About Chesterfield

Chesterfield racing driver gears up for Brands Hatch

1st April 2016

Chesterfield racing driver, Seb Perez is preparing for his first race of the season this weekend at Brands Hatch in the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship.

The 16 year old topped official testing at Brands Hatch last week, where he showed strong pace and fighting spirit in his first test session of the new 2016 season Ginetta Junior Championship, which is contested by 14 to 17 year-old racers.

Perez lapped the Indy Circuit in 56.357 seconds and topped a total of 21 Ginetta drivers out testing with three sessions on track.

Driving for his team, JHR Developments, he reached a top speed of 77.16mph on lap 24 out of 34 laps completed in the third and final session for the day.

Seb’s first full season in a Ginetta G40 race car last year was a total learning curve for him but saw him get top ten finishes at Croft and Snetterton, part of eleven top 15 places for the season. He finished 20th in the final standings.

He then made a podium finish and a top five place in the end to the season in the Winter Series Championship finishing fifth overhaul.

“I had a great first year with Ginetta,” said Perez.

“I’ve gotten used to the Ginetta G40 race car and the circuits we travel to, so I’m hoping that experience will come in handy when it comes to picking up more podium positions!”

“I’ve got a great team behind me with JHR Developments, and I’m really looking forward to getting back out on track,” he added.

Perez made the transition from rallying to racing and following in petrol head father’s motor sport footsteps at the end of 2014 where is raced a Ginetta at Brands Hatch in the final round of the series and part of a support race to the British Touring Car Championship.

He finished 18th and 16th for a first outing in a new car and totally different to driving through forests in a rally car.

Motor sport is no stranger to Perez Jnr, son of 2014 BTRDA Gold Star Rally Champion Steve Perez, who has competed in the Kick Energy Junior 1000 Rally Championship at the wheel of a Nissan Micra rally car. The series is backed by Father Steve’s Global Brands business based in Chesterfield.

Father Steve Perez with Seb as co-driver also finished fourth overhaul and first in class in the MGJ Winter Stages Rally also at Brands Hatch in February.

The Chesterfield-based racing team teenager starts his attack this weekend in the 2016 Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship, as a support race series to the ever popular British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch.

He then races at local circuit Donington Park over the weekend of 16-17th April.

The whole race season is televised live on the Sundays on ITV4.

Images and editorial courtesy of Paul Horton Motorsport Photography.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

103 year old set to become oldest man to get a tattoo – for Ashgate Hospicecare

1st April 2016

One of Derbyshire’s oldest men is set to enter the record books – by having a tattoo for his 104th birthday.

Jack Reynolds – who hit headlines in summer 2014 when he became the oldest Brit to brave the ice bucket challenge – plans to get inked on his big day on Wednesday 6th April.

Jack, who is from Hollingwood near Staveley, is having the tattoo to raise money for Chesterfield-based charity, Ashgate Hospicecare.

The charity provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. All services are provided free of charge to patients and their families, which is mainly funded through donations, legacies and income raised through their 16 shops.

Jack said: “I really love using my age to help me with my fundraising and I’d love for people to help me support Ashgate Hospicecare – it’s a great charity and very close to my heart.”

Jack’s daughter Jayne added: “Dad wanted to do something to raise money for charity again and I suggested he have a tattoo which he agreed to. We all think it’s great.

“I think the tattoo should be his date of birth or his nickname, Jacko. He’s had a consultation with the tattoo artist and it’s been decided that the best place for him to have the tattoo is on the top of his arm. My dad’s absolutely amazing and everyone loves him.”

She added that Jack had a fall before Christmas and spent about two months in hospital with a broken hip – but was now back at home doing well.

Giving the secret to a long and happy life, Jack said: “Work hard, always smile, get plenty of fresh air and last but not least have a tot of Grouse whisky in your tea in the morning and a tot before bed.”

Jack’s family say Guinness World Records has confirmed he will be the oldest man to get a tattoo. Anyone who would like to support him can do so my visiting the Just Giving website and searching for Jack Reynolds.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Top 50 SMEs in North Derbyshire revealed

31st March 2016

BHP Chartered Accountants has published this year’s list of top 50 SMEs in North Derbyshire, along with an overview of the economy locally.

Speaking positively about the results, Dominic Staniforth, Partner at BHP said:-

“North Derbyshire continues to be home to a wide variety of businesses which contribute significantly to the economic prosperity and provide a substantial number of employment opportunities which all help, together with fantastic infrastructure links, to ensure that North Derbyshire remains a great place to do business.

“A broad snapshot of the numbers reveals some key trends: the combined turnover of the Top 50 amounting to £734 million, a rise of 18 per cent on the previous year, profitability at £67 million has increased by an impressive 40 per cent and very encouragingly, employment at just under 5,000 employees has shown a nine per cent increase on last year.

“These statistics make impressive reading and show that there continues to be a lot of confidence in the area.”

Download the report and discover the Top 50 SMEs in North Derbyshire in 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Big push for Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre

30th March 2016

This April a total of 18 fundraisers are set to push a hospital bed from a Dronfield pub to Chesterfield Royal Hospital in support of the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.

Set to begin at the Jolly Farmer in Dronfield, the bed push team will head to Chesterfield town centre via Whittington Moor where they will call at Rykneld Square, Burlington Street and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. They will then continue to Hasland through Eastwood Park, before arriving at Calow Lane ready for the last uphill trek to Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Taking place on Saturday 9th April from 9.00am, the epic event falls on the anniversary of the day the Jolly Farmer landlord, Ashley Tipper sadly lost his grandmother to lung cancer. Mary Tipper, a retired nurse had been treated for cancer in hospital last March for the fifth time in 3 months and was helping Ashley to plan the route before she sadly passed away on April 11, 2015.

Ashley, 30, said: “Me and my Nan often spoke about my fundraising and it is something she was very proud of and always supported me in.

“We talked of the bed push and I asked if I could wheel her out for a test drive; always getting that look that only nans give you.”

“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 found a way to make this happen. This is for my Nan as it’s the last thing she knew I was planning.”

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.

To support the bed push team and Macmillan Cancer Support go to http://www.justgiving.com/teams/jollyfarmer/

To support the Chesterfield Appeal contact local fundraiser Rob Turner on 07545 419 725 or email rturner@macmillan.org.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Visiting

Have your say on future of Tapton Lock Visitor Centre

30th March 2016

Residents are being invited to have their say on the possible closure of Tapton Lock Visitor Centre in Chesterfield.

Located at Chesterfield Canal – one of the town’s popular visitor attractions – Tapton Lock Visitor Centre is home to the John Varley tripboat, as well as local information, a small shop with refreshments, mobility vehicle hire and public facilities.

Tasked to save £157m by 2018 due to cuts in Government funding, the Derbyshire County Council countryside service needs to save money and it is proposed that Tapton Lock Visitor Centre is closed, unless alternative organisations can be found to run them, or an alternative use for the building can be found.

Councillor Dean Collins, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, said:

“We know that many people use the centre so hope they will take the time to let us know how the closure could affect them.

“We are doing all we can to find other organisations that would be either interested in running the centres, or using the buildings in some way. This could involve running similar services to what we offer at the moment, or could be a different type of service. We’d be delighted to hear from any organisation that would be interested.”

Any organisation interested in taking on either of the centres should contact Martin Dowson by email: martin.dowson@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 539826.

Derbyshire County Council’s consultation is available to complete online by clicking here. The consultation closes on Friday 6 May 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre scoops bronze

30th March 2016

The team at Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre is celebrating after bringing home a bronze award from the prestigious England for Excellence Awards 2016 held in Blackpool earlier this month.

Run by Chesterfield Borough Council, it is the second time in two years that the centre has been shortlisted in the Visitor Information Provider of the Year category.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre provides an efficient and friendly service to the thousands of people who visit the town centre each year and for our residents.

“Whether it’s giving information about attractions and events in the borough or the wider area of Derbyshire and the Peak District or selling tickets to our theatres, our staff go the extra mile.

“We have lots of positive feedback from people who use the service and I’m proud that we have received bronze in the England for Excellence Awards this year.”

Commenting on the Award, Sally Balcombe, CEO of VisitBritain and VisitEngland said “We received hundreds of applications this year of an extremely high standard.

“Winning a Bronze Award is a considerable achievement, especially against such tough competition.

“Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre is now ranked as one of the top three businesses in their category for excellence in England and I warmly congratulate them on this achievement”.

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6pm.

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

Rare 17th century tapestries on display at Chatsworth

29th March 2016

Two extremely rare and important 17th century English tapestries have gone back on display at Chatsworth following an intensive two-year conservation programme.

The important Mortlake Tapestries from the 1630s represent the birth of the English tapestry industry and are based on Renaissance painter Raphael’s cartoons of Acts of the Apostles.

It is believed that Chatsworth’s tapestries were acquired from the Mortlake workshops by the 3rd Earl of Devonshire (1617-1684) and moved into the State Drawing Room by the 5th Duke (1748-1811).

As well as the panel depicting ‘Healing of the Lame Man’, another section was found folded back behind the seam of the tapestry when the lining was removed. The rehang will see the ‘Sacrifice at Lystra’ reunited with ‘Healing of the Lame Man’ covering more than 50 sq metres of the back wall in the State Drawing Room.

The further missing half of ‘Healing of the Lame Man’ will also be brought out of storage. This had been conserved previously and hasn’t been seen for a number of years. It will provide a wonderful opportunity to see the tapestries in full. After this season, this third piece will go back into storage for its long-term preservation.

Susie Stoke, Head of textiles, Chatsworth, said: “It’s extremely exciting to be able to reunite these hugely important and beautiful tapestries and put them back on display. For the first time, visitors will have the opportunity to see the tapestries up closely to fully appreciate these beautiful works of art.”

The tapestries were both in urgent need of conservation due to exposure to atmospheric pollution in the 19th and 20th centuries. They were given extensive treatment by Shephard Travis conservation, which included washing to remove acidic pollutants, repairing the fabric, and adding a support cloth for extra strength.

The rehanging of the tapestries is a challenging manual process that takes several hours, and is carried out by Chatsworth’s in-house Textile team who have conservation training or experience.

The rare 17th century English tapestries will remain on display at Chatsworth until January 3rd 2017.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Major funding boost for historic railway site Barrow Hill Roundhouse

29th March 2016

Britain’s only surviving operational railway roundhouse is set to receive a £1.17m cash boost to help safeguard its future as one of Chesterfield’s top attractions.

The funding, confirmed by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), will be used to repair and refurbish Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and transform it into a nationally-important museum.

High quality visitor facilities, a dedicated learning and meeting space and a conservation workshop will all be created at the site, which will also enjoy a new entrance, shop and café. A wide range of learning, training and skills activities will accompany these developments, ensuring that the roundhouse can attract a much wider and more diverse audience.

Mike Kennedy, chair of Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, said: “We are delighted by the news of our success. The project will enable us to safeguard the roundhouse for future generations, and provide the improved facilities that we need to attract a new audience, while retaining our existing audience of rail enthusiasts.

“It will also provide us with the expertise and equipment to tell the story of the roundhouse and its workforce to a wide range of people, particularly local people including families and schoolchildren.”

Barrow Hill Roundhouse was built in 1870 for the Midland Railway and houses an operational turntable serving 24 radiating roads or tracks. It was used to repair and maintain engines and rolling stock for the Staveley Iron and Coal Company.

As one of the few roundhouses to survive the transition from steam to diesel engines, it operated until the industry went into decline during the 1970s and 80s.

In 1991 it was saved from demolition by local campaigners with just 48 hours to spare and has since become a popular place to visit, primarily for railway enthusiasts. Visitors can currently see a host of rare locomotives and over 4,500 items including tools, lamps, uniforms and photographs.

Now the Engine Shed Society wants to attract local people as well, many of whom are unaware of what is on their doorstep and its history.

The main building also requires urgent attention to make it watertight and prevent the collections from getting damaged. There is also a pressing need to record the memories of people who worked at the site, many of whom are now elderly.

Jonathan Platt, Head of HLF East Midlands, said: “As the last surviving operational roundhouse, Barrow Hill has a unique role in telling the story of the UK’s evocative transport heritage.

“There’s no better way to learn about this history than getting up close to the buildings that survive from that time, so we’re delighted that thanks to National Lottery players we can support this much-needed project to repair the building and enhance visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of the site.”

HLF previously provided a £96,400 development grant in 2014 to work up plans for the project. Now, following a further application, the full grant has been awarded allowing the major works to commence.

It is hoped that work will start at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in June this year and be complete by mid 2019.

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

Successful Opening for new Designer Menswear Store

24th March 2016

Local lads from Chesterfield have secured a place in UK fashion history this month when they opened their new designer store doors last weekend on Chesterfields high street, becoming the only stockist outside of London to sell famous fashion designer Joshua Kane tailoring.

The Chesterfield-born brothers, George and Joe Ward, have been rubbing shoulders with some of the most famous fashion brands to secure this exclusive contract, as well as several other fashion designers including Hackett, 7 for all Mankind and local clothing manufacturers Smedley’s, who will be providing their excellent range of casual t-shirts, cardigans and jumpers – all made just down the road.

“Our little medieval town has a lot going for it, from our famous spire attracting tourists to our booming nightlife and shopping – being ‘born and bred’ here, there was no better location for our new store than the town centre. We named the store ‘Weekend Menswear’, after all it has everything a guy needs, ready for the weekend or night on the town” says George.

“Our opening last weekend was a fantastic success, we met hundreds of local people and some even travelling from further afield to come celebrate with us and take a look at our ranges; we were surprised how much we sold just on opening weekend – this clearly shows a desire for men of Chesterfield and surrounding areas to look good, which reiterates we’ve pitched the business at the right point and market”

London is well renowned as the most fashionable city in the world – yet, with the launch of Weekend Menswear in Chesterfield, that title could be up for the taking…

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

Chatsworth opens for exciting new season

23rd March 2016

Chatsworth House, Garden and Farmyard has opened for Easter ready for another great year of events with plenty of entertainment for all the family to enjoy from The Dodson & Horrell International Horse Trials to the Chatsworth Country Fair.

Exhibitions this season include the ‘bringing home’ of Dan Pearson’s award winning Chelsea Flower Show garden and a fascinating glimpse into the glittering social circle of Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire through a rare collection of photos by Cecil Beaton.

Chatsworth will celebrate the Grand Tour through the eyes and collection of the Devonshire Family with an exhibition including an evocative collection of drawings by Sebastian Vrancx, previously unseen at Chatsworth, as well as the final phase of Chatsworth’s momentous £32.7million Masterplan restoration project.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “2016 is set to be another remarkable year at Chatsworth, with exciting developments across the house and garden to enjoy. We’re delighted to present the rejuvenated Trout stream where features from the award winning RHS Chelsea Laurent-Perrier Chatsworth garden have been installed and planted under the direction of Dan Pearson.

“Whether it’s to admire the splendour of the house, explore the garden, meet the animals in the farmyard, enjoy afternoon tea and shopping in the stables, we always look forward to welcoming visitors for the new season.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Welcome Jeff Stelling to the Proact

22nd March 2016

The latest international to be staged at the Proact Stadium takes place when England U17s face their Turkish counterparts on Thursday evening.

Fans are encouraged to welcome Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling, who will be arriving at the Proact at around 5pm as part of his charity walk. Jeff, who hosts Soccer Saturday, is walking from Hartlepool United to Wembley Stadium in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

Spireites representatives Chris Turner, Kevin Fitzgerald, Bob Newton and Nick Johnson will join Jeff on the walk from Rotherham United’s New York Stadium to the Proact via Hillsborough and Bramall Lane. Jeff will be interviewed by Nick at pitch-side before kick-off.

Admission to the game, which kicks off at 7pm, costs just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions. Tickets can be purchased by phoning 01246 269300, emailing tickets@chesterfield-fc.co.uk, or calling in at the ticket office at the Proact. They will also be available on the night.

More information about the England U17s v Turkey U17s match can be found here.

To make a donation to the fundraising effort, please visit www.justgiving.com/Chesterfield-FC

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting