About Chesterfield

Chesterfield paints the town pink to welcome top women cyclists

5th June 2017

Residents and visitors to Chesterfield will see the town centre decorated with a cycling theme as the Ovo Energy Women’s Tour comes closer.

Children from local schools have customised pink bicycles with their own decoration to celebrate the event, brought jointly by Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.

The bicycles are on display at various points in Chesterfield town centre:

Chesterfield Library – decorated by Brockwell Junior School
Dent’s Chemist, New Square – decorated by Brockwell Infant School
Marks & Spencer/The Pine Shop – decorated by Brampton Primary School
Adorn Jewellers, The Shambles – decorated by Cavendish Junior School
Boot’s – decorated by Spire Junior School
Green & Benz Jewellers – decorated by Calow Primary School
Fred’s Haberdashery – decorated by Cutthorpe Primary School
Marks & Spencer – decorated by Poolsbrook Primary School
Shentall’s Florist – decorated by Staveley Junior School
H&F Tea Rooms – decorated by Hasland Infant School
Pavements Shopping Centre – decorated by Holymoorside Primary School.

To find out more about the bike trail click here.

Some of the world’s top women cyclists will take part in the race on Saturday 10 June which begins outside Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill at 10.30am.

The riders set off along an 81-mile route through the Derbyshire countryside taking in places including Belper, Bolsover, Crich, Wirksworth and Wingerworth as well as passing Hardwick Hall before what promises to be an exciting finish in Chesterfield market place at approximately 1.40pm.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: –

“The Women’s Tour is set to be a fantastic event and we’re encouraging people to come along and cheer the riders as well as take part in the activities in Chesterfield town centre.

“It will be a great opportunities for families to have fun together, see their cycling heroes and find out more about cycling and fitness for themselves.”

For information on road closures and car parking in the town centre on the day click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Canal Trust receives Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

5th June 2017

The Chesterfield Canal Trust has been selected as a recipient for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2017. This is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

The work the Trust does for the community was very much admired by the independent Assessment Committee, chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE.

The award was created by The Queen in 2002 to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, recognising excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.

Robin Stonebridge, the Chair of Chesterfield Canal Trust, said:-

“Receiving The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2017 represents a tremendous achievement for all of the Chesterfield Canal Trust volunteers, past and present, who have dedicated countless hours to promoting the canal and campaigning for its full restoration. We hope that everyone involved, and especially all our volunteers, feel immensely proud of the recognition that this Award represents.

“4th June 2017 marks the 240th anniversary of the opening of the completed Chesterfield Canal. 2017 also marks the 40th anniversary year of the founding of the Chesterfield Canal Society which laid the foundations for the Trust. What better year could there be for the phenomenal work of the Trust’s volunteers to receive national recognition – and what better recognition than the Queens Award for Voluntary Service?

“Over the years, the Trust has received magnificent support from local communities and from the members of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, for which we are truly thankful. Today is one for celebrating the incredible feats that dedicated volunteers can achieve, and we hope that everyone in the vicinity of the canal, whether one of the Trust’s 1650 members or not, will join us in celebrating this honour.

“We have just nine miles to complete, and once a decision has been made about the route of HS2, we want to press ahead and get the job done – something that will definitely support community wellbeing and economic growth in our region and the wider economy.”

The Trust is run entirely by volunteers. These include:

the Work Party, which has restored four locks, built two new locks and restored over a mile of the canal;
the crews of four trip boats, which carried nearly 10,000 passengers last year;
the teams which take out the publicity trailer, run the pop-up café and the shop at Hollingwood Hub.

In addition there are towpath rangers, maintenance volunteers, gardeners and archivists. A group built Dawn Rose, the first new Cuckoo boat for 80 years, using traditional methods only and another group is restoring the Trust’s ex-working boat, Python. Over 150 volunteers helped to run the most recent Festival.

Apart from the national recognition, the Award includes:

An invitation to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, which was attended on behalf of the Trust by Kath Auton (Membership Secretary) and Richard Allsopp (Lifetime Achievement Award Winner 2017) on 23rd May;
Publication of Trusts’ details in a special edition of The London Gazette – available to view online
A signed certificate from Her Majesty The Queen – presented locally by the Lord Lieutenant
An English Crystal with the logo insignia
Permission to use the official QAVS Logo

Posted in About Chesterfield

Derbyshire businesses already reaping energy efficiency rewards

5th June 2017

Businesses in Derbyshire are already benefiting from a grant scheme designed to help them save money by becoming more energy efficient.

The energy efficiency scheme offers grants of up to £15,000 to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to audit their energy use and introduce energy-saving measures.

The scheme launched in February, with the energy efficiency team already working with 45 businesses to offer energy audits, technical consultancy and advice on saving energy and reducing the cost of bills.

The scheme is a partnership between Derbyshire County Counil, Derby City Council and the University of Derby and is part-funded with a grant from the European Regional Development Fund.

One of the first businesses to benefit is healthcare company Sumed International (UK) Ltd of Hadfield, near Glossop. The Graphite Way company received £14,375 toward the installation of solar panels which could potentially save more than £2,500 a year in energy bills.

Graham Collyer, Executive Chairman of Sumed, said:-

“Sumed is passionate about growing its healthcare manufacturing business in an environmentally responsible way. We achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Systems last year and we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our carbon footprint.

“The energy efficiency grant helped us to invest in banks of solar panels on the factory roof which will not only improve our environmental performance, but significantly reduce our energy costs.”

The firm, which supplies products and services to help maintain healthy skin, including pressure-relief beds and cushions, has already installed LED lighting so when they heard about the energy efficiency scheme they were keen to apply.

Mr Collyer added:

“The energy efficiency team were very professional and helped us get things right. I’d urge any businesses looking to reduce their energy bills to contact them.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Counil cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said:-

“Small and medium-sized businesses are a vital part of Derbyshire’s economy and by supporting this project we are giving them access to state of the art equipment and technical expertise designed to improve efficiency and innovation.

“Energy efficiency grants are available to SMEs in Derbyshire and Derby which do 90% of their trade with other businesses and I urge companies that are interested in finding out more to get in touch.”

D2 Energy Efficiency

Free energy audits are available for businesses in Derby and Derbyshire to help to reduce business costs. Grants of up to £15,000 (and up to 65% of project cost) are available to eligible businesses to carry out energy efficiency improvements, which could include improved lighting, insulation, more efficient process equipment and renewable energy.

For more information see derby.gov.uk/d2ee or contact Gemma Sylva, Carbon Smart Team Leader e: gemma.sylva@derby.gov.uk t: 01332 642029

Find out if your business is eligible here.

energy efficiency

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield based architect to develop land surrounding Championship league stadium

5th June 2017

A scheme to further develop the land surrounding Sheffield United’s stadium – proposed by Chesterfield based architects Whittam Cox – has been given the council go-ahead.

A planning committee approved proposals to develop the Cherry Street / Shoreham Street corner into Boundary Corner, a four-storey largely residential building including 45 flats, as well as a new ground floor 6,600 sq.ft. Blades Superstore.

The scheme – drawn-up by Chesterfield Champions and Sheffield United’s retained architects Whittam Cox – features in long-term business plans from the owners focusing on ever-improving stadium facilities contributing to the future business performance of the Club.

The development is part of a cohesive Masterplan for the Sheffield United estate, produced to ensure the various opportunities for development work successfully together.

Council approval of the planning application – submitted in February – was welcomed by Sheffield United director Simon McCabe.

He said:-

“The corner site we are developing could fulfil a dream for some of our supporters – a chance to live at the home of football! It will also enable the Club to expand the Superstore into a 21st century retail outlet.”

Scott McCabe, fellow director said:-

“Further development of the stadium area is a positive move to enhance income streams, ultimately supporting our plans for the key football side of the business.”

The proposals come in the wake of extensive modernisation undertaken in recent years including the installation of a state of the art Desso pitch giving the Club greater use of the ground for events and other activities during close seasons.

Ashley Turner, Chief Executive at Whittam Cox Architects’ added:-

“Following on from completed projects such as the Westfield Corner Stand and Copthorne Hotel, we are delighted that, working with Sheffield United, we now have council permission to further enhance what is already a superb venue.”

Sheffield City Council’s head of planning said in a report:-

“This is a well-designed scheme and does not have any significant impact upon the amenities of neighbouring residents on Cherry Street and Shoreham Street.”

The report also acknowledged the scheme’s sustainable location and the development of a brownfield site.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Facebook and Tweet your Derbyshire women and girls cycling pics to win prize

1st June 2017

The 2017 OVO Women’s Tour in Derbyshire promises to be an amazing cycling spectacle – and we’d love to see how women and girls across the county have been inspired!

That’s why in the lead-up to Stage Four on June 10, as well as on the day itself, we want you to post your cycling snaps on social media using your smartphones.

The best image of women and girls that promotes cycling and encourages others to get out their bikes will win a Women’s Tour cycling jersey.

Remember – any kind of cycling counts, whether you are getting the bike out of the shed for the first time since school, or clock up the miles every chance you get.

Your picture could be riding with your family in the local park, or along one of Derbyshire’s many, easy access, traffic-free cycles routes.

You might be a keen mountain bike or track cyclist, have pictures of your daughter at a School Games cycling event or be gearing up for the Eroica Britannia Cycling Festival, which is taking place from June 16 to 18.

Whatever imagery you have, please share it with us so we can highlight to others the huge health and social benefits of cycling, as well as savings on travel costs.

Simply post your entries on the Derbyshire Sport, Cycling Derbyshire, Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council or ChesterfieldUK Facebook or Twitter pages, using the hashtag #OVOWT.

Images will then be added to a gallery on Derbyshire Sport’s 2017 OVO Women’s Tour website page, where you can also find when and where the race passes through your area, plus all the latest news.

The best picture will be judged by a panel from Derbyshire Sport, Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Borough Council. Its decision will be final.

Closing date for entries is Wednesday June 14 at 5pm and the winner will be announced soon after.

You can also keep up to date through the Women’s Tour pages of Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Borough Council, who are joint sponsors of stage four through Derbyshire.

Their valued support is part of the push to make Derbyshire the most connected and integrated cycling county in England by 2030, as outlined in The Derbyshire Cycling Plan.

The county wants to be recognised as a world class cycling destination for all, with more people of all ages and abilities on two wheels on a regular basis for leisure, active travel, commuting and sport.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Celebrity host of 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards confirmed

1st June 2017

Mich Turner MBE and professional cake designer to the stars, has been confirmed as the celebrity host of this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Mich hosted the glittering event last year to much critical acclaim. She will now return to Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on Wednesday 25 October where she will announce the winners across 13 categories in the annual awards.

Nominations for the popular awards close on Monday 12 June 2017. People who want to see their favourite eatery, pub, bar and food producers recognised in the prestigious awards can nominate across 10 categories at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards .

Founder and director of London-based Little Venice Cake Company, Mich has created over 10,000 cakes including those for Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Gordon Ramsay and David Beckham.

As well as her high profile cakes that have been featured in films, Mich has also presented and judged Britain’s Best Bakery, one of the top five performing daytime TV shows on ITV, as well as her own Mich Turner’s Couture Cakes for Sky. In addition to her TV credits, Mich also has six international best-selling books to her name, with the latest title ‘Have Your Cake and Eat It’ published in March 2017

Delighted to be hosting the 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards Mich Turner said: “I am so happy to be returning to the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards once again. Last year was a wonderful occasion and a delight to see so many individuals and businesses recognised for their contribution to the town’s hospitality scene.”

The popular awards return for the fifth year running and are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group.

The 10 categories in which you can nominate in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

• Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
• Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar
• Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Arvato
• Pub / Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
• Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Accountants
• Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
• Best Out of Town (within 10 miles of Chesterfield) – sponsored by Shorts Accountants
• Chesterfield Food Producer – presented by Chesterfield College
• International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
• Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, the Crooked Spire Church, Casa Hotel, Mitchells Accountants and Business Advisors, Owen Taylor & Sons, ra Information Systems, Black Eyed Susan, Franklin and Sons Ltd, Addooco, Steve Faulkner and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Crooked in-Spire-d drinks range launched by Global Brands

31st May 2017

This month Chesterfield based Global Brands, have launched a dynamic range of craft Alcoholic Sodas – aptly named the Crooked Beverage Co – created to shake up the ‘Ready To Drink’ market with an exciting new innovation.

Crafted in the shadows of the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield, the drinks are a blend of its creators Yorkshire and Derbyshire heritage. The range makes references to niche Sheffield bands and artists through the names and designs, further grounding it in the locale. Crooked is available in 330ml cans with surreal character illustrations to bring the brand to life and catch consumer’s attention, created by local Sheffield artist Lisa O’Hara.

Global Brands have identified a sweet spot in a market calling for innovation that lies between RTD, fruit cider and craft beer. Aimed at 20-30 year olds, Crooked Beverage Co features a malted base to give an interesting flavoursome alcohol taste that underpins the liquid. The all natural fruity body of the liquid provides a sweet, but not sickly, alternative to cater for the growing demand from millennials for drinks that aren’t hugely sugary and synthetic, whilst the slightly hoppy notes also appeal to beer drinkers.

Charlie Leaver, Innovation Manager at Global Brands said:-

“Crooked Beverage Co is something completely and truly different and with that it opens up a new realm of possibility. We plan to drive value into the RTD category by innovating and premiumising. We’ve taken a combination of the best from different categories to make a drink that is the first of its kind. We saw that the target demographic of consumers were tiring of overly sweet drinks with questionable ingredients, and so have created a product that tastes great, looks great, and is essentially natural”.

Available in three different flavours Dayglo Skies (Raspberry & Lime) Mother Moon (Pomegranate & Peach) and Midnight Stage (Blood Orange & Passionfruit), Crooked offers an intriguingly developed and complex taste compared to existing RTDs. Lightly carbonated, each delivers a refreshing fruity flavour with a low sugar content (as little as 4.6g per 100ml), sourced from natural ingredients. The taste and aroma of the fruits burst through, without being masked by artificial flavours or sweeteners.

Charlie adds:-

“We’re excited to be bringing this to the market and introducing a whole new category of Alcoholic Soda to the UK. The dimensions that Crooked creates both in its artwork and taste is what make it a stand out product. We’ve crafted this brand by listening to the consumer and with that we’ve made something that’s going to completely change the market”.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield prepares for Race for Life

31st May 2017

Chesterfield Borough Council and Cancer Research UK have teamed up for the town’s ninth Race for Life on Sunday 11th June.

Women of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities can walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer. All women are welcome and boys under 11 are welcome too.

Residents are also being encouraged to volunteer at the event. There are a variety or voluntary roles available to help make the event run smoothly on the day.

Event Day Volunteer – Get stuck in with anything – from pitching flags and hanging banners to handing out water and medals.
Course Marshal Volunteer – Cheer on the runners, walkers and joggers as they take on the course and lift some spirits along the way.
Enquiries Volunteer – Help ease the nerves by supporting runners and spectators with their queries

For more information about volunteering or to sign up as a volunteer click here.

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

“All of us will at some point have a personal experience with cancer and, for this reason, we are pleased to welcome women taking part in the race to Chesterfield.

“There will be some disruption for road users and people wanting to park in the town centre but we have worked to keep this to a minimum to allow us to support this worthy cause.

“The very best of luck to everyone taking part.”

The event starts from Chesterfield Town Hall on Rose Hill at 10.30am.

To enable the event to run smoothly Chesterfield Borough Council will temporarily close Queens Park North car park, Rose Hill car park and Albion Road car park.

During the race alternative parking can be found at Holywell Cross (Donut), Ashgate Road or Queen’s Park South car parks.

Soresby Street car park will also open only for participants in the event. It will reopen to the public once the race is finished.

Several roads around the town centre including around the Town Hall, Knifesmithgate, Elder Way, around the Crooked Spire church and sections of West Bars, New Beetwell Street, Boythorpe Avenue and Park Road will also be closed for periods between early morning and early afternoon while the race takes place.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Spireites agree extended pie deal with Jacksons The Bakers

31st May 2017

Chesterfield FC have agreed a new three-year deal with local firm Jacksons The Bakers Ltd for them to remain as the pie suppliers to the club.

Ashley Carson, Chesterfield director & company secretary – after shaking hands on the agreement with managing director Trevor Jackson – said:-

“I am delighted that we are continuing our relationship with Jacksons, who have supplied the pies to the club since we have been at the Proact.

“The pies they supply are excellent and very popular with our supporters. It is also good to be able to support a local company. I would like to thank the two supporters – Phil Marsden and Alan Barnett – who volunteered to look at the pie deal, speak to Trevor and provide an independent view. They will both be treated to hospitality this coming season as a gesture of thanks.”

Trevor Jackson, whose great uncle founded the company, said:-

“As a lifelong fan, I am proud of our association with the Spireites and we are delighted to be continuing to supply the club.”

Jacksons The Bakers was formed in 1944 and now operates from purpose-built premises in Danesmoor. All their products are made using their own unique recipes, some of which have been handed down through generations, each having been developed and refined to give that contemporary twist to fit into today’s modern living.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Holme Hall Unite to join The Big Lunch on the road

30th May 2017

Holme Hall Unite is set to participate in The Big Lunch again this June. The annual event encourages millions of neighbours and residents all over the UK to get to know their communities, with over 7 million people taking part in 2016 alone. This year Holme Hall Unite is going the extra mile by joining The Big Lunch on the road through hosting The Great Big Walk, to build up an appetite for the biggest community celebration the UK has ever seen.

The Great Big Walk, a project conceived by The Big Lunch and made possible by the National Lottery, is a national movement in the form of five walks starting from Batley on 29 May to London, Cornwall, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, connecting people and communities across the UK in the lead up to The Big Lunch, the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours.

Holme Hall Unite will welcome the team walking from Batley to London in the afternoon of 1 June as they stop off in Chesterfield to shine a light on Holme Hall Unite’s new community garden. The garden itself has been designed by a Kew Gardens trained designer and features several different areas for the local community to connect and enjoy together: spaces to sit, spaces to grow, and also a wildflower meadow and a fruit orchard. The different areas are all brought together by a pergola, which features space for children at the local primary school to grow plants. Over 100 trees have been planted and 14,000 daffodils grown to brighten up the local area.

Tony Hedley, of Holme Hall Unite, says:-

“We’re delighted that The Great Big Walk is able to stop off and see how the progress of our new community garden is coming along.

“We’re hoping the space will become a place for local residents to enjoy, connect, and celebrate in, so it’s great to be part of a nationwide movement which is celebrating communities across the UK – small steps really do make a big difference. And who knows, we might even persuade some of our young people to join the walkers for a few miles and explore even more of the local area.”

Holme Hall Unite, Chesterfield, will also be hosting their second Big Lunch for the local community on 18 June at Holmebrook Valley Park, adjacent to the estate. With over 40 acres of woodland, including a lake and green open spaces, it’s an ideal setting for a “bring and share” style Big Lunch – complete with the resident café for any ice-cream needs.

Posted in About Chesterfield

From Shack to Salon

30th May 2017

A Chesterfield beauty salon has risen from a home-grown ‘garden shed’ boutique to opening their very own salon in Brampton.

The Pamper Shack, founded by Kayleigh Valeisa in 2013, began life in the back garden shed at Kayleigh’s father’s house with just a single room divided into two sections, one as a children’s waiting area and other with just enough space for a single bed.

As time went by and the shack’s reputation grew, expansions were made via an extension into the area previously reserved as a tool area.

From humble beginnings it soon became clear that demand was quickly outpacing the number of people the ‘shack’ could handle, this month the ‘Shackettes’ moved into their own premises in Brampton, Chesterfield.

Four years after the initial launch, there are now seven full-time employees working their hardest to make the town more beautiful with each new client.

Kayleigh said:-

“Space was tight in the old shed but we pushed and put our hearts into the salon, it’s brilliant to finally be in the position to stand back and look at our very own store front!”

With a new location, there are hopes for even greater business. Kayleigh says the current plan is to keep growing, bringing in more clients and maintaining a tight-knit team of beauty experts that ‘feel more like a family than staff’.

The results of the efforts of those at Pamper Shack are already on show after being named as a finalist in the Hair and Beauty Business of the Year category at this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development