About Chesterfield

Engineering marvel arrives at Chesterfield College to inspire next generation of experts

19th November 2015

A replica of Bloodhound, the British-built and designed 1000 mph jet and rocket powered car, which will attempt the land speed record next year, is at Chesterfield College for two days to inspire the next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians.

120 pupils from schools across Derbyshire and more than 200 students from college are amongst some of the 100,000 young people in the UK who will get the chance to see the replica and find out how the best of the best in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) world have created this feat of engineering.

The young engineers have also built their own jet powered car, taken part in special science workshops and heard from key employers in the region like Rolls Royce, about the careers they could have if they studied STEM subjects.

The Bloodhound team is also on hand at Chesterfield College to meet businesses and engineers and offer a tour of the replica car. A first successful event was held for Chesterfield Champions yesterday evening and there will be another opportunity for local businesses to visit the college tonight.

In the East Midlands, between 2010 and 2020 more than two thirds of jobs will need engineering skills. That is 158,400 jobs that will need qualified engineers. However, over the last 7 years there has been a decline of 20.8% of students choosing STEM subjects. Almost two in five firms (39%) that require STEM-skilled employees report current difficulties in recruitment.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College said:

“Having such a high profile and exciting project in college is a fantastic opportunity to excite young people about where studying STEM subjects can lead. We know that STEM related jobs are on the increase but the number of students choosing to study the subjects that will get them the right qualifications to get these jobs has been in decline for some time now. As a college working in an area that is home to a host of key employers we know how important it is to inspire the next generation.”

To find out more about tonight’s Bloodhound event being held for local businesses please click here.

Bloodhound is in Chesterfield as part of the Made in Chesterfield Festival; a month-long celebration of the town’s manufacturing and engineering industry. More information is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/made.

Photography by Les Wilcockson Photography and Chesterfield College.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

More cycling fun added to Five Pits Trail

18th November 2015

Adventurous cyclists can now enjoy a new purpose-built off-road cycling facility just off the Five Pits Trail.

The new trail, which is just under a mile long, runs from the western side of Williamthorpe Nature Reserve near Holmewood, and is suitable for cyclists of all ages with basic off-road skills.

The Five Pits Trail is a five-and-a-half mile off-road surfaced route which runs from Grassmoor Country Park to Tibshelf Ponds.

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

“We’re delighted to announce that the adventurous bike trail has been completed.

“This is a great new trail for keen cyclists or mountain bikers looking for a new adventure. I’d like to thank our countryside team and volunteers who’ve logged an impressive 300 hours to build the new trail. They’ve all done a great job and should be proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Get moving for Movember Workplace Challenge

16th November 2015

Men in Chesterfield and Derbyshire can win prizes by signing up to a new two-week Workplace Challenge taking place from 16th to 29th November.

Linking to the month of ‘Movember,’ which raises awareness of men’s health, the competition is designed to promote the benefits that physical activity has in helping to prevent cancer.

The Movember Workplace Challenge is free and easy to join with men simply asked to log their activity online over a two week period and there is a prize on offer for the best ‘Active Moustache’. All participants need to do to be in with the chance of winning is send in a photo of themselves sporting a ‘mo’ (moustache) and taking part in sport or physical activity to Derbyshire Sport.

The Chief Medical Officer (department for health 2011) recommends 150 minutes moderate intensity activity each week for adults. With this in mind, any men who successfully complete and log 150 minutes of activity before midnight on 29th November will automatically be entered into a prize draw.

This will be the final challenge in 2015 and will be followed by a brand new challenge in January 2016 to kick-start the new year.

For more information and to sign up visit www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Ashgate Hospicecare wins innovation award

16th November 2015

Ashgate Hospicecare has won the ‘Innovation in Income Generation Award’ at the 2015 Hospice UK Awards – together with Blythe House Hospice and Helen’s Trust.

Supported by The National Gardens Scheme, the national awards recognise the enormous contribution that individuals and innovative programmes have made to hospice care in local communities across the UK.

The three charities were praised for working collaboratively together on the #ChallengeDerbyshire campaign, which gives local people the opportunity to undertake a fundraising challenge whilst raising money for all three of the non-profit organisations. To date, the joint venture has raised over £30,000 which will be split equally between the charities.

Esther Preston, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Ashgate Hospicecare, says “Ashgate, Blythe House and Helen’s Trust had all experienced supporters, particularly corporates, who found it hard to support one charity over another. The obvious solution was to set up a joint fundraising venture, so we launched our #ChallengeDerbyshire campaign.”

Managing Director of Markovitz Ltd, David Hopkins, welcomes the idea of supporting three charities simultaneously and is a keen supporter of the campaign. David says, “Challenge Derbyshire is such an amazing initiative for our company to support. Not only does it benefit such worthy charities, it also champions how lucky we are in North Derbyshire to have these three wonderful organisations working together for our community. As a company employing people right across the region, we have found that the majority of our staff and customer’s families have been touched at one time or another by one or more of the charities it benefits. It is wonderful to know that every pound we raise for Challenge Derbyshire is equally benefiting three wonderful local charities. We will certainly continue to promote and support the project.”

To get involved in #ChallengeDerbyshire and support three local charities, visit http://www.challengederbyshire.org.uk/#!get_involved/c8k2

Photo: Left to Right – Dr Ros Taylor MBE, George Plumptre (NGS), Blythe House Hospice Director Janet Dunphy, Heidi Hawkins, Esther Preston and Lord Howard of Lympne

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield set to sparkle

16th November 2015

Visitors and residents are getting excited ahead of the annual Christmas lights switch on, which takes place this Sunday, 22 November.

The festive event gets underway at noon with a magical market featuring entertainment, stalls and rides in the market place and in New Square. The indoor market hall will also be open from noon to 6pm.

A live stage show will begin at 3.30pm with Peak FM presenters providing plenty of fun and competitions, including the chance to win a family ticket to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Pomegranate Theatre.

Stars from the pantomime, including Eurovision queen, Nicki French and impressionist, Philip Green, best known from his appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, will switch on the lights at 4.45pm.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said:-

“The Christmas lights event is a highlight in the calendar allowing families to come together and get into the festive spirit.

“I’d encourage people to come along and visit the indoor and outdoor markets to pick up some of their Christmas presents, before joining in the fun of the stage show and seeing the Christmas lights switched on.”

Chesterfield borough residents are reminded that they can use their parking permits to park for free in the following council-run car parks on the day:

Albion Road
Ashgate Road
Derbyshire Times
Devonshire Street
Durrant Road
Hollis Lane (excluding on-street bays)
Holywell Cross (the Donut)
Spa Lane
Station Road
St Mary’s Gate
Theatre Lane
West Street.

For more top Christmas events, Christmas shopping and places to meet Santa visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/Christmas

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

Civic Society’s Blue Plaque reminds us that Erasmus Darwin and Sir Robert Robinson were educated in Chesterfield

12th November 2015

Following a short remembrance service at the former Chesterfield School, Old Cestrefeldian and Civic Society Treasurer, Frank Gorman unveiled a blue plaque to commemorate the former grammar school and its alumni. He thanked the Civic Society and the College for their help.

Frank Gorman said:

“On a day we remember the ultimate sacrifice paid by former Chesterfield School old boys, it is fitting that we also celebrate this great school and those former pupils whose work contributed so much to society”.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal, Chesterfield College said:.

“We are very proud to have the old grammar school building as part of the college campus. The blue plaque reminds everyone of Chesterfield School’s history. The renovated school building as part of our improved campus will continue to contribute to education in Chesterfield”

Civic Society Executive Committee member Hugh Quigley said:

“We plan a few more blue plaques to help raise public awareness of Chesterfield’s great cultural heritage.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

Hundreds flock to inspiring Careers Fair event

12th November 2015

More than 500 students and parents flocked to Tupton Hall Careers Fair to discover the wide range of career paths open to them.

The second event of its kind saw employers, training providers, support services, voluntary organisations, colleges and universities gather under one roof to inspire and inform students.

The event was open to students from right across the school from Years 7 – 13 and it was extremely well attended, with students showing a clear interest in their own futures.

Big names such as Barclays, Tesco, Aldi, the NHS, and Lafarge Tarmac were talent scouting alongside local firms like MSE Hiller, Millbrook Precision Engineering, Rykneld Homes, KH Hair and Cheetham Jackson financial planners.

Training providers included Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), NLT Training and CITB. There were also colleges and universities represented from places as diverse as Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield to Leeds and Birmingham. Not forgetting Tupton Hall’s own Sixth Form college.

The Army, RAF, St John Ambulance, Derbyshire Police were also present to inspire young minds.

Careers Fair organiser Mrs Lisa Savino said: “The students had an exciting evening packed full of useful information about their future career choices.”

“The main purpose of the Careers Fair was to raise aspirations amongst our students and to open their eyes to the many different opportunities available to them.”

“The feedback from students, parents and staff has all been really positive and the event was a great success. We must say a very big thank you to everyone who attended for their inspiring presence.”

Several Tupton Hall alumni – or former students – came back for the evening to share their experiences with current students. They included Jade Ashmore who is a world class competitive boxer, Sammi-Jo Wright who owns her own flourishing hair salon in Clay Cross, Alex Bramley a university graduate and primary school teacher and Mark Heardman who worked in Royal Mail’s IT department but is now a creative mural artist.

Each student who attended the event was entered into a prize draw to win a top-of-the-range laser printer and scanner which was generously donated by event sponsor Frugal IT. The winner, Year 9 student Holly Wright, said the Careers Fair had inspired her to pursue her dream career as a doctor.

She said: “I got the chance to meet universities about which courses would be best for me. I would recommend the Careers Fair to any other Tupton Hall students and I will probably be there myself next year!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

More positive job figures for Chesterfield

11th November 2015

The number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in Chesterfield continues to fall according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics. In October, there were 922 JSA claimants , 60 fewer than in September (980) and 505 fewer than in October 2014 (1485). The current percentage of people claiming the benefit remains below the national average for a third month (1.4% for Chesterfield compared with 1.6% for the UK and 1.5% for the East Midlands).

The figures across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire continues also to fall, In October, there were 31,550 JSA claimants across the three counties, 1,490 fewer than in September (33,040) and 9,680 fewer than in October 2014 (41,230).

The number of unemployed people in the East Midlands fell by 7,980 to 103,109 over the three months to the end of September, meaning that the region’s unemployment rate now stands at 4.5%. Over the same period, the number of people in work decreased slightly, by 747, to 2,168,138.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber said: “The employment figures released today are positive and, while taking into account the usual spike in seasonal employment we normally see at this time of year, once again show that the region continues to lead when it comes to creating jobs.

“Although the figures remain robust, there are underlying issues in the economy which still need to be addressed. Chamber members continue to report problems recruiting people with the skills they need, while the region still lags behind the UK average when it comes to productivity.

“It’s important that the jobs being created by East Midlands businesses are sustainable, which means they must be created alongside improvements in productivity.

“To keep the momentum going, we need to continue to invest in the skills and experience of our workforce and focus on attracting and retaining the best talent.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chiquito recruiting for December launch

11th November 2015

Chiquito are recruiting for their new Chesterfield restaurant which is planned to open this December. The new restaurant is creating around 80 jobs for the town.

The restaurant is currently recruiting for team members, cocktail bar tenders and door hosts. A recruitment week starts on Monday 16th November. To apply send your CV to careers@chiquito.co.uk or chesterfield@chiquito.co.uk before Sunday 15th November.

The popular mexican eatery is coming to Alma Leisure Park at the site of the former Wacky Warehouse.

Jody Millward, Regional Marketing Coordinator at Chiquito said:-

“We’re thrilled to announce that Chiquito is to join Chesterfield’s growing food and drink offering and hope to be open to the public in December.

“The combination of our quality food, quality drinks and cocktails, soaked up in our authentic and fun surroundings will take you to places you haven’t been before! Fresh, vibrant and colourful!

“Our team is the heartbeat of our restaurant and we look forward to meeting local candidates who are as passionate as we are about food, drink and all things Tex Mex.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Visiting

Two of the top ten East Midlands hotels are in Chesterfield

10th November 2015

Hotel search website trivago.co.uk have revealed the results of their inaugural Top Hotel Awards and the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield has been named the top-rated hotel in the East Midlands.

trivago.co.uk have used aggregated online user ratings in order to recognise the best rated hotels, both regionally and nationally

The majority of the top-rated hotels are clustered towards the centre of the East Midlands region, with easy access to the Peak District. Two hotels are located in Chesterfield, alongside first place Casa Hotel is the Peak Edge Hotel which was named equal 5th in the survey.

To view the full results, please visit: checkin.trivago.co.uk/2015/11/04/trivago-uk-top-hotel-awards- 2015/#EastMid

Stuart Downham, Operations Director, Casa Hotel: “We are thrilled to be named as the number one hotel in the East Midlands for trivago’s 2015 Top Hotel Awards, the team at Casa work tirelessly to ensure the best stay for our guests. Being an independent hotel we are able to really tailor our service to the needs of our guests and every decision we make is made with the guest as our number one priority. We value all of the feedback we receive, we use it to get a little bit better every single day and recognition for our consistently high levels of service will give us all even more motivation to exceed our guests’ expectations.”

Denise Bartlett, UK Public Relations at trivago.co.uk said “With their attention to detail and attentiveness towards their guests, it is easy to see why Casa is our top-rated hotel in the East Midlands this year. Given the high number of independent hotels and guest houses in the top 20 for this region, it is only fitting that an independent hotel should take this title.

The trivago Top Hotel Awards aim to judge all accommodation fairly, whether they are chain hotel in Lincoln, a guest house in the Peak District, or a luxury independent hotel. It is really encouraging to see such a range of accommodation, both in terms of price and geographical location, in our top 20.”

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

Chesterfield College Student Wins National Motor Industry Outstanding Achievers Award

10th November 2015

The award winning apprentice James Grayson scooped another prestigious award last week at an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) ceremony held at Silverstone. He was crowned outstanding achiever of the year in the Paint Apprentice category. HRH Prince Michael of Kent and the Head of the IMI Steve Nash presented James with his award.

James was up against some strong competition from all over the UK but was recognised for his excellent attitude towards learning at college, his IMI Skill Auto Gold medal win and his involvement in the UK World Skills team.

James has now completed his apprenticeship and is working for Wheeler Dealers TV Presenter Mike Brewer, at Mike Brewer Motors on Bramall Lane in Sheffield.

His tutor at Chesterfield College, Paul Sewell said:

“Congratulations to James. We know he has a promising future ahead and the IMI have obviously recognised that too. It is fantastic to see how students develop during their time with us and over the process of their apprenticeships. What a fantastic way to end his apprenticeship!”

Mike Brewer said:

“We knew James had something special when he applied. It is important that we have only the very best in the industry in our team, and we’re pleased to say that he is. This national award is a well-deserved recognition of his skills. We are proud to have him as part of our team. Congratulations James!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business