About Chesterfield

More volunteers wanted for Chesterfield Marathon

25th August 2015

Organisers of the Chesterfield Marathon are on the hunt for more volunteers to help make the second event a success.

Set to take place on Sunday 20th September, the full and half marathon, as well as the fun run will all start and finish at Queen’s Park – where an all-day party has also been planned.

Those keen to get involved will be asked to assist on the day of the race from 7.30am until early afternoon, with duties ranging from marshalling to manning drinks stations.

All volunteers will be given a high vis vest, branded t-shirt, refreshments and food whilst on duty, as well as a ‘Volunteers Village’ to return to in Queen’s Park, where everyone can meet, swap stories and relax after the race is complete.

Those sparing their time will also receive a share of the profits from the event for a charity of their choice, thanks to a scheme announced earlier this year.

One group already to sign up as volunteers include ‘Team Inspire’, made up of an inspiring young people who have undertaken a National Citizen’s Service (NCS) project to create a legally designated wall space for graffiti in Chesterfield. The team, accompanied by their parents, will look after the first drinks station of the race on the A617.

Mike Hyman, founder of the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon, said: “Volunteering is a great opportunity for local people to get involved in a brilliant event in Chesterfield and show their support without actually taking part in the race itself.

“Organising an event of this scale takes a huge amount of time and effort, so volunteers provide us with such vital support, both in the run up to and on race day itself, to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.

“We are all excited about the marathon. It is going to be a fantastic day for everyone in the community and we hope as many people as possible can be involved with it.”

To volunteer for the Chesterfield Marathon register at www.chesterfieldmarathon.org.uk/registrations or contact Julie Harrington on 01246 269023 or e-mail julie@chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk.

Image: Team Inspire’, made up of an inspiring young people who have undertaken a National Citizen’s Service (NCS) project to create a legally designated wall space for graffiti in Chesterfield.

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

Spireites sign Premiership player

24th August 2015

Chesterfield have signed Liam O’Neil from West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee.

O’Neil, 22, who can play in defence or midfield, has made five Premier League appearances.

After completing the signing, Spireites manager Dean Saunders said: “Liam is a young player who has played in West Brom’s first team. He’s exactly what we want – a midfield player who can also play at the back, if required.

“He’s one for the future for us, having been tracked by the club for two-and-a-half years. We were going to loan him but we’ve managed to sign him permanently, which is great for the long-term future of the club.”

O’Neil admits that he cannot wait to get started. He said: “ I want to get some experience and develop as a player and I think I’ll be able to do that here. I’m looking forward to it and I’m excited.”

O’Neil revealed that Spireites manager Dean Saunders was an influential figure in his decision to sign. “The gaffer got in touch with West Brom and has shown good interest,” he said.

“He’s been on my case to get down here all the time and that’s what I like. He sees me as part of his plans and that’s what I want. I want to be getting regular football and that’s key for me now. I’m 22 and this is perfect timing.”

O’Neil made 22 appearances in League One last season while on loan at Scunthorpe United.

The length of the contract signed by O’Neil has not been disclosed.

Photo: Luke O’Neil is photographed after signing for Chesterfield (courtesy of Tina Jenner).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield charity requires new trustees

24th August 2015

The Chesterfield Children’s Charity is seeking new trustees to develop the charity further.

They are seeking expressions of interest from potential individuals to appoint 3 new Trustees, this is a voluntary role. and will ensure C3 can continue the work of the past 10 years with over £108,547 of fundraising so far.

Vic Risorto said ” The aims of the charity are to relieve sickness suffering and poverty as well as improve the conditions for sick and terminally ill and under privileged children, their families and carers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire or such other geographical area the trustees determine”

They are looking for trustees with skills in marketing, fundraising, events management, project management, financial management and graphic design, supporting the planning and final delivery of 2 main fund raising events and 4 locally held meetings.

Anyone interested in getting involved can email events@c3.com before the closing date of the 7th September 2015.

Posted in About Chesterfield

New category added to Derbyshire Sport Awards

19th August 2015

The search is on to find an outstanding Derbyshire organisation or individual who has used sport or physical activity to make a real difference to people’s lives.

New for 2015, the Active4Life Award recognises the role played improving the health, quality of life or wellbeing of the county’s people, or influencing their achievements.

Applications are welcome from schools, workplaces, community organisations or individuals with a compelling story to tell.

It could be a teacher who goes above and beyond the call of duty in supporting extra-curricular physical activity, or it could be a community club which has gone that extra mile to provide a wide range of activities for disabled people.

Deadlines for nominations are fast approaching, so don’t miss out, with a cut-off date of August 25 for Chesterfield Borough.

You can access an online nomination form, and find out more, by going to www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/nominate

Image shows Chesterfield table tennis player, Liam Pitchford.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Remembering Alderman Jim McManus

18th August 2015

The funeral of Alderman Jim McManus will take place on Tuesday 25 August.

Jim’s family have asked that people gather at Staveley Methodist Church at 12.30pm with the service due to take place at 12.40pm.

The funeral cortege will drive past the Town Hall, Rose Hill on its way to the church.

A private cremation will be held at Chesterfield and District Crematorium for close family and friends only, but all are welcome to attend a reception in memory of Jim at Poolsbrook Miners’ Welfare Club after the service.

Donations in lieu of flowers are requested in aid of the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Jim served as a Chesterfield borough councillor for 28 years from 1987 to earlier this year. He served as mayor in 2001 to 2002 and was the council’s executive member for housing from 2011 to 2015.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Uncovering treasure at Chesterfield Canal

18th August 2015

A mini archaeological dig was carried out at Chesterfield Canal in Staveley at the weekend after volunteers unearthed the remains of the walls and floor of the original Eckington Road Bridge, built over the canal in about 1776.

Chesterfield Canal Trust says it is quite incredible the bridge has remained intact, because three other bridges and a railway line have all since been built within a few yards.

The site was roughly cleared by a mini digger, before a team of helpers set to work. There was lots of heavy clay that had to be shovelled and barrowed out, however the majority of the task was very slow and painstaking – with 24 volunteers on their hands and knees removing the last of the muck from the stonework using trowels and brushes.

As more and more was revealed, the story of how the construction was done began to emerge. It became obvious that the bridge had been constructed first and the towpath put in afterwards.

There were also lots of objects found in the mud, such as old bottles, miners’ lamp and candle holders, a gentleman’s sword stick and a clay pipe.

Of particular interest were three coins, including a George III half penny, dated 1772 or 1773. Dr Geraint Coles, archaeologist and former Chesterfield Canal Development Manager said “This coin is probably a forgery as the obverse and reverse are inverted. This would not be unusual as the county was flooded with forged copper coins during the 1770’s. What a great find and bang on date!”

Now remaining are the tasks of accurately measuring and photographing the site and washing and cataloguing the finds.

Eventually the entire site will be removed because the new, restored canal has to be lower in order to get under a nearby railway, however there is now a desire to do more such digs. A Cuckoo boat, unique to the Chesterfield Canal, is believed to be buried not far away. It is hoped that this will be next on the list.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Spireites land Spanish midfielder

17th August 2015

The Spireites are pleased to sign experienced Spanish midfielder Angel Martinez.

Known simply as ‘Angel’, the 29-year-old flew in to watch this weekend’s game at Sheffield United and has now agreed a two-year contact. He was previously with Millwall and Blackpool after starting out at Espanyol in his native country.

Chesterfield manager Dean Saunders is delighted to have landed Angel. He said: “We’ve been waiting and waiting to sign him. He’s got good pedigree having played at Espanyol and been capped by Spain at under-21 level.

“He’s good on the ball and he knows the central midfield position. With his experience of English football, I’m sure he’ll make us better.”

Angel’s signing comes soon after the capture of Lee Novak who was signed on a season-long loan from Birmingham City and made his debut in Saturday’s game at Sheffield United.

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

Time is running out to enter Chesterfield Marathon

17th August 2015

Runners wanting to take part in this year’s Chesterfield Marathon are being urged to sign up soon – as the deadline for entry is approaching quickly.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 4 of September, meaning there are only around three weeks left for runners to secure their place.

Approximately 1,500 participants from across the UK are expected to take to the streets of Chesterfield on 20 September, running in the full marathon, half marathon and the team relay event, where four competitors take a share of the course.

The event, which has been granted an official road race licence from UK Athletics (RunBritain), will raise funds for children’s charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer, along with several other charities, including MacMillan Cancer Support, Ashgate Hospicecare, The Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and the British Heart Foundation, as well as community groups like Chesterfield District Scouts and the Friends of Holmebrook Valley and Eastwood Park.

This year, the full and half marathon – as well as the fun run – will start and finish at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield, where an all-day party will also take place.

Andrea Hooley from the Chesterfield Marathon, said: “We would encourage people to get their entry in as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss the deadline.

“We are excited to welcome people of all ages and abilities to Queen’s Park for what is set to be a fun and memorable day for everyone, helping to put Chesterfield on the map and boost the local economy.”

As last year, any individuals raising £250 (or teams raising £500) for Kids ‘n’ Cancer can enter the race for free.

Runners will have the option to either pay for their ‘chipped’ race bib to be posted to them – or to pick it up for free and register at the Marathon’s Head Office on the day before race day, Saturday 19 September.

Entry for the Fun Run will remain open until race day.

The male and female winners of the full marathon will receive a cash prize of £250 and free entry for next year, and the half marathon winners will get £200 and free entry next year.

To sign-up as a runner or volunteer for the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon visit www.chesterfieldmarathon.org.uk.

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

BRM Solicitors provide free will service to help Chesterfield appeal

14th August 2015

BRM Solicitors has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to exclusively offer a free will-writing service during September and October to raise money for the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.

Over the two months, BRM Solicitors will waive its fees, and instead will encourage clients to make a voluntary donation of £54 per single will and £108 per double will to the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal. The amounts were chosen as £54 is the equivalent of funding two hours of a Macmillan Nurse and £108, four hours.

Macmillan is trying to raise £2.5 million to build the new state-of-the-art Cancer Centre. This exciting new development will mean that people with cancer in North and North East Derbyshire will be able to receive their vital treatment, care and support in one purpose-built facility – providing joined up services closer to home.

Currently cancer care and treatment is given from different clinics across the hospital site, and the chemotherapy unit is no longer large enough for the number of patients it sees. There is also only a limited information service. The new centre will change all that – enabling specialist teams to provide a range of appointments in one place – including all out-patient chemotherapy and clinical haematology. The centre will also include a specialist information and advice service.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors says: “BRM Solicitors is very proud to volunteer our legal expertise to help such a worthwhile cause. The money raised from this free will-writing initiative will help Macmillan to provide vital support services to people affected by cancer.”

98% of Macmillan’s funding comes from voluntary donations; over a third of which is from gifts in wills.

Rob Turner, Senior Fundraising manager for Macmillan in Chesterfield said: “This is a vital new centre for the people of North and North East Derbyshire. Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the toughest things that anyone can face and the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre will give local people the very best in treatment and support. But we won’t be able to do this without the generosity of local people and support of local businesses like BRM Solicitors.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Spireites defender signs contract extension

13th August 2015

Dan Jones is the latest Chesterfield player to sign a contract extension.

The 28-year-old defender has put pen to paper on a deal which ties him to the club until the summer of 2017.

Jones is delighted to have resolved his future. He said: “It was an easy decision as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time since I’ve been at the club.

“I had a good pre-season this year and I’ve really been able to buy into what the new manager has brought to the club. I love his enthusiasm, the way he goes about things and I think there’s a lot to learn from him.

“Our approach hasn’t really changed too much under Dean (Saunders) and I think we’re playing football the way it should be played. That suits me and my style and now I’m looking to keep playing and help the team to do as well as possible this season.”

Spireites quartet Tommy Lee, Ian Evatt, Sam Hird and Charlie Raglan have also signed extended contracts over the summer.

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

England Under 19s celebrate A-level results at Queen’s Park

13th August 2015

Several members of England’s Under-19 squad have picked up their A-level results before the second Royal London One-Day International against Australia at Queen’s Park tomorrow; 10.30am start.

Aneurin Donald of Glamorgan, who is also the England Under 19s Captain, was one of the players who picked up his results ahead of tomorrow’s fixture at Chesterfield.

England Under-19s are also in action at The 3aaa County Ground for the third Royal London One-Day International on Monday 17 August, with the game televised LIVE on Sky Sports.

“My mum went into school down in Swansea and phoned me up this morning,” said Donald.

“I got an A, a B and a D, which I’m happy enough with. It’s not been an easy year because we had an Under-19s trip to Australia in the spring, but we all took our work with us.”

Lancashire’s Haseeb Hameed, who attended Bolton School, was also happy with a B and a C, and like Donald has decided to postpone the possibility of going to university to concentrate on his cricket career.

It is the same story for George Garton, Sussex’s left-arm seamer who had very good news from Hurstpierpoint College with results of A, A*, B.

Ben Green, an all-rounder from Devon who is on the Somerset staff, is one of the younger members of the squad but he also had good news from Exeter School, with an A, a B and a C in his AS levels.

All four celebrated in suitable style after practice at Queen’s Park, with an ice cream from the ice cream van outside Chesterfield’s famous Frederick’s Gelateria.

Posted in About Chesterfield