About Chesterfield

Outstanding Test for Perez

9th June 2017

Chesterfield’s 17 year old race driver Seb Perez is looking forward to the next two rounds of the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup Championship at Croft in North Yorkshire this weekend (10-11 June)

Last week (Wednesday) saw Perez up at Croft testing for this coming race weekend where he made good headway during the day in the JHR Developments team Ginetta G55 race car.

The days testing went to plan with five fantastic sessions on track and Seb consistently hitting the top 5 of the 20 cars testing. He made second and third fastest times during the day with gaps of around 0.5 seconds between himself and number one slot drivers and speeds on parts of the track of around 120mph.

After testing he commented:-

“I’m very pleased how testing has gone and consistently in the top 5 over the whole day and hopefully carry that on through into the race weekend”

Just over two weeks ago Perez encountered a tough weekend at Oulton Park in Cheshire for his latest two rounds in the Ginetta championship.

Drama started the weekend in qualifying where he missed a 5 minute window whilst in the pits due to a drying track currently sitting in 5^th with a potential 2^nd place that never happened.

Race one on Saturday afternoon saw Seb start from 6^th row placed 11th on the grid, by end of Lap one he had dropped two places after being overtaken by Colin White and Jason Baker and by lap 3 he was back in 11^th.

After a 6 lap safety car deployment he in was in 9^th place by the end of lap 10 where he stayed until the end of the 25 minute race.

Race two saw a 23 minute battle commence, starting on 4^th row of the grid, as the lights went out Perez had big issues loosing 5 places by end of lap one to 12th place and loosing another place to Jac Constable on laps 2 and 3. By lap 5 he was back in 12^th position that included the safety car making an appearance for two laps. On lap 11^th he managed a good move saw him take Adam Higgins and move into 11^th place taking the chequered flag after 14 laps in 11^th.

Perez spoke about the weekend and said “the weekend had been a tough one, Oulton Park is a difficult place to overtake, myself and the car is improving every time I get in it and it’s a massive learning curve from what I have come from, so its about getting everything right to stand me in a good place for the future”

He added “the car is performing very well and my team JHR Developments are doing a great job on the car”

The season finishes at the beginning of October and he was asked about his championship hopes with still a long way to go and commented “We are just looking at each race separately at the moment as the championship isn’t really in the bag; I just want to make sure we are still improving and getting the best results possible.”

Perez travels to the North Yorkshire circuit of Croft at the weekend in 8th place in the Professional Driver class with 121 points and his team JHR Developments take lead the Team Championship with 271 points.

You can follow Seb and all the action on Sunday on ITV 4 where races are televised live alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Editorial and Photography by Paul Horton

Posted in About Chesterfield

Fundraisers to attempt epic bed push from Dronfield Pub to Chesterfield hospital to support Macmillan Appeal

8th June 2017

18 fundraisers will push a hospital bed 12 miles from a Dronfield pub to Chesterfield Royal Hospital to raise funds for the NGS Macmillan Unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The journey is planned to start from 9am, on Saturday 17 June, and is the second time the team will be taking on the challenge after the huge success of the event last year which raised over £9000.

It is being organised by Jolly Farmer pub landlord Ashley Tipper, 31, he said:-

“It was probably the most toughest thing I’ve ever done, believe me those beds weigh a lot more than you’d think and pushing it up Hady Hill was a huge challenge. But equally it was just a memory that all of us involved treasured so we thought – let’s give it another go!”

Ashley sadly lost his grandmother to lung cancer. Mary Tipper, a retired nurse had been treated for cancer in hospital for the fifth time in 3 months and was helping Ashley to plan the route before she sadly passed away on April 11, 2015.

He continues:-

“My world was ripped apart when I lost my nan, we were really close. I kept thinking, what do I do, how do I help, how do we cope. Me and my Nan often spoke about my fundraising and it is something she was very proud of and always supported me in whatever I did.

“I did what I do best and threw everything I had into fundraising and making a difference for the charity I am so passionate about. This time, it was more personal than ever before. I had to find a way to make this event happen, and thanks to wonderful support from the police, local authority and a traffic management company, we have made this happen.”

The bed will start at the Jolly Farmer pub, and head into Chesterfield town centre and onto Calow Lane for the uphill trek to the hospital.

The funds raised will go to the Macmillan Appeal to help build The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Centre, which will offer over 21 chemotherapy chairs, 2 treatment beds and 3 treatment rooms to North Derbyshire residents.

Ashley said:-

“I still and think about her lots, and we wanted to do the event again on the back of the incredible support and good will we received from the whole community when we did it last year. I am doing this in her memory and for all those who have also lost loved ones to cancer.”

To support the bed push team and Macmillan Cancer Support click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Singers from Chesterfield’s twin town are set to hit the high notes when they perform at the Crooked Spire

8th June 2017

The Darmstaedter Kantorei – Darmstadt’s leading choir – are performing at Chesterfield Parish Church on Friday 16th June as part of their forthcoming visit to the UK.

The Sacred Music of Europe concert will be performed by the Darmstaedter Kantorei is directed by Christian Ross and accompanied by organist Misty Schaffert.

The choir has a formidable reputation as one of the best ensembles in the Frankfurt area and is known for its musical versatility which has been showcased across Europe. The choir’s programme for Chesterfield is to include music by Mendelssohn, Britten, Howells and Pärt.

The relationship with Chesterfields twin town Darmstadt goes back to 1959 when a twinning agreement was signed. Twinning links were forged in the decades after the war to foster contacts between ordinary people, so that the friendships formed would make a future European war unthinkable. Many Cestrefeldians have visited Darmstadt over the years and links between the two towns remain very important.

The Darmstaedter Kantorei is directed by Christian Ross and accompanied by organist Misty Schaffert.

The concert on Friday 16th June starts at 7pm. Entry is free, with a retiring collection taking place to support Chesterfield Parish Church. All are welcome.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Quirky Cows score a hit with VIPs at RHS Chatsworth

8th June 2017

Rain may have stopped play as the wraps came off the first-ever RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, but guests in the Experience Peak District & Derbyshire show garden braved the elements in true British style – with a traditional countryside picnic.

They toasted official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s success in winning a Silver Gilt Medal with a glass of Derbyshire sparkling wine and the cream of local produce – including Bakewell Pudding, Hartington cheese and hand-made pies made with locally-reared meat (Tuesday June 6).

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire joined the celebrations alongside Sheffield-based designer Lee Bestall – fresh from his Silver Medal winning triumph at RHS Chelsea 2017 – in the eye-catching space, inspired by the richness and variety of the area’s landscapes and formal gardens.

Gardener, broadcaster and writer Alan Titchmarsh also dropped by before RHS show organisers were forced to abandon the media preview day because of bad weather – and was particularly impressed by three life-size model cows grazing in wild flower strewn meadows.

The cows, sprayed in eye-catching metallic colours – copper, chrome/silver and gold – and ‘branded’ with a blue and white hand-painted circular motif, were intended to add a touch of whimsy and humour and are proving a real talking point.

Lee, whose business Bestall & Co, is based at Renishaw Hall, said:-

“I decided to include them after reading a comment by the late Sir George Sitwell of Renishaw Hall & Gardens that white cows could be made more interesting if painted with a blue pattern.

“I don’t think his vision was ever realised, but it certainly stimulated my imagination as a quirky complement to the overall picture I wanted to create. I was delighted by the enthusiastic reception our cows received from our guests on the first day – including Alan Titchmarsh, who really liked them.”

Jo Dilley, the tourist board’s Managing Director, added:-

“Fortunately both the cows and our garden made a great initial impression before the bad weather took hold on the first day, and we are really pleased that the reaction has been so positive, especially from the show judges.

“Now we’re looking for a good home for the cows after the show has closed, and are accepting sealed bids so that anyone interested in giving them a permanent home can register an interest. We’d particularly like to hear from anyone wanting to keep them together as a herd!”

Visitors can find the Experience Peak District & Derbyshire show garden at site number 112 on the RHS Chatsworth Showground until Sunday June 11. Anyone interested in submitting a sealed bid can do so on the Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire stand next to the garden, can contact info@marketingpdd.com or can call 01246 212924 for further details.

After the show has ended, the award-winning garden – built by JPH Landscapes of Sheffield – will be recreated at Renishaw Hall as one of its garden rooms, minus the cows, so that even more visitors to the area can enjoy and appreciate it.

Main show garden sponsors, Derbyshire-based CW Sellors Fine Jewellery, are launching their new, floral inspired Tuberose jewellery collection at the show. Other sponsors are Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire; Hope Cement, A Breedon Group Company; Peak District Premier Cottages; The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Bakewell Bakery.

Local produce for the picnic was supplied by The Bakewell Bakery; the English Wine Project, based at Renishaw Hall; Hartington Creamery; Mettrick’s Butchers of Glossop and Thornbridge Brewery.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Tourism boost welcomed as RHS Chatsworth Flower Show opens

7th June 2017

Up to 90,000 visitors are expected in Derbyshire over the next five days as the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show opens in the county for the first time.

As tickets for the show went on sale, demand for accommodation in the surrounding areas soared, with some hotels and guest houses reporting they were full within hours of the show dates being announced.

The event, which will be bigger than the Chelsea Flower Show in terms of garden space, is a collaboration between the RHS and Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

With the numbers of visitors flocking to the area local businesses are expecting a huge boost, with people visiting other attractions, local shops and food and drink establishments.

A highlight of the show is the Experience Peak District & Derbyshire garden, the show garden of destination management organisation for the area Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. The organisation is encouraging people at the show to make sure they don’t miss visiting its garden.

Councillor Linda Chilton, Chairman of Derbyshire County Council, said:

“It was lovely to be invited to have a sneak preview of the flower show, look at all the wonderful displays and talk to the people responsible for putting them together.

“This event is drawing thousands of people to the county who may not have visited Derbyshire before. It is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful county and will be a fantastic boost to local businesses and the area’s economy.”

Councillor Barry Lewis, the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome the RHS to Derbyshire along with the thousands of visitors this event will bring to the county.

“It’s an extremely prestigious event and will bring huge benefits.”

The RHS Chatsworth Flower Show opened to the public today (Wednesday 7 June) and runs until Sunday 11 June 2017.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Take aim and vote at Tapton Golf Course

7th June 2017

As the General Election nears, golfers at a North Derbyshire golf course are being given a unique opportunity to indicate how they might vote.

Tapton Golf Course, at Chesterfield, operated by SIV, have installed voting target boards at the driving range representing the political parties – Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Other.

Golfers can take aim for the party they will be voting for ahead of the General Election on Thursday 8 June.

Matthew Orwin, golf manager at Tapton Golf Course, said:-

“The General Election is the most talked about topic on everyone’s lips at the moment so we thought this would be a great way to drum up some healthy competition.

“We wanted to give golfers something to aim at on the driving range and the political party boards give them a clearly visible goal.

“It’s really taken off, though it’s too close to call the overall winner!”

The driving range at Tapton Golf Course is open daily from 7am.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Derbyshire gears up for big day of cycling

7th June 2017

Derbyshire is gearing up for a big day of cycling when the OVO energy Women’s Tour comes to the county for the second year in a row.

The world’s top women cyclists will race through Derbyshire on Saturday 10 June 2017, starting in Chesterfield and taking in many of the county’s best-known market towns and landmarks before returning to Chesterfield for the finish.

Cycling fans will have the chance to catch the action at a variety of vantage points including Wirksworth, Belper, Crich, Bolsover and Staveley.

This is the second year running the Women’s Tour has come to the county and Stage 4 – raced over 123km and featuring more than 2,500 metres of climbing – is being hailed as its toughest leg.

Last year, Great Britain’s Lizzie Deignan (née Armitstead) won the Derbyshire stage, which finished in Chesterfield market place.

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Councillor Simon Spencer said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the county, offering cycling fans the chance to watch a top class international event for free.”

cycling

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Free valuations at Eckington Classic Car and Bike Show

7th June 2017

There is a unique opportunity for motor enthusiasts from across the region displaying their classic cars at this year’s Eckington Classic Car and Bike Show on the 14th June. For the very first-time owners can find out how much their pride and joy is worth.

This year, specialists from event partner H&H Classics, Europe’s largest specialist classic vehicle auction house will be in attendance at the show. The H&H team, in association with the UK’s specialist insurance and valuation expert for classic cars, Hagerty International, will be able to discuss just about everything to do with the cars from condition, history and a general idea of what it might be worth. If required they can also put owners in touch with Hagerty International for a formal valuation.

Organised each year by the Rotary Club of Chesterfield, the Eckington Classic Car & Bike Show is one of the region’s biggest shows of its kind held once again at the picturesque Renishaw Hall, Eckington. There will be a variety of stalls and amusements, plus refreshments and bar will also be available. The rally attended by enthusiasts from all over the area is open from 3.00pm until 8.00pm, no pre-booking required.

Due to its enduring popularity, the event is set to raise thousands of pounds for four local charities, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospicecare, Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, and new this year for the first time, Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The main sponsor of this charity event is Stoneacre, one of the most successful and fastest growing motor groups in the UK. Other sponsors include:- JCT600 (Mecedes Benz Chesterfield), The Van Yard, PCS Motor Factors, BRM Solicitors, Stuart Bradley Jewellers.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Vote for Chester’s Young Spireite Fan of the Year

6th June 2017

Do you know a youngster who deserves to be named Chester’s Young Spireite Fan of the Year?

The award will be handed out at the Chesterfield FC Community Trust Junior Awards event, which is being staged in association with iJump, on Saturday, July 15 and voting is now underway. To qualify, the nominee must be under 16.

If you know a young fan who demonstrates a passion for the Spireites, please email competition@spireitestrust.org.uk, stating the name of the nominee, their age and which area they live in.

The award is being sponsored by One Health Group and representatives from the company will join club mascot Chester the field mouse and trustees from the Community Trust to choose the winner.

John Croot, Chief Executive of the Community Trust, said:

“It is important that we recognise the support the club receives from youngsters in the community as they are often overlooked when it comes to awards ceremonies.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Final chance to offer pre-election glimpse of business confidence

6th June 2017

Businesses have only a week left to take part in a survey that will offer a pre-election look at their main concerns.

The results of the East Midlands Chamber Quarterly Economic Survey will provide a snapshot of confidence levels in the fourth quarter since the EU-Referendum last June and set a benchmark against which the success of the new Government can be judged.

The survey for the second three months of 2017 asks businesses how they have fared in recent months and expect to fare in the months ahead, including whether they expect prices to rise and are considering increasing wages.

There are additional questions this quarter to determine relationships between growth and recruitment, planned investment in staff training and what factors might influence investment in training.

Whether employers believe they will get good value from the apprenticeship levy also features.

Data collated from the East Midlands Chamber QES will update the regional State of the Economy Index – which last quarter was at its highest since Q2 2105 – and is fed into the British Chambers of Commerce QES, which builds a national picture of business confidence and shapes the BCC’s interactions with Government.

Chris Hobson, the Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“It takes only a few minutes to complete the survey and the information it gives us is vital to driving our policies and the issues on which we will campaign on behalf of businesses.

“You don’t have to be a Chamber member to take part, the important thing is that we get as many businesses as possible to complete the survey so that we build the most accurate picture possible and can make sure our lobbying activities properly reflect the concerns of regional businesses.”

To take part in the survey, click here. The closing date is Monday 12 June. There will be a draw from among those responding for a chance to win a meal for two at the new Whisk and Ladle Bar and Kitchen, Hilton, East Midlands Airport.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

National Windscreens agree Spireites sponsorship deal

6th June 2017

National Windscreens have agreed a deal to become the new sponsor of the Vice Presidents Suite at the Proact Stadium for the forthcoming season.

The National Windscreens logo is now on display in the suite, which is used extensively on matchdays and for various functions.

Jim Brown, Commercial Manager at Chesterfield FC, after agreeing the deal said:-

“I would like to thank Rob and Lynn from National Windscreens for their continued support. They have provided the club with valuable sponsorship for many years, which is very much appreciated.”

Rob Pearson, Managing Director of National Windscreens (Chesterfield), said:-

“We have sponsored the club since the formation of the company 31 years ago and we are pleased to continue backing the Spireites. I am a passionate Chesterfield supporter and I would like to wish the management and players all the very best for the new season.”

Based at Stand Park, Sheffield Road, National Windscreens has developed through unrivalled personal service, its deep-seated local connections and meticulous attention to detail.

Matchday hospitality is offered in the National Windscreens Vice Presidents Suite to members and their guests. There is a dress code in force on matchdays. Collar and tie for gents is preferable, although smart casual is acceptable, including a collar. Strictly no jeans, trainers or T-shirts are accepted. The dress code will be strictly enforced and failing to adhere to the rules will mean refusal of entry.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business