About Chesterfield

Have your say on proposals to tackle anti-social behaviour in Chesterfield town centre

1st August 2017

Residents and local businesses have the opportunity to take part in a consultation on measures to curb anti-social behaviour in Chesterfield town centre.

The consultation, run by Chesterfield Borough Council, is open until Monday 25 September and gives people the chance to have their say on the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) the council plans to introduce in areas of the town centre.

Currently, anyone found drinking alcohol in Chesterfield town centre can be required to hand this over to an authorised officer or police officer. The new laws would require anyone drinking to hand over alcohol opened or unopened.

The new rules would also:

· Ban positioning or occupying any tent or other temporary structure without the landowner’s permission

· Ban any activity or behaviour causing nuisance, alarm, harassment or distress to any other person

· Ban loitering around cash machines, shopping centre entrances, shop entrances or car park ticket and payment machines for the purposes of begging

· Ban urinating or defecating other than in a facility specifically designed for such use – i.e. in public toilets

· Ban leaving unattended any personal effects or belongings or any other material or paraphernalia.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are aware that anti-social behaviour is a problem in the town centre which is why we are working with the police and partners to introduce measures to curb anti-social behaviour and make it a safer place for people to work and visit.

“The council recently co-hosted a summit with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Hardyal Dhindsa to look at anti-social behaviour issues in the town centre. Partners agreed to focus on enforcement, treatment and support, and welfare policies.

“I would encourage people to take part and let us have their views.”

The consultation is available at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/pspo.

Paper copies will be available at:

· Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill

· Customer Service Centre, New Square

· Queen’s Park Sports Centre

· The Healthy Living Centre, Staveley

· Chesterfield Library.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Spireites welcome Barrow

1st August 2017

Chesterfield manager Gary Caldwell has strengthened his backroom team with the appointment of Graham Barrow as assistant-manager/chief scout.

Barrow, who assisted Caldwell during his time as manager of Wigan Athletic, said: “I’m delighted to be here. I’ve had a good working relationship with Gary and we’ve always kept in touch.

“On matchdays, I’ll be up above in the stand watching the game and provide input. I’ll also help Guy Branston with recruitment.

“The set-up here is great and it’s all geared for success. I’ve got a wide range of experience so I hope to make a valuable contribution.”

Caldwell is pleased to be reunited with his former colleague. “I have 100% trust in Graham and I value his opinions,” he said.

“He has great knowledge at every level of the game. He will be a great help to me in various ways, including preparing for matches and signing players.”

After a playing career which took in lengthy spells at Wigan and Chester City, Barrow managed Chester (twice), Wigan, Rochdale and Bury. He also took charge of Wigan on a caretaker basis on several occasions.

The 63-year-old left Wigan in May, shortly before the appointment of former Spireites boss Paul Cook as manager.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Apprentice reaps award number two for going above and beyond

31st July 2017

Congratulations are in order for Jack Rigsby from AvantiGas, who has been honoured as an Apprentice of the Year by Chesterfield College for the second year running, this time being named Apprentice of the Year in BTEC Level 3 Mechanical Engineering.

Jack said that some of the work he’d done previously for A Level Maths had helped him in his BTEC studies, but parts of the syllabus were still challenging:-

“Thermodynamics was probably the most difficult. I’d never done anything like that before, but I still enjoyed it.”

Hydraulics and Pneumatics, another new subject, was also challenging but Jack clearly mastered these new disciplines to win Apprentice of the Year once again.

Neill Cordon, HR Director at Avantigas, said:-

“Jack is a great credit to AvantiGas and his success just confirms why we should continue our commitment to apprenticeships. We believe strongly that apprenticeships help us to meet the vital need to bring new talent into the LPG market to continue to serve off-grid homes and businesses.”

The college citation for Jack’s efforts was glowing:-

“Jack is an outstanding student.

“He is very capable across a range of subjects and he manages himself well. His work is always to a high standard and submitted ahead of deadlines.”

It goes on to say that Jack in fact completed his assignments for the year six weeks early but was happy to use the time he has gained to support his classmates, who value his advice and support.

Jack remains modest in the face of his award and the praise heaped on him:-

“I wasn’t expecting it. I just handed my work in when it was due and didn’t mess around.”

His advice to aspiring apprentices is:-

“Just to put the effort in and get your head down, and get yourself onto higher education if you can.”

“I have one more year to go on my BTEC then I hope to progress on to university after that. It would be studying one day a week, part-time, hopefully at Sheffield Hallam. But it will be worth it in the end.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Life’s a gas as Nadiya samples Derbyshire oatcakes in the High Peak

31st July 2017

Former Great British Bake Off winner turned author and TV presenter Nadiya Hussain’s flourishing career has reached a new peak – the ‘capital of the Peak’, in fact, as she came to Derbyshire to sample Ian Barratt’s authentic Derbyshire oatcakes for her new BBC2 series, Nadiya’s British Food Adventure.

The eight-part series takes her all over Britain to find local specialities. The Derbyshire episode which aired on July 24, saw Nadiya sampling Ian’s traditional fare and finding out how the oatcakes are made before devising her own improvised speciality – Derbyshire oatcake samosas!

Nadiya was certainly cooking with gas on the day – literally so, as Ian’s farmhouse and bakehouse at Owlgreave Farm in Combs, just outside Chapel-en-le-Frith, uses LPG from Chesterfield based AvantiGas for cooking and heating.

LPG fires up Ian’s gargantuan, vintage, 18-foot hotplate with its gas jets underneath which cooks up to five dozen oatcakes at a time, totalling 200-300 dozen oatcakes or thicker pikelets per shift.

Ian Barratt comments:-

“Gas has a nice moist heat which is what you need for the oatcakes. Electric hotplates dry them out too much.”

Ian showed Nadiya how he and his mother, Eileen, and assistant Sheila make the batter then griddle the oatcakes, ready for them to be delivered to shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants across three counties.

Then Nadiya came up with her own special twist on tradition:-

“She made vegetable samosas out of the oatcakes – and they were brilliant! She used flour and water to seal the edges and deep fried them, so they crisped up on the outside and had the moist and slightly spicy vegetables on the inside. I can see them becoming a whole new product line. They were absolutely delicious!”

Andrew Mann, Head of Marketing at AvantiGas, said:-

“We’re delighted that Ian is cooking his unique products with gas and finds it produces the best results, and equally delighted that Nadiya has sampled them and enjoyed them. We’ve been Ian’s supplier for many years now – and long may it continue.”

Ian has just had a third LPG tank installed too, because as well as his farmhouse and bakery, he fuels a holiday cottage with LPG and heats the toilet block on his campsite.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Get your nominations in for county’s 2017 Sports Awards

31st July 2017

The Derbyshire Sports Awards are back for 2017 – and Derbyshire Sport want your nominations.

All nine local authorities in Derbyshire are running Sports Awards, where winners will filter straight through to be considered for the county event, held on November 9 at The Roundhouse, Derby.

That prestigious evening on the sporting calendar – The Derby Telegraph Sports Awards – is again being presented by the media group in partnership with Derbyshire Sport, Champions (UK) plc agency and Smith Partnership Solicitors.

Nominations for this year’s Awards are now open and Derbyshire residents are invited to nominate committed sports volunteers, dedicated coaches, community projects and talented athletes from the county who they feel are worthy of recognition.

There are 14 categories for the county Awards, including Lifetime Achievement Award, Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Disabled Sportsperson of the Year, Team of the Year, Manager/Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year.

Other categories inviting nominations are Community Award, Club of the Year, Active4Life, Junior Team of the Year, Young Sportsman of the Year, Young Sportswoman of the Year and Service to Sport.

In 2016 Adam Peaty, formerly of City Of Derby Swimming Club won the Sportsman of the Year Award for the third year running. He was honoured in 2016 after picking up Great Britain’s first gold medal of the Rio Olympics by winning the 100m breaststroke in emphatic style with a new world record and also picked up a silver medal in the 4x100m medley relay.

Ilana Freestone, Director at Derbyshire Sport, said:-

“There are so many people who contribute in so many ways to sport and physical activity across the county, so it is really important that we take the opportunity to thank those working behind the scenes for their efforts – as well as applaud those who are competing at a high level.”

The closing date for the Active Chesterfield Sports Awards is August 21, 2017.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Mitchells welcomes new university placement undergraduate

31st July 2017

Cementing its commitment to bringing on new talent in the accountancy sector, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has appointed Brandon Wazirali as an undergraduate placement student.

Brandon (21) from Mosborough in Sheffield, is an Accounting and Finance student at Sheffield Hallam University. As part of the third year of his degree he has joined Mitchells Corporate Services team full-time, on a 12-month placement in order to gain experience ahead of his final year and graduation.

He explained: “Accountancy opens doors to so many different careers, however my personal aim is to become a Chartered Accountant and undertaking this placement with Mitchells is a great way to gain experience as well as confirm my career ambitions.”

He is one of a long line of undergraduates to join Mitchells as a placement student; the majority of which are offered permanent roles with the firm on completing their degree. Partner Tony Hornsby joined Mitchells originally as a placement student in 2001 and has remained with the firm since graduating.

Commenting on his appointment, Brandon said: “I’m really enjoying it at Mitchells. Every day is different. I have always been good with numbers, so being able to apply the theory from my course in a practical, hands-on environment is giving me invaluable experience which will provide a great platform on which to build my career once I graduate.”

Outside work, Brandon who is a keen half marathon runner, enjoys playing Sunday League football with The New Bohemians.

The firm is looking to make further appointments to add to its expanding team of tax professionals and Chartered Accountants. If you’re looking for a career at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, get in touch with Andrew McDaid by calling 01246 274121, or send your CV and covering letter to andrewmcdaid@mitchellsaccountants.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Flying the flag for Chesterfield’s parks

27th July 2017

Five of Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces have retained their prestigious Green Flag awards for another year, meaning they are among the best in the country.

The parks and open spaces, maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, received the recognition from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy after they inspected them against strict standards.

They decided to award Green Flags to:

Eastwood Park, Hasland
Holmebrook Valley Park
Poolsbrook Country Park
Queen’s Park
The grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Brimington, which are maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee, which consists of Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.

The international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the spaces boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:-

“We are extremely pleased to retain Green Flag Award status in these five parks and open spaces once more.

“One of the council’s top priorities is to improve the quality of life for local people and providing green space that people can visit, play in, use to get fit and active or see wildlife is an important way to achieve this.

“A lot of effort goes in to maintaining parks and open spaces and I would like to thank all our staff and the members of our friends of the park groups for all of their efforts throughout the year to achieve results like this year-on-year.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

The news come as Chesterfield is waiting to hear if it has been successful in retaining its gold award in the East Midlands in Bloom competition. The town picked up the honour for the first time last year. Judges visited Chesterfield earlier this month to judge if those standards had been maintained.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Women in Business Network group set to launch in Chesterfield

27th July 2017

Capitalising on recent research – stating that nationally the proportion of women that went into business between 2013 and 2016 rose by 45% – the Women in Business Network (WIBN) are set to launch a new networking service for business women in Chesterfield.

The WIBN is a membership organisation for women who wish to gain new business opportunities through word of mouth. Whether employed or a business owner the network has a huge diversity of businesses involved.

Networking is widely seen as the most effective business tool to market any business or service. The WIBN has been offering businesses the chance to meet monthly to do business together, collaborate on projects and gain new leads for over 12 years. The Chesterfield group will be first group set up in Derbyshire after success of the group in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

The WIBN will meet for a two hour networking meeting held every month, starting from 5th October, where they will share lunch whilst allowing delegates the opportunity to increase business, brand and profile for their organisation.

Paula Grizzard, Director of WIBN North Derbyshire and Yorkshire, said:-

“We are impressed with the drive for business in Chesterfield and keen to set up our newest WIBN Group here to be part of the growth and investment in the town.”

To find out more about the meetings please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Community radio station expands ‘Team Spire’ with exciting new changes

26th July 2017

Spire Radio, Chesterfield Champions and local community radio station, have recently announced a number of exciting new changes to ensure the survival of the stations legacy as they move forward after a successful first 2 years on air.

A focus on strengthening involvement in the local community has been a main priority for the station, with links now forged between the Derbyshire Times, Chesterfield Food Club Community Trust and the Chesterfield College Performing Arts and Media Departments. The station has also recently offered work experience to local schools and colleges.

To keep at the forefront of local business, Spire Radio have also recently joined the Chesterfield Champion network. Chesterfield Champions are a group of 170+ local businesses who work together to support the development of the local economy, shape the future of the town and showcase all that is good about it.

To showcase how vital the business community is in the development of the town, Destination Chesterfield, who run the Chesterfield Champion scheme, and Spire Radio have joined forces to showcase these local businesses with a new show to air from late August. The show, which will air on Tuesday afternoons, will see Champions interviewed about their business and their views on topics relevant to the town.

A number of new appointments have also been made to strengthen their Directorship and Management team.

Joining the Current Directors Chris Walters (Programme Director), Stephen Mahoney (Technical Director) and Amy Hartshorn (Director of Finance and Human Resources), Spire Radio are proud to announce the appointment of Andrew Payne, Presenter of the Generation Game, Local Business man and long standing supporter of Spire Radio as a Director.

Other appointments include Matthew Squires (Presenter of SquiresonSpire) as Training, Compliance & Development Director, Simon Barnett (Presenter of Anthems) as Media & Communications Director and Mark Judge as Technical & Web Development Director.

David Trickett, local legend and fundraiser will also join the team as Charity & Community Event Director to oversee that all of the stations operations are within the remit of not for profit and in the best interests of Local Community & support local charitable organisations.

Alongside the recruitment of the new directors the station are also looking to grow their listener-ship with the introduction of a host of new shows and presenters.

George Drummond will be the new host of Spire Breakfast (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday). George has years of experience of online radio to bring to Spire.
‘Debs & Denise’ from LOL Laughter yoga have been announced as the presenters of the Wednesday Breakfast Show. Denise and Deborah from LOL are a dynamic duo bursting with energy to share the wonderful benefits of laughter and how it can be used to facilitate change.
Adrian Lings joins as presenter of the Weekend Wind Up Show (Fridays 10am – 1pm). Adrian is a well-known Sheffield DJ and compere and does swing work with Sheffield live, Hallam fm and many others.
Martyn Gillie will present the Community Slot on a Friday (2pm – 3pm). His show will focus around local heritage and history as well as playing music from the 50s.
Lee Brade will join as presenter of Friday Drive Time and Tracey Leeds will present a new show on Sundays (1pm – 4pm)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Region celebrates 73% increase in foreign investment

26th July 2017

New figures from the Department for International Trade show that foreign investment into the Sheffield City Region (SCR) leapt by a massive 73% in the financial year to the end of March compared to previous 12 months.

The Government figures, produced annually, show that there were 46 investments by foreign businesses, creating 2308 new jobs and safeguarding another 217.

Chesterfield Champions, Ferdinand Bilstein, being amongst the top five project successes taking on 150 employees in the last year alone.

This makes it the most successful year for international investment in the region since the SCR was created.

Teams from the regeneration departments of the nine local authorities are supported by the region-wide SCR Trade and Investment team to work together to attract foreign companies from overseas, and others already based in the UK looking to relocate and expand.

Rachel Clark, Director of Trade and Investment for the SCR, said:-

“These excellent figures are the exciting result of collaborative work with our local authority and business partners and the Department for International Trade. It’s rewarding to see a team effort bringing in such fantastic returns in terms of jobs and economic growth.”

Further examples of other recent investments in the SCR include:

Peak Resort, the £400million tourism and leisure destination which is underway with £2.9million infrastructure funding from the SCR. The project will create 1,300 jobs.
A new 44,595 sq metre facility at the Markham Vale Enterprise Zone for Great Bear will create 400 new jobs serving the UK domestic market. A second distribution operation at Markham Vale is the largest development at Markham Vale to date.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Thousands celebrate Chesterfield’s medieval past

26th July 2017

Thousands of people flocked to Chesterfield town centre for the annual medieval fun day on Tuesday 25 July.

The popular event, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, saw a host of activities to celebrate the middle ages.

There was a medieval encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire church with troop marches and skirmishes.

Chesterfield market place hosted a market with charity stalls, street food and traders from Chesterfield’s general and flea markets.

Traders got into the spirit of the event by wearing traditional costumes and crowds were entertained by a court jester, medieval beggars, goblins and dragon.

Chesterfield Museum also opened specially with an event entitled ‘A day in the middle ages’.

Visitors to the museum found out about medieval arms and armour, religion and battlefield surgery and learn about the diseases, illnesses and curses the people suffered from in the middle ages.

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’ hosted an open day featuring tours of the tower.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said:-

“Each year, the medieval fun day brings thousands of people into Chesterfield – and this year was no exception.

“Not only was this a great day out and a chance to learn about history together but also a great boost for businesses in the town centre.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting