About Chesterfield

See the film – then visit the Peak District places linked with ‘Mary Queen of Scots’

23rd January 2019

Visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire can celebrate the launch of a fascinating new film about Mary Queen of Scots by following in the footsteps of the real Mary Stuart and her guardian Bess of Hardwick.

The UK release of the film last week offers the perfect excuse to book an early Easter break and stay in or visit places connected to the ill-fated queen and her formidable ‘minder’, together with the chance to visit famous film locations in the area.

Directed by Josie Rourke and filmed in England and Scotland – including at Hardwick Hall near Chesterfield and Haddon Hall near Bakewell – the film positions the Peak District and Derbyshire firmly in the spotlight as a place where visitors can step into the shoes of their favourite movie stars.

During her 15-year captivity, Mary Stuart (1542 – 1587) was under the guardianship of George Talbot, 6^th Earl of Shrewsbury and his Derbyshire-born wife Elizabeth, known as Bess of Hardwick, at various places in and around the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Mary was held at locations including Chatsworth, Wingfield Manor and the Old Hall Hotel in Buxton, England’s oldest hotel. Due to a mystery illness, Mary was permitted to ‘take the healing waters’ at Buxton and visited the Derbyshire spa town most years between 1573 and 1584. Copies of writing that Mary etched onto a window pane at the Old Hall Hotel can still be seen today.

The movie stars Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Jack Lowden, David Tennant and Joe Alwyn.

Haddon Hall and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall were used in scenes representing Hampton Court Palace – with Haddon’s beautiful medieval Long Gallery used in shots with actress Margot Robbie (Queen Elizabeth I).

Private rooms at Haddon, including the Boot Room, were also used as the interior of Lord Darnley’s Chamber at Holyrood; the anteroom to the State bedroom was used as a servant prep room; and the entrance and lower courtyard were used as a makeshift camp.

At Hardwick, the hall and grounds were used as external shots of Hampton Court Palace, including a scene where actress Margot Robbie (Queen Elizabeth I) is standing on the roof of Hardwick Hall.

The Peak District and Derbyshire has inspired filmmakers for generations and has been the backdrop for many famous films and TV dramas including Pride and Prejudice, The Duchess, The Other Boleyn Girl, Elizabeth, The Princess Bride and Jane Eyre.

As well as inspiring a visit to the local locations where the movie was filmed, the release of Mary Queen of Scots also coincides with the start of a second phase of a new exhibition highlighting modern women’s take on Bess of Hardwick’s compelling story at the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield.

Shrewd businesswoman Bess (1527 – 1608) was the second wealthiest woman in England and one of the most powerful women of her time. She built the first house on the Chatsworth Estate, together with her second husband Sir William Cavendish, and later constructed Hardwick Hall, ‘more glass than wall’. She also designed her own memorial in Derby Cathedral, where she was buried.

“The Peak District and Derbyshire has strong ties with both Mary Queen of Scots and her guardian Bess of Hardwick, so now is the perfect time for history lovers and film fans to book and look forward to staying in and visiting some of the places linked with this fascinating character from history,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

“Many of our historic attractions, such as Chatsworth, Hardwick Hall, the Old Hall Hotel in Buxton and Derby Cathedral, are connected with the original story, while the new film and exhibition offer a modern take on both women’s fascinating lives, so there are plenty of amazing links to appeal to visitors of all ages.”

The Peak District and Derbyshire is one of the UK’s most interesting places to visit for film-inspired breaks.

Photograph by William Collinson

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Banner Jones’ Executive Director appointed as Vice President of The Notaries Society

23rd January 2019

Executive Director at Banner Jones Solicitors, Stephen Gordon, has been appointed as Vice President of The Notaries Society, the representative society for the 775 Notaries practising in England and Wales.

Founded in 1882, The Notaries Society plays a major part in the lives of Notaries offering training, continuing professional development as well as international representation.

Stephen, who specialises in Commercial Property at Banner Jones Solicitors, has been a qualified as a Notary Public for over 25 years, dealing with international matters for both private and commercial clients. Stephen is now the only remaining Notary Public in Chesterfield.

Having been appointed as Vice President and retaining his role as Treasurer, Stephen will continue to work alongside the wider Council – including the current President, Andrew Johnson – to run the society and continue its work on the development of professional standards.

Commenting on his appointment Stephen said: “I’m extremely proud to have been appointed as Vice President of the Society and am delighted to further my involvement in supporting the work of fellow Notary Publics across England and Wales.”

“Notaries represent the oldest and smallest branch of the legal profession in England and Wales and so the work of the Society is crucial in ensuring their interests are best represented.”

Among its many functions, The Notaries Society maintains contact with the other Notaries in the rest of the United Kingdom and Ireland through membership of the United Kingdom and Ireland Notarial Forum, and through direct contact with other notarial associations throughout the rest of the world.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Redbrik Chesterfield Half approaches fundraising milestone

22nd January 2019

Organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon have hailed the event’s success after it raised near to £100,000 for charities in its first two years.

The event saw more than 1,500 people register in 2018, many of whom raised funds for good causes including the event’s charity partners, Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, based in North Anston.

In 2018, the event included the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and 1km Blachford Fun Run, and 15 teams entered the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge.

The event also saw a new Redbrik Half record time of 1:14:58 set by Gary Gregory, with Nicola Holland the fastest female in a time of 1:26:26.

The 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half will take place on 20 October, starting at 9:30am from Queen’s Park in Chesterfield. The Early Bird entry price of £22 for the event is available until 31 January.

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see how much has been raised by the event since its relaunch in 2017.”

“To have raised in the region of £100k in our first two years is remarkable, but we want to kick on and keep raising money for good causes.”

“If the event continues to grow at the rate it has done so far, with the help of the people of Chesterfield, the local community and event partners, we can continue to do something very special for some incredible causes.”

Mark Ross, Director at headline sponsor Redbrik Estate Agents, said: “It’s been fantastic to be part of such a special event – the Redbrik Half Marathon has gone from strength-to-strength since it was revamped a couple of years ago.”

“To have got to where we are now in such a short space of time is a great achievement, but I think I speak for us all in saying that we want to take it even further.”

“Next, we’d love to get over 2,000 runners on the start line and double the amount we’ve raised so far for charity.”

For more information on the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon click here.

Photo courtesy of Charles Whitton Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Lower council tax rise proposed as Derbyshire County Council consider budget

22nd January 2019

Derbyshire County Council are considering a lower than predicted council tax rise, continual investment in road improvements and targeted spending on services for vulnerable older people and children.

The Cabinet will meet on Thursday, 24 January 2019 to consider how the budget for 2019-20 will be spent, which is proposed to be set at £519.5m.

They will consider which services to prioritise and at what level council tax needs to be set to ensure vital services can continue while providing value for money for Derbyshire residents.

A predicted council tax rise of 4.99% has already been ruled out in previous discussions, in favour of a lower proposed rise of 3.99% for the coming year, with the bulk of the money helping to provide services for vulnerable children, people with disabilities and older people.

At 3.99% it is also lower than the maximum allowed by Government and 1% lower than last year. It will mean that Derbyshire’s share of council tax bills is set to remain below the average for similar councils.

Derbyshire County Council are looking at how they can achieve a freeze on council tax for the two years from 2020 to 2021, which is a challenging aim but one that is in the best interest of residents.

They’re confident that their finances are in a strong position, but in order to ensure the books balance, it has set a departmental savings target of £13.4m for the year ahead. The savings target over the next five years is £63.2m.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “At a time of uncertainty around the economy, we want to do what we can to reduce the pressure on household costs which is why we are going for a lower council tax rise. The bulk of that money will be used to provide support to people who are more vulnerable.”

“In future years our desire is to keep council tax rises as low as possible while working with our community to protect the services that matter to our residents the most.”

While a significant element of savings have been identified, as detailed in the report that will be considered next week, work continues on how to meet the overall target by the end of March 2020.

Alongside the detailed budget report, councillors will also consider the results of the authority’s budget consultation which was held at the end of last year.

Almost 7,000 people responded to the consultation, which asked them to choose from a list of council priorities, marking which they thought should be the top three priorities for the authority.

Improving social care, repairing and improving the condition of Derbyshire’s roads and keeping children and adults safe were the top three priorities for residents.

Residents were also asked as part of the consultation whether they would accept a council tax rise of 3.99%, 4.99% or neither. A total of 31% said they would accept a rise of 3.99%, with 34% saying a 4.99% rise would be acceptable, with 35% saying neither would be acceptable.

Councillor Lewis added: “We’ve listened to what Derbyshire residents have told us in the consultation and we know that protecting services for vulnerable people is a priority, as is continuing to invest in road improvements.”

“In the past year we’ve fixed 68,000 potholes and we’ll be continuing our improvement programme, recently boosted by a £8.4m cash injection from Government.”

In summary, next week the Cabinet will consider:

Setting the annual budget for 2019 to 2020 at £519.5m
Raising the council tax by 3.99%
A 2% adult social care precept included in the overall 3.99% council tax rise which will generate £6.3m
Spending the remaining 1.99% on funding other council priorities including children’s services
Accepting departmental savings proposals to achieve a savings target of £13.4m for 2019-20.

A 3.99% rise in council tax would see an increase of £39.48 per year or 76p per week rise for the average ‘Band B’ household and for a ‘Band D’ household, the rise would be £50.76 per year or 98p per week.

The adult social care portion (2%) of the overall 3.99% increase will cost the average ‘Band B’ property £19.79 a year or 38p per week and for a ‘Band D’ property £25.44 per year or 49p per week.

At the meeting next week, the Cabinet will make recommendations to Full Council to consider when it meets on Wednesday 6 February 2019.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Glowing Ofsted Report for Spireites Academy

22nd January 2019

A glowing report has been received by the Chesterfield FC academy following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Some of the key findings of the Ofsted report include the fact that the academy offers an excellent learning environment. The personal development, behaviour and welfare of scholars was rated as ‘excellent’. The scholars’ excellent attendance and punctuality was also recognised, together with the ‘very good’ quality of teaching and learning provided.

Academy manager John Pemberton praised the hard work put in by the academy staff, which has resulted in the very positive feedback. He said: “We had a quote saying that we may not be a Premiership club, but we have Premiership leadership, structure and disciplines, which was really pleasing for us.”

“We want to be known as the best Cat 3 academy and that is what we are working towards. The report from Ofsted shows we are on the right track, but there is still a lot of hard work to do.”

“The education side of it is really important for us as not every scholar makes it as a professional footballer so they have to fall back on something else if it doesn’t work for them.”

“It is important to get the Under-18s right and ensure that, whatever happens, we produce good people and make them the best at what they can be, whether it is through education or football.”

James Ford, the academy’s Education and Welfare Officer, believes Ofsted’s endorsement will help with the recruitment process. He said: “It sends out the message that we’re doing a great job here to develop these lads, both on the pitch and off the pitch.”

“We’re giving the boys an excellent opportunity to develop and go into the first-team environment and we’re also helping them to develop themselves personally by developing their educational profile and personal skills. It’s a really great package we offer.”

Academy Director Steve Coe said: “I would like to praise John and all the academy staff for their dedication and professionalism over the past few months, including stepping up to take the first team while carrying on with their academy roles.

“The Ofsted report shows the hard work being done and we are on the correct pathway to ensuring the academy will achieve its goals over the coming months.”

Ofsted – the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills – inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people, and services providing education and skills for learners of all ages.

Posted in About Chesterfield

More money to support Derbyshire businesses

21st January 2019

Derbyshire County Council are earmarking more than £120,000 to extend and enhance support for businesses across the county as part of a £12.1m project.

Cabinet Members have agreed to help fund the D2N2 (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire) Growth Hub project for a further three years.The D2N2 Growth Hub offers expert, impartial advice and support to local small and medium-sized businesses with ambition to grow and be more productive, providing a one-stop shop for all business needs.

Over the next three years it will provide:

An enhanced and ‘first port of call’ service where businesses can contact dedicated advisors for support and information about issues they may be facing
A referral service where advisors assess the individual needs of the business to identify the most appropriate source of support and funding to help increase the resilience of the business, boost productivity and help the business to grow
An intensive support programme of one-to-one support sessions, workshops and small seminars as well as access to grant schemes.
Targeted support to help businesses improve their use of digital technology and apply for a grant of up to £20,000 to help them achieve this
Access to a wider network of business support outside Derbyshire

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are a vital part of Derbyshire’s economy and we’re committed to helping them start-up, thrive and survive.

“By working together with partner organisations across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond, we can help to make sure that local businesses have access to high-quality business support programmes to help drive economic growth and create more job opportunities for local people.”

Funding for the project is also being provided by other councils in the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, the European Regional Development Fund and the Government’s Department for Business, energy and Industrial Strategy.

Two additional staff will be employed to help run the project including a dedicated business advisor working through the services provided by the Derbyshire Economic Partnership.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Patient Appointments System gets a shake-up at the Royal

21st January 2019

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is making changes to its outpatient appointment system as part of efforts to improve choice for patients and reduce the number of cancellations and non-attendances.

A new approach to booking follow-up appointments is being introduced so that if a patient doesn’t need to be seen again within six weeks, they will be invited to call the appointments team nearer to the time to allow them the chance to choose a date and time that suits them.

Claire Carson is the Royal’s Associate Director of Performance and Information, she said: “We’re very conscious that it’s not always easy for patients to know what their circumstances and plans might be when booking an appointment weeks or months in advance. It’s also very easy to forget when your appointment is whilst planning your own personal life so, for example, booking a holiday can create a clash that has the potential to result in a cancelled appointment.

“This new way of working puts the choice of appointment increasingly in the hands of the patient. By writing to them closer to the time of when we need to see them and asking them to call us, the chances of booking an appointment that clashes with a personal commitment is reduced. The intention is, first of all, to improve appointment choice for our patients, which should then result in fewer non-attendances and a reduction of last minute cancellations.”

The change will affect all but a handful of follow-up appointments; if your next one is before June 2019 then you will be given an appointment before leaving clinic that day. If it’s after June 2019 then you will receive a letter around five weeks before you need to come in and are asked to call to make an appointment.

Claire added: “It’s about reducing the time between booking the appointment and the appointment itself. Of course there is plenty that our patients can do to help us out as well. The appointment letter we send to patients includes a reminder to call us if they know they can’t make an appointment. If we have a mobile number we can send patients a text message reminder of their appointment the week before it’s due. The sooner people can let us know about a cancellation the better so that we can make the slot available to someone else, saving them time and valuable NHS resources.”

If someone forgets to book their follow up appointment they will be sent a reminder. If we don’t hear from them, their clinician will review their care and they may be discharged back to their own GP, receiving a letter to explain why.

Posted in About Chesterfield

University joins forces with local charity to raise aspirations and improve health in Chesterfield

21st January 2019

The University of Derby and a Chesterfield-based charity are joining forces for a National Lottery-funded project to support voluntary and community work in the town.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) has been awarded almost £487,000 over the next three years to fund COMMuniTY CHESTERFIELD, which aims to raise aspirations in the area, as well as to help local people live healthier lives.

The charity will work with the University’s College of Health and Social Care, based at the St Helena campus in Chesterfield, and the town’s voluntary sector to explore how those aims can be achieved. The funding will also enable the creation of a community innovation centre and four new jobs.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action chief executive Jacqui Willis said: “We’re thrilled to have won this exciting opportunity to bring new support and resources to Chesterfield’s community sector.

“In the current climate of funding cuts and uncertainty, it’s vital that we build new partnerships and find different ways of working. We hope the COMMuniTY CHESTERFIELD programme will strengthen our sector through opportunities for volunteering, training, work placements and research projects.”

Michelle Brown, Head of Adult Nursing at the University of Derby, said: “As the county’s only university we are committed to having a positive impact here in Chesterfield. The majority of our students are local and will stay here to become the health and social care workforce of the future.

“Our partnership with Derbyshire Voluntary Action will provide great new opportunities for our students and staff – and for many of the exciting things that we’re working on here in Chesterfield to be integrated into the community.”

The COMMuniTY CHESTERFIELD Centre will open in April.

For more information contact Derbyshire Voluntary Action at info@dva.org.uk. For more information about the University of Derby’s College of Health and Social care, visit www.derby.ac.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Businesses to benefit from funded internship scheme

18th January 2019

Sheffield Hallam University are offering funded internships in 2019 to businesses, charities, social enterprises and NGOs.

The Hallam Internship Scheme is a funded scheme to support Sheffield Hallam University graduates wanting to gain quality work experience to support their employability after graduation.

This scheme is exclusively supporting Graduates who completed their studies in 2018 and Sheffield Hallam University are able to fund approximately 200 hours of work. Last year, the scheme placed 351 graduates, 79% are now in highly skilled employment.

It also provides businesses and organisations with talented graduates who are keen to gain experience in their sectors. Employers will have the opportunity to provide match funding to extend the internship period.

Companies seeking interns can advertise internships through the scheme and the University will provide Candidate Matching to help find the best graduates for the role. Employers must be able to support a minimum of 25 hours a week.

The Hallam Internship Scheme runs until September 2019, so organisations that don’t need an intern now can specify an ideal date for the internship to take place.

Businesses can apply here.

For more information contact the Sheffield Hallam Internship Team on 0114 2253433 or email employment.service@shu.ac.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Historic Chesterfield building to become luxury apartments

18th January 2019

Leverton UK have been granted planning permission by Chesterfield Borough Council to convert the historic building at 87 New Square into nine luxury apartments.

The company has been in the process of acquiring the building since early July 2017 and were successful in their bid, completing on the building in June 2018.

Director Marcus Leverton said: “We always intended to buy the building and convert it in to luxury residential living accommodation and immediately after securing the building we set about applying for the necessary planning permission to allow this, which was granted on the 4^th January 2019.”

“This building is a beautiful double bay fronted red brick structure that we believe dates back to the late 18^th century, on land that was leased from the Duke of Devonshire. It will be subdivided in to 7 apartments and 2 penthouse units. Broken down into 3x one bedroom units, 5x two bedroom units and 1x three bedroom Penthouse unit with a stunning roof terrace overlooking the Peak District and the Town Hall.”

“We intend to provide high specification, technologically advanced living spaces, with an abundance of natural light, modern textures and high quality appliances throughout, with open plan communal areas paying testament to the original features of the buildings Georgian heritage.”

“What sets this building apart from any other town centre development is clear, it is a beautiful listed building of significant historical importance with many period features that we intend to lovingly restore.”

The building sits in the corner of New Square, with the convenience of easy access to the town centre shops, café’s, bars and restaurants. It has lift access to all floors making the development fully accessible, with secure car parking to the rear, additional storage areas with space for bicycles and miscellaneous items within the building for added security. In addition, Chesterfield is centrally located, with excellent public transportation links to the rest of the country.

Marcus added: “We are very much looking forward to expanding the business and investing in the future of our local town’s infrastructure.”

Work on the development will commence this year, with the units expected to be released in 2020.

For more information please contact Marcus Leverton m.leverton@levertonuk.com

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Avant Homes acquires land for development of 177 new homes at Chesterfield Waterside

16th January 2019

Leading UK housebuilder Avant Homes has acquired a significant parcel of land at Chesterfield’s £340 million Waterside development where it now plans to build 177 new homes.

As a result, Avant Homes has now submitted an application to Chesterfield Borough Council for reserved matters planning approval for the £36m development which will deliver a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes in ‘The Park’ neighbourhood of the Waterside project.

Subject to approval of the application, construction at Waterside Quarter will commence in summer 2019 with the first homes released for sale in autumn 2019.

The construction of homes on the 12-acre former timber yard site on Brimington Road will be the first official ‘spade in the ground’ at Chesterfield Waterside following the completion of site enabling works.

A new highway bridge, which will provide the main access to this phase of the development, will also be constructed as part of the proposals. Planning permission for the bridge was granted by Chesterfield Borough Council at the end of last year.

Waterside Quarter is the third site acquired by Avant Homes in north east Derbyshire in the last six months and will be managed by the company’s Avant Homes Central operation which was established in May 2018 and is based in Holmewood.

Avant Homes Central also has developments in Woodthorpe near Barlborough, Chesterfield, and South Normanton. Waterside Quarter will be the company’s largest development to date in the Chesterfield area.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, commented: “Chesterfield Waterside is a high profile regeneration project and forms an integral part of the housing delivery strategy for the town.

“Avant Homes Central are proud to be at the forefront of these plans with our striking and contemporary proposals for a new community. This is a fantastic opportunity for Avant Homes to demonstrate our good, better and different approach to urban regeneration.”

Chesterfield Waterside is recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, and is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Peter Swallow, managing director of the Bolsterstone Group Plc, commented: “The deal with Avant Homes is the start of an exciting new phase in Waterside, one that I know the people of Chesterfield has been waiting for.

“I am delighted to welcome Avant Homes to the project. The homes planned for the site embody the aspiration for Chesterfield Waterside. They are both contemporary and high quality in design which, when combined with their location, will create a highly desirable and sought after residential neighbourhood.”

Chesterfield residents have shown their support for the site. A survey last year found it is the development local people are most looking forward to seeing complete.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said: “Chesterfield Waterside will bring many benefits to the town and it’s pleasing to see the plans for the new homes to be built as part of the development move a step closer.

“The detailed plans are subject to final approval by the council’s planning committee, which will carefully examine the application to ensure the needs of our residents are best met.”

Find out more about Chesterfield Waterside

Stuart Rowlands Managing Director of Avant Central Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development