Stopfords Chesterfield LLP welcome another employee to their ever-growing team. The new addition is business admin apprentice, Sophie Kelley. She joins Stopfords after just finishing her final year at school!
Sophie said ‘The advantage of doing this apprenticeship is that it gives me a chance to work towards a qualification and have a job at the same time. It lets me gain skills and knowledge that I’ll need to succeed in the business industry, whilst gaining valuable experience in the workplace.
When I was told that I was successful in getting the apprenticeship at Stopford’s, I was amazed and so happy. I couldn’t wait to start! Everyone here is so lovely and have made me feel comfortable.’
Martin Swain, Partner at Stopfords says ‘Due to the increase of administration workload in the business, we needed to hire another member of staff, and I am pleased to announce that Sophie has filled that position. We chose to hire someone on an apprenticeship as I value supporting young people; and getting them into the workplace to gain the experience required to succeed in such a competitive world. Since Sophie joined the team she has exceeded expectations and has modelled how effective and positive an apprenticeship scheme can be for a business as well as the individual.’
Chesterfield is set to be lit up this Guy Fawkes night as Chesterfield Borough Council’s fireworks extravaganza returns for another year.
The event takes place at Stand Road Park on Sunday 5 November.
The gates to the park will open at 4pm. There will be fairground rides and food stalls – including a pie and pea stall operated by Chesterfield Market Café.
Entry to the event is £2 per person – free for children under five. Visitors are asked to have the exact money ready as change cannot be given.
Music will begin on stage from 5.30pm, with the stage show starting at 6pm. Peak FM breakfast show presenters Cat and Ricky will present live from the event which will feature Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kyle Tomlinson, The X Factor’s Sam Lavery and singer Nina Nesbitt.
The fireworks display will begin at the family-friendly time of 7pm.
Free parking for the event will be available at the Proact Stadium courtesy of Chesterfield FC.
Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Each year, thousands of people come along to our spectacular fireworks event and I’m sure this year will be no exception.
“We’re also grateful to Chesterfield FC for giving visitors to the event to park for free at the Proact Stadium.
“We have taken on board feedback from visitors to the event in previous years and the fireworks display will again be at the family-friendly time of 7pm – so please wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and come along to join in the fun.”
The fireworks extravaganza is one of a series of community events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of its commitments to help make Chesterfield a thriving borough and to improve the quality of life for local people.
More information about the Chesterfield Firework Extravaganza
Chesterfield’s Ginetta race ace car driver Seb Perez swapped from circuit to forest tracks last weekend with a return back to his grass roots in motorsport when he competed in Dayinsure Wales Rally GB.
Perez who finished tenth overhaul in Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup Championship 2017 last month took to the wheel of a Ford Escort Mk2 to compete amongst over 88 entries in the national event and a round of the FIA World Rally Championship that it ran alongside.
Perez with co-driver Steve Smith wasted no time getting used to the very slippery Welsh forest stages and gained vast experience during the three day event that started last Friday from the Ceremonial Rally Start in Chester.
The real rally got to grips on Saturday morning at Deeside and saw them tackle the first World Rally 1.12 mile stage at Cholmondelly Castle, first of 8 special rally stages throughout the day and Sunday.
47th car off the start line saw the Cholmondelly stage to be very slippery for their first encounter on gravel as well as part tarmac apart from testing and practice before the rally started a few weeks ago, they finished the stage 50th and a top ten class position around 13 seconds behind the leader
The rest of Saturday saw them into the Welsh forests that usually prove very demanding and had all seen before them the World Rally car rip the surface up making it difficult in places The next 3 stages were Aberhirnant, Dyfnant and by the end of Gartheiniog stage the going was tough but didn’t stop the dynamic duo finishing in 28th place..
Next up was SS13 Dyfi another very well known rally stage from the RAC Rally days that had caught out many World Rally driver in its time, not for Perez and Smith who were going from Strength to strength finishing the stage in 25th place and fourth in class to return to the Deeside Service Area for the overnight rest before further mud soaked racing on Sunday morning. Only 8 seconds parted them from rally leader Thomas Preston and Andrew Roughead in their Skoda Fabia R5
Sunday saw three more demanding tricky forest rally stages, first up was Gwydir, making up a further two places and in 23rd place and by the end of the last two stages of Alwen and Brenig the young Chesterfield pair passed over the Llandudno finish in 22nd and 4th in their class of car
Perez commented afterwards ” we both really enjoyed the event, it was very different to what I have been used too, we progressed from stage to stage bearing in mind the stages had been used by the WRC cars earlier and some of the stages showed big signs of wear and tear”
He added ” we kept the car where it was going in some slippery conditions gaining places on every stage and foumd it useful for the forthcoming outing on the Roger Albert Clark Rally in a couple of weeks time”
Later this month (10-13 November) both Seb and Father Steve Perez tackle the Roger Albert Clark Rally based around the forests of Kielder, Scotland and the Lake District.
Both sponsored by dads Chesterfield’s Global Brands business and Amigos Tequila Flavoured Beer, sees Seb in a Ford Escort again and Steve in his European Rally winning classic Lancia Stratos
Motor sport is no stranger to Perez Jnr, son of 2014 BTRDA Gold Star Rally Champion Steve Perez, Seb started competing in the Kick Energy Junior 1000 Rally Championship at the wheel of a Nissan Micra rally car back in 2013 before moving to circuit racing.
Currently Perez Junior is eyeing up opportunities for the 2018 racing season as well and has been seen behind the wheel testing at Donington Park last week in a Porsche Carrera GT race car
Chesterfield FC’s annual Remembrance Ceremony will take place next week.
The ceremony, held to remember the 17 players and officials from the club who gave their lives in the two World Wars, will take place on Friday November 10, starting at 1.30pm.
As Armistice Day falls on a matchday, the ceremony is being held a day early to allow the first-team squad and management to attend.
The short ceremony will be held by the Memorial Garden, which is at the rear of the Proact Stadium. All are welcome to attend.
The wait is almost over to find out who has been named among the cream of the county’s businesses with the winners of the Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2017 being announced at a gala awards ceremony on November 9 at the Casa Hotel.
Editor Phil Bramley said: “As ever, there was a strong number of entries from business vying to pick up one of our coveted business awards.
”The judges had a tough time looking through the shortlisted finalists and selecting the individual category winners – which is testimony to the strength of the local business community.”
The shortlisted finalists competing for a Derbyshire Times business award 2017 are:
Innovation Award
247EmailData.Com
Addooco IT
Custom Solar
NooNah
People Development Award
Crystal Clean Service Ltd
One to One Support Services
Talk Staff Group
CSR & Environment
Bitz ‘n’ PC’z Ltd
Inspired Design & Development
Shed Grounds Maintenance
Spencers Solicitors
Customer Service Award
Banner Jones Solicitors
Crystal Clean Service Ltd
Mount Cook
O’Connor & Co. Removals Limited
One to One Support Services
Apprentice of the Year
Jack Longthorne
Joe Oakes
Matthew Hitchcock
Louise Priest
Export and International Trade
To Be Announced on the Night
Retailer of the Year
Adorn Jewellers
Peak Coffee
Small Business of the Year
Addooco IT
Gravity Digital
Moss Valley Fine Meats
Mount Cook
Peak Coffee
Salon s40 Boutique
Spiritheart Holistic Animal Therapy
Talk Staff Group
The Accountancy Recruitment Group Ltd
New Business of the Year
ChargedE
Less Than Zero Barbershop
S40 Personal Training
Spire Radio
Spiritheart Holistic Animal Therapy
The Pekoe Café
Excellence in Manufacturing
BG Engineering
Thermotex Engineering Ltd
Zeal Electronics Ltd
Inclusion Award
Bidwell Henderson Costs Consultants Ltd
Chameleon School of Construction
Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism
Casa Hotel
Chesters Chesterfield Ltd
Matlock Farm Park Limited
Morley Hayes
Business Person of the Year
Hayley Koseoglu
Matthew Brailsford
Melanie Ulyatt
Glyn Jones
Chloe Watmore
In addition, there will be special awards presented on the night including the lifetime achievement award and the coveted overall business of the year.
UEFA and The Football Association have named the venues which will host the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final tournament in May next year.
Chesterfield, Burton Albion,Loughborough University, Rotherham United, St. George’s Park and Walsall have all been selected to host the annual UEFA tournament.
The competition for Europe’s 16 elite nations will be played at venues across the Midlands and South Yorkshire with St. George’s Park at its heart.
Chesterfield will host the opening game and Rotherham United will stage the final, with fixtures taking place between 4-20 May.
Tickets will go on sale in January with the final draw taking place at St. George’s Park in April.
Wayne Rooney, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Mario Götze are some of the famous names to have appeared at this level in the past with the competition acting as the perfect platform for young players to showcase their talents. England who won the European Under-17 title in 2010 and 2014, and also finished runners- up to Spain in 2017, qualified automatically for the tournament as hosts.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:
“The European Under-17 Championship gives football fans an early opportunity to watch talented young footballers as they start out on what they hope will be successful careers in the game.
The competition also provides the youngsters with an ideal chance to perform on an international football stage.
I am very happy that the finals are being staged in England. The Football Association are experienced hosts of major football events, and we are all looking forward to an exciting and entertaining tournament.”
England U17s head coach Steve Cooper added:
“We are very proud to be hosting the men’s European Under-17 finals next summer.”
“St. George’s Park will be at the heart of training and matches and all six venues will give the players an opportunity to perform at different stadiums.”
“Rotherham and Walsall have hosted a number of England development and women’s team fixtures in the past while Burton Albion and Chesterfield are fantastic venues.”
“Loughborough University is a world-renowned sports and educational establishment.”
“The tournament gives the towns and regions an opportunity to see the best young talent from across the continent and we are very much looking forward to the challenge.”
Chesterfield Champion, online radio station Spire Radio, is in the running for local award.
Nominated in the New Business of the Year category at the Derbyshire Times Awards, Spire Radio will be battling with 5 other businesses to take home the title of New Business of the Year 2017 on November 9th at the Casa Hotel.
Chris Walters, Programme Director at Spire Radio, said:-
“I’m extremely proud of the team here at Spire Radio for the hard work and dedication they have put in over the last 12 months. This nomination could not have been achieved without them.”
Spire Radio is an online community radio station that serves Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. Based in the centre of Chesterfield, Spire Radio boasts some of the most diverse programming in the area. From dedicated shows for Blues and Soul, 50s and 60s, Country, Punk, Rock, a Kid’s Club, and partnerships with Chesterfield FC Community Trust, Chesterfield Champions scheme and Chesterfield College amongst others, Spire Radio has a growing audience – the audience listens in from all over the world as well as Derbyshire to the audio stream via the website and smart phone apps.
Simon Barnett, Media and Communicatins Director at Spire Radio, comments:-
“The station has grown in so many ways since I joined the station just over 12 months ago – the range of presenters and programmes we have now is amazing for a station that is run by a group of people that are pulling in the same direction.
“Our Mission is to develop Spire Radio to its full potential as a vibrant Community Radio station whose management and programming is based on community access and participation, and which reflects the special interests and needs of the listenership of the Chesterfield community that the Station aims to serve.”
East Midlands based crime and regulatory solicitors VHS Fletchers are pleased to announce that local criminal solicitor Denney Lau has joined the Chesterfield crime team in October 2017.
Denney will be a familiar face from Chesterfield, particularly for clients, court users and fellow professionals. He spent the majority of his time as a trainee solicitor undertaking work as a police station representative and crown court litigator. He qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and relocated to Chesterfield, working for two other local practices before joining VHS Fletchers.
During those ten years, Denney has gained significant experience representing clients in the police station and Magistrates’ Court in Chesterfield on a daily basis. His expertise has also been called upon further afield on a regular basis. He has represented clients across the East Midlands as well as in central London.
Denney comments:-
“I believe that every case and every client will be unique in their own way. As a result i directs my attention to providing detailed but relevant advice. I will take the time to ensure that a client understands all aspects of their case and can make an informed decision about decisions they will need to make. This will be true whether a case involves road traffic offences, minor thefts or allegations of sexual abuse, drug supply or homicide.”
The clients of VHS Fletchers will no doubt benefit from this personal touch. Denney has a particular interest in advocacy, including defending his clients in trials. Clients who instruct Denney will hear detailed and persuasive mitigation put forward at sentence. He will take all appropriate steps to secure bail at an early stage of proceedings.
Outside of work Denney is always interested in continuing his education. He has recently completed a Master’s Degree in Legal Practice and successfully completed a Mini MBA in Business Management. He is a keen runner having completed many marathons. He is also a governor at a local school.
A local runner has become the first person to cross the finish line at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon – and was one of a number from the region to triumph in the race.
Charlie Baker, a member of Hallamshire Harriers running club, crossed the line with an impressive time of 1:18:52. Runner-up, John Sanderson from North Derbyshire RC clocked a time of 1:21:08, followed by Marcus Nicholson in third with a time of 1:22:33.
When accepting his trophy, Charlie said: “I’m feeling very pleased with myself, the most difficult part was one of the hills towards the end, and constantly running into the wind, but I’m very happy to have completed it and to cross the finish line in first place.”
Ashleigh Barron from the Steel City Striders was the first female to cross the line with a remarkable time of 1:30:15, followed by, Sheffield based TeamGB Duathlon and Triathlon athlete, Fiona Kesteven, who ran in 1:31:22. Deborah Lock rounded off the top three females running in a time of 1:31:33.
Ashleigh explained how she got through the miles: “I just kept having a word with myself, saying to keep going, that I have put all this hard work in and not to give up, I’m out in the storm, just go for it.”
Just under 1,000 people took to the streets of Chesterfield last weekend to take part in the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and the Peak FM Fun Run to raise money for their chosen charity.
The half marathon course started in Queen’s Park, went through the town centre visiting Hasland, then returned to Chesterfield via Brampton and Ashgate before returning to Queen’s Park.
The race was held in aid of local and regional worthy causes, primarily supporting event charity partners – Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and North Aston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice.
Local estate agency, Redbrik, was the headline sponsor for the 2017 event as part of the new five-year partnership deal.
John Timms, Events Director at MLS Contract Ltd, organiser of the event, said: “We were thrilled with the turnout of the event despite the traditional British weather.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our entrants for taking part and completing the race in such difficult circumstances.
“I would also like to thank all those who were affected by any road disruptions across Chesterfield for their good will and co-operation throughout the day. We must thank the 200 volunteers who helped marshal the course and gave up their valuable time to ensure a successful event”.
“This event will have enabled our hospices to do more work for those most in need in our local communities and all our partners wanted to support this.”
Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik Estate Agency, who also took part in the event himself, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with such a successful event – The turnout was tremendous considering the wind.
“It’s been great to really get behind such a brilliant occasion and to be the main sponsors of the event – it made us so proud to see the participants and the huge crowds that turned up to cheer on the runners, it felt like the whole town came together.”
The event also held a successful family-friendly 2.5km Peak FM Fun Run which ran tandem to the main event.
Main charity partner Ashgate Hospicecare provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice looks after children and young adults with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions across North Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.
Chatsworth Road’s Blu Bistro & Coffee House has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year at the town’s 2017 Food and Drink Awards.
Blu has been shortlisted for the prestigious award four years running, however 2017 has seen the family-owned restaurant finally take the top title in the annual competition which is organised by Destination Chesterfield.
Blu was one of 12 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafes and individuals to scoop an accolade across 13 categories in this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2017.
Judges described Blu as a ‘hidden gem’ which far exceeded their expectations. They added: “From the minute we were greeted to the end of the evening the whole experience was a sheer delight. A truly exciting, gastronomic journey. The cooking techniques were outstanding, as were the combinations of flavours.”
One of Chesterfield’s newest bars, Bottle & Thyme, which opened its doors in December last year, celebrated its first year in business with a double award win on the night, scooping the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service.
Delhi 41, based on Sheffield Road on Whittington Moor, also celebrated multiple success on the night when it retained the International Restaurant of the Year title for a record four consecutive years. Since the category was introduced to the awards line up in 2014, Delhi 41 has won every single year. Matlock-based restaurant Stones, also retained its title of Best Out of Town for the second consecutive year.
Celebrity baker and couture cake maker to royalty and the A List, Mich Turner MBE hosted the awards ceremony, which was held on Wednesday 25 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.
More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are designed to also be a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students who both prepare the two course menu and serve at the sell-out event each year.
Julie Richards, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated as a finalist for the Food and Drink Awards this year and well done to all the winners. It is an honour for the college to play such a big part in this celebration of the local food and drink industry. It is a highlight in our calendar, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase the college’s catering and hospitality department and to develop the skills of the students who take part in the preparation of the food and the hospitality for the evening.”
Organiser of the awards Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards were a runaway success with more new names appearing in the winners roll alongside established names. This is a reflection of how the town’s food and drink scene is both growing and evolving, catering for everyone’s tastes, and mirroring the development of Chesterfield as a whole.”
The winners of the 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:
Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Blu Bistro & Coffee House
Adam Warwick, Head Chef at Blu Bistro & Coffee House: “We’ve been nominated four years running so to finally win is incredible. Teamwork is the key. Everything we do, all 15 of us, we do together. We work as a team and it’s paid off… finally.”
Café and Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar
The Lilypad Café and Restaurant
Emily Chapman, owner of The Lilypad Café and Restaurant, said; “It’s amazing to win. It feels incredible – especially after winning Best Newcomer of the Year in 2016. Never being boring and keeping ahead is the key to success.”
Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by arvato
The Market Pub
Demi McLuskey, Manager of The Market Pub, said: “There are seven chefs at the Market Pub who are led by head chef Tracey. We all work closely together which is important in such a small kitchen. We love what we do and we’re all massive foodies; which all helps!”
Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
Junction Bar
Michael Walker, Owner of Junction Bar, said: “It’s an amazing achievement ahead of our first birthday in November. Chatsworth Road is on the up and we wanted to introduce a premium bar alongside the real ale offering in the area and it is working very well.”
Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants
Bottle & Thyme
Gavin Grainger, joint owner of Bottle & Thyme, said: “It’s a small, family run business; even our parents are involved. Our main focus is on creating a positive, happy environment for people to come and have a good time – that’s why we have focused on customer service in our first year of opening. We hope we’ve brought something different to Chesterfield’s nightlife. We want to appeal to to a range of ages with our cocktails and live music.”
Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
Bottle & Thyme
Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants
Stones Restaurant, Matlock
Kevin Stone, Owner of Stones Restaurant said: “We’re striving to do even better and give our guests the best experience. We’re a family run business that is small, approachable and we have amazing food that keeps people coming through the door.”
Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – presented by The Chesterfield College Group
Teresa Lambarelli’s
Teresa Lambarelli, owner of Teresa Lambarelli’s said: “It’s fantastic to have a hat trick of wins. Started by my father more than 40 years ago, we were the first pizzeria in Chesterfield. Now we make and supply pasta sauces throughout the UK and have just opened a pasta and prosecco bar on Chatsworth Road. I enjoy what I do and I have loyal customers that return to me time and time again. I have a great team who are helping me succeed and I wouldn’t be achieving such a level of success without them all.”
Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by The Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints
Hannah Turner
“The cook off was really intense! Although it went much better than I thought it would and I think that’s the best I have ever done with the dish. I love getting to know different recipes and learning different methods. That’s how I decided on my menu for the judges. I knew it would be fun to make and I would get to try out new techniques.”
International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Delhi 41
Azmular Rahman, Manager of Delhi 41 said: “Every year we look forward to the competition to make sure we’re doing the right thing. The Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are the benchmark of our success to ensure we’re continuing to do things well.“
Family Friendly – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design
Chesters Restaurant and Takeaway
Chris Ioannides, owner of Chesters Restaurant and Takeaway, said: “We’re a family based restaurant and are very proud to win the award. We concentrate on making families and kids feel welcome and try to make it a place where adults can enjoy a drink and children can enjoy playing.”
Conference and Banqueting – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and
Casa Hotel Business Advisers
Adam Yeomans, Casa Conferencing and Banqueting Supervisor, said: “I am delighted to win the award. Most of the success comes from behind the scenes and being attentive to the guests.”
Food Hero – sponsored by Casa Hotel
Paul Maude, Career Pathway Leader Hospitality and Catering at Chesterfield College Chesterfield College.
On winning his award Paul Maude, whose career has spanned nearly 40 years, said: “It’s a great honour to train the next generation of chefs and see them succeed and qualify. I am emotional and honoured to win the award.”
Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, City Taxis, Owen Taylor & Sons, ra Information Systems, Franklin and Sons Ltd, Addooco, Steve Faulkner and Reflections.