About Chesterfield

Nominate your favourite sporting places in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as the ‘Home of Sport’

17th June 2015

VisitEngland are searching to find the nation’s favourite sports destinations.

As part of the quest to find the country’s top sporting destinations, the national tourist board has asked the public to send in their own nominations. By submitting an image of their “home of sport” – be it Headingley or a hidden gem of a village cricket green – sports fans will help decide the jewel in England’s sporting crown, no mean feat in a country that is world-renowned for its sporting heritage.

Could it be the Festival of Cricket at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield FC at the Proact Stadium or the multitude of outdoor activities in the Peak District!

To help find England’s sporting capital, participants can simply upload a picture of their own home of sport to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #HomeOfSport with a snappy sentence on where it is, and why it’s the best sporting destination in England. Approved nominations will appear on a national sports wall at www.englandhomeofsport.com and will be entered into a prize draw to win a selection of sporting experiences.

Over 250,000 people are expected to attend local events as part of the Festival of Rugby from this week until October – but England’s summer of sport is not all about the rugby. The Peak District welcomes the world famous vintage cycle race, L’Eroica, from 19 – 21 June and there’s a host of other exciting events coming up, providing the industry with a fantastic opportunity to showcase all the great things England can offer sporting enthusiasts.

VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, James Berresford, says: “As the birthplace of rugby, football, cricket, punting and the modern Olympic Games. England’s sporting heritage is something that truly sets us apart from other destinations. Additionally, our green and pleasant land provides jaw-dropping backdrops to a whole host of popular pursuits, from hiking and running to abseiling and coasteering, making the search literally country-wide.”

James Berresford continues: “The ambition of this campaign is to capture the variety of England’s sporting offer, to showcase the related benefits and opportunities for the tourism industry and continue to build excitement and ahead of the arrival of Rugby World Cup in September.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield claimant count falls again as East Midlands drives the UK Economy

17th June 2015

The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Chesterfield continues to fall.

In May there were 1274 people out of work and claiming the benefit in Chesterfield compared with 1312 in April and 1840 a year ago.

The number of people aged 16-64 in work across the East Midlands for the three months to April 2015 increased by 4,635 to 2,268,398 from 2,263,763 for the same period the previous year.

The number of people unemployed in the region for the same periods dropped from 139,034 to 114,274, a fall of 24,760.

In Derbyshire the number of Jobseekers Allowance claimants fell from 6,870 in April to 6,434 in May, a drop of 436. The year-on-year fall was 3,179.

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “The latest figures are welcome and prove once again that businesses in the East Midlands continue to power the economy.

“It’s also encouraging to see another period of wages rising above inflation, particularly given that inflation itself has started to rise.

“Boosting productivity is the key to sustaining increased pay. While the employment rate has shown a healthy increase over the past two years, it is not being matched by an increase in productivity.

“While UK growth is likely to remain dependent on the services sector, manufacturing remains a vital sector for innovation and productivity.

“Given this region’s strengths in manufacturing, supporting manufacturers – and in particular, encouraging more firms to explore international markets – should be an area of major focus for the new Government if it is to achieve its ambition to make the Midlands the ‘Engine of Growth’ for the UK’s economy.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Future jobs in pipeline at Markham Vale as Gould Alloys prepares for opening

16th June 2015

Metal distributor Gould Alloys has become the latest business to get the keys to a new premises at Markham Vale.

Gould Alloys will be moving from its current base at Carwood Industrial Park in Chesterfield to a new purpose-built warehouse and distribution centre at the flagship regeneration site to benefit from better transport links located just off Junction 29A of the M1.

Sixty-two existing employees will move to the new 50,000 square feet premises and the company is looking to expand over the next few years bringing more jobs to Markham.

Managing Director at Gould Alloys, Jane Bradshaw said:

“We’re really excited to open our new base at Markham Vale.

“We’re moving to the site to benefit from better transport links and bigger premises with the aim of attracting more business to our company − which could lead to further jobs being created in the future.

“The relocation has future-proofed our business and we’re pleased to be part of Markham’s growing network.”

Work began in September last year to build the premises which includes office space, features solar panels and has energy efficient heating.

The company was established in 1984 and distributes metals to a number of industries including defence, medical, scientific, exploration and production, motor sport and power generation and is a key supplier to the aerospace industry where it delivers ‘first stage’ machining.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s leader and cabinet member for strategic policy, economic development and budget, said:

“It’s great that Chesterfield-based companies continue to choose Markham Vale to relocate to instead of moving outside Derbyshire.

“With bigger premises and better transport links, the company aim to attract more businesses which could lead to jobs being created in the future.”

Gould Alloy’s new base was designed and built by private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Ben Ward, Henry Boot’s regional director, added:

“We are delighted that Gould Alloys are moving to Markham Vale.

“The interest generated and current activity here at Markham Vale is exceptional. We have recently welcomed Inspirepac, AW Repair Group, Euro Garages, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg, with existing occupiers including Andrew Page and Industrial Ancillaries.

“In addition, we’re also underway with a new building for Meter Provida which will be ready at the end of 2015.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Sell-out 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards bigger and better than ever before

15th June 2015

More than 140 people will witness this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards winners being crowned at the sell-out award ceremony on Wednesday 24 June.

Following last year’s runaway success, the ceremony has moved to a bigger venue and organiser Destination Chesterfield has, once again, witnessed unprecedented demand.

This year, the Chesterfield Retail Awards is being held at the Winding Wheel, where the ceremony will be hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo Becky Measures and James Summers.

James and Becky commented: “We’re honoured and privileged to be hosting the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards. We thinks it’s absolutely brilliant for the town. There’s a real buzz about the town and everyone is talking about it. A massive well down to all the finalists.”

At the awards, 36 Chesterfield retailers will battle it out to be named the very best in their respective categories. The 16 categories recognise the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town.

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by In the Works PR
Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Mitchells Accountants and Business Advisers
Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) Sponsored by Peak FM
Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
National/Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

This year, the awards are hosting an additional category – Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award, which will name town’s favourite retailer based on Vicar Lane and Steeplegate in the town centre and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Other supporters of the awards include eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.

You can keep up-to-date with the awards on Twitter, instagram and facebook by using the hashtag #retailawards15.

To find out more about the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

CBeebies Star Has the Perfect Mix for Family Fun at Chatsworth Country Fair

15th June 2015

CBeebies TV star Katy Ashworth, presenter of ‘I Can Cook’, the channel’s flagship series which encourages children under six to get cooking, will be bringing her fun interactive show to the Chatsworth Country Fair this year.

Joining the tasty line up of live shows at the AGA Rangemaster Cookery Theatre, Katy will be playing fun and silly games and getting everyone up on their feet and joining in with the fun. After each of her three performances on Friday 4 September – at 11am, 1pm and 3.30pm, Katy will be out and about meeting children, answering their questions, signing autographs and taking photos.

A well-known face to thousands of children and their families, Katy is just one of the ingredients that will make for a great family day out at Chatsworth Country Fair, which once again is delivering great value with children under 14 getting in free.

Find more information about the event here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Sponsor announced for Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

13th June 2015

Chesterfield Champion, Autoworld, Chesterfield, has become the official sponsor of this summer’s Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, held in association with Chesterfield Borough Council at Queen’s Park

Autoworld, one of the leading new and used car dealerships in Derbyshire, have thrown its support behind the six-day festival, which starts on Sunday 5 July and includes NatWest T20 Blast clashes against Northants Steelbacks and local rivals Yorkshire Vikings, and a LV= County Championship fixture versus Glamorgan.

The Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket – will represent the third successive year that title sponsorship has been attributed to a commercial partner for the annual event, which is celebrating its tenth successive year since its return in 2006.

Tony Cordin, Autoworld Managing Director said: “It’s exciting for us, as a local dealership, to be affiliated with the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, which is one of the highlights of the summer sporting calendar in the area.

“We will have a selection of our cars at the six-day long festival including the new Volvo XC90, a luxury seven-seater 4×4, which is available to view and test drive from our dealership in Chesterfield.

“We are very much looking forward to an entertaining week of summer sporting entertainment.”

Derbyshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “We are delighted to have Autoworld as our principal festival sponsors for what is our tenth successive year back at Queen’s Park.

“The Chesterfield Festival is always one of the highlights of the summer and we are looking forward to another fantastic week of cricket.”

Find out more about the Festival and how to book tickets.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Summer, Visiting

Volunteer with Chesterfield Marathon to Raise Money for Charity of Your Choice

12th June 2015

People who choose to give up their time in support of the second Chesterfield Marathon will now earn money for their chosen charity thanks to a new initiative launched by organisers of the event.

The ‘Volunteer Share Scheme’ allows charities to collect ‘shares’ in the race day profits, with every volunteer that an organisation puts forward equalling one share.

Once all the money raised by the Chesterfield Marathon has been collected, 25 per cent of the final profits will be split amongst the organisations – using the ‘shares’ that have been created by volunteers.

The rest of the profits raised at the marathon, which takes place on Sunday 20th September, will once again be donated to Kids n Cancer UK, based in Chesterfield and organisers of the event. The charity specialises in securing proton therapy treatment for children with different forms of cancer and at the same time helping and funding living and accommodation for patients and their families.

Volunteer duties will include manning drinks stations to providing first aid, selling prize draw tickets, programmes and manning the runner enrolment desks on the day of the marathon. All volunteers will be given branded clothing, refreshments and food whilst on duty as well as a ‘Volunteers Village’ to return to in Queen’s Park, where the volunteers can meet, swap stories and relax after the race is complete.

Mike Hyman, co-founder of Kids n Cancer UK and organiser of the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon, said: “Our volunteers provide us with invaluable support in the lead up to and on race day.

“Volunteering at an event of this scale is extremely rewarding and is a fantastic way for people to get involved who want to show their support but are not actually taking part in the race itself.

“We hope that the Volunteer Share Scheme will give charities and organisations further incentive to get involved in the marathon and it means that, whatever their size, they can get something back in return. We are looking forward to seeing lots of kind hearted people there helping us and their chosen causes.”

This year, all the races will start and finish at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield, along with some other route changes (following feedback from last year’s inaugural marathon) to improve traffic control and access, as well as added interest for the runners. Full details for the route changes, as well as the activities on race day are on the Marathon website.

Running options on the day include the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Fun Run and Team Relay race (where four competitors take a share of the course).

For more information about the Volunteer Share Scheme or to sign up as a runner in the Chesterfield Marathon, visit www.chesterfieldmarathon.org.uk.

(Photo: – (left to right) Chesterfield Marathon’s project manager Andrea Hooley, Kids ‘n’ Cancer’s co-founder June Hyman, CEO and co-founder Mike Hyman and Chesterfield Marathon’s volunteer co-ordinator Julie Harrington)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Spireites CEO Supports Ashgate Hospicecare

12th June 2015

Spireites Chief Executive, Chris Turner has shown his support for Ashgate Hospicecare by becoming a patron of the charity.

Chris said: “The hospice plays a very important role in the community and I am honoured to have been asked to become a patron.

“It costs £8.5m a year to run Ashgate Hospicecare and the organisation has to raise around £6.5m of that.

“We as a football club will do everything we can to help promote the hospice and make people aware of the need to help raise funds for such a worthwhile cause.”

Chesterfield FC Community Trust works closely with Ashgate Hospicecare and organises a matchday collection every season.

A new fundraising initiative organised by the hospice – The Sparkle Night Walk – will start and finish at the club’s Proact Stadium on Saturday, June 20.

Lucy Nickson, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospicecare said: “Chris is well-known locally and will help us to raise awareness of how vital our charity is in providing care and support to people with any life-limiting illness. We care for more than 2,000 patients every year and most of them are visited by us in their own home.

“The Day Hospice is one of the many services we have that enables people to stay at home by providing respite to carers and intensive medical support for the patient. It is also a great opportunity for patients to meet others who are going through a similar experience and have some fun.

“The patients really enjoyed meeting Chris and talking to him about their love of football. We are delighted that Chris accepted our invitation to become a patron.”

(Image shows chief executive of Ashgate Hospicecare Lucy Nickson with Chris Turner, chief executive of Chesterfield Football Club.)

Posted in About Chesterfield

Double award win for Chesterfield restaurant

11th June 2015

Chesterfield Champions, The Tickled Trout picked up two awards at the Westside Magazine Restaurant Awards 2015.

Tom Alberts, sous chef at the tickled trout won Young Chef of the Year and the Westside Magazine readers voted the venue the Readers’ Choice Restaurant of the Year.

Chris Mapp said “I am immensely proud of my team and what we have achieved in 10 months. I am very lucky to have such talented young people working for me and we all enjoy what we do because we are more than just a team but a family. We all have the same goals to make our valued customers happy and make sure that have a lovely experience with us.”

The Tickled Trout is independently owned by Chef Chris Mapp and nestled in the idyllic Derbyshire village of Barlow. The team has transformed the former run-down country drinking hole into the award winning dining pub. The food has an Italian influence and wherever possible the ingredients are sourced locally.

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

Manufacturing companies urged to get involved with Made in Chesterfield

10th June 2015

Engineering and manufacturing companies in Chesterfield and north east Derbyshire are being called on to make a difference to the future of young people and get involved with Made in Chesterfield taking place in November later this year.

Festival organiser Destination Chesterfield is now urging companies to put themselves forward and get involved with the school and business events that will be taking place throughout the month.

This year Made in Chesterfield has been extended from a week to a month, providing even more opportunity for the town’s manufacturing and engineering companies to ignite career interest in the sector from young people.

Last year a number of companies took part in the first ever Made in Chesterfield which took place over a week in November. United Cast Bar Ltd, Franke Sissons Ltd, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Corregated Case Company, Kingfield Electronics, FieldCandy, and Magnifica Technologies Ltd, offering tours of their facilities, competitions, events and workshops with schools and students.

Ivan Fomin, managing director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering, said: “The support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield. Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure and its continuing success relies on today’s students considering it for a future career. Made in Chesterfield is designed to open their eyes to this and show them the varied job roles available and also how the sector has changed. However, we can only this of companies come forward and actively get involved.”

Last year Ivan’s company took an active role in Made in Chesterfield Week and invited a number of schools to tour the firm’s Markham Vale £3million purpose-built premises.

If your company would like to get involved with Made in Chesterfield, please contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Charity Golf Challenge for Ashgate Hospice

9th June 2015

Handelsbanken Chesterfield is to embark on a charity golf challenge in order to raise funds for Ashgate Hospicecare’s Urgent Bed Appeal.

The local relationship bank’s Chesterfield branch has pledged to raise £5,000 over two years for the Appeal, which hopes to provide the £1 million needed to keep its Inpatient Ward running at full capacity.

Ashgate Hospicecare, which cares for over 2,000 patients each year across North Derbyshire, provides free of charge palliative care. As such, it needs to raise £6m of its £8.5m operating costs from donations and legacies.

On Monday 22^nd June, Branch Manager Phil Walker and Corporate Manager Andy North will be playing a marathon four rounds of golf in just one day. It is expected to take around 15 hours in total and will consist of approximately 20 miles of walking whilst completing the 72 holes.

Phil Walker said, “We are proud to support Ashgate Hospicecare’s £1m Urgent Bed Appeal. Keeping the four beds open that are at threat of closure will enable them to continue providing their much-valued services to those across the North Derbyshire region who really need it.”

Posted in About Chesterfield