Author: Dom Stevens

Crush Design ‘shaking things up’ for Pronto Paint

27th June 2016

Innovative Chesterfield based company Pronto Industrial Paints Ltd are pleased to announce the launch of their brand new website.

The attitude of ‘shaking things up’ has been applied to their new customer focused website created by Crush Design, Chesterfield based design, digital and marketing agency.

The website showcases the brand’s forward thinking and technology driven approach; boasting a brand new e-commerce site that includes a digital custom-made colour chart and selection system so that customers can find the exact colour match that is right for them. The digital colour selector, along with an interactive map to locate distributors and a growing library of technical knowledge, can all be easily viewed on any device, be it a phone, tablet or desktop computer.

Hannah Tomaszewski, a representative from Crush Design, said:-

“It is great to see a manufacturing company such as Pronto Paint take such a modern view on developing their customer’s experience.”

Crush Design ‘shaking things up’ for Pronto Paint

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

New bridge milestone for cycle path

24th June 2016

Work to build a new cycle path in Chesterfield between Queen’s Park and the train station reaches a major milestone this weekend.

A new 30-metre span bridge for pedestrians and bikes will be lifted into place over Hollis Lane next to the railway line during the early hours of Sunday morning. This will provide a direct route from the station across a series of new and re-furbished bridges to connect with existing paths linking to Derby Road, the Ravenside retail park and the Hipper Valley Trail to Somersall.

The new path is being installed as part of the Chesterfield Cycle Network − a long-term project to link shopping areas to the train and bus station and main residential areas in the town.

Hollis Lane and the A61 off-slip road will be closed at the railway bridge from 8pm on Saturday evening until 9am on Sunday to allow the work to take place. Signs will be in place to divert traffic during the road closure.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Dean Collins said:-

“This project will provide a safe and easy route for people to cycle through Chesterfield. We know more and more are using bikes to get from A to B − it’s better for the environment, cheaper than running a car and it’s a great way to stay fit and healthy too.

“We’re carrying out this work at night to cause the least disruption to motorists as possible and apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Uncategorised

Hurdler gets thumbs up for World Championships

23rd June 2016

Alicia Barrett has been selected for the IAAF World Junior Championships taking place from July 19 to 24 in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

The 100m hurdler, from Newbold, Chesterfield, is one of 16 athletes to have been chosen to represent Great Britain so far, with a further announcement expected.

Chesterfield and District AC runner Alicia, 17, competed at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia last year, finishing sixth in the final. It was an event that saw her set a United Kingdom under-18 record after clocking 13.40secs in her heat.

Jo Summers, Team Leader for the British Junior team, said:-

“The team is looking good for Poland and there is still time for a few more athletes to step up and secure selection.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Spireites make fourth pre-season signing

23rd June 2016

The Spireites have made a fourth pre-season signing with former Dundee defender Paul McGinn agreeing a two-year contract.

McGinn, who will officially join the club on July 1, is a free agent after coming to the end of his contract at Dundee.

Commenting on the signing, Spireites chief executive Chris Turner said:-

“Paul’s arrival will greatly strengthen the level of competition for a place on the right-hand side of defence. He is very athletic and comes highly recommended.”

The 25-year-old started his career at Queen’s Park and then had spells at St Mirren and Dumbarton before joining Dundee in the summer of 2014.

McGinn will join fellow new recruits Kristian Dennis, Jon Nolan and Ched Evans when the players report for the start of pre-season training on July 4.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Clean-Up on the Chesterfield Canal

23rd June 2016

A group of over 30 employees, from three local McDonald’s stores, supported a clean-up of the Chesterfield Canal and the surrounding areas on 21st June; from litter picking, to weed pulling and painting the iron footbridge that crosses the River Rother.

Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Rangers also played their part, by cutting back undergrowth and removing the dozens of bags of litter and weeds that had been collected during the day.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, Cllr Steve Brunt and Mrs Jill Manion-Brunt, joined the Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Cllr John Burrows, at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre to thank the volunteers for their hard work.

Jordan Ball, speaking as a representative for McDonald’s, said:-

“This has been a really worthwhile event. McDonald’s is committed to LWYL – Love Where You Live – and we hope to repeat the exercise next year.”

Clean-Up on the Chesterfield Canal

Posted in About Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Young chefs shortlisted in 2016 Food and Drink Awards

23rd June 2016

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner of the Young Chef of the Year award, James Greatorex who has recently joined Heston Blumenthal restaurant The Fat Duck, three catering students from Chesterfield College have been shortlisted for the prestigious title in the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Jordan Elliott (18) from Codnor, Sophie Warren (18) from Bolsover and Josh Clark (17) from Walton, level 2 catering students at Chesterfield College, have all been shortlisted for the Young Chef of the Year Award.

A live ‘cook-off’ involving the three students preparing a main course and a dessert which were tasted and judged by three professional chefs – Adam Warwick, head chef at Blu Bistro on Chatsworth Road, Chris Mapp chef and owner of The Tickled Trout in Barlow and Adam Stockton, head chef at Calabria Cocina on Glumangate, was held recently to decide the winner.

Sophie prepared a cod fish pie on a bed of warm tartar sauce followed by chocolate fondant with spiced pear and Chantilly cream. A nervous, but happy Sophie commented: “It was great to be shortlisted; it was not something I expected. Everything went to plan and I was very pleased with the two dishes that I produced. The competition has really helped my confidence.”

Josh wowed the judges with rack of lamb with summer vegetables followed by gooseberry and custard tart. Josh, who sites Gordon Ramsay and Keith Floyd as his food heroes, added: “It was a great experience. My dad and grandma got me into cooking. Her meat and potato pie is the absolute best; even my dad agrees.”

Jordon, who described the competition as ‘nerve-wracking’, prepared roast rump of lamb and baby lettuce followed by strawberry and black pepper sponge cake for the judges. He said: “I don’t like competitions as I am out of my comfort zone, however I really enjoyed the cooking and learnt a lot of helpful tips from the judges.”

The Rev Patrick Coleman from the Crooked Spire Church (St Mary’s Church) which sponsors the award category also took part in the judging. He said: “I was really interested and excited to see three young people doing such great work. The Church encourages young people on their way through life and the Young Chef of the Year Award is a great foundation for any young chef’s future career.”

The winner of the Young Chef of the Year title will be announced at the glitzy award ceremony at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on Wednesday 26 October. This year, the ceremony is being hosted by celebrity cake maker to the stars and royalty Mich Turner MBE who will announce the winners of 12 award categories.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with headline sponsor the Chesterfield College Group, the awards aim to showcase the very best in the town’s thriving food and drink sector.

The College also uses the awards ceremony as a learning exercise for its hospitality students. This year, 50 students from the College will also be catering and silver serving a two course meal to more than 250 people attending the event, working over three days on all areas, including kitchen and front of house. Last year Jordan, Sophie and Josh worked at the awards serving the food. This year, they will get to enjoy the two-course meal prepared, cooked and served to them by their fellow students. Chris Mapp from the Tickled Trout advised them to “make the most of it and enjoy every minute.”

Adam Stockton from Calabria added: “College and work situations are a very different environment and Sophie, Jordan and Josh should be very proud of themselves and what they produced today. They all did extremely well.”

Other supporters of the awards include arvarto, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Black Eyed Susan, Casa Hotel, Central Technology Ltd, Chesterfield Borough Council, Custom Solar, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber, Holdsworth Foods, Kier, Jumble Design, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, MSE Hiller, Peak FM, ra Information Systems and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Schools invited to nominate sporting stars for annual awards

23rd June 2016

Derbyshire’s brightest and best sporting stars are to be recognised at a special awards ceremony later this year – with schools now encouraged to nominate their talented youngsters to ensure they don’t miss out.

The annual awards will return to Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on October 19th – and teachers, schools, sports associations and area associations can now put forward outstanding performers who deserve recognition.

The Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association (DSSA) Sports Awards honour young people who have excelled whilst competing in school sport or sport outside of school, as well as young people and adults who have been involved in voluntary roles off the playing field, court or gym floor.

Nominations are invited for individuals and teams from primary, secondary and special schools in Individual Achievement, Team Achievement, Young Leaders / Ambassadors and Adult Volunteer categories.

There is also a Special Award, for media and arts contribution to school sport, which recognises individuals and groups who have produced exceptional work such as photography, film, written reports, music or dance in relation to school sport.

The Individual Achievement, Team Achievement and Young Leaders / Ambassadors awards will be divided into Primary and Secondary School categories, as well as a disability category.

More information about the awards can be found at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/dssa-awards, where an online nomination form is available. A nomination form can also be downloaded.

The closing date for all nominations is 5pm on Friday, July 29th.

Secondary School Team of the Year
Secondary School of the Year 2015: Tupton Hall School Under-12s Girls Football Team

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Macmillan marks milestone with celebration event

23rd June 2016

A topping out ceremony was held at the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre to celebrate the near-complete development. Held on 14^th June, the event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, local schools and supporters, who visited to hear about the latest fundraising news.

Last month The National Gardens Scheme (NGS), a long standing partner of Macmillan, announced it would donate £1.5 million towards the new state of the art cancer centre. The donation is equivalent to over half of the £2.5 million Macmillan has committed to raise towards the Chesterfield appeal. It marks a significant step towards meeting the fundraising appeal target and towards the development of this much needed local service.

Rob Turner, Macmillan’s Senior Fundraising Manager for Chesterfield, said:-

“Being diagnosed with cancer is the toughest fight many people will ever face, so I am absolutely delighted that this generous donation from the NGS has brought us closer to the completion of the build which we can see taking real shape today.”

The new £8.9 million Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre is due to open at Chesterfield Royal Hospital in the autumn.

Macmillan still needs to raise just under £700,000 to hit the appeal target of £2.5 million. If you are able to help please contact Rob Turner on rturner@macmillan.org.uk or 07545 419 725.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Uncategorised

Archbishop of Canterbury visits Chesterfield

22nd June 2016

The Archbishop of Canterbury visited Chesterfield on the 22nd June as part of his tour of Derbyshire. This was Justin Welby’s first visit to the town since being appointed the Church of England’s most senior clergyman.

The Archbishop spoke at a business networking event at St Thomas’ Centre in Brampton, Chesterfield. His talk focused on the challenges facing businesses in the current economic climate and spoke of the need for businesses to be deeply embedded into the community. This was followed by a question and answer session which discussed credit unions, volunteering, the business management of the Church of England and the role business owners have in shaping culture throughout their companies.

During his tour of Chesterfield he also visited Chesterfield’s iconic crooked spire church where pupils from William Gilbert School, in Duffield, led a showcase of work on collective worship, in front of an audience of hundreds of local youngsters and the Archbishop.

Addressing the children, the Archbishop encouraged them to use the skills a church education offers to think for themselves and act for others. He continued: “It is obviously true that good schools help produce an educated workforce. But the Christian vision is a far greater one; it is about setting a framework for children as they learn, which enables them to be confident when faced with the vast challenges that our rapidly changing culture brings to us.”

Chesterfield Parish Church’s vicar, Revd Patrick Coleman, said “I am delighted to be able to welcome my church’s leader to the town’s most recognisable landmark.”

Bishop of Derby, Alastair Redfern said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury on his first pastoral visit to the East Midlands. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the important work being carried out across Derbyshire as we look to face the challenges together. We hope his visit will inspire many more to get involved in making our communities stronger whether through their church, workplace, social group, school or college.”

The Archbishop carries out two to three pastoral visits to dioceses a year, where he has a chance to witness the mission and ministry going on and to encourage them in their work.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield College inspires town to cycle at Aviva Women’s Tour

22nd June 2016

Chesterfield College students supported Chesterfield Borough Council’s role in the Aviva Women’s Tour of Britain cycling event last week, by helping school children, and members of the public, to get involved and get pedalling.

Students who are currently studying Public Service were involved in marshalling the event route and helping to run the schools event, where children got to ride part of the route and have a go on balance bikes in the market square. The students put their skills to the test to help with managing the crowds and ensuring the safety of spectators and riders.

Sports students and staff challenged members of the public in New Square, in the town centre, to see how far they could cycle in 2 minutes using a spinning bike. They were also on hand to encourage and advise women to take part in sporting activities, as well as carrying out fitness testing.

Stuart Allen, Director of Learning from Health, Wellbeing and Society, said:-

“This kind of high profile sporting event really brings communities together and inspires people to take part in sport. We’re delighted the college has been invited to play a role to help make it happen and to show how the people of Chesterfield can improve their health, fitness and wellbeing. Our students did a fantastic job at sharing their skills and expertise with people, young and old, in order to help them improve their health and fitness.

“I want to thank staff and students from our public services and sport courses for working so hard to make our involvement in the Aviva Women’s Tour so successful.”

Sports students from Chesterfield College encouraging members of the public to take part in a cycling challenge at the Aviva Women’s Tour event

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Uncategorised

Colleges collaborate to enhance further education provision

22nd June 2016

It has been announced that Chesterfield College will be forming key collaborations to improve the way learners and employers can access apprenticeship and further education provision, following a review of further education provision in the Sheffield City Region to meet the Government’s aims of creating resilient and efficient further education provision.

The report, produced at the end of the review, recommends that over the next 12 months Chesterfield College forms an apprenticeship company with other colleges in the region, including Barnsley College, Dearne Valley College, Sheffield College and the Rotherham and North Nottinghamshire College group. The apprenticeship company will make it easier for learners and employers to find and access apprenticeships, as well as reduce the costs of developing and marketing the apprenticeship offer for individual colleges.

The report also highlights that Chesterfield College is working on a new strategic partnership with a college outside the Sheffield City Region. Chesterfield College and Derby College are exploring opportunities for working in partnership to improve further education services for students, employers and local communities.

The aim of both colleges is to provide robust and locally responsive further education provision that will help to develop a highly skilled workforce for the region and improve employment prospects for young people and adults. Options are being explored that will strengthen the work of both colleges for the benefit of their communities.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College, said:-

“We are looking forward to working with colleges in the Sheffield City Region to grow apprenticeships and create a robust system that makes it easier for everyone to use apprenticeships to get the skills they need. Our plans to work with Derby College were born because both colleges share the same ethos, drive and quality approach to ensure we are developing a skilled workforce, so it makes sense to make the most of our strengths and geographical location by working together.

“Plans are in the early stages but the vision is to share our expertise to improve our offer to students and employers. Any partnership would look to improve and grow services that meet the priorities of our area. I look forward to working with the team at Derby College to develop the strategies.”

Mandie Stravino, Chief Executive at Derby College, added:-

“I am confident that much can be achieved through working together. Our focus will always be on ensuring we play our part in positively impacting on the prosperity of the communities we serve.”

Details of the strategic partnership are currently being developed and further details will be announced following the next area review, which includes colleges in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire region, planned to start in November.

Chesterfield College

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised