Author: Tara Underhill

New format for the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards

15th February 2018

The 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards has stepped up a gear.

For the first time, the popular awards will be hosted as a glittering black-tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel. In previous years the awards have been presented at an afternoon tea.

Up to 200 store owners, retail workers and key figures from the business community are expected to attend the ceremony which is now in its fifth year.

Businesses can also take part in the prestigious event by sponsoring one of the 15 categories. New to this year’s ceremony will be the chance to commend the work of apprentice retail workers and employers of apprentices in the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year categories.

Commenting on the change of format, Dom Stevens Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “Becoming a sponsor is an excellent opportunity to get involved with the town’s developing retail scene.

“The awards have grown more popular year on year and the clear message is that local businesses are keen for Destination Chesterfield to further promote the quality and diversity of retailers across the town to attract further inward investment.

“With so many developments underway and so many new retailers arriving in Chesterfield, now is an excellent time to raise the profile of the Chesterfield Retail Awards further and we are pleased to be able to host the fifth event as a black tie ceremony.”

Supporters of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards so far include: Apprentice Town, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Jumble Creative Design, Peak FM, Temple Safety and The Pavements Shopping Centre.

Information about the various sponsorship packages are available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Annual Celebrate Chesterfield event to announce future plans for town

7th February 2018

The latest developments for Chesterfield’s £320million Waterside scheme will be unveiled at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Thursday 22 March 2018.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Plc, the company behind the scheme, will reveal at the free business breakfast event how the ambitious regeneration project – one of the largest in the UK – will take a major step forward this year.

The programme aims to create a thriving new community with homes, offices, shops, bars and restaurants surrounding a new canal basin.

Peter will also be joined by Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who will update on the progress the town is making as a whole.

Celebrate Chesterfield, now in its sixth year and organised by Destination Chesterfield, is one of the biggest business events in the region. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend at the Winding Wheel this year.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “We are a town on the up and we have a lot to be proud of. Celebrate Chesterfield is a fantastic opportunity for the local business community to come together and toast achievements from the past 12 months and look forward to what is coming up during 2018 and beyond.

“Last year’s event was a complete sell-out and we expect this year to be even more successful.”

Delegates can listen to case studies from growing local businesses, hear updates on some of the exciting plans in store for the town and will have the opportunity to quiz some of the town’s business leaders.

The University of Derby is this year’s headline sponsor with Central Technology and Markham Vale as associate sponsors.

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, College of Health and Social Care, said: “The University of Derby is proud to sponsor the Celebrate Chesterfield event once again in 2018.

“We remain committed to making a difference to Chesterfield and its population, growing our involvement in social and community projects to promote health and wellbeing. We have seen a significant increase in students at our Chesterfield Campus, particularly in adult and mental health nursing, giving more local people the opportunity to progress their careers. It is a joy to see the old girls’ school which has been restored sympathetically, but with state-of-the-art facilities, thriving as a vibrant educational centre of excellence. We are seeing occupation of our incubation space, and we are committed to supporting local businesses through innovation and creativity in areas such as health technology and product development, as well as working together to develop higher, degree and masters level apprenticeships.”

Richard Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Central Technology, added: “Supporting Destination Chesterfield is of huge importance to us. Having been established and working in Chesterfield, with year on year growth for over 15 years, we seek to employ local talent and work with local mid-market organisations that require IT support and critical data and security protection.

“2018 is a big year for Central Technology as we move to a fully fitted 11,000 sq ft office later this spring to accommodate our growth and provide more opportunities for jobs in the area.

“With a key focus on staff training and development, we will have dedicated training facilities and test labs for technical learning time. By attracting excellent technicians and developing our local apprenticeship scheme, we will be able to continue to provide the excellent service our customers expect.

“The event is a great opportunity for us to meet and work with like-minded mid-market organisations that are keen to grow business in Chesterfield and make it a great location to both work and live.”

Destination Chesterfield was launched in 2010 to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.

Over the past eight years it has brought together the business community as Chesterfield Champions to market the town, drive investment and bring it to the attention of national investors.

Celebrate Chesterfield is part of its campaign to make the town a “modern destination.” Tickets for the breakfast event, which is being held from 7.30am to 11am, are available to book now. Limited exhibition spaces for businesses to showcase their work are also available.

To book your ticket at the event, or reserve exhibition space, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Bookings open for Chesterfield Observation Wheel

7th February 2018

Online bookings are now being taken for rides on the Chesterfield Observation Wheel ahead of its opening at the weekend.

The 60 metre high observation wheel has 40 gondolas which will give visitors stunning views of Chesterfield and the countryside of surrounding areas. Each ride lasts for 13 minutes and involves two cycles of the wheel.

The wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group Events and will operate daily from Saturday 10 February until Sunday 11 March.

For ticket prices including online discounts and booking information please click here.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Since the construction of the wheel began this week it has created a real stir in the town. It is already a landmark you can see for miles around.

“It is a real coup to get this ride in Chesterfield because it normally operates from big city sites.

“We are already getting really positive comments from the businesses and traders in the area who say that even during the construction they have had more customers who have been drawn in by the sight of it being built. Once the ride opens we are sure it will prove a real boost to the economy and a welcome attraction for visitors.”

James Mellors Junior, director of the Mellors Group, said: “This is our first time in Chesterfield and we are really excited to bring this wheel here. We are sure that residents and visitors will come out in large numbers to enjoy the experience.

“The 360 degree views that you can see from the top of the wheel are something special that have to be seen to be believed.

“We are even planning a special treat on Valentine’s Day when the wheel will be lit up with a red heart and lights.”

The company has installed the wheel to meet all safety standards.

James added: “This is a £5 million ride that we have been operating in some of the biggest tourist attractions in the UK and abroad since 2009, including Hyde Park for the royal wedding celebrations and the annual winter wonderland. It has been in Liverpool for the Liverpool One shopping centre opening, in London for the Olympic Games celebrations, in Leeds and in Zurich. In addition to rides like this we operate Fantasy Island at Skegness and in Dubai.

“At every site we go to our safety record is impeccable and the same team has been involved in installing the wheel in Chesterfield as has done it at all those sites.

“The wheel sits on heavy duty sleepers because that is the most suitable material to support the weight of the wheel for a cobbled area like in Chesterfield.

“Before the ride opens it has to undergo stringent safety checks and we also carry out a full range of safety checks every day before any passengers get on.”

Councillor Steve Brunt added: “Mellors Group is the biggest name in the UK outdoor attractions industry and as you would expect for a company of their stature they have carried out all the required health and safety checks, completed all the paperwork and put everything in place to ensure public safety so that everyone can just enjoy the experience.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Local runner wins Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

26th October 2017

A local runner has become the first person to cross the finish line at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon – and was one of a number from the region to triumph in the race.

Charlie Baker, a member of Hallamshire Harriers running club, crossed the line with an impressive time of 1:18:52. Runner-up, John Sanderson from North Derbyshire RC clocked a time of 1:21:08, followed by Marcus Nicholson in third with a time of 1:22:33.

When accepting his trophy, Charlie said: “I’m feeling very pleased with myself, the most difficult part was one of the hills towards the end, and constantly running into the wind, but I’m very happy to have completed it and to cross the finish line in first place.”

Ashleigh Barron from the Steel City Striders was the first female to cross the line with a remarkable time of 1:30:15, followed by, Sheffield based TeamGB Duathlon and Triathlon athlete, Fiona Kesteven, who ran in 1:31:22. Deborah Lock rounded off the top three females running in a time of 1:31:33.

Ashleigh explained how she got through the miles: “I just kept having a word with myself, saying to keep going, that I have put all this hard work in and not to give up, I’m out in the storm, just go for it.”

Just under 1,000 people took to the streets of Chesterfield last weekend to take part in the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and the Peak FM Fun Run to raise money for their chosen charity.

The half marathon course started in Queen’s Park, went through the town centre visiting Hasland, then returned to Chesterfield via Brampton and Ashgate before returning to Queen’s Park.

The race was held in aid of local and regional worthy causes, primarily supporting event charity partners – Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and North Aston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice.

Local estate agency, Redbrik, was the headline sponsor for the 2017 event as part of the new five-year partnership deal.

John Timms, Events Director at MLS Contract Ltd, organiser of the event, said: “We were thrilled with the turnout of the event despite the traditional British weather.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our entrants for taking part and completing the race in such difficult circumstances.

“I would also like to thank all those who were affected by any road disruptions across Chesterfield for their good will and co-operation throughout the day. We must thank the 200 volunteers who helped marshal the course and gave up their valuable time to ensure a successful event”.

“This event will have enabled our hospices to do more work for those most in need in our local communities and all our partners wanted to support this.”

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik Estate Agency, who also took part in the event himself, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with such a successful event – The turnout was tremendous considering the wind.

“It’s been great to really get behind such a brilliant occasion and to be the main sponsors of the event – it made us so proud to see the participants and the huge crowds that turned up to cheer on the runners, it felt like the whole town came together.”

The event also held a successful family-friendly 2.5km Peak FM Fun Run which ran tandem to the main event.

Main charity partner Ashgate Hospicecare provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice looks after children and young adults with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions across North Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Banner Jones puts best foot forward for Ashgate Hospicecare

29th August 2017

Banner Jones Solicitors has raised £1,000 for Ashgate Hospicecare by completing a fundraising walk around the scenic Linacre Reservoirs.

The team clocked up a combined total of 240 miles on the day, with over 40 people taking part, including employees of Banner Jones, friends and family.

Ashgate Hospicecare, an independent registered charity, which provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at its hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, relies on the generosity of the local community and a team of volunteers to provide a range of vital services offered free of charge to those with a life-limiting illness.

Ali Darwood, the organiser of the sponsored walk on behalf of the team at Banner Jones, said: “The walk was a fantastic experience for everyone and we’re really pleased to have raised so much for Ashgate (Hospicecare), as it’s such a worthwhile cause.

“As a business, we feel that it is important to give something back to the communities within which we work and, as such, we regularly participate in charitable events and fundraisers across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.”

Josanne Richardson from Ashgate Hospicecare, has said: “As the demand for our services grow, so does the need for funding. As a charity the fundraising and support that local businesses provide through events such as this is absolutely vital to ensure that we can continue to support the people in our care.

“We have a longstanding relationship with Banner Jones and are so grateful that they continue to support our cause in all of their fundraising and charity efforts.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Summer

Derbyshire students succeed in new GCSE exams

29th August 2017

Provisional results show that 75% of Year 11 students in Derbyshire achieved grades four to nine in English this year and 59% achieved grades five to nine.

In maths, 70% of Year 11 students achieved grades four to nine and 49% achieved grades five to nine.

The traditional A* to G grades have been replaced with a nine to one system, with nine being the highest mark. Grade seven is equivalent to an A under the old system and a four is equivalent to a C.

More than 7,200 students across the county’s 45 secondary schools received their results on Thursday 24 August 2017 with many outstanding stories from both schools and individual students.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People Councillor Alex Dale said:

“It’s fantastic news that early indications show our GCSE students have done so well.

“Not only are GCSEs qualifications for life but they also teach young people valuable skills such as time management, organisational skills and revision techniques − skills they can take with them to the next stage of their career − whether that’s vocational or academic.

“I want to congratulate all the students for their hard work and dedication. I also want to thank heads, teachers, staff, governors, parents and our school improvement service for supporting our young people in achieving their success.”

This year English and maths are the first subjects to be graded under the new system. By 2020 all GCSEs will be graded in this way.

Further education or training options open to Year 11 students are:

– full-time education such as sixth form, college or work-based learning
– an apprenticeship
– part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week.

Councillor Dale added:

“Whatever results students may have received it’s important they know what options are open to them as they stay on in education or training.

“Staying on in education or work-based training opens up a lot of doors for young people and offers a range of opportunities to learn new skills to get a future career they will enjoy.

“Even if students don’t do as well as expected in their GCSEs, schools can put them in touch with advisers who can go through all the options open to them. These include a wide range of vocational qualifications and apprenticeships which will be showcased at our Derbyshire Skills Festival.”

Students aged 15 to 19, including those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school are invited to attend the Derbyshire Skills Festival. This year’s event takes place on Thursday 14th September 2017 (3.30pm – 8.00pm) at Queen’s Park Sports Centre.

Training providers, the Armed Forces, larger employers and our community adult education service will be on hand to talk to young people. They will also be invited to take part in a range of have-a-go activities.

There will be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and young people who are not in education, employment or training will also be invited.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Perez joins new team ahead of Rockingham

24th August 2017

Chesterfield’s young racing driver, Seb Perez has found a new home with Lincolnshire-based Rob Boston Racing in time for this weekend’s Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup at Rockingham.

JHR Developments, which was the leading team in the Championship, was suspended from all Ginetta competitions for the remainder of the 2017 season pending an investigation by the Yorkshire manufacturer.

Perez, who is tenth in the series, has been joined by his teammate, Nottinghamshire’s George Gamble. Along with six other drivers, the pair will retain their points from Derbyshire-based JHR Developments.

Looking forward to new challenges, Perez said: “After a crazy week, myself and teammate George will stick together as we join Rob Boston Racing. Now (it is) onwards and upwards to Rockingham this coming weekend.”

The race will be broadcast live on Sunday on ITV 4 as a support race to the popular British Touring Car Championship.

Images and editorial courtesy of Paul Horton Motorsport Photography.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Ernie Moss Day raises more than £3k

24th August 2017

More than £3,000 has been raised so far for the Alzheimer’s Society and Team Ernie through fundraising efforts as part of last Saturday’s Ernie Moss Day.

The money has been raised from the sale of commemorative t-shirts and wristbands, together with a collection made on the day and a donation from Chesterfield FC following the sale of programmes and Brampton Brewery’s ‘Ernie 8’ ale.

The Moss family said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the club and staff for all their support and our wonderful helpers on the day.

“Also a massive thanks to the fans for their never-ending support and to everyone who made Ernie Moss Day an emotional, proud day to remember…and of course to the lads for a win!”

A second Ernie Moss Day was held to honour Chesterfield’s record goalscorer, who is suffering from a form of dementia.

The fund will continue to grow as t-shirts and wristbands are still on sale in the Club Superstore at the Proact Stadium.

Photo by Tina Jenner: Ernie Moss carries the match ball out before Chesterfield’s game against Port Vale, joined by daughters Sarah (left) and Nikki.

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

£5m funding to boost employment

3rd August 2017

Sheffield City Region is set to receive up to £5million from the Department of Work and Pensions to support more people into employment.

Thousands of disadvantaged people and those at risk of becoming long-term jobseekers across the region are set to receive a combination of specialist advice and support to get into work. The scheme will start in January and run for five years.

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council and Chair of the SCR Skills, Employment and Education board, said: “I am very pleased to see this pilot, which will help underpin the inclusive approach of the Sheffield City Region.

“We are in the vanguard of this work. As we see the numbers of our high value jobs growing we are ensuring that no one in our communities misses out on this growth.”

Nigel Brewster, Vice Chair of the SCR Local Enterprise Partnership and Co-Chair of Skills, Employment and Education board, added: “This is a visionary exercise. Employers want the best people, and they are very keen to see help for those who face hurdles getting into work. This scheme will benefit the whole region.”

In the Sheffield City Region the scheme is expected to help support 3,000 people – including disabled people and older people. Employment and health specialists will work together to help vulnerable people facing multiple barriers to getting or keeping work.

Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, David Gauke said: “We have record numbers of people in work which is great news, but there are still people missing out on the available opportunities because of barriers to employment.

“This new scheme led by the Sheffield City Region is a great step forward in our efforts to identify groups of people most at risk of long-term unemployment, and ways we can support them in work.

“This pilot is yet another step forward in our efforts to help people of all backgrounds enjoy the benefits of work, and will boost the wide ranging support we currently offer through local experts like Jobcentre Plus.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry added: “We’re boosting jobs and growth across the Northern Powerhouse, with Sheffield City Region set to benefit from up to £5million for a new employment scheme. This pilot will help people across Sheffield City Region to find high quality jobs and help the people most vulnerable in the jobs market.”

Posted in Uncategorised

Craft beer and sports bar to open in Chesterfield

3rd August 2017

A new food, drink and live sports venue, specialising in craft beers, cocktails, artisan burgers and pizzas, is set to open in Chesterfield this weekend.

The All Saints Tap, based on St Mary’s Gate will open officially at 7.00pm on Friday 4th August.

A spokesperson from the All Saints Tap said: “Our concept has already proven to be extremely popular in some of most innovative cities across the UK, and we’re pleased to bring it to Chesterfield.

“Our vision is simple. We want to create somewhere that has a leading selection of the top craft beers the world has to offer, great food and exceptional service.”

“We will combine a number of the world’s most popular beers and carefully created cocktails with artisan burgers and pizzas. As well as all of this, we want to give you somewhere to watch your favourite live sports events on the big screen in a lively, social and laidback atmosphere.

“Plain and simple, we want to give you and your friends an unrivalled experience that you can shout about. No nonsense, just great food, drink and sport.”

The prominent building on St Mary Gate now home to The All Saints Tap was previously occupied by York House.

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

Striker extends Spireites stay

3rd August 2017

Chesterfield striker Kristian Dennis has signed an extension to his contract, which now runs until the summer of 2019.

After penning his new deal, Dennis said: “I am delighted to have extended my stay here at Chesterfield and I can’t wait for the season to start on Saturday.”

Chesterfield director & company secretary Ashley Carson said: “We are delighted to have secured Kristian on an extended contract as he is a very talented player.

“Signing him until 2019 shows the club’s commitment to the player and we think he will do very well this season.”

Dennis, 27, joined the Spireites last summer after leaving Stockport County and was Chesterfield’s top scorer last season with ten goals.

Destination Chesterfield: Chesterfield Football Club B2net stadium match day experience.

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