About Chesterfield

Queen’s Park to host county cricket for next five years

24th July 2015

Councillors have approved a deal with Derbyshire County Cricket Club which will see the borough host the popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket until 2020.

This will mean at least six days of county cricket being played at Queen’s Park with a four-day county game and two limited over games held each year.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “One of our priorities is to hold events for the community and the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is one of the most popular in our calendar.

“The NatWest T20 Blast game between Derbyshire Falcons and Yorkshire Vikings at this year’s event was a sell-out and throughout the festival, cricket fans went into the town centre spending in our shops and bars, contributing to the local economy.

“As part of the deal, Derbyshire County Cricket Club is also giving opportunities for young people to get involved in sport and increase their fitness.”

The 11th successive Chesterfield Festival of Cricket will take place in summer 2016. Funding is provided by the council as part of its commitment to hosting community events.

Derbyshire CCC chief executive, Simon Storey added: “The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is a highlight of Derbyshire’s cricketing calendar every summer.

“Whilst moving a county cricket club operation represents a huge logistics challenge, the feedback we receive – whether it’s players, national media, members, local businesses and school children – is that this is a real jewel in Derbyshire’s crown. It is a unique opportunity for the town to attract visitors and inspire the next generation of cricketers in the north of the county.

“We are, therefore, delighted to extend our partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Cricket Club which ensures that we are able to look forward to celebrating our 150th anniversary of Derbyshire CCC with a traditional summer visit to Queen’s Park in 2020.

“Now we are in a good position to secure a long-term sponsor for the event which can only be good for the Festival as we seek to build on its success.”

(Image: Simon Storey, chief executive, Derbyshire CCC; Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for health and wellbeing; Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Chris Grant, chairman of Derbyshire CCC; Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy and Geoff Miller Club President, Derbyshire CCC.)

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

Celebration of Learning takes place in Chesterfield

22nd July 2015

The Investors in People Gold learning establishment invited local business partners and Care companies to join in the ceremony, and included inspirational speeches from those who have completed apprenticeships in the care sector and overcome unemployment to secure a job in the care industry.

Proceedings were commenced by The Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Barry Bingham who welcomed guests ahead of the main presentation of certificates and gifts for their achievements and dedication to improving their education and work prospects.

The celebration also paid tribute to employers who have given learners the opportunity to gain hands on experience in their place of work, and contributed to their practical skills learning.

Melanie Ulyatt, Managing Director, comments on the celebration: “This year’s celebration was a really special moment for us as a Training Academy as we enjoyed welcoming our learner’s friends and families to come and join us in their achievement. 2015 has seen the number of care related courses we offer expand dramatically so we look forward to welcoming even more learners to join in the celebrations at the 2016 event, during which One to One Support Services will also celebrate a huge landmark, marking 10 years of being in business”

The celebration also paid tribute to employers who have given learners the opportunity to gain hands on experience in their place of work, and contributed to their practical skills learning.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Dragon hunts for the next generation of entrepreneurs

22nd July 2015

The new Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Chesterfield College is encouraging budding entrepreneurs to join them to learn from the experts as enrolment opens for the new course which starts in September.

The academy at Chesterfield College will equip young people in the region with the practical skills and experience needed to excel in the working world. Whether students are aspiring entrepreneurs or ready to make their mark within a growing business, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy puts them on the fast track to success.

Students aged 16-19 can now enrol for the Level 2 and 3 BTEC courses through the academy. These business-led courses have a mission to unleash young people’s entrepreneurial talent by giving them the opportunity to “learn by doing” on work experience placements, national enterprise challenge days and inspirational master class sessions. At the end of the Level 3 Course students attend a graduation with students from across the country and they have the opportunity to compete for National Entrepreneur of the Year presented by Peter Jones with a cash prize to boost their business.

The tailored courses,written by Peter Jones CBE in partnership with Edexcel, the UK’s largest educational awarding body, gives local students the opportunity to learn first-hand the essential skills needed for business success, allowing them to boost their confidence, business acumen and get a head start with improving their networking skills.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said: “This is a really exciting addition to what we offer at college. It is fantastic to be able to give young entrepreneurs from in and around Chesterfield the ability to learn from the best in business.”

Peter Jones Foundation CEO Alice Barnard said: “We have always tried to bust the myth that entrepreneurs are born and not made. We firmly believe that valuable skills and know-how can and should be taught which is why we created the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy. It is great news that we are now working with Chesterfield College and can offer all the benefits of the academy to young people in the area.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Keeping Chesterfield town centre vibrant

22nd July 2015

New Chesterfield town centre masterplan

A masterplan has been agreed by Chesterfield Borough Council to guide future development of the town centre.

It outline proposals of how the town centre might adapt as it responds to changes in the retail sector caused by the growth of online shopping, a need for more housing and a desire to connect fringe sites to the historic core area around the market.

The plan has been produced by Chesterfield-based WCEC Architects and property regeneration consultants Aspinall Verdi after consultation with businesses and the council.

It recognises eight core areas within the town centre and contains outline proposals for each. Implementing the plan will require the support and financial commitment of both the private and public sector as many sites are outside of the control of Chesterfield Borough Council.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield is recognised as being a historic market town, with a great town centre built around the market squares, Crooked Spire church and the historic buildings which previous generations fought so hard to protect.

“But, like all town centres in the country, we need to evolve to take account of the changing world in which we live if we are to continue to attract locals and visitors to it.

“Although the occupancy of our shops is higher than in most parts of the country, and we have a good mix of independent and national retailers, we are not immune to the effects that online shopping and changing consumer habits are having on town centres.

“We will need to take the opportunities created by new technology if it is to remain a popular place to live and visit.”

The masterplan sets out a strategic overview for the town centre, helps determine community goals and aspirations and is a development framework that guides future development opportunities.

Priorities will be established, and funding sought, to enable the aspirations to become a reality of a period of time.

The masterplan will also be used to help guide future planning decisions when applications are made to develop the town centre.

Andy Dabbs, design director of WCEC Architects, said: “As a Chesterfield business ourselves this masterplan was an important project for us to work on.

“One of the key opportunities we identified is that many of the key sites within the town are physically close together but could be better connected.

“The growth of Ravenside as a retail location, with its proximity to Queen’s Park, offers an opportunity to link up these areas better with the historic core of the town centre but then also link through to the area around the Donut roundabout and across to the railway station.

“We believe there are also opportunities to develop the Markham Road entrance to the town, particularly with the plans to demolish the disused multi-storey car park.”

The masterplan can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/masterplan

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development

Exclusive offers for Chesterfield Marathon runners

21st July 2015

Runners taking part in this year’s Chesterfield Marathon and Half Marathon can take advantage of a combination of offers courtesy of three of the event’s sponsors and partners.

Major partner Decathlon’s Eyre Street store in Sheffield is offering £10 of discount for every £50 spent on running related items such as trainers, tops, training technology and more for Chesterfield Marathon runners, as well as advice on running and nutrition. To benefit participants simply need to take a copy of their registration confirmation email into store when making their purchases.

Another supporter of the event, Facilities For All, is offering free training facilities at Tupton Hall School every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm until 9pm – a second exclusive for runners registered for the Chesterfield Marathon.

Spireites Sport and Health Club is also supporting the race and will offer half-price use of their Hydrotherapy Pool in the Community Stand of Chesterfield FC’s Proact Stadium – the third of the three exclusive offers to registered Chesterfield Marathon competitors.

The three offers when combined offer a chance for the Marathon runners to equip, train and recover.

Zoe Darraugh, Decathlon Sheffield manager said: “We are delighted to be supporting and partnering the Chesterfield Marathon this year.

“We will be present on race day in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield, bringing several sporting goodies for everyone to come and have a ‘play’ with – mini badminton, soft archery, table tennis, swingball, basketball, football, kayaks and canoes as well as things that will interest the runners.

“We’re looking forward to the event and will have more surprises during the build-up.”

Darren Norwood, a Director of Facilities For All said, “The runners registering for the Chesterfield Marathon will be able to get some excellent benefits from using the track at Tupton.

“They can get some good training miles in on a lap-by-lap basis, mixing it up with distance and sprint training to really get the body in good shape for September.

Darren McQuade, of the Spireites Sport & Health Club, said “We are delighted to support the Chesterfield Marathon by offering discounted use of the Hydrotherapy Pool here at the Health Club.

“I’m entering the Half Marathon myself and will definitely be using the pool to ease the pain!”

The event, including a full marathon, half marathon, four person Team Relay and a Fun Run, takes place on Sunday 20 September 2015. All races this year start and finish in Chesterfield’s Queen’s Park.

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

Nominate now for Derbyshire Sports Awards

20th July 2015

Nominations are now open for the 10th Derbyshire Sports Awards and residents are being invited to put forward committed sports volunteers, dedicated coaches and talented athletes from the county who they feel are worthy of recognition.

All nine local authorities in Derbyshire are running local awards including Chesterfield, with winners also being considered for the county event, held on November 12 at The Roundhouse, Derby.

The prestigious Derby Telegraph Sports Awards will this year be presented by the media group alongside long-time organiser, Derbyshire Sport and the Champions (UK) plc agency.

There are 14 categories for the county awards, including Lifetime Achievement Award, Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Disabled Sportsperson of the Year, Team of the Year, Manager/Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year.

Last year, Chesterfield table tennis player Liam Pitchford was pipped to the top county award, the Sportsperson of the Year, by double Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning swimmer Adam Peaty, while Chesterfield College and Rykneld Homes Ltd were shortlisted in the Active Workplace Award.

“There are so many people who contribute in so many ways to sport across the county, so it is really important that we take the opportunity to thank those working behind the scenes for their efforts – as well as applaud those who are competing at a high level,” said Hayley Lever, Director at Derbyshire Sport.

The closing date for Sports Awards nominations in Chesterfield is September 25, 2015. Entry forms and full information can be found as well as full details, available at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/nominate

Image shows Chesterfield table tennis player, Liam Pitchford.

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

Chesterfield welcomes East Midlands in Bloom Judges

17th July 2015

Judges from East Midlands in Bloom have spent the day in Chesterfield to assess the borough’s entry in the regional competition. Chesterfield in Bloom is a community project led by Chesterfield Borough Council to encourage people to make the borough as bright, clean and cheerful as possible as part of our entry.

On their tour the judges visited sites in all parts of the borough including Eastwood Park in Hasland where they will meet the Friends of Eastwood Park and members of the community garden. They visited Queen’s Park and the allotment holders at Boythorpe Allotments, the Britannia Pub – a previous winner of the best blooming pub/restaurant – and met pupils at St Mary’s Primary School, before ending at Ringwood Hall Hotel, the sponsor of the Chesterfield in Bloom competition.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Each year, Chesterfield in Bloom brings out the best in people as we all work together to help made our borough look its best – I know that our residents, local businesses and community groups have taken a lot of pride in maintaining their homes and businesses.

“Our staff, too, have worked hard to maintain our parks and open spaces, create floral displays and keep our streets clean throughout the year and special thanks go to them.”

Chesterfield is entered into the small cities category in the East Midlands in Bloom awards.
The judging criteria includes:
• Attractive and well-maintained floral displays
• Involvement by community groups and businesses
• Quality of the local environment
• Cleanliness of the area – absence of litter and graffiti.

John Simpson, East Midlands in Bloom judge said: “We are now at the end of a two-week tour in the small cities category.
“Chesterfield has some real highlights: it is florally beautiful and we have had the opportunity to meet volunteers and community groups. It is a town which looks to be thriving.”
Chesterfield was awarded silver-gilt in the awards last year. The results of this years East Midlands in Bloom competition will be announced in the autumn.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Derbyshire aims to double cyclists by 2025

16th July 2015

An ambitious draft Derbyshire Cycling Plan that aims to make the county the most ‘connected’ in the country been unveiled.

It is hoped greater participation across Derbyshire will result in healthier communities, more visitors, a stronger and more productive economy and a better environment.

“Derbyshire has so much to offer cycling – with the new Derby Arena, the Peak District National Park and major events like the Tour of Britain and Eroica Britannia,” said Ian Drake, Chief Executive at British Cycling and Derbyshire resident.

“There are fantastic places to cycle for beginners, families, disabled people to elite – on the track, the road or on trails. It’s great to see partners coming together to create a joined-up offer for people who want to cycle more and then set ambitious targets for increased participation.

“Increasing levels of cycling is really about two things – helping people live happier, healthier and longer lives, and making the places we live and work better for everyone.

“We know that strong political leadership and targeted investment can make a big difference and I applaud this really positive step forward which will help Derbyshire set the tone for the rest of the country to follow.”

The plan intends to help more people of all ages to get on bikes and become confident riders, while finding it easy to find out information to get started, plan journeys and cycle regularly.

It also aims to put Derbyshire in a better position to attract funding, with an agreed set of priorities and a plan for action in preparation for the opening of national or European bidding processes.

Residents, businesses, clubs and other organisations across the city, county, National Park and National Forest areas are urged to get involved by giving their views on the draft plan.

The Derbyshire Cycling Plan Strategic Group want people to think about what they can do to help make Derbyshire an even better place to cycle – for fun, at the weekend or on holiday, to work, to school, to get fit or to compete.

The successful delivery relies on organisations to get behind the vision, and help to bring about a transformation over the next ten years.

The plan has been written and supported by all local authorities, British Cycling, Derbyshire Sport, Peak District National Park Authority, University of Derby, Sustrans and the National Forest Company in a bid to double the number of cyclists by 2025.

Comment on the draft plan at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

New outdoor gym for Chesterfield Royal Hospital

15th July 2015

A new outdoor gym has been installed at Chesterfield Royal Hospital thanks to the support of Managed Services, part of Travis Perkins PLC.

Now open to the public the new outdoor gym, costing around £24,000 with half paid for by the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, is located in the hospital grounds and features four pieces of equipment. The Stepper provides a cardio workout for the lower body, whilst the Shoulder Press is great for upper body strengthening and toning. Those looking to strengthen their core and upper body can use the Chin Up and Dip and the Arm Curl can be used for strengthening and toning.

Stuart Hough, Managing Director of Managed Services, commented: “We are always keen to help the local communities where we work and so are really pleased to unveil this new outdoor gym. Managed Services is already striving to make cost and efficiency savings for Chesterfield Royal Hospital and we can now hopefully help to improve the health and fitness of local residents too.”

Beverley Webster, Chair of Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charitable Funds Committee, added: “We are really grateful to Managed Services for topping up our charitable funds for the outdoor gym and look forward to continuing to work with them. The gym will really help to improve fitness and well-being for our patients as well as members of the public – it’s open now and free to use so come and pay us a visit!”

Posted in About Chesterfield

East Midlands Bucks National Employment Trend

15th July 2015

The East Midlands bucked the national trend in terms of employment and unemployment in the three months to May, according to figures released this morning.

The latest official employment data from the Office for National Statistics showed that there were 9,013 more people (aged 16-64) in work and 1,280 fewer people out of work between March and May than there were in the three months to February, equating to an annual employment increase of 18,234 and an annual fall in unemployment of 17,988.

Nationally, there were 67,000 fewer people in work and 15,000 more people unemployed between March and May than there were in the previous three month period, although annually, the number of people in employment increased by 265,000 and the number of those unemployed fell by 273,000.

The number of people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) in Chesterfield fell again in June to 1193, meaning there were 500 fewer claimants than there were in June 2014.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “The latest employment figures are once again positive and provide further evidence of just how strong the economy is here in the East Midlands.

“Over the past 12 months, this region has created jobs at a faster rate than anywhere else in the UK, providing much of the fuel to fire the ‘Midlands Engine for Growth’. It strengthens our message to Government that the East Midlands holds the key to the UK’s long-term economic success.

“Separate figures out this week showed average wage growth of 3.2% in the three months to May, while CPI inflation has dropped back to zero, meaning that not only are more people in work, but their wages are going further. The Government’s renewed focus on boosting productivity will further support and sustain both business growth and increased levels of pay.

“However, improving the skills of employees remains a key issue for business and needs to be tackled at the same time as widening the talent pool of young people coming into the sectors in which we have real strengths, to ensure that the momentum the regional economy has built up over the past 18 months is sustainable.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Festival of Cricket inspires next generation of sport lovers

13th July 2015

Over 300 local school children visited Queen’s Park last week to experience the action first hand at the Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.

As well as watching, pupils from Outwood Academy, Staveley Juniors, Brimington Juniors, Old Hall, Shirebrook and Bolsover were also invited to form the guard of honour and to play games of cricket on the outfield.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “Bringing first-class cricket to Chesterfield allows us to provide young people in North Derbyshire the chance to witness top-class cricket on their doorstep.

“We hope giving local school children this opportunity will inspire the next generation of cricket and sport lovers.”

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “One of our top priorities is to improve the health and well-being of people in the borough.

“Each year, the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket gives local youngsters the chance to watch county cricket at first hand as well as the chance to take part themselves and meet some of their sporting heroes.

“Hopefully, this will inspire them to take part in sport and fitness and lead healthier lifestyles as they grow up.”

The final match of the Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, which took place on Sunday 12th July, was a sell-out event, with over 4500 people attending picturesque Queen’s Park to witness Derbyshire’s success.

Picture (left to right): Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Councillor John Burrows, leader, and Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, with children from Staveley Junior School.

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