Author: Dom Stevens

Share your views with Chesterfield Borough Council

25th February 2016

Chesterfield residents have a chance to share their views with Chesterfield Borough Council and discuss issues that matter to them at the next round of Community Assembly meetings. Held four times each year, the meetings allow people to receive information and ask questions about projects led by the council and other partners that will affect them and their families.

The east meeting in Staveley will contain a briefing about the proposals for the HS2 rail link.

Residents attending the south meeting in Hasland will hear an update from Healthwatch Derbyshire and a consultation on a skate park for Eastwood Park, Hasland.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue service will also speak at the north and west meetings at Littlemoor and Brampton respectively.

Residents at the east, south and west meetings can vote on which projects in their areas will receive funding from the council’s minor grants scheme.
All meetings will receive updates from Derbyshire Constabulary and a presentation on digital inclusion from Derbyshire Libraries.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance said: “We invite our residents to come along and attend our Community Assembly meetings.

“They will be able to hear a variety of updates from the council and our partner organisations on issues that affect them in their communities.”

• Chesterfield east: Wednesday 2 March at Staveley Methodist Church, Chesterfield Road, Staveley
• Chesterfield south: Wednesday 9 March at Hasland Village Hall, Eastwood Park
• Chesterfield north: Thursday 10 March at St Hugh’s RC Church, Littlemoor
• Chesterfield west: Wednesday 16 March at St Thomas’ Centre, St Thomas’ Church, Brampton.

The meetings are held at 6.30pm and will finish at around 8pm.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Mr Heart Throb raises over £5,000 for Ashgate Hospicecare

24th February 2016

A grand total of £5,100 was raised at this year’s Mr Heart Throb event, which saw 7 contestants, 4 judges and 170 adoring supporters coming together at the Proact Stadium in support of local charity Ashgate Hospicecare.

The contestants took to the catwalk to compete in four rounds including Mr Dream Job, Mr Beach Bod, Hospice Hero and concluding with Mr Talent, which was won by Dan Wheeldon from Gilder Group Mitsubishi, who wrote a fantastic and heart-wrenching poem where he described a hospice through the eyes of his 8 year old son.

Dave Trickett took home the title of ‘Mr Money Man’ after solely raising £900 for the event in memory of his daughter, Kimberley, who died at Ashgate Hospicecare six and a half years ago. Since her death Dave and his family have raised £70,000 in tribute and aim to reach £100,000 in total.

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare said: ‘The night was full of laughs, however it was amazing to see the contestants and audience truly understand the real meaning of this fundraising event. The importance of hospice care was echoed throughout the night.

“Thank you to all who made this event possible; the amazing total of £5,100 will enable local people with life-limiting illnesses to be cared for, whether it is in the hospice, hospital or in their own homes.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent registered charity that provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

BRM solicitors raises nearly £10k for Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre

22nd February 2016

A charity will writing service, run by local law firm and Chesterfield Champion BRM Solicitors, has raised a total of £9,742 to help build the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Throughout October and November 2015 BRM Solicitors offered to waive their usual will writing fees in exchange for clients making a cash donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors says: “The campaign was a huge success, giving people the opportunity to make a will who otherwise may not have done so, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.

Many clients chose to donate more than the suggested £54, showing their support for Macmillan’s vital work and the legal service we provided. The money raised will help to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.”

Rob Turner, the local fundraising manager at Macmillan says: “Thank you to everyone who took up BRM Solicitors offer and made a generous donation to Macmillan. Whether you choose to donate now, in your will, or both, your support is vital in helping Macmillan be there to support more people in Chesterfield who are affected by cancer.”

Planned to open in autumn this year, the £8.9m centre will transform cancer services for people across North Derbyshire. Macmillan Cancer Support has a fundraising target of £2.5 million to make the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre a reality.

If you would like to find out more about the Chesterfield Appeal and how you could support it please contact Rob Turner on 07545 419 725 or email rturner@macmillan.org.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Young Lions heading to the Proact

19th February 2016

England Under 17s will be in action at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium next month.

The Young Lions will have home advantage for the UEFA Elite Qualifying Round in Chesterfield, Burton and Leek as they target a spot at this summer’s Euro Finals.

Steve Cooper’s squad will take on Ukraine, Turkey and Finland knowing that finishing top of their four-team group will see them progress to the Finals in Azerbaijan in May.

And a second-place finish could also be good enough depending on how the other qualifying groups progress next month.

Tickets for all three home games are now on sale and first up for England is Turkey at the Proact Stadium at 7pm on Thursday, March 24.

England’s U17s head coach, Steve Cooper, said: “The recent Algarve tournament gave the players the chance to play against some top opposition and we’re really looking forward to what will be another three important games for us.

“To host the Elite round on home turf is always exciting and to get round the country and give young England fans the opportunity to see some of our players on home soil is really important. This year it falls during the Easter holidays, and hopefully the local fans can come out and support the team.”

Tickets for all England games cost just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions (U16s/OAPs) and are available through each venue. Further details regarding ticket sales will be announced soon.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

National recognition for Brampton Brewery

19th February 2016

Brampton Brewery has enjoyed success at the prestigious CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival which runs from 17th – 20th February, 2016.

The firm won a bronze medal for its Brampton Mild in the Old Ales & Strong Milds category – one of just 4 categories from which the ultimate National Champion Winter Ale is chosen.

Brampton’s Chris Radford was understandably delighted with the award.

He said:- “This festival recognises the finest ales the UK has to offer in this growing sector of the market, and to think that at Brampton we produce beers that stand alongside some of the biggest, best and most respected beers in the whole country is quite humbling”.

Brampton Brewery’s achievement should not be underestimated – the UK can now boast over 1,400 breweries regularly producing in excess of 9,000 different real ales. A renaissance has occurred in recent years and particularly in the field of outstanding dark, malty, rich and roasted beers perfect for those colder months of the year.

Such huge variety means that it has never been a more difficult time to judge the best of these beers. Only a select number of real ales make it to the Finals which fall into the 4 categories of Old Ales/Strong Milds, Porters, Stouts and Barley Wines, with the competition beginning at grass roots level right across Britain soon after the previous year’s finals have taken place.

Brampton Brewery was resurrected in October 2007 by a small group of local enthusiasts, bringing brewing back to Brampton for the first time in 52 years.

Image shows Brampton Head Brewer Chris Radford receiving the Bronze Medal for Brampton Mild from CAMRA National Chairman Colin Valentine.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Annual employment trend remains positive

17th February 2016

Year on year the figures for employment remain positive with 8,660 fewer people out of work across the East Midlands, when compared to October to December 2015, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This means the East Midlands’ Unemployment Rate of 4.5% remains well below the national 5.1% and better than anywhere else outside of Southern England.

In Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in January 2016 fell by 6,935 compared to the same month in 2015.

In Chesterfield the number of people claiming the out of work benefit dropped to 893, which is 587 lower than the figure released in January 2015 (1480), and remains below the national average (1.4% compared to 1.5%).

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “While the quarterly increase in unemployment and fall in employment were disappointing, the annual trend is more positive and reflective of what our member businesses tell us about their recruitment activities.

“The East Midlands remains in a healthy position as a key driver of the UK economy, thanks to its broad base of businesses which have created jobs and opportunities for local people over the past 18 months.

“However, there are uncertainties around things like changes to apprenticeships funding, the introduction of a new National Living Wage and the continued rollout of auto-enrolment and we can’t yet fully appreciate what impact these might have on business.

“Today’s figures demonstrate that while our labour market remains flexible and vibrant, it’s not immune to shock, so it’s vital that business policy continues to provide the right support and environment to facilitate job creation, particularly in the production sectors, where the East Midlands’ real strength lies.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

University of Derby agrees new partnership to support school sport

17th February 2016

The University of Derby is showing its support for school sport competitions in the county and the annual Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Awards after agreeing a new partnership with Derbyshire Sport and the Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association (DSSA).

The partnership is part of the university’s ongoing work to create greater links with local schools and encourage more young people with an interest in sport to consider studying at the University of Derby.

In addition the university’s new £10.8m sports centre will play host to several county finals in the DSSA competition calendar.

The partnership was launched at the Derbyshire School Games U16 Badminton Team Championships, organised by Derbyshire Sport, which saw around 50 pupils from schools across Derbyshire competing.

Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the work of Derbyshire Sport and the Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association in this way. The University and its Team Derby brand are serious about sport and have much to offer any young person with an interest in sport.

“This includes a range of sport and exercise courses, a range of first-class facilities, a performance sport programme for badminton, basketball and volleyball, and scholarship and bursary opportunities for talented athletes participating in British Universities and Colleges Sport.”

Ilana Freestone, Derbyshire Sport Director, said: “Derbyshire Sport and the DSSA are excited to be working with the University of Derby in this way. This new partnership will support a range of high quality competition opportunities for young people and allow their sporting successes to continue to be celebrated at the annual awards evening.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Brave daughter jumps out of plane for Ashgate Hospicecare

17th February 2016

Karlie Johnson from Brampton has completed a charity skydive challenge and raised over £2000 to show her gratitude to the team at Ashgate Hospicecare after they provided excellent care for her Dad, Dave.

Dave Johnson, 53 was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer on Christmas Eve 2013. Despite undergoing chemotherapy to stabilise the tumour, which was successful to begin with, Dave was readmitted to hospital where he was put in touch with Ashgate Hospicecare.

Sharing her story, Karlie, 23 said:-

“The care is definitely more personal than in a hospital and Dad definitely relaxed at the hospice knowing that he was getting the care he needed. The facilities were really amazing too. Things that we take for granted like having a bath after a long day – that was all dad wanted and they allowed him to have one. He was given a private room too that had a patio with a table and chairs. It was like a little sun trap – we’d take dad out there when he was having a good day and we’d sit in the sun and eat chocolate and share cans of pop. I treasure those memories from his last few weeks, and it was Ashgate Hospicecare that made it all possible.

“To say thank you to the hospice for the amazing care they gave I decided to skydive in memory of Dad to raise money for them. Dad said he was going to do one for charity before he was diagnosed with cancer, so when he got poorly I said I would do it instead. I was waiting until he got better so he could come and watch, but sadly he passed away before I did it.

“After many months of fundraising, I finally did my skydive and managed to raise a grand total of £2067.06! I work at The Rose and Crown in Brampton and they’ve also pledged to raise £5,000 for the hospice’s £1 Million Urgent Bed Appeal.”

After just 4 weeks at the hospice, Dave sadly died on 7th October 2014 whilst Karlie was on holiday in Turkey.

Karlie adds, “I’m not sure what we would have done without the help of Ashgate Hospicecare. They took a load off of our shoulders so we could just focus on dad and how he was. They were amazing from start to finish and always kept us in the loop.”

Ashgate Hospicecare, Chesterfield, provides specialist palliative and end of life care to local people and their families across North Derbyshire and the High Peak and Dales. It costs £8.5m each year the charity, which receives an NHS grant of £2.5m but has to raise a further £6m to ensure these vital services continue to be provided.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Brookfield Community School smashes Badminton County Finals

16th February 2016

Following their triumph in the district competition, run by the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, Brookfield Community School went one better last week when they lifted the Derbyshire Schools Badminton trophies in both the Key Stage 4 Girls and Boys competitions.

After comfortably progressing through the group stages, the girls met another impressive Chesterfield team, Hasland Hall Community School, in the semi-finals, where they registered a 4-1 victory. They then met Ockbrook School in the final, where excellent serving and movement across the court gave them a 5-0 whitewash.

The boys also made it out of the group with ease, before edging a tight semi-final against Friesland. They completed the job with a 4-1 win over hosts John Port School in the final, making it back-to-back county titles.

Brookfield science teacher and badminton coach, Mr Petty, said: “I’m really proud of them, the girls winning 5-0 and the boys 4-1 in the final. It’s hard to even pick a man of the match because hardly anyone lost a game all afternoon. But I’d give it to Tom Else, the boys’ captain.”

Olympic Silver Medalist and Team Derby badminton player, Gail Emms, was also at John Port School in Etwall to present the winners with their trophies and speak to the competitors. She commended them for their efforts, adding: “It’s great to see so many young players here, playing to such a high standard.”

Alex Fletcher, part of the winning boys’ team, said: “Everyone played really well. Gail Emms was nearly as good as us! We’re proud to win as a team.”

Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for Brookfield Community School to be crowned county champions, and a real celebration of the level of participation in badminton across Chesterfield with over 40 teams competing in local qualifying events. Badminton continues to grow in popularity with young people in Chesterfield and to see our schools teams performing to such a high standard in the county finals is testament to the participation base we have established.”

The event was held at John Port School on Thursday 11th February. Both teams will now go on to represent Chesterfield at the Regional Finals which will be held later in the year. There they will face the best teams from neighbouring counties.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Nearly £3.5m raised for Macmillan Cancer Support‎

16th February 2016

An impressive sum of money totalling almost £3.5m has been raised in support of Macmillan Cancer Support over the past year – thanks to the efforts of kind-hearted local people.

One of the latest developments for the charity, to which some of the money will go towards, is the new state-of-the-art Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre which will bring together vital treatment, care and support in one purpose-built facility – providing joined up services closer to home.

Macmillan has committed £2.5 million to help build the new centre at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Building work began at the end of last year and the centre is due to open in autumn 2016.

Gini Smith, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Derbyshire said:-

“Because of all your help, in 2015 Macmillan was able to commit £3,429,658 in Derbyshire helping to support the 41,248 people living with or beyond cancer locally. That means there are now around 40 Macmillan professionals working in Derbyshire.

“I just want to say a personal thank you to everyone who hosted or attended coffee mornings, volunteered their time, took part in challenge events, braved the shave, went sober for October, put a pound in a collection box, or held their own events to raise money for Macmillan.”

Speaking about the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre, Sheree Hall, Macmillan lead cancer nurse at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, said:-

“Our facilities were built almost thirty years ago when we had neither the number of patients nor the vast array of treatment options. Currently, patients have to visit different parts of the hospital for treatment, usually on different days. It will be a dream come true to have all our cancer services under one roof.”

Gini concluded; “Macmillan’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer. By 2030, the number of people living with the disease will have doubled, so it’s a huge task to support each and every one of those in some way.

‘With the support of local fundraisers and volunteers, we can keep funding new cancer centres like the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre and team up with partners like the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to provide the best cancer care possible here in your community. With your help, we can make sure no one in Derbyshire has to face cancer alone.’

If you’re interested in holding or attending a fundraising event, getting involved with a fundraising group or committee, or would like to choose Macmillan as your charity of the year, please contact Gini Smith on 07790 018400 or email gsmith@macmillan.org.uk

Anyone who has questions about cancer can call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00, Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm or by visiting macmillan.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Top Sommelier Offers Italian Wine Specialist Course at Chesterfield College

16th February 2016

Italian wine enthusiasts and those with a professional interest in food and drink will soon be able to learn from wine expert, Michele Muccilli, as he brings his fascinating 12 week British Sommelier Foundation accredited course to Chesterfield College in April.

Michele was born and bred in Puglia, Southern Italy and grew up in the vineyards of the area where food and drink is such an important part of the culture and where his passion for the subject grew. Having moved to the UK he founded the British Sommelier Foundation and also works at Sat Bains, Nottingham, recently voted the best restaurant in the UK. He told us:

“The Italian Wine Specialist course offers something for a wide range of people. Whether you are looking to work with wine within a restaurant or hotel environment or gaining knowledge before going on vineyard holidays, the course will appeal to any wine enthusiast. We’ll be looking at a wide variety of Italian wines, learning how a region’s climate, grape and tannins all go to influence a wine’s taste.

“There’s a huge amount of appreciation for good food, wine and beer in Chesterfield, this course provides those with a keen interest in wine to learn so much more, gain a certificate from the British Sommelier Foundation and perhaps start upon the path of becoming a fully qualified Sommelier.”

The course starts on 4 April from 6pm – 8pm on the Infirmary Road campus of Chesterfield College and will last for 12 weeks. It is a theoretical and practical course that will allow you to learn more about the wines from different regions of Italy and teach you how to pair wine and food for the perfect combination.

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