About Chesterfield

Pupils bring colour to Chesterfield Coach Station

26th November 2015

Pupils from Brampton Primary School have brought a touch of colour to the town’s coach station.

The students helped put the final touches to the Pocket Park project on Markham Road, at the entrance to the coach station by planting 3,000 purple, yellow and white crocus corms.

The project, which started last year, is a collaboration between Chesterfield Civic Society, Franke Sissons and Chesterfield Borough Council, with support from Destination Chesterfield and Killingley Landscapes.

It aims to provide a welcoming green space for those who travel by coach and for shoppers passing by.

Chesterfield Civic Society suggested the planting scheme and paid for the bulbs. Chesterfield Borough Council staff provided spades for the project and helped with digging and preparing the ground for the bulbs to be planted by the children.

Amanda Chalke, Civic Society executive member, said: “We are delighted to work with Brampton Primary School and Chesterfield Borough Council. It now means the project has involved primary and secondary pupils and a talented young designer who attended Chesterfield College.

“Projects such as this are statements of pride in our town by all age groups. We hope to see more.”

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This individual project is part of the wider Chesterfield in Bloom project work, which aims to involve the community in making our town a greener and brighter space.

“The work of the children and all the partners will help improve the welcome that coach visitors to the town get, as well as benefit residents.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Secondary Dance Festival returns to Winding Wheel

25th November 2015

Nine local schools are set to perform at the Secondary Dance Festival taking place on 2nd December at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield. Now in its tenth year, the 2015 event will give more students than ever the opportunity to take part in all types of dance – from contemporary to classical. With the help of their dance teachers, the students have put together a show that would wow any audience.

Taking part are: Anthony Gell School, Brookfield Community School, Hasland Hall Community School, Lady Manners School, Netherthorpe School, Outwood Academy Newbold, Springwell Community College, St. Mary’s Catholic High School and Tupton Hall School.

Mark Tournier, Partnership and Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “The dance platform is organised by Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, bringing together a range of outstanding dance performances form across Chesterfield. It’s a celebration of dance and all the hard work and effort that goes into the performance. It’s not just about the talent on display, the performers show real courage and determination to make it happen.”

The performing schools will be joined by Déda Derby and Crystal Cheer and Dance who will showcase elements of Street Dance as well as professional choreography and storytelling.

Clare Limb, Head of Dance Development and Learning at Déda, said: “Déda is proud to be a partner organisation of Chesterfield SSP and is delighted to be involved in this event, which enables young people in the Chesterfield District and beyond to take part in an annual professional level performance.”

Mark Tournier added: “The event always has a great atmosphere and the performers leave the stage full of confidence. We are excited to be working with 9 schools and two community groups including the Derbyshire Youth Dance Company performing an inspired Dance–Theatre piece titled ‘Get in Line’.”

Tickets are available now priced at £5 for adults and £3 for juniors/concessions for family and friends of performers. This year’s event is expected to be a sell-out, with tickets already selling quickly. To book please contact the Chesterfield Visitor Centre on 01246 345777.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Volunteers needed to help with Macmillan Shining Stars Christmas Appeal

24th November 2015

Volunteers are being called on to help fundraise for the very first Shining Stars Christmas Appeal at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and BRM Solicitors, both based on Saltergate in Chesterfield, have joined forces to back the appeal and have sponsored a huge, real Christmas tree.

The 16ft tree will be displayed outside the front of the entrance of the hospital from Monday 7 – Saturday 19 December, where volunteers will be fundraising for the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support’s Appeal to raise £2.5 million towards the new Cancer Centre which is expected to open in 2016.

The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre is an exciting new development that will mean that people with cancer in North and North East Derbyshire will be able to receive vital treatment, care and support in one purpose-built centre providing joined up services closer to home.

More than 20,000 people are expected to see the spectacular tree at the hospital which will be accompanied by carol singers on some days, mince pies and other festive treats to ensure everyone gets into the Christmas spirit.

Rob Turner, senior fundraising manager for Macmillan in Chesterfield said, “If you’re visiting the hospital why not pop over to the Christmas tree and our marquee to see us? We’ve got all sorts of exciting activities planned over the two weeks including carol singing, chocolate tombola, Christmas cards and mince pies for a donation. You’ll also get the chance to have your picture taken using our star-shaped prop and to write a message in memory of a loved one to remember at Christmas.”

Richard Trueman, managing partner of Mitchells said: “We’re delighted to be involved with the Macmillan Shining Stars Christmas Appeal. Cancer affects so many people including a Mitchells’ member of staff. This is a great way for us to show support to our colleague as well as the 1,500 people in North and North East Derbyshire diagnosed with cancer each year.”

Rob Woodhead, director and Head of Wills and Probate at BRM said, “The new Macmillan Centre will bring very welcome advances in the standard of cancer treatment services available to our local community. My colleagues and I are very proud to be able to support a project that will have a positive, tangible impact on the lives of people suffering with cancer, and their families.”

Volunteer event assistants are required Monday – Saturday from 9am – 12.30pm and 12.30pm – 4pm throughout the two week period the tree will be on display. If you’re interested in volunteering, please specify which day(s) and shift(s) you can do and contact Rob Turner on 07545 419 725 or email rturner@macmillan.org.uk

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

Greener commute wins award for Brockwell Junior School

24th November 2015

Brockwell Junior School in Chesterfield has received a national award for encouraging pupils to enjoy a more active, safer and greener commute.

The Modeshift STARS bronze accreditation recognises the school’s efforts in getting more children to travel to school on foot or using another sustainable means of transport.

Far surpassing any targets, Brockwell has recorded 82% of pupils walking, cycling or scooting to school on a daily basis during the 2014/15 academic year.

Miss Lenthall, of Brockwell Junior School, said: “It’s a fantastic and well organised scheme to be a part of, which really highlights the benefits of active travel. Through the scheme, we found that not only the children, but also their entire families were becoming more involved with travelling actively.

“The children loved being able to travel to school on bikes as well as scooters and couldn’t wait to record their achievements and track their progress against their pledges.”

Following the successful bronze initiatives, the school is continuing the Modeshift STARS scheme and hopes to expand their initiatives in order to achieve the Silver award in 2016.

The national Modeshift STARS scheme is delivered locally by the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership and supported by Derbyshire County Council and Sustrans, a national charity.

Every school in England can participate in the Modeshift STARS scheme for free, and achieve bronze, silver or gold level awards. It is supported by 52 local authorities and more than 11,000 schools nationally.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Celebrate a magical Christmas at Chatsworth with Mr Toad

24th November 2015

Chatsworth has once again taken inspiration from a children’s classic for its much anticipated festive season. Christmas at Chatsworth with Mr Toad takes visitors through the adventures of those best of animal friends; Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad as they get ready to celebrate Christmas.

With the lower floors of the house transformed into scenes loosely based on Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved classic Wind in the Willows, the Painted Hall serves beautifully as the Baronial Toad Hall dressed with sumptuous garlands and a magnificent Christmas tree while the house itself is generously decorated with festive flowers and giant Christmas trees throughout.

The enchantment continues with scenes of the riverside folk getting ready to celebrate Christmas at Toad Hall before they come in for a shock. Visitors will discover Mole helping to dress Ratty’s Christmas tree before loading up his little boat with gifts to take to Toad Hall. With many charming scenes unfolding on the journey through the house, this year’s festive celebration is sure to enchant all that come under its magical spell.

This year, Chatsworth is also transforming the Great Chamber and the Guest Bedrooms into the scenes from the evergreen story to extend the festive route throughout more of the house.

Children will enjoy discovering the hiding places of the little mice all along the route, placing their wish on the Wishes Trees and dressing up in the costumes made especially for Christmas with Mr Toad by the in house textiles team.

Once again, it’s been a huge effort from the talented Chatsworth in house team with staff from Textiles; Housekeeping; Joinery and Gardening coming together to create the costumes for characters and guides; painting backdrops; making scene-setting items such as Ratty’s jetty and Badger’s house and putting together the garlands and other festive flower displays.

Tickets for visits at Christmas now offer timed entry into the house to reduce queuing times. Visitors planning to make a trip to the house this festive season are advised to book in advance to secure their time slot and make the most of their visit. Free parking is included with all online bookings.

Christmas at Chatsworth with Mr Toad continues until 3rd January 2016. For more information visit http://www.chatsworth.org/attractions-and-events/christmas-at-chatsworth

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Young people become sporting ambassadors

19th November 2015

Over 100 local secondary school students came together last week to train as sporting ambassadors ready to plan and deliver their own sporting events in Chesterfield.

Organised and delivered by the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, the all-day conference took place at the Institute of Sport in Sheffield and was an opportunity to gain a range of new skills and experience.

The day was delivered by experts in the field of journalism, photography and media as well as former Team GB Olympic volleyball players, Ben Pipes and Dami Bakare.

Students learned how to run how to run a variety of sporting activities; many which are different to the usual sports played in school – for example boccia and new age kurling.

Activities also included a mock press conference with a former top-level athlete, writing a feature, taking and selecting expert photos and deciding how to publicise any completed work.

Sarah Evans, Leadership and Physical Activity Officer at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “It’s great to see so many young leaders here today developing their skills and taking on the role as a Young Ambassador.

“I can’t wait to see how they embrace this role to be inspirational and make a change within their schools.”

The media officer from the Brookfield Community School SSOC said: “I enjoyed the media workshop as we got involved in speaking to an Olympian, taking photos and videos of the other activities and writing a sports blog.”

The Silver Young Ambassadors are now preparing to deliver a School Sport Club in Chesterfield, a Level 1 School Games (Intra) competition and two Get Set for Community Action projects.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

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