JE James Manager Takes on Derbyshire Times Flagg Challenge

Big-hearted cycling firm JE James is leading by example as preparations get under way for the Derbyshire Times Flagg Challenge for Ashgate Hospice.

Manager Dean Poole, based on Brimington Road North, has pledged to tackle the Peak District himself now the cycle shop has stepped in for the second time to support the event.

Dean said: “The hospice does a fantastic job and we want to be able to help raise as much money as possible by supporting this charity ride.”

The 44-year-old former Sunday league footballer is doing the ride despite suffering with a cruciate ligament injury in his left knee and cartlidge damage in his right knee.

He added: “It’s all about the challenge and being able to achieve something for the hospice so we’re encouraging as many of our customers as possible to get on board.”

The fourth Flagg Challenge sets off from the hospice from 9am on July 26 and goes out as far as Flagg and back again via Chatsworth and promises to be bigger and better.

Entrants have a choice of a 50 or 25 mile marshalled route and they receive maps, a guide, and a training programme. Everyone participating will be armed with fundraising tips and raffle tickets and a range of interactive web and social media updates. There will also be fundraiser prizes.

Early-bird £20 entry form availability will be announced very shortly. For details contact Jon Cooper on 01246 504524, jon.cooper@jpress.co.uk or the hospice’s Charlotte Gratton on 01246 567250 and charlotte.gratton@ashgatehospice.nhs.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Primary School to Celebrate Chinese New Year at Vicar Lane

Two dragons will be paraded down Steeplegate and Vicar Lane next week to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Currently being designed and made by pupils at Mary Swanwick Primary School, the dragons are part of a School and Community Project suggested by Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield.

The children and their dragons will be at Steeplegate and Vicar Lane at around 11.00am on 19th February 2015. Visitors are encouraged to join the parade or cheer them on.

Amanda Thomas from Vicar Lane Shopping Centre said: “The pupils at Mary Swanwick school have been involved in several artistic projects which have been displayed at Vicar Lane in the past, including making bunting, Christmas decorations and recycling projects. They are always enthusiastic and produce some fantastic work, which the public then get a chance to see at Vicar Lane.

Claire Rumsey, ART HLTA from Mary Swanwick Primary School said: “As always, we are delighted to be involved in a Vicar Lane event. The children are eagerly anticipating their work being on display for the public.”

Head teacher, Joy Nunn said:

“Claire and the children have given up many lunch times to create their dragons. I’m delighted and very proud of their efforts.”

Posted in Visiting

Spireites Raise Over £3K for Dementia UK

The recent ‘Ernie Moss Day’ organised by Chesterfield FC saw £3,043.21 raised for Dementia UK.

Held to celebrate the career of the legendary striker, who is suffering from a form of dementia known as Pick’s disease, the match at home to Port Vale featured the sale of limited edition badges, Brampton Brewery’s ‘Ernie 8’ ale and a bucket collection.

A cheque was handed over to Dementia UK representative Will Hampshire at half-time in the game against Doncaster Rovers. Ernie and his daughters, Nikki and Sarah, took part in the presentation, along with Pete Whiteley from the Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Brampton Brewery director John Hirst.

Spireites Chief Executive, Chris Turner said: “It was great to be able to pay tribute to Ernie, who is one of the most popular players in the history of the club. We were delighted to be able to raise funds for a very worthy cause at the same time.”

Hilda Hayo, chief admiral nurse and chief executive of Dementia UK, said: “On behalf of Dementia UK and the thousands of families we work with, I would like to say a huge thank you to Chesterfield FC and all their supporters for supporting Dementia UK.”

Ernie’s family have set up a JustGiving page to raise funds online for Dementia UK. To donate, please visit: www.justgiving.com/Ernie-Moss.

Posted in Uncategorised

England Under 17s Prepare For Proact Visit

The England Under 17s are to play at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium in March and coach, John Peacock is hoping a large home backing can roar his side into the European Championship in Bulgaria this summer.

Peacock’s Young Lions welcome Norway, Slovenia and Romania to these shores next month for their Elite Round European qualifiers, where a place in the top two in the group of four will seal a spot in this summer’s tournament.

“It’s great to get home advantage for these fixtures, being based at St George’s Park and playing the games locally is a massive boost for us,” Peacock told TheFA.com. “We have three tough games against Romania, Slovenia and Norway, which won’t be easy, but if the players play to the best of their ability we have a great chance of qualifying.”

The head coach guided last year’s crop of Under-17s to glory, winning the Euros in Malta last May – the second time he has managed the feat, having lifted the crown in 2010 also.

And with Chesterfield and Burton Albion playing host to England’s matches, Peacock is hoping three victories in front of a vocal home support will be the first steps on the road to glory again.

“It would be nice to emulate last year by winning it again but we have to qualify for the finals in Bulgaria first and these matches will provide tough tests for our players,” he said.

“Hopefully we can get some good attendances and people will come out and watch these young players of the future. In past games at Burton and Chesterfield we’ve had some strong crowds and the clubs have been fantastic in hosting these fixtures and prompting the matches.

“To win the Elite Round and qualify for the Finals is always tough, but we have reached many semi-finals and finals in the past, so let us hope we can continue our good run of the past several years.”

He added: “We’ve achieved a couple of successes and with a bit of luck, hopefully there will be more to come. We are fortunate in that the clubs are producing some good players which should make us competitive against some tough opposition.”

Tickets for the Young Lions clash with Slovenia at the Proact Stadium, which takes place on Monday, March 23 (7pm), are available online (subject to £1 booking fee) at www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/tickets or by calling 01246 488232.

Tickets are priced at just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions (those aged 18 and under/65 and over). The concession rate is also available to season ticket holders and membership card holders. Tickets can be purchased on the night.

In preparation for the Elite Round, Peacock and the England Under-17s travel to Portugal next week for the Algarve Tournament, where they will face the hosts, Holland and Germany.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield’s Retiring Workers Offered Help to Receive Right Pension Advice

Chesterfield’s soon-to-be-retired workers are being encouraged to question their pension providers about options for their pension pot with only two months until major legislation changes.

The advice comes from Independent Financial Planners Cheetham Jackson, based on Saltergate, who are concerned that many people are not aware of new flexible pension rules that mean they may be able to access their entire pension pot from 6 April 2015.

According to Paul Bamford, an advisor at Cheetham Jackson, anyone due to retire prior to April 2015 should seek independent advice as their pension providers can only signpost information attached to their own plans and not give regulated advice.

He said: “We are speaking to an increasing number of people approaching retirement before April 2015 who haven’t been told of the options by their pension provider. I have concerns that people will be locked into an annuity which takes away options to use their own money in the most effective way. If the information isn’t being volunteered by pension provider, people assume an annuity is ‘the norm’. It is imperative people start to ask more questions about their options”

Cheetham Jackson offers complimentary, no-obligation drop-in advice sessions at its offices on Saltergate in Chesterfield, where advisors are on hand to offer impartial advice.

Posted in About Chesterfield