Author: Dom Stevens

New hashtag campaign to highlight the Peak District’s hidden gems

23rd August 2017

Social media users are being invited to share their stunning shots of what they think is unique and inspiring about the Peak District and Derbyshire in a new hashtag campaign aiming to spread the word about its most special and secret gems.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, is about to launch #UniqueDistrict in a bid to promote the essence and spirit of the area with the help of the expanding online community.

Lindsay Rae, the tourist board’s Deputy Director, said:-

“We’re asking people to post images of their favourite features of the Peak District and Derbyshire – everything from breathtaking landscapes and fabulous attractions to their favourite cafés and restaurants serving locally-sourced food and drink.

“We’re looking for special shots that inspire them and will inspire other people too – and they can feature any subject, as long as it captures what’s best and beautiful about the area.

“We know the Peak District and Derbyshire is full of hidden treasures, and this is a brilliant opportunity to share them across the growing on-line audience.

“We’ll be posting the best entries across our Instagram and Twitter accounts, and there’ll be quality prizes on offer in a series of competitions from September to the beginning of November.”

#UniqueDistrict will be launched on the tourist board’s Twitter feed – @vpdd – on Friday September 1 at 1pm, when a video outlining full details of how to enter and details of the first prize give-away will be released.

After that, people can tweet their images, using @vpdd and #UniqueDistrict, and their submissions will go forward as competition entries until November 1. #UniqueDistrict will then continue to run for another ten months to encourage even more people to join the online conversation.

The video will become the campaign’s ‘pinned’ tweet and will stay at the top of the @vpdd Twitter page throughout September. It will also be posted on the tourist board’s website at www.visitpeakdistrict.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Working with education to improve employability of ‘leavers’

22nd August 2017

Companies are being asked to what extent they want to work with schools to improve employability of ‘leavers’.

The lack of basic skills demonstrated by ‘leavers’ but demanded by employers is a perennial complaint of recruiters.

But little has been done over the years to ensure young people have even the basic skills required by potential employees, including maths, English and the ability to communicate on the phone and solve simple problems.

In its Quarterly Economic Survey for the third quarter of 2017, East Midlands Chamber is asking firms about their experiences of trying to engage with schools for work experience, mentoring, work placements for pupils and teachers and more.

Launched today on the 21 August, the latest survey asks firms in what ways they would consider engaging with schools, from having staff who are school governors, to taking part in careers fairs, participating in classroom-based teaching activities, offering interview training and more.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at the Chamber, said:-

“Our survey results for the second quarter of 2017 revealed that two-thirds of firms wanted to recruit new workers but two-thirds of those companies struggled to find suitably skilled staff.

“This has been a problem identified by employers for surveys going back a long, long time. It has gained higher profile in recent years but we want to do is see if there has been any success in closing the skills gap and what levels of engagement employers feel they need to make sure youngsters leaving education have the skills they seek.”

To take part in the survey, visit http://bit.ly/2fYTN9c.

Chamber strategic partner bmi regional is offering two return flights from Birmingham to Nuremburg as a draw prize for completing the Q3 QES. The winners will be advised on 14 September and the tickets will be valid until 31 March.

Earlier this year, bmi regional created a new hub at Birmingham Airport, launching three new European routes from the UK’s second city to Graz, Gothenburg and Nuremberg, to provide improved connectivity to and from the East Midlands.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

60 apprenticeship vacancies available at Derbyshire County Council

21st August 2017

Apprenticeships for more than 60 young people are on offer at Derbyshire County Council.

The vacancies are a great opportunity for anyone over 16, to start their careers with one of the largest employers in the county.

Derbyshire County Council has an excellent work-based training programme where individuals receive ongoing support to help them achieve an apprenticeship.

The apprenticeships are in:

health and social care − providing care for people in county council owned older people’s homes − 39 vacancies
adult care catering − helping to provide meals for people in county council owned older people’s homes − 16 vacancies
business administration − five vacancies.

Councillor Angelique Foster, Cabinet Member for Council Services at Derbyshire County Council, said:-

“Apprenticeships are a great way for a young person to get a start on the career ladder and I’m delighted that we have so many opportunities available.

“With an apprenticeship at the council you can earn while you learn, receive on-the-job training and gain a qualification that employers really value.

“By joining one of the county’s largest employers you’ll gain vital knowledge that will be valued by employers in all sectors. And by working with our experienced employers you will also gain valuable skills.”

There are also a number of Chesterfield based apprenticeships available across the town. For more information on apprenticeships in Chesterfield click here.

Derbyshire County Council will accept applications from anyone aged over 16, either school leavers or those looking to train in something new. Previous applicants need not apply. The closing date for applications is 10 September 2017.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town

Ashgate Hospicecare raise a combined £18,437 at this year’s Summer Fair and Open Air Cinema

21st August 2017

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that a combined total of £18,437 was raised at last weekend’s Summer Fair and Open Air Cinema.

Both events, which were based on Ashgate Hospicecare’s meadow, hosted over a thousand people throughout the day and raised vital funds for patients and their families across north Derbyshire.

Beth Cole, Events Assistant at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“We would like to thank everyone who came and supported the hospice over the weekend. It was amazing to see so many families enjoying themselves.”

Throughout the day, families enjoyed an array of activities including fairground rides, games, donkeys, craft stalls, food, a bar and live music as well as over a thousand-local people settling down and watching a screening of Grease later in the evening.

Jill Ashmore, from Chesterfield, said:-

“What a great night. Film brilliant, lovely atmosphere and the meteor display …. inspired. Next please.”

Stewart Oldham, Long standing car park volunteer, from Chesterfield, said:-

“From the volunteers on car park duty thanks for everyone’s cooperation and understanding what a great atmosphere and event. See you all next year.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Award winning coffee shop reopens after relocation

21st August 2017

Two time winner of the Café of the Year category in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards have reopened this weekend after a move to new premises.

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House, situated at Stephenson’s Place, have relocated down one floor of the building. The move downstairs provides the venue with more accessible accommodation, better views of the town and unique original Victorian features. This is the first phase of an extensive refurbishment of their premises on Stephenson Place.

Opening in 2014, the café have gone from strength to strength, now employing 14 people and 2 apprentices. It has also been nominated as Cafe of the Year in 3 consecutive Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards – winning twice in 2014-2016 – and also winner of the Best Customer Service award in Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2016.

In the last couple of years, Stephenson’s have introduced Afternoon Teas, acquired a license to sell alcohol and opened The Spire by Stephenson’s – also nominated in the Best Newcomer Category at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2017. The move downstairs highlights its desire to be ever expanding and provide a venue accessible to all customers.

Claire Wood, Owner of Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House, says:-

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Sam and I. We have retained the peaceful atmosphere our customers want, and will continue to serve our extensive menu including snacks, breakfasts, lunches, cakes, scones and much more, homemade from high quality ingredients and served by the friendly Stephensons Team.

“With so much investment taking place in Chesterfield Town Centre we feel privileged to be providing a service for the people of Chesterfield.”

Claire and Sam – her son – work very closely with their team of staff at both Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House and in their second Coffee Shop, The Spire by Stephenson’s at 3 St Marys Gate.

She says:-

“We aim to ensure all our customers receive a friendly welcome and enjoy excellent food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere in either Stephensons Tea and Coffee House or The Spire by Stephensons.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Visitors welcome to Chesterfield Museum’s open day

21st August 2017

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can join in a range of activities for the museum’s open weekend.

The popular attraction, owned and run by Chesterfield Borough Council, hosts the event on Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Monday 28 August.

Activities on offer include:

Creative crafts for children each day from 10am to 4pm
Behind the scenes tours at 1pm and 2.30pm each day – tours are free but must be booked in advance, call (01246) 345727 to book
Meet George Stephenson each day at 10am – find out more about the North East’s railway pioneer who made his home in Chesterfield
A talk by the Derbyshire Records Office on Friday 25 August at 11am
Spire stories at noon and 1.45pm on Saturday 26 and Monday 28 August

The current exhibition features the history of St Mary and All Saints’ Church – the ‘Crooked Spire’.

The church will be offering hour long tours of the tower on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 August at 2.30pm and Monday 28 August at 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“We’re proud to welcome thousands of visitors to Chesterfield Museum each year. The open weekend gives people the chance to look round and find out more about this popular attraction.

“There are activities suitable for all ages so it is a great opportunity for families to enjoy themselves together this bank holiday weekend.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield College A Level students succeed in new style exams

17th August 2017

The first Chesterfield College students to complete the newly reformed A Level syllabus have collected their results today and there was plenty to celebrate.

There was an increase in the number of students gaining the highest grades of A*, A and B compared to last year which is significantly above the national increase. The overall pass rate was 91% and six subjects gained 100% pass rates.

Science enthusiast and A* student, Beth Shouk, age 18 from Holmewood, was delighted with her results gaining 3 A* and 1 A grades in her chemistry, biology, sociology and psychology exams. Beth has applied for a job as a junior chemist and hopes to study for university-level qualifications after a gap year. She said:

“It feels amazing. All the effort I put in has amounted to something. I was nervous because of all the changes in A Levels and grade boundaries but I am so happy with my results. I can choose from so many universities with these grades.”

Cameron Ashby, age 19 from Chesterfield, was thrilled with his A* in English literature, B in English Language and C in Philosophy which secured him a place at Sheffield Hallam University to study creative writing.

Lauren Hill, age 18 from Eckington, is off to University of Sheffield to study English and History with an A, two Bs and a C. Her goal is to become a secondary school teacher and she says that studying A Levels at college was the best thing she did.

Aisling Wragg, aged 18 from Chesterfield, secured a place at University of Derby to do a nursing degree and hopes to become a mental health nurse in the future. She came to collect her results with her family today who were all keen to celebrate with her.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group, said:-

“I would like to congratulate our A Level students who have received their results today. It is wonderful to see so many students with places at university or apprenticeship positions secured because of the hard work and commitment they have put into their studies so far. I wish everyone all the best for the future and I look forward to welcoming some students back in September to study in our University Centre.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

Just two weeks left for Chesterfield parents to claim extra free childcare

17th August 2017

Working families are being reminded that they have just two weeks left to apply for extra free childcare.

All three and four year old children in the county are currently entitled to up to 15 hours free early education a week.

But from September working parents may qualify for double that amount − up to 30 hours a week − so they can work more hours if they want to.

Derbyshire County Council are now reminding parents who work to check if they qualify and to apply for the extra childcare before the upcoming deadline of 31 August 2017 by visiting Childcare Choices.

If families are eligible, children can take up a place from the start of the next full term after their child’s third birthday. Parents who want to take up the extra childcare from September must apply before 31 August 2017.

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People at Derbyshire County Council, said:

“This is very welcome extra funding from Government which will enable parents to work more hours if they want to while giving their children the opportunity to socialise and learn.

“I’d encourage all working parents with three to four year olds to visit the website as soon as they can and see if they qualify − the deadline to check if they’re eligible is coming up fast.

“We want local families to know what support is available to them and make sure they’re getting the help they are entitled to.”

Across Derbyshire it’s estimated that more than 8,200 children could benefit from the extra hours, saving working parents up to £2,280 a year.

Derbyshire County Council are working with schools, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to encourage them to offer the extra free hours flexibly to meet the needs of working families.

To be eligible, families must meet the following criteria:

both parents must be working (or the sole parent in a single parent family)
each parent must earn on average at least £120 a week − equal to 16 hours at national minimum or living wage, including those on zero hour contracts
each parent does not earn more than £100,000 a year.

Families may still qualify where one or both parents are on maternity, paternity, adoption leave or statutory sick pay − or if one parent is working but the other is unable to work because of a disability or caring responsibilities.

Even if parents don’t qualify for the extra hours they will still be entitled to the universal 15 hours of free early education.

The extra hours are Government funded and eligibility is assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Posted in About Chesterfield

Jobseeker claimant count continues to fall

16th August 2017

Data recently released from the Office for National Statistics reveals that the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Chesterfield in July was 1,225 – down 20 from last months figure of 1,275 and the lowest figure recorded since February 2017.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of people in work nationally is at the highest level since records began in 1971.

The record figures have been driven by increases in the number of people in secure work – over 75% of the increase in employment over the past seven years has been in full-time work – according to the Department for Work and Pensions.

There are now 338,000 more people in work compared to this time last year, the Government said, with much of the increase attributed to “workers recruited to higher-skilled positions”.

Whilst the figure in Chesterfield is the lowest it has been for a number of months, it is still 100 claimants higher than the figure recorded for the same month the previous year. This mirrors the reversal of fortune for the East Midlands region that has seen a decline of employment.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“Local figures would seem to suggest that inflationary pressures, which had not previously significantly manifested themselves, are now beginning to be felt in the East Midlands.

“This morning’s figures have not come as any great surprise but they do suggest that more needs to be done to aid job creation in the East Midlands, to encourage the creation of sustainable businesses and to help regional employers manage inflationary pressures.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Boyband star with a passion for farming is announced as president for Chatsworth Country Fair

16th August 2017

Former boyband star turned award-winning farmer, with a passion for educating children about the origins of their food has been announced as the president for this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair.

JB Gill (30) rose to fame as a member of one of the UK’s biggest boybands – JLS. They dominated the charts for five years, boasting five number-one singles, over 10 million record sales worldwide and a multitude of awards.

Four years ago, JB set up a farm in the Kent countryside, where he lives with his wife, Chloe, and two-year-old son, Ace. Their smallholding successfully produces award-winning, KellyBronze turkeys and free-range Tamworth pork.

Now an established member of the farming community, JB has used his success within the entertainment industry to highlight his passion to educate children about the origins of their food and he is the lead presenter on CBeebies’ BAFTA-nominated television series, ‘Down On The Farm’ created for children aged 0–6 years, teaching them about life on a farm and outdoors. He also works closely with The Prince’s Countryside Fund, which seeks to celebrate and promote the value of family farms, rural affairs and the countryside to British society.

JB said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be named as president of the Chatsworth Country Fair 2017. The countryside is such an important part of our British society and I’m excited to represent, support and meet the many contributors and guests the fair will welcome over the weekend.

“I’ve always heard of the incredible beauty of Chatsworth Park and I was able to witness this incredible place whilst filming recently with BBC Songs Of Praise. Needless to say, I am overjoyed to have been asked to be Country Fair President 2017, joining the esteemed list of past presidents, who have all shared the same admiration that I have for this stunning countryside venue. My family and I are also looking forward to exploring the fair and getting stuck into everything it has to offer. It’s going to be an exciting weekend!”

In 2014, JB launched a diploma course at Sheffield College, ‘JB’s School of Entertainment Industries’, which teaches those enrolled a vast array of skills required to embark on a career in the entertainment industry.

He will be out and about exploring the country fair throughout the opening day (Friday 1 September).

As well as the thrilling line-up of Grand Ring entertainment, running from 10.45am to 6.30pm each day, the Chatsworth Country Fair also offers lots of shopping, fun and games for all the family, animal antics and much more. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome, and there’s even the chance to enter the family pooch into a dog show!

The three-day celebration of the countryside set in the beautiful Chatsworth parkland is offering a feast of family entertainment, from the whirlwind that is Dzhigitovka! – The Way of the Cossack Warrior, to what is set to be one of the last displays by the army’s world famous motorcycle display team The White Helmets.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire Connect services to be rolled out countywide

16th August 2017

Community transport users will continue to receive life-line services as Derbyshire Connect buses are rolled out countywide.

Derbyshire County Council have pledged to continue supporting Dial-a-Bus (DAB)- style ‘shopping’ buses and aCTive Travel journeys to healthcare appointments.

These services are for people unable to use conventional transport because of mobility difficulties or because they live in areas − usually rural − where public transport is limited.

A new Derbyshire Connect service has been trialled in the Ashbourne and Wirksworth area since February. Contracts to operate the service across the county have now been awarded and will start in October − continuing to take people to supermarkets, shops, banks and medical appointments at hospitals, clinics, the doctors, dentists and opticians.

Councillor Trevor Ainsworth, Cabinet Support Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure at Derbyshire County Council, said:

“This is great news for community transport users. We are aware that there have been concerns among some passengers that their services were ending because funding was being withdrawn. This is not the case − funding is being provided in a different way.”

Councillor Ainsworth added:

“We know how important getting out and about is for people to retain their independence and we are clear on our commitment to continue to support the most vulnerable, particularly in rural and isolated communities, ensuring they have the same opportunities as they currently have, to travel to vital services.”

Funding for DAB and aCTive Travel services is currently provided by the council to the county’s six community transport schemes through grants.

Following a legal challenge, which makes it more difficult to provide funding in this way, the new Derbyshire Connect services will be run under contract.

Community Transport for Town and County (CT4TC), based in Chesterfield and Ripley, will run shopping buses in Amber Valley, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Erewash and North East Derbyshire.

And CDGi Training Limited − a specialist healthcare transport provider based in Eckington – will put on aCTive Travel services in Bolsover, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.

Like the current DAB and aCTive travel services, the new Derbyshire Connect services will still need to be booked but will continue to run door-to-door with passenger assistants on hand to provide extra assistance, where necessary.

Councillor Ainsworth said:

“These new Derbyshire Connect buses will offer better value for money − around £7 per passenger to run compared to an average £16.57 for the current service − and provide a more customer focused service. Gold Card holders will also be able to travel for free − currently they have to pay − and in the longer term we expect them to develop into more flexible services to meet the needs of a wider range of customers.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure