Author: Dom Stevens

A summer spectacular attracts thousands to Chatsworth Country Fair

4th September 2019

Star chefs, the UK’s leading motorcycle display team, and fierce Cossack warriors made up an action-packed programme at this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair, drawing in more than 70,000 thousand visitors.

Joined by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire in the Grand Ring, the daredevil motorbike riders Bolddog Lings FMX Display Team made their Chatsworth Country Fair debut with gravity-defying stunts alongside the Ukranian Cossack Stunt Team to open the annual event. Show-stopping entertainment also came from favourites including a Spitfire flyover, the Poppy Parachute Team, Global Stars Aerobatics Display and Pony Mounted Games, plus much more.

One of the nation’s favourite cookery writers and television presenters, Mary Berry CBE drew in the crowds over in Stoves Cookery Demonstration Theatre on Friday with her culinary delights. Over the weekend, the star-studded line up of top food celebrities continued with live demos and book signings from James Martin on Saturday and The Hairy Bikers on Sunday. Top local chefs also joined the bill including Chris Mapp, owner of the award-winning The Tickled Trout in Derbyshire, nutritionist Eva Humphries, and James Payne, head chef at Derbyshire’s Baslow Hall.

As honorary Country Fair President, TV presenter Julia Bradbury went about her duties greeting visitors, performers and exhibitors (including a book signing on her own Outdoor guide stand) throughout the weekend: “I was brought up in Sheffield so Chatsworth has been and is still very close to my heart. it’s a real honour to have attended the Show as President and see the best of the British countryside in the flesh!”

The Duke of Devonshire said: “The Country Fair is a highlight for everyone at Chatsworth and a much-loved event for so many people in Derbyshire and beyond. The Bolddog Lings motorcycle stunt team were both thrilling and terrifying at the same time, and we were delighted to welcome The Hairy Bikers here to make their debut in the Cookery Theatre.”

Dates for next year’s Chatsworth Country Fair have been confirmed as 4th, 5th and 6th September 2020.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield manufacturing business expands

4th September 2019

Oxdale Products Limited, a Chesterfield machine manufacturing company is expanding through the purchase of a new Industrial Unit.

The development will house a growing laser cutting and profiling operation and provide 14 new jobs within the community over a 30-month period.

Oxdale Products is a family-run business founded in 2008 that supplies a range of high-quality agriculture and forestry machinery for both commercial and domestic use. The company currently have 62 products which are all manufactured in Chesterfield.

Chris Butcher, Director at Oxdale Products Limited, said, “I’m delighted that Oxdale Products Limited will be expanding its business, thanks to loans from Unity Trust Bank. This development will enlarge our product range and employee base, as well as increase competition within the marketplace.”

Find out more about available commercial property and investing in Chesterfield.

Posted in Business, Development

Chamber reacts to Government’s HS2 delay announcement

4th September 2019

Reacting to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps’ announcement that final completion of the northern section of the high-speed rail network would likely be delayed from 2033 to 2035 at the earliest, Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, said:

“The news of potential delays to HS2, specifically Phase 2b which will have the greatest effect on us here in the East Midlands, needs to be placed in context with the bigger picture.

“HS2 is a huge, transformational infrastructure project which has the enormous potential to benefit our region, and the country, for generations to come. While we want HS2 to be operational as soon as possible, the key focus is that we get it right.

“What is of greater concern is that we put to bed the ‘will it or won’t it happen’ speculation so that we can focus on getting HS2 built – regardless of whether it comes to fruition in 2033, 2035 or later.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebalance our country’s economy and demonstrate both internally and to the outside world that we are a world class country in which to do business, supported by world class infrastructure.

“What is certain is that when people look back on a fully-functioning HS2 in the years to come, the core discussion will centre on the contribution it has made to this country, not the fact that completion was delayed by a few years.”

Chesterfield is set to benefit from an HS2 Station and an infrastructure maintenance depot in the borough, bringing opportunities for the town from creating new jobs to improving skills and from developing new homes and attracting new business investment as well as improving transport infrastructure, rail connectivity and journey times.

HS2 will complement existing rail services and open up regeneration opportunities, enhancing Chesterfield’s role as both a destination and a gateway to surrounding areas, including the Peak District National Park.

The prospect of a HS2 connection at Chesterfield Station is already driving major regeneration of the town centre and adjacent industrial areas. The potential benefits of HS2 for the Chesterfield area include:

Better connectivity for the 1 million plus people already living within 30 minutes of the station;
4,740 new homes and 10,220 new jobs;
£270m net additional GVA; and 176 ha of brownfield land brought back into use.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield hosts annual well dressing festival

3rd September 2019

Residents and visitors to Chesterfield can enjoy a Derbyshire tradition as the annual well dressing takes place.

The wells will be in place from Saturday 7 to Saturday 14 September.

The well dressing at the town pump in the market place, designed by Chesterfield Borough Council, will feature Beauty and the Beast and the one in the porch at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, designed by church members, will feature All Things Bright and Beautiful – the famous hymn written by Cecil Frances Alexander.

This year will also see a third well dressing designed by the Friends of Spital Cemetery and on display at the cemetery chapel which celebrates the work carried out in the cemetery to dedicate an area as a garden of remembrance for those left behind after the First World War.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Well dressing is an old Derbyshire tradition and each year, we receive hundreds of visitors to see the wells in place.

“It is a great opportunity to see the well dressings and support the shops and businesses in Chesterfield town centre.”

People can see the wells being dressed until Friday 6 September at the Pavements Shopping Centre in the mall from 9.30am to 4.30pm and at the ‘Crooked Spire’ church porch from 10am to 4pm.

There will be a blessing service at the church on Saturday 7 September at 10am followed by garland and Morris dancers in Rykneld Square from 10.30am.

Hallmark of Harmony and Sheffield Harmony will be performing a selection of songs from their repertoire on Saturday 7 September in the following locations:

12.30pm to 12.50pm at Chesterfield Market Hall
1.05pm to 1.25pm at the ‘Crooked Spire’ church
1.50pm to 2.10pm at the Pavements Shopping Centre
2.30pm to 2.50pm at Chesterfield Market Hall.

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

‘Eat, Drink, Explore’ Campaign celebrates food and drink in the Peak District

3rd September 2019

Fantastic food and drink is placed right at the heart of the local tourism offer in Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s exciting new campaign, launched by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth Country Fair.

Celebrating the area’s diverse food and drink scene and the passionate people behind the products, the video features 20 local businesses and includes well-known faces from the food and drink industry, together with ambassadors for the area.

Additionally, Marketing Peak District & District has launched a fabulous food and drink guide providing visitors with inspiration and information on eating and drinking in the area.

Championing everything from exceptional eateries to unique delicacies such as Bakewell Pudding, the guide seeks to inspire visitors to sample local produce, explore more and uncover fascinating stories about the Peak District and Derbyshire’s passionate producers.

Click here to access the digital version of the Eat, Drink, Explore guide. which includes Richard Alsop from Chesterfield Champion’s Edge Events talking about his favorite food places in Chesterfield.

The brochure will be available free of charge at food and drink businesses, boutique accommodation providers and cultural hotspots across the area and in surrounding cities.

The ‘Eat, Drink, Explore Peak District & Derbyshire’ campaign will target food-lovers both locally, nationally and internationally, showcasing the area’s year-round culinary offering in a bid to drive overnight stays and extend the tourist season.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch this exciting new campaign promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire as a one-of-a-kind culinary destination.

“From fine dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant to unique local delicacies, brilliant behind-the-scenes tours and fascinating foraging experiences, the Peak District and Derbyshire can cater for all tastes.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “As the most enthusiastic advocates of Derbyshire, we are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire are championing the exceptional wealth of culinary talent that the region has on offer.

“We are incredibly lucky to have wonderful pubs, talented chefs, lots of loyal local farmers, suppliers and producers for our restaurants and award-winning Farm Shop on the Chatsworth Estate – we are thrilled to be able to share these with an even wider audience.”

In October, Destination Chesterfield will announce the latest winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards showcasing more of the wonderful businesses in the Peak District.

Find out more about the best places to eat and drink and the amazing food producers in Chesterfield

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

100 day plan for new Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

3rd September 2019

This week Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust welcomed its new Chief Executive Angie Smithson.

Angie joins the Trust after five years as Deputy Chief Executive/Chief Operating Officer (COO) based in Liverpool. She has more than 30 years of NHS experience, starting her career in nursing and midwifery in 1986, before moving into a range of leadership positions. Since 2017 she has combined her COO role with the responsibilities of Integration Director, leading a complex and challenging merger to combine Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust with the Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Angie said “I’m really looking forward to working with everyone and consider it a real privilege to have this opportunity.”

“When I applied for the post I visited the hospital a couple of times, as a bit of a ‘mystery shopper’, to get a feel for it and to have a look around. Over the last two or three months I’ve had the chance to visit again, to meet some of my new colleagues and to find out more about the Trust and its services. On every occasion I’ve been warmly welcomed by incredibly friendly people and I’m grateful to everyone I’ve met so far for making me feel ‘at home’.

“I’m keen to meet many more people as soon as I can, to find out what it’s like for them to work for the Trust – whether their role is in our hospital, out at one of our community bases, at Royal Primary Care; they’re part of our DSFS subsidiary, or our army of volunteers.”

To support this approach Angie has embarked on a one hundred day plan, which already includes more than 60 opportunities to meet staff – at events, ward and department visits and conversation sessions. Every member of #TeamCRH has an opportunity to get involved and have their say – as a way of getting to know more about their new Chief Executive and so that she can find out more about the organisation.

“From my visits so far it’s clear that staff and local people are all incredibly proud of the Trust’s services, its values and principles and achievements and accomplishments, says Angie.

“It is also somewhere that is striving for continued improvement and encourages staff to lead changes that make a positive difference, use their creativity and bring their ideas to life. I am equally passionate about all of these elements to give patients exceptional care and a first-class experience.”

On behalf of the Board of Directors the Trust’s Chair, Dr Helen Phillips welcomed Angie to her new role:

“We are really pleased Angie has joined us. It’s a great time for the Trust. Along with the challenges shared by the NHS, there are some exciting opportunities ahead, with the NHS Long-Term Plan at the heart of it all.

“I am certain that Angie will lead and direct the Trust in our continued ambition to achieve ‘outstanding’ both for the care we give to all our patients and for the workplace we provide to all our staff. I would like to welcome Angie into the Chesterfield Royal ‘family’ and all of us on the Board are delighted to have the opportunity to work with her to take the Trust on to its next successful step.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Help Chesterfield to become a low carbon, resilient and sustainable borough

3rd September 2019

Volunteers are needed to join a new climate change working group in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council is welcoming applications that will support borough wide representation on its new climate change working group.

The desired makeup of the group will see representatives from the education sector, Chesterfield Borough Council residential and commercial tenants, elected members, community kitchens, local business, local transport providers, local climate groups and the health sector for example.

The group totalling 12 to 15 members will have a shared purpose of enabling Chesterfield to become a low carbon, resilient and sustainable borough.

Those selected to form the group, will be invited to report back and make recommendations to full council on a realistic date for Chesterfield to be carbon neutral, and to develop a costed action plan, by March 2020, setting out the required work to achieve this outcome.

This action follows a motion being agreed at Chesterfield Borough Council’s full council meeting in July to declare a climate emergency in the borough.

If you would like to express your interest in joining the group, please send your full name, post code, email address and a short explanation about why you are interested in joining the group to the email address below. If you are representing a specific organisation, please note this in your expression of interest.

To register and be considered as a member of the working group, send the above information to: democratic.services@chesterfield.gov.uk .

The deadline for working group applications is 5pm on Monday 16 September 2019.

The working group will discuss climate emergency issues and how the council can work with citizens of the borough to make a difference.

The first meeting will take place late September / early October, with the frequency of further meetings to be determined by the group. If you are selected to join the group, you will be required to attend as many meetings as possible to ensure that the requirement to present an action plan back to full council by March 2020 is met.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader Councillor Amanda Serjeant said: “It is really important for us to reach out to residents, businesses and community organisations to ask them to join us in developing an action plan to focus efforts to tackle climate emergency.

“Passing the climate emergency motion was an important first step but setting up the working group will I hope bring the community in Chesterfield together to look at what we can do to reduce the council’s carbon footprint”.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Autism awareness training for Chesterfield residents

2nd September 2019

Chesterfield residents are being invited to register for a place on the latest autism awareness training course set to be held at the Town Hall.

The events are being organised by the Chesterfield Equality and Diversity Forum and delivered by Derbyshire Autism Services and everyone is welcome to attend.

Two identical sessions will be held on the same day with attendees welcome to register for either of the sessions.

The sessions will cover subjects including: what autism is, how it is diagnosed, terminology used and how to recognise autistic behaviours and traits.

The training will take place on Monday 7 October in Chesterfield Borough Council’s Town Hall in committee room one.

The times of the sessions are noted below:

Morning session: 9.30am to noon
Afternoon session: 1pm to 3.30pm

The training is free of charge and a light lunch will be provided between noon and 1pm.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said: “We are pleased to be offering these extra autism awareness training courses at Chesterfield Borough Council.

“The previous courses took place in June and were fully booked, with extra people asking if they could come along. There are 50 places available in total on the latest courses, 25 in the morning and 25 in the afternoon but I would encourage any one who is interested to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

For more information on the course contents or to book your place contact a member of the Policy team: allison.potter@chesterfield.gov.uk / katy.marshall@chesterfield.gov.uk, or call 01246 345 247.

Posted in About Chesterfield

£79 million requested from government to deliver Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route

30th August 2019

Derbyshire County Council’s Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route plans have been included in a priority list of road schemes for government funding by Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect, with a request for £79 million to deliver it.

The scheme is amongst 11 in the Midlands submitted to the Department for Transport, as part of a £3.5 billion fund available for local road improvements from 2020-2025.

The Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route will create a new 5.7km single carriageway connecting the A619 north of Chesterfield town centre to the A6192 and A619 at Staveley. It offers an alternative to the often congested A619, supporting new jobs and homes, providing new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, and making five regular bus services that use the existing A619 more reliable.

Midlands Connect was empowered by the Department for Transport (DfT) to work with the 22 councils in its partnership to identify priority schemes to improve local roads in the region. The fund covers upgrades to the Major Road Network (MRN), a new category of the busiest and most economically important local authority ‘A’ roads, and Large Local Majors (LLM) schemes, which focus on bigger upgrades to local roads and includes the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route.

Following detailed consultation and a rigorous assessment, Midlands Connect has submitted 11 schemes to the DfT for consideration, in the East Midlands and West Midlands.

The total cost of the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route is estimated at £93 million, including local contributions of £14 million. If successful, Derbyshire County Council would deliver the physical infrastructure required.

The total Midlands-wide funding request to the government is £596 million, with an additional £143 million to be funded locally.

Simon Statham, Midlands Connect’s head of technical programmes, said: “North Derbyshire has huge regeneration plans, including 5,700 jobs alone in the Staveley and Rother Valley Corridor Area Action Plan. This new route is critical to these developments, not to mention the proposed HS2 Infrastructure and Maintenance Depot at Staveley, another huge opportunity to create jobs.

“We are confident that we have provided all of the evidence the government needs to fund all 11 of our priority schemes in full, and we expect to be celebrating a £600 million investment in to the region to help our local authority partners get on and deliver this transformational programme of upgrades.”

Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways said: “Unlocking economic growth and access to economic opportunities is a key priority for us and getting the right infrastructure in place is key to its delivery.

“This scheme would be a huge step towards major regeneration in the area, helping to bring much-needed jobs and reduce congestion on the existing road network which would further support local businesses to thrive in Derbyshire.”

Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, said: “I am urging the government to back this investment, which will support new homes and jobs at major development sites, including the HS2 Infrastructure and Maintenance Depot at Staveley. It will make a huge difference to the quality of life and economic prospects of the local community.

“This much-needed investment will reduce congestion on the A619 and make sure we have a resilient alternative to the M1 during incidents and events. I will continue to work with Midlands Connect to support the scheme’s delivery.”

Midlands Connect is encouraging the government to allocate funding for shortlisted schemes as soon as possible to ensure their smooth delivery.

Read the Major Road Network priority scheme submission to the Department for Transport summary report here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Canal 2027 Restoration Appeal

30th August 2019

The Chesterfield Canal Trust has launched a new appeal for funds to finish the restoration of the canal. Its last two appeals raised a combined total of over £100,000.

The Chesterfield Canal was completed in 1777. The Trust is aiming to complete the last nine miles of restoration by 2027 which is the 250th Anniversary of that great event. All the money donated will go directly towards to costs of restoring the canal.

There are six ways to contribute:

One-off Donation, which can be done by cash, cheque or online.
Monthly payment, which can be done by Standing Order.
Certificated Donation, which is for larger donations, which will be acknowledged by a formal certificate. There are four levels – Silver (£100), Gold (£500), Platinum (£1,000) and Diamond (£5,000).
Legacy – increasing numbers of supporters are leaving legacies in their wills.
Major item sponsorship – this could be major pieces of infrastructure such as lock gates, footbridges or lengths of towpath.
Corporate Social Responsibility – the Trust is very happy to discuss opportunities with both public and private sector organisations.

Full details are available on the Trust’s website – search for Chesterfield Canal Trust.

In 1989, the twenty miles of canal from Worksop to Chesterfield were derelict. Since then, 12 miles have been restored along with 37 locks, 11 major road bridges and 2 marinas. The Trust is finalising plans for the restoration of the remaining section between Staveley and Kiveton Park.

Between 1996 and 2003 a new marina was built at Shireoaks and the restoration of 6 miles of canal, several bridges and 31 locks extended the head of navigation from Worksop to the Norwood Tunnel.

At the isolated western end, five miles and five locks from Chesterfield to Mill Green were made navigable between 1990 and 2002. Staveley Town Basin was opened in 2012, the new Staveley Town Lock was opened in 2016 and Hartington Harbour was first put into water in 2018. Much of this work was done by volunteers.

A new terminal basin is the centrepiece of the £350 million Chesterfield Waterside complex currently under construction.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust has recently appointed a full-time Development Manager, George Rogers (right), who is working with partners, including the Canal & River Trust and Derbyshire County Council, to realise the Trust’s bold ambitions for 2027.

The Trust’s Restoration Committee Chair, Mark Potter, said: “These are very exciting times for the Chesterfield Canal. We hope that the public will respond generously to our new appeal, as they have in the past, so that we can realise our dream of the canal being fully restored by its 250th Anniversary in 2027.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Vicar Lane charity draw raises £376 for The Pilgrim Bandits

29th August 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is thrilled to announce that their draw in aid of The Pilgrim Bandits held on Sunday 18^th August raised an impressive £376.25 for the charity.

The draw, which saw tickets for a unique chair, upholstered in a replica of the uniform of Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson MBE and sold via Total Giving for just £5 per ticket, took place during the Chesterfield Motor Fest. The lucky winner was thrilled with their win but has decided to pay it forward by donating it back to Ben’s charity – ‘Ben’s Challenge’. Ben and his friend Roberta were also collecting for Ben’s Challenge throughout the day.

A second chair was presented to Ben Parkinson himself, as a token of the Centre’s appreciation and to honour him for his achievements, sacrifice and service to our country.

A surprised Ben said: “I’m overwhelmed by the chair and the generosity of Chesterfield people. My chair will take pride of place in my front room.”

Vicar Lane went on to present a further two items – one, a framed montage for Ben’s mother, Diane Dernie, who was unable to attend due to ill health. The montage includes a description that reads:

“I am a soldier but not in a war

I never shot a gun or seen all the gore.

But I go into battle each and every day

from my intended purpose I shall not stray.

There are people who need me, this I know

and from this experience I will grow.

If the truth be told, I’ll say it first

I need them more, It’s them I thirst.

They don’t always like what I have to do

in time though, I think they’ll gain a clue.

It does get tough, I will not lie.

Sometimes it’s easy to just stop and cry.

Am I a soldier? Yes! You can call me that.

But you’ll never see me in straight combat.

Those who know me call me by another.

What was that word? o’h yes, it was mother.”

The second framed montage was presented to Ben’s best friend Roberta Drewitt, who has been raising funds for Ben’s Challenge.

The inscription reads:

“We few. We happy few.

We band of brothers, for he today

That sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother.”

Roberta was overwhelmed by this gift as it was one with very personal meaning. Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane will go to Ben’s home to present the frame to his mum at a later date.

Roberta said: “I cannot believe this I’m sat here smiling so hard. Ben and I are overwhelmed at the support we received on Sunday 18th August at Vicar Lane. We had an amazing time meeting and chatting to the people of Chesterfield. We raised just over £1700 for our charity ‘Ben’s Challenge’ which is just fantastic. We were very surprised that the winner of Ben’s chair has re-donated back to us and cannot express our appreciation and gratitude to them. Ben has decided to auction the chair off at one of our charity events at the end of this year and all monies raised will be donated to Bens Challenge on behalf of the kind people of Chesterfield. Thank you all.”

The draw was a fantastic way for members of the public to show their support for a cause that does so much to help those who make such great sacrifices to serve and protect our country and for one lucky individual to walk away with a unique, statement piece of furniture for their home that is sure to be a talking point for years to come.

The Chesterfield Motor Fest was a hugely popular event, with lots of people visiting Chesterfield to see the cars, enjoy luxury car rides, enjoy live music and explore the many stalls on offer.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “We’re really impressed by the generosity of the people of Chesterfield in our charity draw. The popularity of the event is testament to the appreciation of the people of Chesterfield for the likes of Ben, who sacrifice so much.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure