About Chesterfield

Chesterfield College art and design student wins Local MP’s Christmas card design competition

Chesterfield College Art and Design student, Hetty Stewart has been announced as the winner of the Christmas card design competition organised by Toby Perkins, Member of Parliament for Chesterfield.

Over 3,000 cards showing her winning design have been printed and sent out to Chesterfield residents, businesses, organisations, MPs and dignitaries such as the Queen and Prime Minister.

Hetty and four of her fellow students attended a presentation event in the Mayor’s office. All of the designs included stunning festive designs capturing certain elements of the local area.

Students, parents, college staff, councillors and local businesses who had sponsored this year’s card were at the presentation.

Toby set the students the challenge earlier in the year and he had high expectations for the winning design: “The quality of entries this year has been excellent and made it difficult to pick an overall winner. The use of colour, the thematic content and the exceptional artwork from all the entrants should make Chesterfield College very proud. My winner for this year was Hetty Stewart’s fantastic depiction of Chesterfield town centre at Christmas, which is bright, festive, and has a great attention to detail. Hetty has clearly put a lot of work into her design and I would like to say well done to her and all the runners-ups.”

Hetty said: “It feels amazing that my design will be sent to so many people including the Queen! It was a great project to work on. I wanted to capture all of the unique things about Chesterfield in my design. I chose to use watercolours because they are my favourite medium. It took me about 8 hours to finish the design but I am really pleased with the end result.”

Other Chesterfield College finalists in the competition were:

  • Alicja Nowak
  • Heidi Hurst
  • Lauren Coupe
  • Octavia Inns

Chesterfield college christmas card competition toby perkins

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas

Spireites spread festive cheer

Chesterfield FC Community Trust recently arranged for Spireites players and management staff to visit Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, spreading some festive cheer.

Manager Martin Allen confessed afterwards to having experienced mixed emotions, praising the positivity of those at the hospice facing terminal illness.

He said: “Some of them may not make Christmas, but they’re happy and enjoying themselves and they made us so welcome. I think we can all learn from people who are so happy, with their bright outlook on life.”

The players and management chatted to patients and staff at Ashgate and a buffet lunch was laid on, which was paid for by the players.

To add to the festive mood, a few Christmas carols were sung. “We had a sing-off against the staff and patients,” said Martin. “I was the judge and we beat them so it was great to get another win under our belts.”

Sue Whitfield, who attends the Day Hospice, thanked the club for the visit. She said: “It was such a wonderful surprise to meet everyone. They were all so friendly and it was really fantastic to have them over.

“It was really lovely to know that we’re thought about – especially at this time of year – and supported as well.”

The next stop was Chesterfield Royal Hospital, where the Spireites party handed out presents to children on the wards and posed for photos with patients and their families.”

Martin said: “It was good to walk along the corridors, meet people of all ages and see the happiness it brings to the children and families.”

“It is such an honour and a privilege to do it and bring some happiness into people’s lives. This again reinforces the responsibilities we’ve all got with our community to try and build our club and bring happiness to the town.”

spireites chesterfield fc ashgate hospital visit

Photos by: Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas

Christmas visiting times for Chesterfield Royal Hospital

As a busy acute hospital, Chesterfield Royal is ‘business as usual’ over the Christmas and New Year holidays – looking after people of all ages who need urgent medical and surgical care and of course, not forgetting new mums and their babies.

People who need to be in hospital at holiday time are usually the most poorly; and need plenty of rest to help them recover. When your loved-one is in hospital over the festive period though, they do appreciate that you’ll also want to see them.

The hospital has designated some open visiting days to help; and hope that visitors will appreciate the need to keep standard visiting hours in place at other times, to make sure patients are well-cared for and can be looked after safely and effectively.

General adult medical and surgical wards:

  • December 22nd 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • December 23rd 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • Christmas Eve – Normal visiting hours apply
  • Christmas Day – Open visiting 10am-8pm
  • Boxing Day – Open visiting 10am-8pm
  • December 27th 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • December 28th 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • December 29th 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • December 30th 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • New Year’s Eve – Normal visiting hours apply
  • New Year’s Day – Open visiting 10am-8pm

ITU, HDU, Maternity and children’s wards: Please speak to the ward for details about visiting options for partners, family and friends

If you have any queries about visiting, or are travelling some distance, the hospital has advised to call the ward and ask for advice, and that it will always try to accommodate visitors’ individual needs in difficult circumstances.

For visiting hours, contact numbers and parking or public transport, click here.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Destination Chesterfield Manager has Super Year supporting the Alzheimer’s Society

Tupton resident Dom Stevens has undertaken seventeen challenges in 2018 raising £3,700 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

In order to reach his target of £4,000, he has agreed to one final fundraising challenge for his Super 7 for the Alzheimer’s Society initiative. If the target is reach by midnight on New Year’s Eve 2018, he will run next year’s Greater Manchester Marathon dressed as a Superhero.

You can help him reach the target by donating at www.justgiving.com/super718 or text SUPE78 £5 to 70070.

The seventeen challenges in 2018 included Dom’s first skydive, a marathon, 3 half marathons, multiple obstacle races, completing the Three Yorkshire Peaks and many more.

Dom still has four challenges to complete over the Christmas period after giving up alcohol, caffeine, cheese and crisps for 12 months.

Dom Stevens said: “It would be amazing to reach the £4,000 target by the end of the year and everyone that cares for those with dementia is a Superhero in my eyes. So what better way to show this by running a marathon dressed as one!”

“I have been supporting this charity for two reasons. One because of the memories of my grandma, and the difficulties she experienced with dementia in later life. It was a tough experience to understand as a 13 year old boy, why someone you really loved and cared for didn’t recognise you anymore.”

“Secondly, for my mother in law who is moving through the stages of this horrible disease and the stresses and strains it puts on everyone in the family. She now requires full time care at such a young age.”

“Along the way I have been joined on these challenges by friends, family and colleagues, thank you to them all for sparing their time to join me.”

“Anything we can do to support research in to this condition and support people with dementia and their families is a really worthy cause.”

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are delighted that Dom is giving his time to support Alzheimer’s Society. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia. It is caused by diseases of the brain and can happen to anyone.”

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Dom to help us continue our vital work. Please back Dom in his fundraising efforts so that Alzheimer’s Society can continue leading the fight against dementia.”

To sponsor Dom please visit www.justgiving.com/super718 or text SUPE78 £5 to 70070

Dom Stevens Chesterfield fundraising alzheimers society

Posted in About Chesterfield

Brand new Apprenticeship Hub opens in Chesterfield

Learning Unlimited’s brand new Apprenticeship Hub in the heart of Chesterfield College is now open.

The information hub – in the heart of the college on Infirmary Road in Chesterfield – will be open daily from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Fridays, to give individuals the chance to get one to one advice and find out more about apprenticeships.

“We’re here to offer advice and guidance to anyone considering an apprenticeship,” said Learning Unlimited’s Operations Manager, Leah Shortt. “There are so many apprentice opportunities available at the moment and we’re here to make it easier for people to find the right job role for them and help them find the right route to their dream career.”

“Apprenticeships are a great way to get quality training and valuable work experience. Apprentices are employed, earn a wage and get the opportunity to study at the same time. All apprentices – no matter what their age, their role or level – gain real industry experience, benefit from on-the-job and off-the-job training and receive support throughout their apprenticeship.”

The hub is equipped with all the information needed about a wide variety of apprenticeship opportunities from engineering and construction, hairdressing and beauty to catering, business administration, IT and marketing. There’s the opportunity to pick up information about new opportunities and the different training available. The team will be on hand to offer support and guidance through the entire application process.

Leah added: “There’s no need to make an appointment. People are very welcome to just stop by and say hello. We’re a friendly bunch and we look forward to welcoming people to our new space and offering the advice and help that they may need.”

Apprenticeship Hub chesterfield College

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

Ryan Duckett named Derbyshire Chief Executive

Interim Chief Executive Ryan Duckett will officially take over as Chief Executive of Derbyshire County Cricket Club from 1 January 2019.

He replaces Simon Storey, who leaves to take up the role of CEO at Kent County Cricket Club.

Duckett, who moves from his position as Commercial Director, has worked alongside Storey for the past six years and has overseen record growth in cricket and non-cricket revenue.

The Club has established itself as a 365-day-a-year venue at the heart of the Derby community, hosting major events including concerts for over 15,000 people, as well as the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup and an annual Fireworks Night & Fun Fair event.

Duckett has overseen the major development in commercial activity, with consistent growth across ticketing, hospitality and events, as well as securing key sponsorship deals contributing to a record commercial turnover in 2017.

Chairman Ian Morgan said: “The Supervisory Board considered very carefully the appointment of a new Chief Executive and having listened closely to Ryan’s vision on the development of the Club, we recognised that he is an exceptional candidate and decided not to look externally.”

“Ryan, who has over 21 years of experience in professional sport, is the right person for the role and his skills and ability are recognised and well respected by Members, sponsors, partners and stakeholders, as well as our players and staff. ”

“We had no hesitation in offering him the position and we are confident that he will lead our Club forward both on and off-the-field by building on our strengths and addressing our weaknesses.”

Duckett added: “It’s a pleasure to take on this role at a great Club like Derbyshire which is built around a rich history, strong infrastructure and a desire to keep developing.”

“I look forward to working with our experienced Supervisory Board, as well as our Members, supporters and partners as we take the Club forward in what is an exciting time for the sport.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Craft beer shop opens in Chesterfield

With its official opening day on Wednesday 19th December, Chesterfield Craft aims to become the biggest source of craft beer and ales in Chesterfield town centre.

Stocking beers from local brewers such as Thornbridge, Buxton and Abbeydale, national craft brewers such as Magic Rock, Cloudwater and Loka Polly and from overseas brewers such as To-Ol, Lervig and Basqueland Brewing Project, Chesterfield Craft looks to provide a real alternative for the people of Chesterfield.

Open until 6pm Monday to Saturday, customers can call in after work to pick up a craft beer or two to enjoy in the evening. Located at 12a Saltergate, in between Lime Living and the Spire Frier, it is within a few steps of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park, and the Cavendish Street bus stops.

The new shop will offer take-out sales only, allowing customers to buy beers and ales to be enjoyed at home. There will also be a home delivery service for customers who cannot make it to the shop, with same day delivery available for orders completed before 4pm.

Richard Young, Owner and Director of Chesterfield Craft, said: “If there’s a brewery whose beers you’d like to see us stock, just let us know and we’ll see what we can do. If you are a local brewery, please get in touch if you’d like to see your products in our shop – we’d love to have you!”

Chesterfield Craft is open now! To find out more visit www.chesterfieldcraft.co.uk.

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

Spireites kit donated to Chesterfield Ladies

Chesterfield Ladies teams will be proudly wearing the Chesterfield FC kit following a generous donation from the club.

After receiving the kit, Keith Jackson, Chairman of Chesterfield Ladies, said: “I would like to thank Ashley Carson for helping Chesterfield Ladies in this way.”

“This is a fantastic gesture which is very much appreciated by everyone associated with Chesterfield Ladies and it will be a great honour for all of our teams to wear the Spireites kit.”

Chesterfield Associate Director Alison Richardson, who attended the kit handover, added: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to support the Chesterfield Ladies teams in this way and look forward to the continued close links with the club.”

Chesterfield Ladies FC is a Charter Standard Club, affiliated to the Derbyshire FA, that provides football for women and girls in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas of north-east Derbyshire.

Established for over 25 years, they have teams competing in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Girls County League and Women’s County League.

Chesterfield Ladies players are pictured wearing the Spireites kit with management staff, officials and Chesterfield FC associate director Alison Richardson. Photo credit: Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield

River Rother to be reclaimed from industrial blight

Thanks to a National Lottery grant of more than £450,000, two centuries worth of industrialisation are to be reversed around the River Rother in Derbyshire.

The grant will allow the follow changes to be made;

  • a 700m straightened stretch of the Rother will have meanders reintroduced recreating its natural appearance
  • some 170 volunteers will be recruited and trained to restore natural habitats. This will include planting trees, laying hedgerows, clearing litter and removing invasive vegetation. This will be in partnership with Moss Valley Wildlife Trust.
  • an ambitious citizen science education programme has been devised, involving 60 events and targeting more than 3,000 people. Activities will include BioBlitz days where groups undertake a ‘record everything’ census in a specific location, nature-themed treasure hunts and river visits for 600 children from 10 local schools
  • public access to the restored river and streams will also be greatly improved with waymark signs and interpretation boards

Rachel Walker, Project Manager at the Don Catchment Rivers Trust, said: “Not only does this funding mean we can restore a section of the River Rother to its natural course, but we can celebrate the natural, community and industrial heritage of the area. We can’t wait to get started, and neither can all of our project partners.”

Jonathan Platt, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: “This project will restore the natural environment while giving people the chance to learn about the important industrial heritage of the area.  Whole communities will get the opportunity to be involved in a variety of ways and this is all thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Deadline looms for Enterprising Women nominations

The annual quest to find the region’s most successful and inspirational businesswomen will end soon after Christmas.

The final deadline for nominations for the 2019 East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Enterprising Women Awards is Friday 4 January.

Winners will be announced at a glittering, ‘little black dress’ dinner on 8 March –International Women’s Day.

Eileen Richards, Founder of ER Recruitment, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and one of the Co-Chairs of Enterprising Women, said: “If any enterprising women have time over the Christmas break – between balancing work and family through the holidays – then it would be an ideal time to nominate themselves or someone else for an award.”

“Enterprising Women is all about finding and recognising women who make a serious contribution to the regional economy, often successfully balancing work, keeping home and motherhood but not always being acknowledged for what they achieve.”

There are seven awards to be won this year: Business Woman of the Year, Social Commitment, Apprentice of the Year, Female Employee of the Year, Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year.

Co-Chair Jean Mountain, a Past President at East Midlands Chamber, said: “By highlighting their contribution and telling their stories, hopefully we can inspire other women to pursue their business dream, which is why I would urge as many people as possible to send in nominations for the 2019 awards.”

Chamber membership is a requirement for nominees, however anyone can nominate. For more information click here. For an application pack email ew@emc-dnl.co.uk or call the Chamber’s events team on 0333 320 0333 and select ‘option 2’ when prompted.

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

Proposals to change the way libraries are run to be considered

Innovative proposals to change the way Derbyshire libraries are run are due to be considered at a meeting on Thursday 20 December 2018.

The county council unveiled its proposed Derbyshire Public Library Service Strategy ‘Libraries for Derbyshire’ in April and outlined its commitment to keeping libraries open as it launched a 12-week consultation to gather residents’ views.

More than 7,000 people had their say during the far-reaching consultation which asked for views on proposed changes including transferring 20 libraries out of a total of 45 to community management. A number of changes have been made to the draft proposals to reflect views given during the consultation.

Other proposals included in the draft report included a reduction in weekly opening hours across the library service, a reduction in the materials fund (books, eBooks, eMagazines, eAudio, online resources including newspapers), considering the future implementation of Smart libraries, transferring the mobile library service to community management and stopping the DVD hire service.

As well as an online and paper copy questionnaire, 49 drop-in sessions were held at libraries so people could talk about the plans face-to-face with staff, and 21 in-depth focus groups were held in all areas where the local library was proposed to be a community managed library (CML), as well as a focus group about the mobile service. More people took part in the consultation than any single consultation held by the county council before.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis also held a public question and answer session at Chesterfield Library where people could quiz him directly about the plans. All the views were taken in to consideration before the report, which will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on Thursday, was drafted.

Those changes, which are now incorporated in to the report to be considered, include:

  • Supporting groups running community managed libraries (CMLs) with five years of grant funding, rather than four
  • Making £50,000 available to pay for independent support for CMLs
  • Seeking help from Locality (a national network supporting community organisations) to support CMLs
  • Giving more support and assistance in the financial processes of running a CML for the first two years
  • Managing the transition to a CML, with council staff support for the first two years
  • Helping with recruiting and training volunteers, and developing eLearning packages
  • Ensuring the council includes support for CMLs in any new staffing structure
  • Trialling the Smart library idea before any implementation
  • Keeping the existing DVD stock and loaning them free of charge until March 2021.

Councillor Lewis, who is also the Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, said: “Since we launched the consultation in to the proposed changes I’ve made it very clear that the council is committed to the library service and no libraries will close on my watch.”

“The response to the consultation was excellent and we received thousands of responses with some interesting views and ideas. We listened to what people had to say and have changed a number of elements of the report to reflect what people told us.”

“We believe these proposals are the best way forward to secure the future of our libraries.”

“A lack of support for the proposals could lead to consultations on further reductions to opening hours and the materials fund, other than those outlined in the report. This is something people made clear they did not want.”

If the proposals are agreed at Thursday’s meeting, a drive to recruit interested groups to run one or more CML will be launched in the new year. More information on the Derbyshire Public Library Strategy ‘Libraries for Derbyshire’ is available.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting