About Chesterfield

Accreditation for Chesterfield Museum

Chesterfield Museum, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council has had its accreditation renewed by Arts Council England.

This means that the popular attraction on St Mary’s Gate has high standards both for visitors and caring for objects in its collection.

These include:

  • Collections are cared for to a high standard to ensure that they are around for people today and in the future and are well documented
  • Making the museum accessible and widening its range of visitors through exhibitions, events and outreach and educational activities
  • Using different methods to suit visitors such as hands-on activities and talks as well as written information
  • Providing a variety of learning and discovery experiences
  • Working with different partners.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said: “Each year thousands of people visit the many and varied exhibitions and activities at Chesterfield Museum and feedback we receive is positive.

“I’m proud that the museum has had its accreditation renewed and would like to thank our staff for the hard work they have put into this over the last two years.”

Receiving the accreditation means the museum can continue to apply for funding from organisations such as Heritage Lottery Fund and Museums Development East Midlands.

Over the last year, the museum has held a variety of exhibitions including Chesterfield on tap looking at the history of Chesterfield’s breweries and mineral water manufacturers, Other Stories in partnership with LGBT+ Derbyshire celebrating stories from LGBT+ communities, and the Vikings.

The current exhibition, Park Life, exploring the borough’s parks and open spaces runs until 15 September.

The museum also holds regular events including the Lego Play Day, Meet George Stephenson and behind the scenes tours. To look at the current programme, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm – admission is free.

Chesterfield Museum

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Latest Chesterfield housing development opens showhomes

A new housing developments in Derbyshire is set to launch this weekend ─ Saturday 11th August from 11am ─ as triple HBF 5 star housebuilder, William Davis Homes puts the finishing touches to two fabulous showhomes ahead of the event.

The fabulous Skylarks development, on the northern edge of Chesterfield, will feature two beautiful four bedroom showhomes ─ the Severn and the Lydden ─ each distinctly designed to offer the very best in modern family living and both providing the focal point of the large visitor complex; featuring a dedicated options suite, delightful garden meeting areas and a sales centre.

William Davis is returning to Chesterfield for the first time in more than five years. Skylarks will feature a range of two to five bedroom homes in 15 different designs and layouts in a carefully planned and landscaped environment.

Stephen Rush, sales director at William Davis Homes commented: “We’re excited to be making our return to Chesterfield after five years. Skylarks’ occupies prime position on the edge of the town, benefitting from local shops, schools and amenities, yet it’s easily commutable to neighbouring Sheffield.”

You can find out more about the development at www.williamdavis.co.uk/developments/skylarks.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Improvements to Chesterfield’s A61 Whittington Moor Roundabout

Local residents are being invited to have their say on plans to improve a major roundabout in Chesterfield.

During August local people will be able to find out more at exhibitions which will show the proposals to improve journey times and reduce accidents on the A61 Whittington Moor roundabout.

The events are being held at Whittington Moor Methodist Church Hall, Scarsdale Road Chesterfield on:

  • Saturday 4 August – 10am to 2pm
  • Monday 13 August – 4pm to 7pm
  • Monday 20 August – 5pm to 8pm
  • Thursday 23 August – 12pm to 3pm

The proposals are to install traffic lights on all six junctions of the roundabout and close off the entrance to the roundabout from Dunston Road to all traffic apart from buses. Traffic will still be able to leave the roundabout onto Dunston Road.

Traffic lights will also be put at both ends of Sheepbridge Lane.

Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, said: “There are long delays at peak times at the Whittington Moor roundabout and with more developments planned for the local area journey times are only going to get longer.

“The roundabout also has a high rate of accidents and we need to do all we can to reduce this.

“Doing nothing is not an option so we’ve developed some proposals for significant work which will improve journey times along the A61 and cut the number of crashes.”

Councillor Spencer added: “We do recognise that those who get onto the roundabout from Dunston Road will have slightly increased journey times but we feel there is really no other option to improve Whittington Moor roundabout. The scheme has been agreed in principle but we’d still like local people to let us have their views of our proposals.”

The work is expected to cost around £5m and is being funded from the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership (D2N2 LEP). This is a partnership organisation of local councils, businesses and other organisations, which takes the lead on major infrastructure projects.

A feedback form for comments will be available online from Saturday 4th August from at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/whitmoor

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Why is Derbyshire County Council improving the roundabout?

A. The A61 is a main road between Chesterfield and Sheffield and the most important junction in the north of Chesterfield. It is very busy and will become even busier in the next few years due to planned development nearby. This will increase traffic further onto this roundabout.

The number of minor collisions at this roundabout is relatively high – 35 injury accidents in the last five years. These are because of speeding vehicles and the short gaps between traffic wanting to get on to the roundabout.

Congestion in and around the roundabout is also high, causing significant delays. Queues can tail back over half a mile on the A61 meaning the road becomes unreliable with standing traffic; in turn this is causing accidents.

The roundabout is used by many different road users including businesses, schools, residents and commuters. The safety and reliability of journey times for all road users is a top priority for this council.

Q. Why is the speed of the traffic on the roundabout too high?

A. The roundabout is very large giving time for vehicles to accelerate and build up their speed before turning off.

Q. Why is there so much congestion?

A. Because traffic on the roundabout at peak times is fast and heavy there are only small gaps in the traffic for drivers to get onto it. This means vehicles have to wait, causing queues, especially during weekday morning and afternoon rush hours.

Q. Why are you proposing to put traffic lights on the roundabout?

A. The aim is to create bigger gaps in the traffic to reduce queuing and allow people to join and leave the roundabout more safely. We think the best way to do this is with traffic lights. It is proposed that priority be given to traffic travelling to and from Sheffield as this is the route with most traffic.

Q. Why is the proposal to close Dunston Road?

A. Because the proposal is for six sets of traffic lights, one set for each junction, and the roundabout is large it still wouldn’t leave much room for traffic to wait at the lights. To keep the traffic moving more freely the plan is to restrict traffic on one of the minor roads to reduce the number of vehicles wanting to get onto the roundabout. Dunston Road has been selected because it will have the largest impact on clearing traffic. This is because a large amount of traffic from the A61 and Sheffield Road passes by Dunston Road to get on to the A61 north towards Sheffield.

Q. How do you know traffic lights will solve the problems?

A. We have used professional design consultants who specialise in developing road schemes using traffic modelling techniques. These consider the existing layout and potential options, in this case, to reduce the number of accidents and congestion. Of the solutions that were considered, the proposal for traffic lights, was the one thought most likely to work.

Q. Is there no other option than to close Dunston Road?

A. We did look at other options including opening up other roads, only closing Dunston Road at peak times or tolerating long queues. Our modelling suggests that restricting traffic along Dunston Road, except for buses, will mean traffic will still be able to use Scarsdale Road to get to the doctors, school, church and businesses.

Q. Where do I go if Dunston Road is closed?

A. If you want to go north you can use the A61 junction at Sheepbridge. Our proposal is to put traffic lights at both ends of Sheepbridge Lane to improve traffic flows along here and Dunston Road. Southbound traffic will be able to use local roads with Racecourse Road and Stand Road linking to Sheffield Road.

Q. How much will this work cost and who is paying?

A. These improvements are expected to cost around £5m and be funded through the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership (D2N2 LEP). This is a partnership organisation of local councils, including Derbyshire County Council, with the bulk of the cost coming from businesses and other organisations that take the lead on major infrastructure projects.

Q. When will these roundabout improvement works start?

A. Work is likely to start in spring 2019 and be complete by the end of autumn 2019 during the better weather and before the busy Christmas period. Where possible work will take place overnight and at weekends to minimise disruption, noise and dust during normal working hours.

Chesterfield at night

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket hailed as a success

Derbyshire Chief Executive Simon Storey has hailed another successful Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Over 8,000 people attended the week-long festival across five days of cricket, as Derbyshire claimed a four-day win over Northamptonshire before securing a dramatic Vitality Blast victory against Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday.

The Twenty20 fixture was played in front of a 4,500 sold out crowd at Queen’s Park, the second year in a row the match has been an advance sell out as the popularity of the festival continues to grow.

Storey said: “It was a terrific week of cricket and wrapping it up with victory in the last over against Yorkshire on Saturday capped off a memorable week in the north of the county.

“Queen’s Park is a special venue and Members, supporters and players always enjoy the annual trip to Chesterfield.

“The festival brings many benefits to the local community, with thousands of people visiting the town, while it also provides local school kids and cricket club juniors the opportunity to enjoy county cricket right on their doorstep.

“Taking county cricket to Chesterfield is always a huge operational challenge for our off-field team, Chesterfield Cricket Club and Chesterfield Borough Council. Running a matchday safely at an out-ground is hugely challenging and in particular the operations team led by Jamie Guthrie, ground care team led by Neil Godrich and commercial team led by Ryan Duckett work hard for many weeks in preparation.

“A successful festival also relies on partnerships and the support of the local community. We are fortunate to work with local partners such as Custom Solar and Brampton Brewery, and we also get the full support of Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Cricket Club and Friends of Queen’s Park Cricket. We are hugely grateful for the support we receive.

“The highlight of the week was undoubtedly another sell-out crowd for the traditional Vitality Blast fixture against Yorkshire, and they were treated to one of the best Twenty20 matches the venue has ever seen.

“Every year we look to improve and grow the festival. One thing we will need to review for future years is our policy around Member tickets for any all-ticket match.

“Our post-match analysis suggests that a large number of Members who claimed tickets in advance did not turn up on the day, which meant we were unable the sell those tickets to other fans who wanted to watch the match. As a result, we missed out on significant income, all of which could have been invested back into the Club. I’m sure Members will appreciate that we will need to look at this as part of our Membership package for next year.

“On the whole, it was a terrific week at Queen’s Park with good crowds, excellent cricket and, most importantly, two wins for Derbyshire.

“What made it more satisfying was to see our young Derbyshire home-grown players play a key role in all the matches. As a Club, we remain committed to the development of our young players and we must continue to build for the future and produce cricketers who can consistently win games for the county.”

Rainbow at Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Banner Jones signs up to support terminally ill workers

Banner Jones Solicitors has become the latest business to officially sign up to the TUC Dying to Work Charter, an initiative put in place to highlight the firm’s commitment to treating its staff with respect and dignity should they receive a terminal diagnosis.

The first law firm to sign up to the charter, Banner Jones, a law firm operating across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and the East Midlands, is proud to be supporting its workers in a way that enables them freedom of choice with regards to their career should they be diagnosed with a terminal illness.

In the UK, there is currently no protection from dismissal for people with terminal illnesses and so the Dying to Work Charter is instrumental in ensuring workers get the support they require.

The Charter is part of the TUC’s wider Dying to Work campaign which is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers where they cannot be dismissed as a result of their condition. Whilst, in some situations, a person may decide that they do not want to continue working, in other cases, workers with a terminal illness may elect to continue working for as long as they can, whether it be for financial security or as a valuable distraction.

Dying to Work was taken forward by the TUC following the case of Jacci Woodcook, an area sales manager from Derbyshire, who was forced out of her job three years ago after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

Lisa Gill, HR Manager at Banner Jones, commented:

“We have always endeavoured to support our employees in the best way possible and so, by signing up to the Dying to Work Charter, we are demonstrating our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our team.

“The Charter sets out an agreed way in which our employees will be supported, protected and guided throughout their employment following diagnosis of a terminal illness and I would encourage every firm to make this pledge.”

Lee Barron, TUC Midlands Regional Secretary, commented:

“Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis.

“I’m delighted that Banner Jones have shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminally-ill workers.

“600,000 workers are now covered by the Dying to Work charter across the country, and we expect more employers to commit in the coming months.”

Banner Jones

HR Manager Lisa Gill and Executive Director, Chris Sellars

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

University of Derby increases overall student satisfaction in National Survey of Students

The University of Derby has achieved 86 percent overall student satisfaction in this year’s National Survey of Students (NSS) – up from 85 percent in 2017.

The NSS is a high-profile annual census of nearly half a million students across the UK, commissioned by the Office for Students. Aimed at mainly final-year undergraduates, it gathers opinions about their time in higher education, asking them to provide honest feedback about what it has been like to study on their course at their institution.

The University also increased its scores in the key areas of teaching on my course (88 percent, up 1 percent on last year); assessment and feedback (79 percent, up 2 percent on last year) and academic support (83 percent, up 2 percent on last year).

Seven subject areas at the University achieved 100% satisfaction (an increase from four in 2017) – these are:

  • Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
  • Biology
  • Building
  • Comparative Literary Studies
  • Dance
  • History
  • Ocean Science

This year 21 of the University’s publishable subject areas (where at least 50% of students responded to the survey) had an overall satisfaction score above 90% (an increase from 19 in 2017).

17 programmes achieved 100% satisfaction (an increase from eight in 2017) – these are:

  • BA (Hons) Applied Social Work, BA (Hons) Business Accounting and Finance, BA (Hons) Business Studies, BA (Hons) Commercial Photography, BA (Hons) English, BA (Hons) History, BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management, BA (Hons) Media Production, BA (Hons) Sociology, BSc (Hons) Biology, BSc (Hons) Construction Management and Property Development, BSc (Hons) Human Biology, BSc (Hons) Sound, Light and Live Event Technology, FdSc Asphalt and Pavement Technology, FdSc International Spa Management, FdSc Mineral Extractives Technology (UK) and MSc Accounting and Finance

The NSS results follow the University’s inclusion earlier this month in the top 100 institutions in Europe for teaching excellence in the Times Higher Education rankings, and our Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year win at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards (THELMAs) in June.

Derby also achieved an overall ranking of ninth nationally out of 105 higher education institutions (with an overall satisfaction score of 88 percent) in the Advance HE Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2018.

Over the last 10 years, the University has invested more than £200 million in its facilities to ensure that students have access to some of the most modern teaching and learning spaces in the country. Last year, £28 million was invested in improving the campus infrastructure and teaching resources.

To ensure that students play a meaningful part in University decision-making, the Vice-President of the Union of Students co-chairs the Student Experience Learning and Teaching Committee – a major committee with significant influence and one that is supported by the Vice-Chancellor. The University Executive team also meets annually with students, giving them the chance to ask questions or raise any areas of concern.

The University’s Student Experience Framework, designed with input from students and staff, groups together existing opportunities for student learning and personal development offered by the University in one place. It also offers new opportunities such as the International Travel Awards, which this year has seen students visit Iceland, Budapest and New York.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “As a Gold TEF rated institution, we are committed to providing the very best experience for all of our students, not just in terms of teaching but the high quality facilities they have access to and our whole University estate.

“Today’s NSS results further reinforce this commitment. It is fantastic to be acknowledged by our students for the work we are doing in meeting their needs. By listening to our students and giving them a real voice that influences our decision-making, we can ensure that we continue to deliver an outstanding learning experience into the future.”

Professor Malcolm Todd, Provost, added: “Our philosophy is not to see our students as the ‘consumers’ of an educational product. Instead, our commitment is to work in true partnership with our students to constantly seek out ways in which we can enhance and improve the student experience. The students at the University of Derby work with us in varied ways to assure that they will receive an outstanding quality experience which takes them onto whatever they want to do in the future, whether that’s further study, research or graduate-level employability.”

Find out more about the National Survey of Students here www.thestudentsurvey.com

university derby armed forces

Posted in About Chesterfield

The Lounges to open Sorbo Lounge in former Chesterfield Post Office

The Lounges, the West Country based restaurant/café/bar group is opening a brand-new site in Chesterfield on Wednesday 8th August 2018. Sorbo Lounge will open on Market Place, creating 25 jobs for local people.

The Lounges have spent £500k transforming the site into a family-friendly retro-inspired cosy retreat, where eclectic artwork and quirky curios sit next to oversized vintage sofas and old school benches, strikingly painted table tops and statement lighting, in the eclectic style much loved by Lounge aficionados.

Particular attention has been paid to families – there is a fine selection of games and books, colouring pencils and pads, a full menu just for Little Loungers and high chairs and baby-change facilities are available for the tiny ones.

Phil Kinsella, Operations Manager, The Lounges, said “We’re really looking forward to throwing open the doors at Sorbo Lounge and showing the locals how to lounge in style. The team are looking forward to becoming part of the community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible.”

A community notice board is available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area is kept well stocked. The team will also be holding regular fund-raising events as part of their commitment to making a difference in the community. With this in mind the team have chosen to support Fairplay, a local organisation that supports children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families, across North Derbyshire. Sorbo Lounge will donate 50p from every burger and 10p from every coffee sold from their first month of trading to the charity.

Sorbo Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for the best coffee in town, a business lunch with colleagues or a lazy all-day brunch, Sorbo Lounge is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The all-day menu features everything from their famous authentic tapas and Hero Burger to Tin Pan Louie’s beef chilli, packed paninis and the best mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted… or there’s the ever-changing specials menu. Little loungers, vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet are well catered for with their very own menus.

SORBO LOUNGE IN CHESTERFIELD

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

Spire Radio to broadcast Chesterfield FC match updates

Two Chesterfield Champions are joining forces to bring fans of Chesterfield FC live updates from matches in the Vanarma National League. Spire Radio are delighted to announce that they are an official media partner of Chesterfield FC for the 2018/19 National League campaign.

When Chesterfield begin their new season on August 4th away at Ebsfleet there will be a new team bringing live updates to Spireites during the match. Alan Wilkinson, known to many fans simply as Big Al, will be leading the live updates from the stadium while Adam Marsden leads the team back in the studio.

Spire Sports presenter, Adam Marsden said “It’s a great opportunity for the station and the club to build on our already strong partnership. I look forward to being able to bring live action from the Spireites this season as well as reaction after 5pm alongside a team of very talented presenters who are excited to get the ball rolling for next season.”

Spire Sports is every Saturday from 2pm with pre-match build up from around the grounds, including Matlock and Dronfield Town. From 3pm you can expect live goal flashes and updates from the match during each half plus player and manager reactions at full time. The Fan Reaction starts at 5pm and fans can get in touch via social media, both during and after the match, email and on the phone via 01246 200 454 when Adam opens the lines. Listen in via www.spire-radio.com

Programme Director at Spire Radio, Simon Barnett commented; “We can’t wait to kick off the new season with Chesterfield FC – providing this level of coverage is a big challenge for us, but one I know that Alan, Adam and all of our sports team will rise to every Saturday from 2pm. As an online only station we are limited by the fact that we aren’t on a traditional radio, but we are available all around the world via our website on mobile, tablet and desktop. I’m looking forward to the launch of the Fans Reaction Show from 5pm we’ll be getting a fans eye view of the match straight after the final whistle – giving Spireites the chance to pass their verdict on the match.”

Tommy Lee testimonial

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Training academy celebrates success of learners

On July 18th 2018, Chesterfield-based training provider One to One Support Services, Training Academy held its annual Celebration of Learning event in Hasland. This event recognised the achievements and successess of learners, along with their employers and partners who have supported with the students’ progression.

This year’s winner for Apprentice of the Year 16-18 was Toni Raynes from Chantreyland Children’s Nursery. Last December she completed her Level 2 Childcare qualification. The team she works with were so impressed with her level of commitment they put them onto her Level 3 childcare qualification as soon as possible.

The Outstand Performer Award went to Barry Green of One to One Support Services. He had overcome extreme fears about completing a qualification, his tutor says he has never missed an appointment; he is always on time and willing to spend the time to develop his knowledge. Even his manager says he is a confident worker who you can always depend on. He has overcome all of his worries and completed his qualification with flying colours.

The Employer of the Year award winner was the Chantreyland Children’s Nursery. One to One has worked with them for some time and always find they have gone the extra mile, they are always willing and open for our tutors to spend time with the learners. By allowing this in turn this develops the apprentice allowing the workplace to benefit from the skills that they go on to develop.

Another winner of the day was Bisharo Omar. She won the Level 1 Development Award for Sheffield. Bisharo had joined the City and Guilds accredited Level 1 in Health and Social Care/Children and Young People course ran by the Training Academy team and managed to secure a position at One to One Support Services. She supports a number of our clients and since joining One to One as a Community Care Assistant everyone only has fantastic things to say about her. Her manager describes her as a confident woman who uses her own initiative and has become a fantastic part of the team.

The celebration also honoured employers who have given learners the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their place of work and contributed to their practical skills learning.

Melanie Ulyatt MBE, Managing Director comments on the event: “This year’s celebration was a really special moment for us as a Training Academy as we enjoyed welcoming our learner’s friends and families to come and join us and celebrate their achievements. Over the past year, we have become a prime provider and we now have our own contract with the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

celebration of learning 2018

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

International football returns to the Proact Stadium

England will play a key 2019 UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier in Chesterfield in October.

The Young Lions will take on Andorra at the Proact Stadium on Thursday, October 11 (7.45pm).

Tickets are on sale now priced £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. A family ticket (two adults and two children) is available at £20 and group booking and Charter Standard discounts apply.

Tickets can be purchased online via the club website or by calling 01246 269300 (option 1).

England beat Andorra 1-0 in the reverse fixture in October 2017, thanks to a goal from Everton’s Tom Davies.

Aidy Boothroyd’s side are top of Group 4, five points ahead of Netherlands who they face in their next home game at Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium on Thursday, September 6 (7.45pm KO).

Boothroyd said: “We’re really looking forward to playing in Chesterfield. It’s a great stadium and I know from experience just how good the support is there.

“This match will be a really important one for us. Hopefully we’ll have already qualified for next summer’s tournament and it’ll be a big game in terms of our preparation, but if we still need to get points then I’m confident we’ll be able to do it here.

“We’ve got a really talented, hard-working group of players and I know they can’t wait to play in front of our home supporters and hopefully a full stadium in Chesterfield.”

A Chesterfield FC club spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be hosting international football once again at the Proact.

“The prospect of watching some of the country’s brightest young footballing talents is certain to appeal to the people of Chesterfield and we look forward to another good crowd for the match.”

The finals will be played in Italy and San Marino in June 2019.

For more information, please visit www.TheFA.com/England.

England U21 V Andorra U21

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

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