About Chesterfield

Peak FM launches Shop Local campaign in Chesterfield

20th August 2018

Following the success of similar Peak FM initiative Shop Local last summer, this year the radio station has decided to go a step further with a full journalistic investigation into the state of the streets in Chesterfield, combined with an emotive collection of live shows and appearances on the streets.

Shop Local 2018 officially launched at 6am on Monday 20th August when Peak FM Breakfast hosts Ricky and Becky broadcast their breakfast show live from the centre of Chesterfield.

Ricky and Becky were joined by Peak FM’s journalists and events team who spoke with Toby Perkins MP, Chesterfield Borough Council leader Tricia Gilby, market traders, shoppers and campaign groups. During the campaign, the radio station will be asking questions to those in influential positions to get a real steer on Chesterfield’s issues and those in the surrounding towns.

Toby Perkins MP told Peak FM: “It is tempting to walk around and just spot an empty unit, but actually 93 percent of the stores in Chesterfield are being used.”

“We need to recognise the shape of town centres is changing, but also recognise how much better we’re doing than many other towns that I could mention around here.”

Peak FM’s Content Controller Tim Smith is sure the campaign will have impact: “We already have a superb range of shops in Chesterfield, some really innovative independent businesses and one of the biggest markets in Europe. We’re really confident this drive will remind people just how much there is on offer here! So come down – meet Ricky, Becky and the team and let’s show our Chesterfield shopkeepers, market traders and retailers how much we love them!”

To find out more about Peak FM’s Shop Local campaign check out their website or tune in.

Peak FM’s Joe Rawson talks to Toby Perkins MP

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

Ashgate Hospicecare raises over £26,500

20th August 2018

Ashgate Hospicecare has announced that over £26,500 was raised at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Open Air Cinema and Summer Fair events thanks to the generosity of the North Derbyshire people.

The Open Air Cinemas, which showed Bridget Jones’s Baby and The Greatest Showman, saw over a thousand supporters turn out over the weekend, rain and shine. The Summer Fair, which offered everything from handmade gifts made by Ashgate’s Day Hospice patients to go-karting and trampolining, also saw hundreds of families attend and raise vital funds for the Hospice.

Anna Drake, from Chesterfield said: “At the weekend at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair, my little boy brought two strawberry rocks painted by someone who uses the Day Hospice facilities at the Hospice. Ashgate cared for my Gran before she passed last year. It’s a home from home and a place where people have the dignity they deserve. The staff work tremendously hard and nothing is too much trouble for both the patient and their family. We will always support Ashgate Hospicecare as a family as my Gran did for most of her life, never knowing she would need their help and support in her last few months.”

Laura Winson, from Chesterfield said: “What a great night at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Open Air Cinema. Popcorn, fizz and Bridget with good friends, all whilst raising money for the Hospice!”

Local businesses all rallied together to make all the weekend’s events run so smoothly and ensure that every penny raised from the fundraising can go directly to patient care. A huge thank you to the University of Derby for being the main sponsors of the Open Air Cinemas, Barclays UK, Andrews Of Tideswell for providing the park and ride service, DXC and Brookfield Community School, G. W. Price Ltd, Total Hire and Sales and M-VIS.

Jack Wood, Events Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “A huge thank you to all of our wonderful supporters for coming along to both our Open Air Cinemas and our Summer Fair this weekend!”

“You all turned up undefeated by the rain and helped us celebrate 30 years of caring for our community! Events like these help us to support our patients and their families in North Derbyshire when they need it most.”

There are lots of photos from the events on the Hospice’s Facebook page.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

New health and social care apprenticeships available

17th August 2018

Applications are now open for Derbyshire County Council’s health and social care apprenticeships, with vacancies on offer at various locations across the county.

The role includes helping older and disabled people retain their independence and lead fulfilled and dignified lives within the council’s:

residential care homes
day centres
specialist community care centres

Apprenticeships are available to people of any age and could be suitable for someone returning to work after having children, a young person over 16 looking to take up a rewarding career or someone who wants to change career.

Councillor Jean Wharmby, Cabinet Member for Adult Care said:

“Anyone looking for a new, rewarding challenge should definitely find out more about our health and social care apprenticeships.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to get high-quality training and mentoring that will open up a number of different paths in both the social care and health sectors.

“You don’t have to be young to be an apprentice – as long as you’re over 16 and motivated to support people who need some extra help, we want to hear from you.”

The health and social care apprentices will be part of a valued team supporting people with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, eating meals and staying socially active. After successfully completing the 15-month training programme, they will receive a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Derbyshire County Council offer career progression for their care staff and give free training and support for those looking to work up the career ladder. They offer extra pay for unsocial hours, 25 days paid holiday (pro-rata), a free uniform and no zero hours contracts. Working hours are flexible and previous experience isn’t necessary, although understanding the needs of older people – including those with dementia – is an important part of the work.

The application deadline is Sunday, 2 September 2018.

To view apprenticeship vacancies in Chesterfield click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Chesterfield College students celebrate success

17th August 2018

Successful sixth form students from Chesterfield College were celebrating today as they collected their A level and diploma results. Stand out A level results came from students gaining A* and A grades in psychology, law, maths and sociology.

A* star student, 18 year old Nathan Wilkinson from Chesterfield, has secured a place at the University of Bristol to study Psychology with an A* in Psychology, A in Law and a B in Biology. He said:

“It feels great to get these results and know that I‘ve got my place at university to study something I am really interested in. A Levels aren’t easy but I’m a firm believer that you reap what you sow and now I can see that the hard work I have put in over the last few years has paid off. It takes me one step closer to the career I want to do in Cognitive Neuroscience Research.”

Eleanor Titmuss (right), age 19 from Eckington, achieved an A in Sociology and B in Biology and secured her a place at the University of Liverpool. She said:

“I am so pleased with this result it feels amazing. I still can’t quite believe it. The biology result is so important to because it means I’ve got my place to study Radiography at university.”

Friends Darcie Binsley and Katy Golding, age 19, both got the grades they needed to get places at University. Katy received an A in Sociology and will be studying Criminology at Bristol University in September. She said:

“I’ve got what I wanted to be able to go to university and it feels amazing. It’s been a fantastic year at college. The course was great and I have made some really good friends here too.”

The college’s sixth form pass rate was 90%. The A Level pass rate was 89% and four subject areas including history, biology sociology and art and design, gained 100% pass rates. Other subject areas that make up the sixth form provision include extended diplomas in Criminology and Applied Science. The pass rate for these courses was also 100%.

David Malone, Director of Applied, Academic and Service Industries at Chesterfield College said:

“It is wonderful to see so many of our sixth form students celebrating today. It is an honour to know that Chesterfield College has helped so many future biologists, entomologists, psychologists and mathematicians to get the qualifications they need to start their careers. Academic study in further Education colleges like ours helps so many students to prepare for the next step of their journey. Results days highlight the importance of that and I look forward to seeing what our students go on to achieve in the future. ”

The University of Derby have offered UCAS Clearing advice to Chesterfield students, which can be found here.

A* student Nathan Wilkinson from Chesterfield has secured a place at the University of Bristol.

Posted in About Chesterfield

New pizzeria opens in Chesterfield

16th August 2018

Local pop up company Pizza Pi will give a permanent home to its wood fired pizzas when it opens Pizza Pi Pizzeria on Beetwell Street, Chesterfield on Monday 20^th August.

The business began in March 2017 as a side venture between two friends, and since then has attended many local events such as the Chesterfield Food & Drink Festival, the Chesterfield Artisan Market and Chesterfield’s Vintage Summer Fair.

The pizzeria has been decorated with a rustic theme throughout and its menu will mainly be wood fired pizzas, with other types of wood fired foods soon to be available. Gluten free pizza bases will also be on offer and pizzas are available ‘to go’. The menu will include desserts such as ice cream and brownies and from the 6^th September the business will also be licensed to sell alcohol, offering a selection of wines, beers, gins and whiskeys alongside soft drinks and fresh coffee.

Pizza Pi Pizzeria will create up to 10 jobs long term and there are plans to host acoustic acts and charity nights in the future. The team will continue the pop up side of the business and will be available for private bookings such as weddings and birthdays.

Owner Ricky Marples said: “Pizza Pi was originally just an idea between two mates to earn a little extra spending money around our full-time jobs. We’re so pleased our pizzas have been well received, allowing us to open our new premises in Chesterfield. We look forward to inviting people in to try a wood fired pizza the way it is supposed to be.”

Pizza Pi Pizzeria will open on Monday 20^th August at 11 Beetwell Street and will be open until 10pm every day.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Motan Colortronic sponsor stand at Proact Stadium

16th August 2018

Motan Colortronic are the new sponsors of the South Stand at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium.

After agreeing a deal with the Chesterfield-based company, Spireites commercial manager Jim Brown said: “I would like to thank Motan-Colortronic for their valued support over many years and I am delighted to see their name on the South Stand.”

Karl Miller, Motan Colortronic’s Managing Director, said: “We’ve been involved in sponsoring the club for some years and when the opportunity arose to take a stand sponsorship, we were very happy to do it. In harder times, the club needs extra support and we feel that it’s important for us to provide backing in this way.”

Motan Colortronic Ltd, founded in 1974, are leading suppliers of high quality ancillary equipment for the plastics processing industry.

This announcement follows last week’s news that long term sponsor Karen Child has agreed a sponsorship deal for the East Stand, which will now be known as the Karen Child Community Stand. For more on this please click here.

Karl Miller (right) is pictured with Jim Brown outside the Motan Colortronic Stand.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield opticians clock up 445 years of service

15th August 2018

Chesterfield’s Specsavers store has recognised 35 members of staff who have stayed with the company for at least five years, with the group clocking up an impressive 445 years of service between them.

Vicki Bainbridge, Director at the Specsavers store on Burlington Street said: ‘We feel so lucky to have such a loyal group of people working with us. A few years ago we started a tradition of taking our longer serving staff out for a celebratory dinner and gradually the number of people joining us for the meal has grown and grown.

‘This year we were proud to look down the table at 35 team members, 27 of whom have a decade or more of loyal service under their belts.’

Angie Lee, Administrator, has worked at the store for 14 years and says she has loved the job from day one: ‘The people here are really lovely, everyone genuinely cares about each other and we love working together. It’s a great place to work and the annual get-together is just one of the ways our management team looks after us. It makes you want to work hard because you feel valued.’

The longest serving member of staff is Nazir Hassen, the Optometrist Director, who opened the store in 1994. Julie Gregory, Customer Assistant and Sarah Nelson, Store Manager are next in line with 18 years’ service each under their belts and Gareth Webster, now a Retail Director, began working at the store in 2002 as a 19 year old assistant.

Specsavers recently won the Retailer of the Year Award at the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards.

The Chesterfield Retail Awards are organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

East Midlands Chamber appoints new Chair to the Board of Directors

15th August 2018

Trentbarton buses boss Ian Morgan OBE has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

He will replace current Chair Phil Stanyer (below) when Phil’s tenure ends at the end of January.

Ian (right), who is Deputy Chairman at Wellglade Group, the largest independently-owned group of bus companies in the UK and owner of trentbarton, was appointed Chair-elect at a Chamber Board meeting at the end of July.

Chairman of Derbyshire County Cricket Cub, Chairman of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, panel member of the Invest to Grow Programme and a former member of the D2N2 LEP Board of Directors, Ian has previously served on the Chamber Board.

He was on the Board of Directors of the Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce and then the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber. He was President of Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber in 2011.

He resigned from the Chamber Board in 2015 after more than 20 years’ service but continued to work with and support the Chamber.

Ian formally becomes Vice-Chair in September and will work alongside Phil for a handover period, taking over as Chair on 1 February 2019.

He said: “The Chamber is the biggest business-representation organisation in the Midlands and the strongest voice for regional businesses in Whitehall and Westminster. Under Phil’s stewardship, it has had strong and experienced management. His will be big shoes to fill but I’m ready for the challenge, have much to offer and will do my best to continue his good work.”

Phil formally retires as Chairman on 31 January 2019. He is a life member of the National Trust, a Trustee of Tideswell Male Voice Choir and a board member of the North Derbyshire Area Board for Young Enterprise. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry and an Associate of the Institute for Independent Business.

Trained as a Chartered Accountant, he has enjoyed a career in business leadership, much of it in the motor industry, and has been a lead figure in change management and corporate governance. He won his first appointment as a Finance Director when he was just 26 years old and led his first business 12 years later.

Phil said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. The Chamber has a vital role to play in the business community and has to be an exemplar organisation. Ian has the strength, experience and ability to drive it to the next level and I wish both him and the Chamber continued success.”

Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, said: “Phil was our first Chair following revisions to our management structure three years ago. His influence has been invaluable and I have enjoyed working with him.”

“Ian is well known to the Chamber and has had a long association with us. We know each other well. He will bring new drive, new ideas and a wealth of different experience to the role.”

“The Chamber is extremely grateful to Phil for all he’s done but we’re looking forward to whatever Ian brings to the table.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

UCAS Clearing and Adjustment Advice for Chesterfield Students

15th August 2018

Young people hoping to study nursing or healthcare in Chesterfield are being offered advice about clearing and adjustment ahead of A-Level results day on 16^th August.

The advice comes from St Helena – the University of Derby’s newest campus, which offers high-standard facilities including an NHS-standard mock hospital ward, immersive interactive simulation suite, clinical skills suite and a business incubation unit.

The University of Derby explains that clearing and adjustment is aimed at students who are new applicants for this September, have changed their mind since applying, or expect their results will be different to those predicted.

Before results day, students are encouraged to get hold of the UCAS Clearing list by visiting UCAS Search and selecting the Clearing 2018 option. This facility is available now and will give students an opportunity to see what’s currently available (more choices will appear on results day).

For the best chance of being successful, the University of Derby recommends that students prepare the night before and ring as soon as lines open, bearing in mind that some university hotlines will open earlier than normal office hours.

On results day students should have important details to hand including their UCAS number, exam results and log-in details for Track, as well as their personal statement and any questions they would like to ask.

The University of Derby recommends finding a quiet place to call, keeping calm and remembering to ask for the contact details of people on the phone and written confirmation of any offers, as well as the expiry date.

Courses available to access through clearing and adjustment at the University of Derby include: BSc Adult Nursing (September and March start), BSc Mental Health Nursing (September and March start) and BSc Health and Social Care (Sep start only).

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean, College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, said: “St Helena in Chesterfield is a great place to study. Our facilities are outstanding, including a full mock ward so students can practice developing new skills safely.”

“Our teaching staff are experienced professionals as well as credible academics and offer a true personal touch, getting to know our students well and supporting them to succeed on their courses.”

“All our programmes include real world learning, with nursing students spending 50% of their time in clinical practice, and Health and Social Care students having placement opportunities. These experiences prepare our students for the workplace, with 100% of our graduate nurses being employed.”

“Many of our Chesterfield students are local, and represent the full age spectrum from 18-year-old school / college leavers to those in their 50s. Some of our more mature learners have had other careers before considering the caring professions, or have been bringing up a family, with many having completed an access course.”

“As a University, we are committed to facilitating career progression and are supporting Health and Social Care Assistants to become Nursing Associates and Assistant Practitioners through a Foundation Degree route, equipping them with the ability to progress their careers even further in future should they choose.”

To speak to the admissions staff and find out more about clearing call 01332 592018 or visit the University of Derby’s website.

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean, College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield hosts new festival for motor lovers

14th August 2018

Chesterfield town centre will host more than 200 vintage vehicles this Sunday at the first Chesterfield Motor Fest.

There will be something for every car enthusiast – with displays ranging from supercars to American classics, and a ride through of bikes and scooters will take place after 11am.

At the event there will also be more than 70 stalls in the market place selling a range of autojumble goods including: engines, machinery, parts, tools and accessories.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re committed to hosting a variety of events in Chesterfield town centre and with more than 200 vehicles visiting, the first Motor Fest looks set to be a fantastic event.

“I hope families will come along, enjoy the fun and boost the local economy by visiting the many shops, pubs and restaurants in the town centre.”

Chesterfield residents can also park for free on the day by using their residents’ parking pass in the following car parks:

Albion Road
Derbyshire Times
Devonshire Street
Durrant Road
Hollis Lane (excluding on-street bays)
Holywell Cross (the ‘Donut’)
Queens Park (North and South)
Spa Lane
Station Road
St Mary’s Gate
Theatre Lane.

For more information view the event listing here

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Parents could be eligible for free childcare

14th August 2018

Derbyshire County Council is reminding parents that they may be able to access up to 30 hours of free childcare each week.

All three and four-year-old children in the county are entitled to 15 hours of free early education a week, however some working parents are now eligible to receive 30 hours following changes made by Government last year.

Use the link below to check your eligibility, get a code and apply for free childcare.

Parents who want to take up the additional childcare from the new term in September must apply now before the 31 August 2018 deadline.

Those who are already benefiting from the additional free childcare are also reminded they need to update their details every three months before the start of every new term to make sure they still qualify.

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People said:

“We know that summer holidays can be a particularly busy time looking after children so we’re urging parents not to wait until the deadline but to check now to see if they qualify for extra free childcare.

“The extra funding is worth around £2,500 to families which will enable parents to work more hours if they want to while giving their children the chance to socialise and learn.

“There are only three weeks left until the August 31 deadline and it’s a good idea not to leave it to the last minute to apply so applications can be processed and details checked.”

To be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare families must meet the following criteria;

both parents must be working (or the sole parent in a single parent family)
each parent must earn on average at least £125 a week – equal to 16 hours at national minimum or living wage, including those on zero hours contracts. This earnings limit does not apply with self-employed parents who started their business less than 12 months ago
each parent does not earn more than £100,000 a year

Applicants just need their National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if they’re self-employed.

Families may still qualify where one or both parents are on maternity, paternity, adoption leave or statutory sick pay or if one is working but the other is unable to work because they are disabled or have caring responsibilities and receive Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance.

Derbyshire County Council is continuing to work with schools, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to encourage them to offer the extra hours flexibly to meet the needs of working parents in Derbyshire. Funded childcare is available at participating:

full day care providers (e.g. nurseries)
schools with nursery provision
childminders
sessional providers (e.g. playgroups)
children’s centres
before and after-school provision

The extra hours are Government funded and eligibility is assessed by HMRC. Even if parents don’t qualify for the extra hours they will still be entitled to the universal 15 hours of free early education.

Families can also check if they qualify for 30 hours free childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare.

Click here to check your eligibility, get a code and apply for free childcare.

Posted in About Chesterfield