About Chesterfield

2019 Membership packages announced for Derbyshire County Cricket Club

24th October 2018

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has announced its Membership prices and categories for the 2019 season.

Club Membership, which offers entry to all regular season home cricket in 2019, will include a host of new benefits, giving Members more from their Membership. As well as over 40 days of cricket, Members will receive some great benefits including four free guest passes, free entry at selected four-day matches at Leicestershire, free visits to Uttoxeter Racecourse and the exclusive use of the Pattonair Lounge.

Members can again save £20 by purchasing before our 1st February Early Bird deadline, with Club Membership only £159. The price for Junior Membership and the popular Six Pack Ticket, meanwhile, have been frozen. Also, those who recruit a new Member through the Ambassador Initiative can still claim £50 cash back by introducing someone new to the Club.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “We continually review our Membership packages and we’re pleased to be able to offer our Members more in 2019.”

“We’ve worked hard to create a Membership that, as well as entry to every home regular season Derbyshire match, offers some great new benefits – many of which were hand-picked by our Members.”

“We have also listened to feedback from our Members and will be offering the Pattonair Lounge as an exclusive facility for them and will monitor the impact on sales and service.”

“Membership is the best price way to watch Derbyshire – working out as less than £4 per day – and is still one of the best value Memberships in county cricket.”

“The support from our Members play a vital part not only on matchdays, but also helping the Club continue our investment on the field.”

“It’s an exciting time as we welcome Dave Houghton back as our new Head of Cricket. He impressed us with his vision for the future as we build a squad capable of competing for silverware.”

“Membership at Derbyshire represents great value and we hope our new-look packages will encourage Members old and new to be part of the Club in 2019.”

Membership can be purchased online at derbyshireccc.com, by calling 01332 388 101 or in person at The 3aaa County Ground.

Membership Prices	Early Bird	Full Price
2019 season	Until 31st Jan	From 1st Feb
Club Membership	£159	£179
Junior Membership	£20	£20
Age 16-21/Student	£55	£55
Pattonair Executive Club	£495	£525
Pattonair Executive Club & Partner	£725	£749
Six Pack Ticket	£76	£76
Car Park Pass	£65	£65

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

The Garden Secret Spa opens new Spa Terrace

23rd October 2018

The Garden Secret Spa located in the grounds of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa has opened their new spa terrace.

On Friday The Garden Secret Spa announced the opening of the first section of the phase two spa build. Opening in June 2018, the spa is still in its infancy. In August 2018 the spa was awarded the prestigious 5 Bubble rating from the Good Spa Guide, the first of which to be awarded within Derbyshire.

The latest announcement is the Spa Terrace development. The terrace wraps around the side and front of the spa, allowing guests access straight from the pool hall out into the gardens. Incorporating heaters and blankets it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with a hot chocolate and watch the autumn leaves fall.

The terrace is the first step in bringing the spa into the gardens and there are more plans for this already award winning spa.

The Garden Secret Spa features a Vitality Pool, Herbal Sauna, Foot Spas, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Blossom Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers, Relaxation Lounges, 7 treatment rooms and its own Brassiere.

For further information on The Garden Secret Spa, call 01246 284750.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Success for second Redbrik Half after event enjoys huge growth

23rd October 2018

Organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon have declared the 2018 event a huge success after a four-figure turnout – with registration into the 2019 event open at a special early bird price.

Around 1,500 people registered for the event across its three elements – the 13.1 mile Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and 1km Blachford Fun Run.

Gary Gregory was the first to finish in a new Redbrik Half record of 1:14:58. The fastest female was Nicola Holland in a time of 1:26:26.

The fastest male in the Peak FM Five Mile Run was John Sanderson in 0:29:19, with Cath Lee close behind as the fastest female in 0:39:40.

Meanwhile, Jacob Jones was the fastest boy in the Blachford Fun Run and Elizabeth Medd was the fastest girl.

More than 10 organisations also took part in the first Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a group entry into the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon which includes registration into each of the event’s three elements.

The event helped raise thousands for good causes across the region, including the event’s charity partners – Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and North Aston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice.

Leading estate agency Redbrik was the headline sponsor the event for the second year of its five-year partnership deal.

John Timms, event director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We were incredibly happy with this year’s turnout to the event, which was a huge success, and even happier that the sun decided to keep shining after ‘testing’ conditions in 2017!

“I’d like to personally congratulate everyone who took part, volunteered or contributed to making the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon a huge success once more.

“I’d also like to highlight the fantastic work of more than 200 volunteers, who gave up their free time to help keep everything running smoothly and assist runners and the general public. Without them, this event would not have enjoyed this level of success.

“I also want to thank anyone who was affected by the road disruptions across Chesterfield for their understanding throughout the day.

“Most importantly, however, the money raised by this event will go a long way to helping good causes like Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, which do so much fantastic work in the local community.”

Mark Ross, director at headline sponsor Redbrik, said: “I took part in the event myself for the second time and I though I may be biased in saying this, it was by far the best Chesterfield Half Marathon yet!

“We’re incredibly proud to play a big role in the event, and I’m thrilled to see that so many people turned out to support it.

“It’s great that so much was raised by the event for good causes too, which is what the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is all about. So many people will have such incredible stories to tell.

“After we’ve all had a hard-earned rest, all eyes will now turn to 2019, and with entries open already and special discounts for those who took part this year, we’re already incredibly excited to see where this event can go next.”

Find out more about the Chesterfield Half Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New festive event launched for Chesterfield

22nd October 2018

The Street Food and Craft Market is a brand new event taking place in the market square in Chesterfield this Christmas.

The Event has been curated by Edge Events who are also the organisers of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival and Street Food and Grooves Festival.

A spokesperson for Edge Events said “We are passionate about supporting local traders and celebrating the wide range of food, drink and craft producers that Chesterfield has to offer. By organising the Street Food and Craft Market the Edge Events Team hope to bring the public back to Chesterfield’s town centre therefore increasing the revenue for not only the traders that have a stall at the market but for other companies and shops in the surrounding area.”

“The Edge Events Team would really like to welcome people from far and wide to celebrate at this festive event. We really hope that by you supporting this event it can grow into a fantastic annual festive celebration that everyone can enjoy!”

The market place will be in full swing with local traders selling a variety of crafts, jewellery, Christmas decorations, furniture, books, toys and many other items for that unique gift for Christmas!

There will also be a choice of hot and cold street food such as gourmet turkey sandwiches, venison arancini, beef bourguignon and Neopolitan pizza which you can wash down with a festive mulled wine, cider or even an artisan gin.

The event will run across four days from the 14th until the 17th Dec and will be open from 9am until 4pm on all four days.

Discover more about events happening in Chesterfield this Christmas.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Visiting

Celebrity Chef Chesterfield-bound for town’s Food and Drink Awards

22nd October 2018

The celebrity chef Lesley Waters will be arriving in Chesterfield on Wednesday 31 October to host the town’s sixth annual Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Well known for her regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, Lesley Waters will announce the winners of 15 categories including Chesterfield’s Food Hero at the sell-out event.

Lesley said: “I am delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Once again, the awards ceremony, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building, will be used as a learning experience for Chesterfield College’s catering and hospitality students, who both cook and serve a two-course meal on the night to more than 250 people.

Lesley commented: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

35 businesses and individuals are shortlisted in the 2018 awards, with 12 businesses taking part for the first time and 13 hoping to retain their titles from 2017. This year, the awards also see the introduction of two new categories recognising the vital role apprentices and their employers play in the Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Bottle & Thyme

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant

Qoozies

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

The Fox & Goose Inn

The Market Pub

The Rectory

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Chesterfield Arms

Junction Bar

Rose & Crown, Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Ciuri Ciuri

The Crafty Dog

Pump & Grind

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme

Junction Bar

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Devonshire, Upper Langwith

Kathmandu Ghurka, Clay Cross

The Three Horse Shoes, Clay Cross

The Tickled Trout, Barlow

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41

Einstein’s

Nonnas

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters

Mason’s Coffee Lounge

The Soulville Steakhouse

Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year – presented by the Mayor of Chesterfield

Casa Hotel

Proact Stadium

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Winster Foods

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Cup and Saucer

Original Recipes

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons

Ashley-Darrah Pienaar

Callum Taylor

Kye Homiak

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Ben Forster – Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Corey Elliott – The Lilypad Café & Restaurant

Courtney Slater – Katey’s Coffee Shop

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

The Rectory

Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House

Van Dyk

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group, Peak FM, and Reflections.

For more information about the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

From Kenya to Chesterfield: Charlie returns to defend half marathon title

19th October 2018

A Sheffield-based physiotherapist who ‘got the running bug’ after a half marathon in Kenya is up for the challenge of defending his Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon title when the event returns for its second outing this Sunday (21 October). Read our event guide including everything you need to know about the route, road closures and the event.

Totley Athletics Club’s Charlie Baker, who was born in Devon but moved to Sheffield three years ago, will join more than 1,400 others at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Last year’s Redbrik Half Marathon was Charlie’s first victory over the 13.1-mile distance – and though he would love to successfully defend his title, the physiotherapist is ‘fully expecting’ fast runners to turn out after the event’s huge growth over the past 12 months.

Charlie said: “I would love to win again and I’m up for the challenge, but I fully expect some faster runners to turn up.”

“I imagine a few will have seen the winning time from last year and fancy a bit of the glory so I’d be happy with a PB.”

“I’ve been getting out more on the fells after joining Totley AC this year, I’ve been running more miles a week than ever and my legs haven’t fallen off – so who knows!”

Charlie, who works for Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and was born and raised in Brixham, Devon, started running seriously while at Sheffield Hallam University. However, after a couple of years away from running, he was then invited by a friend to train in Kenya.

“I was more interested in football as a child but always liked cross country,” said Charlie.

“My dad enjoyed jogging and I went to support him after he ran a half marathon just months after a quadruple heart bypass.

“Chesterfield was my seventh half marathon, having run the Sheffield Half Marathon four times, plus the Torbay Half and Exeter Half Marathon.

“But I properly started getting the running bug when a friend of mine invited me to train out in Kenya and I ran the Lewa Safari Park Marathon. After surviving the half marathon and the lions, I’ve trained almost daily and fitting it in around my work whenever I can.

“I enjoyed Chesterfield mainly because I’ve never had a timing car and an encouraging steward in front of me, telling me I’m far out in the lead. There were enough twists and turns in the course to stop it getting monotonous and it was unique to run out on the A-road.

“My main memory of winning was a feeling of surprise because I never expected to win a half marathon. I half expected to trip up and twist my ankle on my way into Queens Park instead of crossing the line!”

Charlie will be hitting Chesterfield’s streets along with more than 1,400 runners this Sunday. To get involved with marshalling the event, which is set to become one of the region’s largest mass-participation events.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New retailer on the way to Chesterfield town centre

18th October 2018

The Entertainer has announced it will be opening a store in Chesterfield.

The ambitious toy retailer has a vision that every childhood should be filled with wonder and its mission is to be the best-loved toy shop.

The grand opening of The Entertainer’s Chesterfield store, which will be on Packers Row, is expected to take place on the 10th November at 9.00.

The opening day event is going to have character visits, live demos and lots of toys! There will also be a competition with the first twenty families through the door having the chance to pick a gift card at random where they could win up to £100.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said “It is great that The Entertainer will be opening a new store in Chesterfield.

“It joins Chesterfield’s existing mix of independent and high street retailers, bars, restaurants and historic market, which are key reasons why so many people, locally and nationally, visit the town each year.”

This latest investment follows the recent opening of Sorbo Lounge in the former Post Office and the redevelopment of the Co-op store, which will include a new Premier Inn.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield

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

UKATA’s COO shortlisted for Business Person of the Year Award

18th October 2018

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) marked a decade of excellence in 2018, with another success story announced in October.

Craig Evans, who was appointed the Chief Operating Officer of the UK Asbestos Training Association in July 2018, has been announced as a finalist for Business Person of the Year at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018.

Craig is no stranger to business awards, in 2016 as General Manager for UKATA, Craig was shortlisted for The Derbyshire Times Business Awards and went on to win Business Person of the Year. Winning the award, gave Craig further encouragement and even more determination to push himself and the association forward to where it stands today.

Craig Evans said: “I was delighted to win the award in 2016 and it is a great privilege to be shortlisted again as a finalist just 2 years on in my new role as Chief Operating Officer. I have been very fortunate to have an extremely driven and passionate team behind me who embody the values of our organisation and strengthen our aims and objectives. This nomination is my first in my new position and to be up against such a high calibre of local candidates is an honour.”

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the very best in local business and commerce. The prestigious awards ceremony takes place on Thursday 15th November at Chesterfield College.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

The Van Yard extends stand sponsorship

17th October 2018

The Van Yard’s sponsorship of the West Stand at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium has been extended for another year.

Spireites commercial manager Jim Brown said: “I’d like to thank The Van Yard for their continued support. It is great to see all four stands sponsored and the support we receive from The Van Yard and other sponsors is very much appreciated.”

The Van Yard has been established for just over five years and can be found on Chesterfield Road in Chesterfield.

They have over 100 vans available, covering all types, from drop-siders, tippers, panel vans and car-based vans. From time to time they also have a few used cars for sale. All their vehicles are thoroughly checked over before being offered for sale and come with appropriate warranties and MOTs where required.

The Van Yard can also offer a range of finance packages that can be tailored to your specific circumstances to assist with the purchase of your van. They are also happy to discuss part-exchange deals.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Grandad glows with pride as grandchildren get set to run for their local hospice

16th October 2018

Brother and sister duo, Oliver, age 9, and Willow, age 5, from Chesterfield are set to run the Blachford UK Ltd 1km Fun Run at this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon for their grandad who is currently receiving care from Ashgate Hospicecare.

The Fun Run, which takes place on Sunday 21^st October, is a 1km route around Queens Park suitable for all ages and abilities.

Oliver and Willow can’t wait for the event and are enjoying raising money for their local hospice. Oliver, said: “I’m doing the Fun Run for my grandad because grandad’s a poorly man and he deserves the treatment.”

Oliver is also looking for donations towards his children’s tombola that he will be holding at the Brownies’ Halloween get together. All the proceeds will go into his bucket for Ashgate Hospicecare to help towards his fundraising for the 1km Fun Run. Oliver wants to keep up the fundraising and the next thing he does will also be for Ashgate Hospicecare and his grandad Mick.

Mick Pollard, Oliver and Willow’s grandad, is currently receiving care from the Hospice, said: “I’m very, very, very proud of Oliver and Willow. I didn’t think they’d do it, I didn’t even know they were doing it. ”

“The care I have received at the Hospice has been brilliant, I’ve never known care like it. I was in a black hole before I came here, I was really depressed. Now I am so much better and the kids are helping me, they keep coming round to see me.”

The Fun Run is accompanying the 5-Mile Challenge, the Wellbeing Challenge and the Half Marathon itself, taking in the sights of Chesterfield over 13.1 miles.

For more information including the route and road closures for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield College to hold Apprenticeship Advice Evening

15th October 2018

A free advice evening at Chesterfield College on Wednesday 24 October aims to dispel the myths around apprenticeships and unveil the hundreds of local opportunities out there.

Learning Unlimited’s team will be on hand at the college on Infirmary Road for the Apprentice Advice Evening between 5:30pm and 7:30pm to provide guidance about careers and apprenticeships. There will be the chance to see what apprenticeships are available, hear about success stories and find out how to apply for apprenticeships.

Potential apprentices will hear how Chesterfield – as the UK’s very first ‘Apprentice Town’ – offers a wide variety of options to help people develop their career. The Apprentice Town initiative, which is led by Chesterfield Borough Council, aims to raise awareness of apprenticeships and works with organisations such as Learning Unlimited to develop apprenticeship opportunities.

Leah Shortt, Operations Manager at Learning Unlimited, said: “There are a lot of myths surrounding apprenticeships and the benefits and yet there are so many opportunities available at the moment. Apprenticeships are a great way of making that first step towards a dream career. Apprentices can earn a wage, while learning skills and gaining experience.”

During the evening, potential apprentices will be able to see that apprenticeships cover a wide range of subjects from business, IT and accountancy to customer service and are not restricted to traditional, manual jobs previously associated with apprenticeships. What’s more, apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

Leah added: “We also want to show people that contrary to popular belief, apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers but for people at all ages. It’s a great way for people midway through their working life to learn new skills and boost qualifications and take careers in a new direction.”

“Our Apprenticeship Advice Evening will provide the ideal chance for people to come and have a chat with us and see what options are right on their doorstep.”

Potential apprentices, as well as parents and teachers, are invited to come along at any time during the evening for an informal chat with the team. They will be able to view apprenticeship vacancies, find out more about the individual apprenticeships and apply.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, added: “It’s really important that local residents benefit from the jobs and training opportunities created by the £1 billion of investment taking place within the borough. That is why we launched the Apprentice Town initiative. This advice evening is an excellent opportunity for young people, employers, parents and teachers to find out more about the wide range of apprenticeships available in Chesterfield.”