About Chesterfield

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap returns to Pomegranate Theatre

16th December 2015

The legendary Agatha Christie thriller The Mousetrap is to return to The Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield in the spring, following sell-out performances in 2014.

Louise Jameson will star as Mrs Boyle in the record-breaking 60^th anniversary tour. Best known for her long-running roles as Leela, a companion of Tom Baker’s Doctor in Doctor Who, Louise has also played Susan Young in Bergerac¸ Eleanor Glasson in Doc Martin, and Rosa di Marco in EastEnders.

Louise said: “I thought about doing something special for my 65th birthday in 2016. Just how did I get to be 65? The same way The Mousetrap has run for nearly that length of time I suppose, just second by second time has ticked away we’ve both lasted this long, and so we’ll be celebrating together. That’s quite special.”

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been the world’s longest running stage production at its London home since breaking the record in 1958 and recently celebrated its 26,000th performance. The 60th Anniversary – and first ever – UK tour of this beloved murder mystery is approaching 1000 performances and has now been seen by nearly 1 million people, having broken box office records in many of its tour venues.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap comes to the Pomegranate Theatre from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th March. For ticket please visit www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk, call into the box office at Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre or call 01246 345 222.

Images:

The Mousetrap 2016 UK Tour. Courtesy of Hugo Glendinning.
Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen and the cast of The Mousetrap celebrating the 26,000 performance. Courtesy of Dave Wise

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Plan to get active with Jog Into January

16th December 2015

A series of absolute beginner jogging sessions are taking place across Derbyshire from January to encourage more people to get active during 2016.

The Jog Into January campaign is specifically designed to help people who have never pulled on running shoes before, or want to get back into jogging.

Co-ordinated by JOG Derbyshire – which has more than 90 jogging groups across the county – the sessions start from Sunday January 10 and are led by qualified jog leaders.

Jogging plans for complete beginners can be followed, which assist participants to progress from walking to jogging within weeks.

The 2015 campaign, which ran from January to March, saw 278 new members join JOG Derbyshire, while 800 people a week jog regularly with the organisation.

“The most important thing is that people don’t need to worry about how they look or what speed they are moving at,” said Michelle Simmons, JOG Derbyshire Co-ordinator. “The emphasis is very much on every group being friendly and non-competitive, working with people step-by step to help get them jogging.

“If your New Year’s resolution is to get fit, then this is an ideal opportunity to start your health kick among people who’ve also not jogged before, giving the opportunity to make new friends.”

To find participating groups in Chesterfield click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Positive job figures cap year of success for Chesterfield businesses

16th December 2015

The number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in Chesterfield fell again in November, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics. In November, there were 876 JSA claimants , 46 fewer than in October (922) and 570 fewer than in November 2014 (1446). The current percentage of people claiming the benefit remains below the national average for a third month (1.4% for Chesterfield compared with 1.6% for the UK and 1.4% for the East Midlands).

The number of unemployed people in the East Midlands fell by 2,000 to 101,000 over the three months to the end of October, meaning that the region’s unemployment rate now stands at 4.3%.

The regional employment rate now stands at 74.2%, with the total number of people in employment over the three months rising by 65,000, to 2.23m

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “It’s good to see the year being rounded off with another set of positive employment figures, which once again show that the region is at the front of the pack when it comes to creating jobs.

“Private sector businesses in the East Midlands have created jobs at a faster rate than anywhere else in the UK over the past 18 months and although we’d expect this trend to continue into 2016, there are issues out there that could impact on job creation next year.

“Overall, the strength of the labour market remains an important driver of economic growth and the economy is continuing to expand at a decent pace. But that growth remains far too unbalanced.

“Firms that do business solely in the UK have so far been relatively well insulated from the international slowdown, but the longer that key overseas markets suffer malaise the greater the likelihood that we may start to see it impacting on the UK economic environment.

“We also have uncertainties around things like the EU referendum and the introduction of a new National Living Wage and we can’t yet fully appreciate what impact these might have on business.

“The substantial widening in the trade deficit is a warning sign that more needs to be done to fix the fundamentals that hinder productivity, exports and enterprise if we are to achieve growth that is both balanced and sustainable over the next year and beyond.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Pupils cook up donations for Macmillan Cancer Centre

15th December 2015

Year six pupils at St Peter and St Paul’s School in Chesterfield have created a unique cookery book featuring a wonderful collection of recipes from celebrities and influential people – including dishes from the Prime Minister, David Cameron and Gino D’Acampo, amongst other well-known names, as well as local business people, and staff and pupils from the school.

Published locally, The Big Cookbook is an idea cooked up by a group of children who were challenged to raise as much money as possible for the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal, starting with only £203 (the cost of funding a Macmillan nurse for a day).

The Macmillan Cancer Support’s Biz Kids initiative is an opportunity for pupils to learn entrepreneurial skills and includes support from local businesses. John Nettleship, a solicitor at Chesterfield law firm, BRM Solicitors, worked with the school on the project, providing support and advice in the weekly sessions in which the book was produced.

John said: “The pupils and staff of St Peter and St Paul School should be very proud. The book is a fantastic achievement, and is sure to raise a lot of money for the Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal. It is already selling extremely well, and there is work ongoing to get the book into local and national retailers.”

Michele Farrand, tutor of the Year 6 class who produced the book added:

“We are grateful to all the contributors who have taken the time to submit their recipes for inclusion in the recipe book. The children have worked hard to make this a success and have valued the business advice given by John Nettleship from BRM Solicitors and Tim Ward from the Digital Print Company. We, at St Peter & St Paul School, are thrilled that we have been able to make this contribution to the Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.”

The Big Cookbook is now available to buy for £12 from the St Peter and St Paul School, and BRM Solicitors on Saltergate, Chesterfield. A small amount of proceeds will go towards printing costs, with the rest to be donated to the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal. Copies are also available by mail, with an additional £2 payable to cover postage and packaging. Please telephone 01246 555111 or email macmillan@brmlaw.co.uk to place your order.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Made in Chesterfield

Derbyshire County Cricket Club goes solar

15th December 2015

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has reinforced its commitment for The 3aaa County Ground in Derby to become a more environmentally sustainable venue by agreeing a ground-breaking partnership with fellow Chesterfield Champion, Custom Solar.

The Chesterfield-based renewable energy company will be installing 550 solar panels on the roofs of the Elite Performance Centre and the 3aaa Pavilion as part the Club’s overall ground development project.

The panels, which will be installed this month, will help significantly reduce the Club’s energy costs by up to 30% per year and help drive long-term sustainability.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “The Club are always looking to find ways we can operate more efficiently in order to increase our investment in cricket.

“Not only will the addition of solar panels help drastically reduce our energy bill costs, it will also modernise the ground and, as a Club in the heart of the community, reduce our carbon footprint as we drive to become an environmentally sustainable venue.

“We’re delighted to announce this ground-breaking partnership with Custom Solar. They are a local Derbyshire-based company who are specialists in solar technology and during the rigorous selection process, they demonstrated their expertise and experience in this area.”

Custom Solar Director, Matthew Brailsford said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working alongside Derbyshire County Cricket Club. It provides an amazing opportunity to deploy solar into an environment that will be enjoyed and utilised by people of all ages for decades to come.

“The partnership, however, is not just about the installation of a solar system it shows the intentions of Custom Solar and Derbyshire to focus on the future and to provide a sustainable platform for future generations.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Festive fun at Chesterfield Santa Dash

14th December 2015

Over 100 Chesterfield College students and staff joined forces with local organisations and businesses for a festive Chesterfield Santa Dash around Queens Park today, raising almost £700 to help a group of students get to Ghana to volunteer in some of the poorest communities in the country.

Councillor Barry Bingham, the mayor of Chesterfield started the dash and cheered on the sea of Santas and festive runners as they did two laps of the park before presenting prizes donated by Inc Print and Field Design for the best dressed runners.

Stuart Allen, Director of Health Wellbeing and Society at Chesterfield College said:

“What a great way to start a Monday morning in December! I’ve seen some amazing outfits and fantastic Christmas spirit from all involved. It’s been an absolute credit to the volunteers and staff from college who have worked really hard to plan this event.”

“Thanks to all the students, staff, organisations and local businesses who have taken time out to support the volunteers by taking part today. This will help them to make a difference when they get to Ghana. It’s a great start to our fundraising efforts and I know there is still sponsorship money to come in so I look forward to seeing the final total.”

The student volunteers travelling to Africa with African Adventures* will work on construction, teaching and sport coaching projects in Summer 2016. This is the first of the fundraising events planned to raise a target of £21,000 to support the work they will do.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Funding boost for Brampton Primary

11th December 2015

Brampton Primary School in Chesterfield is set to receive a share of £220,000 to help improve the quality of its toilet facilities.

Approved by Derbyshire County Council, the funding pot is designated for twelve schools across the county as part of an initiative to help modernise buildings and improve access for disabled children.

Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Caitlin Bisknell said:

“Making sure children in Derbyshire get the most out of education is one of our key priorities − and that means doing what we can, within a tight budget, to make sure our schools are accessible to all.

“By offering schools this money, children will be able to learn in improved conditions. And although our budget is very tight, we are prioritising where we spend taxpayers’ cash so we can make the biggest difference.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield Theatres announces new season

10th December 2015

From comedians and concerts to dramas and dance nights, there are a variety of fantastic shows are on the way to Chesterfield Theatres this spring including the return of the legendary Agatha Christie thriller The Mousetrap starring Louise Jameson from EastEnders and Dr Who.

Other highlights at the Pomegranate Theatre will include new Yorkshire-grit comedy Shafted!, Jesus Christ Super Star, David Copperfield the musical and plenty of fun family shows including Northern Ballet’s Tortoise and the Hare, We’re going on a Bear Hunt and The Gruffalo’s Child.

The Winding Wheel is excited to present hit Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Tell Me on a Sunday starring Jodie Prenger in March, as well as concerts from American legend Chubby Checker, Gerry & the Pacemakers, and Paul Carrack.

Keeping us laughing this spring will be Gary Delaney, Lee Nelson, Romesh Ranganathan and fascinating Aidas Dillie Keane, as well as more fantastic stand-up comedians to look out for at Chesterfield Theatres’ own Spotlight Comedy Club.

To view all shows on sale at Chesterfield Theatres, visit www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or visit the theatre’s box office now found in the Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square.

An online brochure can also be downloaded by clicking here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Flying success for Chesterfield College Explore Travel agency

9th December 2015

Staff and students at Explore, Chesterfield College’s travel agency are celebrating after being crowned as the top college travel agency at the Hays Independent Travel awards ceremony.

After only one year of operating, Explore has exceeded sales targets to become their highest earning college travel agency across the country. These efforts, along with excellent customer service standards and exemplary education opportunities for the industry have earned them the prestigious award.

Ellie Wynn, Director of Learning for Business and Commercial Enterprise said:

“We are absolutely delighted that our professional expertise, hard work and commitment has been recognised by some of the top names in the travel industry. The professional attitude of both staff and students, working in our Explore travel centre has given us the winning edge.

“Running a commercial enterprise like this in college has given us the opportunity to give our students the chance to gain practical and realistic experiences in a work environment. This enhances what they learn in the classroom and gives them a competitive edge. The award has already opened doors for us across the industry and we have been able to forge new links that will improve what we can offer our customers and our students.”

Chris Oakes, Head of Hays Travel Independence Group said:

“The workplace and work ethic of the team at Chesterfield College is second to none. They have smashed their own targets, however the award is not just about sales it’s about working hard, attitude and collaboration – any new colleges coming on board now visit Chesterfield, as it is the perfect example and blueprint for our new college members. It is a fantastic achievement and we are proud to work with an agency that provides such a quality service at the same time as developing the next generation of industry experts.”

Staff, students and corporate clients make use of the travel agency located in the Heartspace of the Infirmary Road campus returning again and again to get great travel deals. In its first year Explore has sold 785 accommodation nights and sent 683 passengers to destinations far and wide across the world.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

St Mary’s and Brookfield shine at muddy cross country

9th December 2015

Pupils from St Mary’s and Brookfield were in the spotlight last week at the Chesterfield Schools Secondary Cross Country event.

Supported by the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, the competition saw over 450 runners from eight secondary schools taking to the cross country circuit at Mount St Mary’s College.

St Mary’s Catholic High School came out on top, boasting the most runners in the top six of every race and winning the Team Champions trophy.

Brookfield also featured heavily on all of the podiums in the early races including a first and second finish in the Year 9 Boys race. Finishing second, Luke Hobson, said: “It got really tough. Going up the hills my calves started to ache but I powered through and enjoyed it!

Elise Collins, Year 8 Girls winner and Junior Sportswoman of the Year at the Active Chesterfield Sports Awards, said: “I usually do a lot of swimming and don’t run much but I enjoyed it today. It’s a good course and wasn’t too muddy because we went out first.”

Despite the muddy conditions, all the runners had a great day and competed in an excellent spirit. The top runners in each age group will now be invited to form the Chesterfield District team and compete in the County Schools’ Cross Country in January 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Yorkshire to Return for Chesterfield Festival of Cricket 2016

9th December 2015

Derbyshire County Cricket Club is anticipating capacity crowds for the derby against Yorkshire Vikings. The match which was an advance sell-out in 2015 – will bring the curtain down on next summer’s Chesterfield Festival of Cricket on Sunday 10 July.

The popular week-long festival at the picturesque Queen’s Park will once again feature two NatWest T20 Blast matches, starting on Sunday 3 July, and a traditional first-class fixture, which will this year be against Northamptonshire.

Derbyshire Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “The first fixtures we look for each year are the local NatWest T20 Blast derbies against Notts and Yorkshire. Once again we’re delighted with the dates that have come our way. Yorkshire at Chesterfield, was a complete sell-out last summer for the first time ever.”

“We hope that Members, supporters and local people will once again get behind our side and we can secure another sell-out.”

Captain Wayne Madsen added: “The fixture announcement is always an exciting time as we continue our preparations for the new campaign. There are a lot of things to look forward to next summer. “We’re really looking forward to returning to Chesterfield. It’s a great place to play cricket and the crowds are always great.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting