About Chesterfield

Thousands of people set to walk for those needing hospice care

This year’s Markovitz Showroom Sparkle Night Walk is set to be bigger than ever, with over 2,000 people already signed up to take part. The Hospice is hoping to smash last year’s records and reach over 3,000 walkers, enabling Ashgate Hospicecare to get one step closer to funding a 24/7 Hospice at Home team to keep people at home.

One participant who is set to sparkle in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare is 38 year old Suzanne Leusby from Chesterfield, alongside her 11 year old daughter Tayla.

Suzanne said:-

“Tayla and I are taking part in the Sparkle Night Walk in memory of my mother-in-law and Tayla’s Nannie Margaret, who was cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare and sadly passed away from cancer on 2nd March 2017 aged 68. We’re also walking in memory of both of Tayla’s granddads, who passed away from cancer too.

“Whenever Tayla and my son Joshua (6) visited the hospice, they felt very comfortable and kept asking when they could go back. Joshua loved the play area, and because they both felt completely at ease there, they were able to enjoy their time visiting their Nan and be themselves – which brought a lot of smiles all round.

“We weren’t sure what to expect at first, but as soon as we entered the hospice we were immediately shown where everything was and were made to feel completely welcome. Margaret also commented on how nice the hospice was and she loved her little private patio. They made sure she was well looked after during the time she had left and respected her wishes for the care that she wanted. She had not long lost her husband to cancer and the family were still struggling with the loss, so it really helped knowing that she was getting all the help she needed.”

Tayla added:-

“I liked visiting my Nannie at the hospice more than in hospital because Ashgate were very welcoming to me and my little brother. They looked after my Nannie very well, like making sure she liked what she was eating and getting her ready for the day. I like Ashgate Hospicecare because while my Nannie was eating, there was a play room for me and my little brother to play in.”

When asked what Tayla was most looking forward to about Sparkle, Suzanne said: “She’s really excited about doing the walk at night and staying out late! She can’t wait to get all dressed up in bunny ears with her friends whilst raising money for a well deserved charity in memory of her Nannie.”

If you’d like to find out more about the Sparkle Night Walk click here.

Ashgate Hospice - Sparkle Night Walk 2015 - Photo By James Williamson

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Nick joins Start Financial Planning

Chesterfield Champion, Start Financial Planning has expanded its team further with the appointment of Nick Evans.

Nick (28) from Hasland, joins the independent financial advice firm as a trainee financial advisor. He makes the move to the financial services industry from a career in training and, prior to that, banking where he worked for a high street building society for six years.

Nick’s appointment plays a key part in the firm’s ambitious growth plans. He is currently undertaking financial advisor qualifications and expects to qualify in October later this year.

He commented:-

“I am loving the challenge that my career change has brought. While I have experience of working in a financial environment, I am now learning about and dealing with a vast array of financial products in order to deliver truly independent financial advice.”

Outside work, Nick plays guitar with a few local bands and last year played with the indie folk duo The Natterjacks at Derbyshire’s Y Not Festival.

Start Financial Planning was established last year by Steve Taylor and Michael Heath. Working closely with firms within Chesterfield’s professional services sector, Start has brought a new approach to the world of financial planning.

Welcoming Nick to Start, Steve said:-

“We’re delighted to have Nick on board. His appointment embodies our approach to doing things differently from other financial advisers. We want to develop team from the ground up, training them in all aspects of the business so that they have full knowledge of products, markets and our clients. This, we believe, delivers a far superior service.”

Delivering a full financial planning service to individuals and businesses nationwide, Start’s services are in high demand from small business owners who are keen to maximise their pension contributions.

As well as pensions and exit strategies, Start Financial Planning also specialise in tax planning, estate planning, investments, business and personal protection.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chamber reaction to call for snap election

Theresa May has announced her intention to call a snap General Election for 8 June.

MPs in the House of Commons will be asked tomorrow to vote in favour of the election. Under the Fixed Term Parliament Act, it will take a two-thirds majority to make the election possible.

Mrs May has said that her U-turn from her previous position that she wouldn’t call an early General Election was intended to prevent the uncertainty of an election in 2020 interfering with crucial stages of Brexit negotiations.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said immediately after Mrs May’s announcement outside Number 10:-

“As a general rule, business doesn’t like elections because they create instability, and this one appears to be creating uncertainty in already uncertain times.

“It could be damaging to the UK economy at a time when business had appeared to have conquered the initial fears over Brexit and coped with the fall in the value of Sterling resulting from the ‘Leave’ vote. Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey has shown that business has been doing better since the EU Referendum than anyone predicted.

“What is really important now is that all Parties clearly articulate what they stand for, without any of the bombast or rhetoric of recent ballots, and to show they are considering much more than just Brexit. There are a multitude of domestic issues that need to be managed and we would call on all candidates to make clear to business what their plans are for strengthening the economy now, during Brexit negotiations and post-Brexit.”

East Midlands Chamber logo

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Gilder Group continue to support Ashgate Hospicecare by donating car for the third year running

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that they have received a brand new Mitsubishi ASX, kindly donated by Chesterfield’s Gilder Group.

The car, which was passed over to hospice last week, is the newest model of its type which promises to offer great space and comfort to our patients.

Dave Littlewood, Dealer Principal of Chesterfield’s Gilder Mitsubishi, said:-

“We are delighted to continue our support for Ashgate Hospicecare. We hope that this year’s gift of a Mitsubishi ASX will prove to be as reliable and hard working as all the staff and volunteers at the Hospice, who regardless of the weather turn up to provide essential caring, often to remote parts of Derbyshire.

“The staff’s selflessness and good humour rubs off on us all – if we can make their life and that of their patient’s a little easier, then that’s a good job well done!”

Alison Ward-Foster, Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“We can’t thank Gilder Group enough for their continued support. Their generosity makes such a difference to our patients who will be able to travel is comfort and style to the Day Hospice. The hospice is also saving money by not purchasing or leasing a vehicle and the money saved enables our nurses to care for more patients and their loved ones.”

Elaine Ryalls, a patient in Ashgate Hospicecare’s Day Hospice, said:-

“The new car looks really lovely.  It makes it possible for me to come to the Day Hospice which provides huge support to me. Thank you for supporting Ashgate Hospicecare.”

Across its full range of services, Ashgate runs a 21-bed Inpatient Unit, a 16-place Day Hospice, and a range of therapy and support services on site. Services are funded mainly through donations and are provided free of charge to patients and their families. The majority of services delivered are in the community, enabling people to stay at home.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Ready Steady Go: Top Action and Family Fun at Chatsworth House

Courage and determination from riders around the world will once again be in evidence across three days of thrilling action at the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials (12-14 May 2017).

With the course upgraded by the former top event and Olympic rider Ian Stark to deliver a fresh and exciting experience for both equestrians and spectators, there will be the chance to see awe-inspiring action at close quarters.

Alongside the top quality equestrian action drawing in an international field featuring elite British riders, organisers have lined up even more family friendly attractions to ensure a great day out for everyone.

Competition highlights include the first leg of the Event Rider Masters Series, back for the second year, as well elegant dressage, thrilling cross country and the chance to see the stars of the future in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse 4 and 5-year-old classes.

Upping the action on the opening day, the popular ‘Eventing Challenge’ is back. Held in a grass arena at Queen Mary’s Bower, the riders must complete a show jumping course before taking on the cross-country fences against the clock.

Fun attractions around the park include the popular Pony Club Mounted Games and Scurry Driving, where horse and carriage fly around an obstacle course at top speed. Children can even get a ride in a cart pulled along by the Newfoundland Rescue Bear Dogs, the popular gentle giants who are always pleased to meet younger visitors. Mullinscote Gun Dog Display, Paws for Thought and have-a-go dog agility displays, the Hound Parade and The Sheep Show, featuring some real woolly characters, all combine to bring the countryside to life for the visitor.

A new interactive circus skills workshop will give everyone the chance to have a go at juggling, spinning a diabolo, walking on cup stilts, balancing on wobble boards or playing with hula hoops.

Pottery painting for all the family is another new addition this year. With many ceramic items to choose from, there are lots of fun ways to get creative – draw, paint, stamp or sponge to create a personalised piece to take home. A small fee applies. Together with face painting, there is lots of hands-on activity for all the family at the horse trials this year.

Sally Ambrose, Chatsworth’s head of visitor experiences, said:-

“We’ve really built on the previous year’s events, both in terms of increasing the equestrian content across all three days and adding more family friendly attractions too. It’s a great opportunity to be part of an amazing event with some fantastic showmanship and skill on display while enjoying the stunning Peak District countryside.”

Sam Horrell CEO at Dodson & Horrell added:-

“As title sponsors for the fifth year running our team always looks forward to the horse trials which has so much to offer visitors over the weekend and it’s great to be a part of this key event in the equestrian calendar. The setting at Chatsworth provides an idyllic backdrop and allows everyone to not only enjoy the international competition but also to soak up the atmosphere that Chatsworth creates.”

The Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance is the charity for 2017. They will have a stand at the event where visitors will have the chance to learn more about their vital life-saving service. The Dog Agility and the UK Rescue Bears will also be giving all their donations collected at the event to the charity.

There is an advanced booking discount available online until 9 May 2017. Adult prices start at £10 per day; child prices start at £4 per day for under 14s, under 5s are free. All ticket types include admission to the event and car parking. Gates open 8am.

Chatsworth International Horse Trials

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

36 retailers go head-to-head in 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards

More than 200 shops and stores nominated in fourth annual awards

36 Chesterfield retailers are set to go head-to-head in the annual Chesterfield Retail Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Addooco, with one hoping to take the coveted title of Retailer of the Year, which is sponsored by East Midlands Chamber.

This year, more than 800 people nominated their favourite shops and stores in the annual awards, which are sponsored by Addooco. Now in their fourth year, the prestigious awards are open to retailers and market stall holders in and around Chesterfield town centre, as well as those in Brampton and Whittington Moor

Following the nomination process, a panel judges selected 37 finalists who will battle it out across 17 categories at the Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony on Wednesday 24 May.

Nine businesses are hoping to defend their 2016 Chesterfield Retail Award titles, including Adorn Jewellers, Lamb’s Cupcakes, Specsavers, R.P Davidson Cheese Factor, Burlingtons Hair Salon, Debenhams, Three Store, StraightCurves and Warren James Jewellery.

Organiser of the popular awards, Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We were blown away by the amount of nominations we received this year. We had more than ever before. It was great to see so many first time nominees and new businesses being recognised by shoppers for the fantastic contribution they collectively make to Chesterfield’s retail scene.”

Discover the shortlisted businesses across the 16 categories in this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards 

The winners of the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards will be announced at a special awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 24 May later this year.

As well as Addooco and category sponsors, other supporters of the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards include Temple Safety, R.A. Information Systems, eBusiness Works, City Taxis and the Derbyshire Times.

retail awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Funding streams open for D2N2 Digital Growth Programme

Organisations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire can now apply for grants of up to £16,000 to improve their digital capabilities.

A grant scheme has been set up through the D2N2 Digital Growth Programme, which aims to help enterprises with growth aspirations to maximise their use of existing technology or explore and introduce new and emerging ICT products.

Grants of between £2,000 and £16,000 are available to organisations registered to take part in the scheme. The grants are for 40% of the total cost up to the £16,000 maximum and must be match-funded by the applicant organisation for the balance.

The overall aim will be to encourage and improve competitiveness and productivity.

The grant scheme is being delivered by a partnership including East Midlands Chamber, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire County Councils and Nottingham City Council.

Diane Simpson, Deputy Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, who is also the Chamber’s lead on the project, said:-

“Knowing the true value of digital technology and understanding what is right for your enterprise can be a daunting challenge, making it all too easy to miss out on opportunities for improvement.

“The programme we’re delivering will help organisations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to explore new ICT products and introduce them in their workplaces to help make them more competitive and more productive.”

Adrian Smith, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Corporate Director – Place, said:-

“There is a growing and rapid need for UK businesses to make sure they are digitally aware and capable so that they will be best-placed to capitalise on the global opportunities awaiting them in a post-Brexit economy.

“This programme provides all the expertise available, providing real foundations for future growth. We would encourage businesses to make the most of this great opportunity to stay ahead of the game.”

The grant scheme forms part of the D2N2 Digital Growth Programme, which will see up to £7.25m of funding invested into the local economy by 2019.

The two-year programme will deliver 360 action-planning workshops, an annual digital conference, dedicated digital business advice, workforce development skills advice and a £1.8m technology grant scheme managed by the local authorities.

At least 2,380 businesses will be engaged with, resulting in 852 businesses receiving intensive support, the creation of 69 new businesses and 639 businesses introducing new digital products or processes.

The programme is being funded by the Chamber, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire County Councils, Nottingham and Derby City Councils, Ruschcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham’s Creative Quarter Company, D2N2 and the European Regional Development Fund.

Any business interested in finding out more about the D2N2 Digital Growth Programme grants, which are subject to eligibility criteria, should, in the first instance, visit and register at www.ebusinessclub.biz/technology-grants.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield Antiques Centre filmed for popular BBC programme

Antiques Road Trip, the popular BBC One antiques programme, were filming in Chesterfield on Sunday 9 April.

Antique expert, Roo Irvine, arrived at the Chesterfield Antique Centre in a vintage blue triumph stag along with a BBC film crew and a handful of money to explore the centre for distinctive antiques.

Filming took place across both floors of the shop on Park Road off New Beetwell Street, with Roo learning about a variety of antiques unique to the town.  The team then took the items off to auction in London to compete against fellow antique expert Phil Serrell.

Wendi Lindsay, joint Owner of Chesterfield Antiques Centre, said:-

“It was a fun day and an insight into how the programme is put together – hopefully the centre will enjoy further visits or filming in the future.”

The episode is expected to air when the new series is launched in July but this has not yet been confirmed by the BBC.

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

G F Tomlinson Group extend sponsorship deal

Derbyshire-based construction firm G F Tomlinson Group have extended their sponsorship of Chesterfield’s big screen.

Ashley Carson, Chesterfield director & company secretary, after shaking hands on the deal said:-

“The screen has been used to enhance the matchday experience at the Proact over the last couple of years and it is important that we receive sponsorship to pay for the cost of maintaining it.

“I would like to thank G F Tomlinson Group for their continued, generous support, which is very much appreciated. They are also, of course, the club’s shirt sponsor and their backing is vital as we plan for next season and beyond.”

Andy Hughes, G F Tomlinson’s director and general manager, added:-

“As a local company, we are committed to supporting the local community in any way we can, from sponsorship of local sports clubs, to charity fundraising events on behalf of charities and schools.

“We are proud to extend our sponsorship of Chesterfield Football Club, which is a real asset to the community and it is important to us that we give them our support. We wish them every success next season.”

Andy Sewards, the company’s group managing director, added:-

“We have built a strong relationship with Chesterfield Football Club during the last season and this extension of our sponsorship is testament to the affiliation we have with the team.”

From offices in Derby, the Tomlinson Group works across the Midlands and nationally dealing with a multitude of different types and sizes of projects up to major multi-million pound developments.

Photography Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield

EFL Awards for Spireite Zoe

Spireites fan Zoe Edge was named the League One Supporter of the Year at Sunday night’s EFL Awards ceremony in London.

Although she narrowly missed out on the overall Supporter of the Year award – which was won by Doncaster Rovers follower Paul Mayfield – Zoe was recognised as the top fan in the division.

Zoe, who was joined by her parents Mick and Dylis at the London Hilton on Park Lane, said:-

“I had an amazing night at the EFL awards and I want to thank everyone for all their support. It’s a great honour to be the EFL’s League One Supporter of the Year.

“I’m very proud to get the award for myself and Spireites worldwide. The last two seasons have been tough. Hopefully this is the start of the change of luck!”

Nick Johnson, the club’s head of media & communications, said:-

“When I was asked to put someone forward to represent the club, Zoe was the obvious candidate. We are all very proud of Zoe, who has achieved so much in her life and continues to inspire everyone who meets her.”

Photography Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield

Perez in gear for Donington this weekend

Chesterfield’s race ace Seb Perez soars into his local circuit Donington Park this coming Easter weekend (15/16 April) for the next three rounds of the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Super Cup Championship.

The 17 year old Ginetta G55 race car driver and student at the prestigious Motor Sports Association College in Loughborough travels to the Leicestershire circuit after a sensational weekend at Brands Hatch just over a week ago (1/2 April).

Brands Hatch was Perez’s first weekend out in a new car and new race series for him after his last two seasons in the Ginetta Junior Championship, but in true racing style got on with the job at hand. Moving on up in motorsport is always a challenge and this was going to be a massive learning curve for him.

He was in action at the high-speed Indy Circuit track for the first time this season in a fiercely competitive field of 21 cars, and support race to the ever popular Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Televised live on ITV 4 , his talent was televised to audiences across the UK and further afield across Europe.

Saturday morning saw Seb finish in 8th position in qualifying with a best time on lap 6 out of the 16 lap session and a time of 47.808s and topping speeds on parts of the circuit of 124mph.

The afternoon would see two races with a third on Sunday and all eyes were on Seb.

The opening race of the weekend  saw Perez 8th on the grid on the 4th row and has the lights went out a battle commenced  with Perez getting a great start off the line gaining 2 places from Ladell and Jones  by the end of lap one and into 6th place. He sustained 6th place for rest of the 16 lap race to cross the line in a great first race of his season finishing 9 seconds behind his JHR Developments team mate George Gamble from Nottingham who took the chequered flag in first place

After the race Perez commented:-

“It was all new and my first time out apart from testing I got a good start gaining 2 places and the car performed well.”

A third row place 6th on the grid gained from his finish in race one saw Perez ready for race two with a wet to drying track after a downpour before the race. A struggling start saw Seb drop to 10th on lap one and having some gearbox issues for a short time. Lap 4 saw Seb gain a place staying in 9th but dropping back to 10th on lap 8 and into 9th a lap later. A fast changing of laps commenced after with changing places and close racing with Ladell and Minshaw who were pushing him hard. He took the line and finished in 8th position.

The circuit had dried out of the start of race three with Seb in 7th on the grid on row 4 and the race being televised live on ITV 4. Lap one saw him loose three place to 10th and saw a safety car make an appearance for a short time on lap 9, Keeping in 10th place but by lap 14 he had made it to 6th place and staying in the same position until lap 26 where it gained a place to 5th where he stayed to take the chequered flag after 27 laps. The race saw team mate George Gamble again take first position.

Perez commented about the weekend “ it wasn’t a bad weekend at all, I have a lot to take from it and my first three races and it’s a massive learning curve” He added “JHR Developments have done a fantastic  job on the car, the set up was great and sure there will be improvements for Donington”

Asked about the next three rounds at Donington Park this weekend and his home circuit he said “ I like Donington Park it is a good circuit its fast and flowing and have done some testing thee over the Winter so that will help”

So after a good weekend at Brands Hatch and a first outing for the new car Perez leaves the circuit in 5th place in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Super Cup Championship Professional Driver class with 64 points and his team JHR Developments a first in the Team Championship with 140 points.

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

Editorial and images by Paul Horton

Posted in About Chesterfield