About Chesterfield

Young people step up to debate

19th October 2015

Young people in Chesterfield have been engaging in political debate to mark Local Democracy Week.

The annual event runs from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October to give young people the opportunity to learn more about democracy.

Pupils from Springwell Community College and St Mary’s Roman Catholic High School, took part in debates chaired by borough councillors.

The young people chose the topics they wanted to debate putting together arguments for and against the motions put forward followed by a vote.

The debates followed the same format as the debates at council meetings to allow them to understand how they work.

Neely Middleton, 17, from St Mary’s Roman Catholic High School put forward a motion that political education should be compulsory in schools.

She said on taking part in the debate: “By taking part in debates such as this, it is good for democracy because it’s a good opportunity to learn more about politics – and an opportunity that we don’t usually have.”

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, added: “Local Democracy Week is all about giving young people experience of how democracy works.

“By giving them the opportunity to meet councillors and take part in debates, it helps break down barriers and gives an understanding of how we are here to help them and to learn about how to take part in politics in the future.”

As well as debates with secondary school pupils, Wednesday’s council meeting also saw a petition presented to council by local young people on the subject of legal highs.

Groups of primary school children from schools including Barrow Hill Primary School, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and St Peter and St Paul School have visited the mayor’s parlour at the Town Hall and had an opportunity to meet Chesterfield’s mayor and mayoress.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Awards for green-fingered residents and businesses

19th October 2015

Chesterfield residents and businesses are celebrating after scooping prizes in the annual Chesterfield in Bloom awards.

The prize for the best overall garden was won by Richard and Sharon Smithson, who also won the best back garden (smaller than 80m2) category.

The judges praised their beautifully laid out garden, which they described as ‘a real haven of greenery, with colour and interest all year round, beautifully landscaped and maintained to a high standard. Excellent use of plants with bold foliage giving real structure to the garden.’

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Smithson and all the award winners in the Chesterfield in Bloom competition. The awards are as a result of months of hard work and toil.

“This is a great example of the way in which residents and businesses have taken pride in their area to improve where they live.”

Tom and Penny Gavan were also noted in the most improved category for the improvements made to their allotment plot.

The other category winners were:

Best front garden: Terry and Eileen Kelly
Best back garden (greater than 80m2): Jointly to Terry and Eileen Kelly and also to Philip Brighton
Best pub or restaurant: The Britannia Inn
Best hanging basket: Dorothy Smith
Best allotment site: Rufford Close Allotments, Nigel Masters
Best allotment plot: Glynn Barnett
Best container garden: Dorothy Smith
Best newcomer: Jeff Webster Bakery
Best plant stall: Mark Brooks, Unstone Plant Centre
Best general trader: George Cockburn Handbags
Best fruit and veg stall: Simon Harding
Best overall market stall: Simon Harding.

In the schools’ competition, St Joseph’s Primary and Junior School was named as the best overall school. The judges were impressed with a good range of vegetable and salad crops grown outdoors in raised beds and under glass and a garden which is having a positive impact on those children taking part.

Other winners in the competition were:

Vibrant vegetables: Whittington Green School
Best environmental garden: Calow CE Primary School
Wonderful wildlife: Calow CE Primary School
Radical recycling: St Joseph’s CofE Primary School
Fabulous flowers: St Marys RC Infant and Junior School
Best school hanging basket: St Marys RC Infant and Junior School
Painting competition (year 3 to year 6): Isabel Riddell, Henry Bradley School
Painting competition (reception to year 2): Holly Grace Miles, Christ Church Primary School.

Both award ceremonies were held at Ringwood Hall Hotel, which sponsors the awards.

Chesterfield in Bloom is a council-led project to improve the borough’s environment and forms the borough’s entry into the regional East Midlands in Bloom competition.

To become involved in a range of volunteering opportunities, contact John Ramsey by email: john.ramsey@chesterfield.gov.uk or call 01246 345097.

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

Museum celebrates everything Made in Chesterfield

16th October 2015

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can learn about the borough’s manufacturing industry through a new exhibition named ‘Made in Chesterfield’.

Items from at least 27 different Chesterfield companies will be on display including a drill collar from Techman Engineering, pottery, strapping from Damar Webbing and leather items from Claytons.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “Chesterfield has a rich and varied manufacturing history which continues to this day.

“The borough is known for producing specialised and bespoke items, working closely with the customer, and has a reputation for quality.

“This is a great opportunity to see the work which still continues today and I’d encourage families to visit the exhibition and learn together.”

The exhibition runs until Saturday 9th January and will include some ‘hands on’ elements for the museum’s younger visitors, including boxes allowing them to feel and explore different materials.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The exhibition is part of the town’s annual Made in Chesterfield Festival which takes place across the town throughout November.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield which coordinates the celebrations said: “Made in Chesterfield is a flagship event for the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector, which is the foundation of our economy and a large contributor to the region,

“However lots of young people don’t know the companies or careers that exist within it. Made in Chesterfield is an important tool in raise awareness of this sector.

“Last year during Made in Chesterfield we introduced more than 400 young people to the sector through a programme of events. This year, we’re running an entire month of school and business events throughout November.

“It is these events, combined with the exhibition at the museum, that will help us reach more people this year and enable the borough’s thriving manufacturing sector to survive and prosper for many more generations.”

More information can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/made

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

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards declared a sell out!

15th October 2015

Celebrity chef, Theo Randall will be in town on Wednesday 28 October to host Chesterfield’s annual Food and Drink Awards. Organised by Destination Chesterfield and in association with Chesterfield College the awards are a sell out yet again with more guests than ever attending the prestigious event.

Over 250 guests – 100 more than attended in year one, will come together to celebrate the success of the town’s food and drink industry at Chesterfield’s third glitzy ceremony.

31 businesses and individuals are up for 13 awards which will be announced on the night by Theo Randall. He said: “I am thrilled to be involved with the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2015. The awards are a great demonstration of how the food and drink scene in Chesterfield has evolved in recent years. It is now catering for many tastes, from authentic Japanese and Jamaican to Italian and Great British. The town has everything and is continuing to develop its thriving and increasingly successful hospitality scene.”

The awards are being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building. As well as hosting the ceremony, 50 of the college’s hospitality students will catering a delicious two course meal for the evening and providing silver service to guests. The college’s students will also be taking centre stage on the night, as three students from its Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery course have been shortlisted for the prestigious Young Chef of the Year award.

This year’s full shortlist in the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House
Calabria
Cocina at Casa Hotel

Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

H & F Vintage Tea Rooms
Libby’s
Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Gastro Pub of the Year – presented by headline sponsor Chesterfield College

Red Lion Bar & Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel
The Tickled Trout
The Three Cottages

Pub / Bar of the Year – Sponsored by Hooper’s

Coco Bar Bistro
The Manor at Brampton
The Market Pub

Best Newcomer – sponsored by Barber Harrison and Platt

Coffee St
Four One Three
Qoozies

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Blu Bistro & Coffee House
Libby’s
Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Best Out of Town

The Bateman’s Mill
Red Lion Bar & Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel
The Tickled Trout

Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by Natwest

Granny Mary’s (Original Recipes)
Liza Bakes
Teresa Lambarelli’s

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Saint Mary & All Saints, Chesterfield (the Crooked Spire Church)
James Greatorex
Leanne Billyeald
Liam Slinn

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Dehli 41
Indian Blues
O Tokuda

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Chesters
The Little Castle
The Manor at Brampton

Conference Venue of the Year – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers

Casa Hotel
Peak Edge Hotel
The Proact Stadium

On the night, a special award honouring a Food Hero in the town will also be presented by sponsor Banner Jones Solicitors.

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Black Eyed Susan, Reflections and magician Steve Faulkner.

To find out this year’s winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards live on the night, follow @DesChes on Twitter using the hashtag #CFDA15 or visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

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

Chesterfield College wins prestigious automotive award

14th October 2015

Chesterfield College has been crowned education provider of the year at the automotive industry’s Bodyshop Awards.

The college beat stiff competition from across the country to bring home the award which recognised the quality of training provision that they deliver as well as the passion and commitment of staff.

Industry experts on the judging panel commented on how the college was helping to produce excellent technicians and helping to meet the skills needs of the industry. Judges recognised that the college is being very proactive and highlighted, that while not the largest organisation in the nominees, they clearly demonstrated that they are growing and developing through their own ambition, matching the needs of the industry to attract more talent and improve skills.

Paul Sewell, Chesterfield College Vehicle Body and Paint Lecturer said: “Winning this national award was a fantastic achievement for all involved in the department. The team here are delighted that the industry has recognised our hard work and dedication.”

“Awards like this prove how important the work we do is in creating opportunities for learners and employers in the area. They also put us in the spotlight and open up doors to partnerships with bigger companies who donate equipment and expertise that helps our students to get a competitive edge by training with the latest industry materials and designs. These relationships are vital as we want to help everyone who comes through our door to be the best technicians of the future.”

This award adds to the department’s recent list of accolades including two gold medal winners at Skill Auto, part of WorldSkills UK, competitions and been crowned a centre of excellence by Bodyshop magazine.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Derbyshire tourism boosts local economy

14th October 2015

Tourism’s contribution to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy continues on an upward curve – generating more than £1.9 billion in 2014.

New research confirms that the area’s tourist economy has made solid progress since 2009, despite the challenging financial climate.

The industry’s value to the local economy increased from £1.47 billion in 2009 to more than £1.9 billion last year – an increase of five per cent on £1.8 billion in 2013 – while the number of full-time equivalent jobs it supported rose to 27,720 in 2014, compared with 25,285 in 2009.

Visitor numbers increased by more than 800,000 to reach more than 38.8 million in 2014, compared with 38 million in 2013 and 36.25 million in 2009.

The number of nights staying visitors spend in the area continues to grow steadily each year, from around 9.8 million in 2009 to more than 10.8 million in 2014.

“It’s very reassuring to see that, in spite of tough economic times, tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire continues to thrive and to make a key contribution to the local and regional economy,” said Jo Dilley, Director of Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

“We’re particularly pleased that visitor numbers are up and that there’s a gradual increase in the total number of nights they stay, helping to add five per cent more value to the area’s economy from 2013 to 2014.

“The latest figures also reveal that more people are visiting at traditionally quiet times, such as post-Christmas, early spring and autumn, which is excellent news, as our marketing campaigns consistently emphasize that we are the ideal destination for a short break or longer holiday at any time of year.”

Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, Leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council and Visitor Economy Champion for the D2 Joint Committee, added: “A thriving visitor economy plays an important role in maintaining the economic health of our area – indeed our accommodation providers, attractions, pubs, cafés and shops rely on it to support jobs and livelihoods.

“Our goal is to further increase the value of the sector and visitor spend by helping local businesses exploit growth markets such as cycle tourism, improving the quality of the visitor experience and promoting the area as a wonderful destination at any time of the year.

“However, while the influx of visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire is great news, it is crucial we turn increased visitor spending into better paid jobs for local people.”

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

Employment continues to rise in Chesterfield

14th October 2015

The number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Chesterfield and across the East Midlands continues to fall, according to figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics.

In September, there were 981 claimants, which is 90 fewer than in August (1,071) and 568 fewer than in September 2014 (1,549). The current percentage of people claiming the benefit remains below the national average for a second month (1.5% for Chesterfield compared with 1.6% for the UK).

The number of claimants in Derbyshire fell by 169 to 5,725 in September from 5,894 August and compared with September 2014 the fall was 2,143 from 7,868.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy for East Midlands Chamber said: “The figures released this morning reaffirm the strength of the East Midlands jobs market and that the region continues to drive the national economy.

“A small element of the improvement will be down to seasonal recruitment as the logistics and retail sectors, in particular, start preparing for the Christmas rush. We would expect to see this recruitment continue through the final quarter of the year.

“Strong employment does, however, bring its own issues and our members continue to report problems recruiting people with the skills they need. And many, particularly in leisure, retail, hospitality, logistics and some manufacturing sectors, have expressed concerns about the introduction of the National Living Wage next April which, they tell us, will make them adjust their recruitment plans.

“We also need to be aware of what is happening in overseas markets, such as the slowing growth in the China economy. This ongoing turbulence has an inevitable impact on business confidence, which can influence investment plans and recruitment.

“Although today’s figures are, once again, very positive, now is not the time to be complacent.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Table tennis stars scoop major honours at Sports Awards

13th October 2015

Chesterfield’s Liam Pitchford and Isobel Ashley have been crowned Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively at the inaugural Active Chesterfield Sports Awards. Both athletes have had a fantastic 12 months, with Pitchford winning three medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and Ashley breaking into the top 20 of the England Senior Women’s rankings for the first time.

Over 160 local athletes, mentors and school pupils attended the Winding Wheel for the much anticipated ceremony on Thursday 8th October. In association with Chesterfield Borough Council, the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership combined community sports awards with those for schools and school teams that have excelled over the past year.

In total 22 awards were presented to athletes across a wide range of sports including Inkersall Primary and Brookfield Community schools, who picked up the Primary and Secondary Team Achievement awards respectively. Inkersall had a fantastic year of sporting success as two of their under-11 football teams reached the district finals and one became the best in Derbyshire, winning at the county final, eventually losing out in the regional event. Brookfield Community School entered 12 teams into four badminton competitions and both the key stage three and four boys teams won at county level, rounding off a year of fantastic displays that are testament to coach Mr Petty.

There was similar success for Springwell Community College who were deserved winners of the Disability Team Achievement award. After entering every Competition Plus event, the school were crowned district champions in a number of events and were county winners in the Sports Hall Athletics and Mini Tennis Plus events.

Volunteers and coaches were rewarded too, with Oliver Couch winning the Volunteer of the Year award and John Jefferson the Lifetime Achievement award. The full list of winners is detailed below.

Mark Tournier, Partnership and Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “The Active Chesterfield Awards provided an exciting platform to recognise and celebrate local sporting success and honour the dedication of sports leaders and volunteers.

“Everyone involved in school and community sport in Chesterfield deserves praise and thanks. The Winding Wheel provided the ideal setting to give the worthy winners and highly commended nominees to receive their awards.

“The Chesterfield School Sport Partnership were delighted to partner the Active Chesterfield Awards to recognise the work that schools play in developing opportunities to shine through Sport and Leadership and to celebrate the success of individuals and teams across Chesterfield.”

The evening was a great success and something which the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership looks to build upon for the years ahead. Those interested in getting involved in the future should contact m.tournier@brookfield.derbyshire.sch.uk.

See more photographs from the event at https://www.flickr.com/photos/chesterfieldsspphotos/sets/72157659635443465/

Full list of winners – 2015

Team Achievement Primary School

Winner: Inkersall Primary School

Highly commended: Old Hall Junior School

Team Achievement Secondary School

Winner: Brookfield Community School

Highly commended: Springwell Community College

Team Achievement Disability

Winner: Springwell Community College

Highly commended: Brookfield Community School, Netherthorpe School

Media & Arts Contribution to Sport

Winner: Katie Marshall

Highly commended: Joe Roberts

Individual Young Leader of the Year

Winner: India Hollingworth

Highly commended: Josh Ryder-Flint, Melanie Oldale

School Sport Organising Crew

Winner: Brampton Primary School

Highly commended: Hasland Junior School, Old Hall Junior School

School Sport Organising Committee

Winner: Hasland Hall Community School

Highly commended: St. Mary’s High School

School Staff Award

Winner: Angela Barnston

Highly commended: Karen Kerry, Rachael Bates

Junior Sportsman of the Year

Winner: Jack Barker-Sabido

Junior Sportswoman of the Year

Winner: Elise Collins

Highly commended: Anya Bourne

Coach of the Year

Winner: Dave Cartawick

Highly commended: Andy Petty, Paul Chapman

Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Oliver Couch

Active Workplace Award

Winner: Chesterfield Borough Council

Highly commended: Chesterfield College, Kier Asset Management

Community Award

Winner: Newbold Community Football Training

Club of the Year

Winner: Chesterfield Triathlon Club

Highly commended: Unit 1 Martial Arts

Team of the Year

Winner: Chesterfield Football Club

Highly commended: Chesterfield Cricket Club First XI

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: John Jefferson

Highly commended: Denise Cooper

Young Sportsman of the Year

Winner: Aaron Cobley

Highly commended: Ryan Apsley, Jake Apsley

Young Sportswoman of the Year

Winner: Alicia Barrett

Highly commended: Ella Barrett

Disabled Sportsperson of the Year

Winner: Kevin Tann

Sportsman of the Year

Winner: Liam Pitchford

Highly commended: George Woolgar

Sportswoman of the Year

Winner: Isobel Ashley

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Funding boost for Derbyshire athletes

13th October 2015

Some of Derbyshire’s most promising sporting talent can look forward to a brighter future after being handed financial backing through the ICON bursary programme.

A total of 127 athletes from across the county will receive up to £250 of the £22,925 fund raised through county sports partnership Derbyshire Sport’s business network. They will also receive free leisure passes in the area where they train and be given valuable PR exposure.

Those supported in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire are listed below.

ICON was set up by Derbyshire Sport as part of the work to create a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Games in Derbyshire.

The bursaries have been made possible by the contributions of all 10 Derbyshire local authorities, plus a number of business members from across the county.

Each successful applicant must live in one of the county’s nine district and boroughs or compete for a Derbyshire-based club and must already compete at a high level.

All should already be representing their country or Great Britain, have won a national championship medal, are part of a recognised development squad or a development squad aligned to a professional club or have been selected for the Derbyshire Institute of Sport.

Director of Derbyshire Sport, Ilana Freestone said: “It’s only through the continued support of the ICON programme from our business members that we are able to give so many athletes a helping hand, so we’re very grateful to them.

“There is a fantastic spread of sports and ages being backed by the programme, and we wait with bated breath to see what these champion performers can achieve as they move up the levels.”

Athletes supported in Chesterfield

Isobel Ashley (Table Tennis) from Barrow Hill.

Alicia Barrett (Athletics) Newbold (pictured above).

Ella Barrett (Athletics) from Newbold (pictured above).

Bradley Buckland (Tennis) from Brampton.

Aaron Cobley (Taekwondo) from Staveley.

Ashley Davies (Squash) from Chesterfield.

Emily Hedger (Equestrian) from Sheffield and a member of Dunston Park EC, Chesterfield.

Athletes supported in North East Derbyshire

Jade Ashmore (Boxing) from Heath.

Amy Bell (Swimming) from Killamarsh.

Imogen Clark (Swimming) from Morton.

Matthew Cooper (Fencing) from Dronfield Woodhouse.

Caitlin Emerson (Athletics) from Shirland.

Niamh Emerson (Athletics) from Shirland.

William Gascoyne (Cycling) from Wingerworth

Bess Heath (Cricket) from Holymoorside.

Lauren Hill (Athletics) from Grassmoor.

Oscar Kelly (Swimming) from Killamarsh.

Adam Morewood (Cycling) from Dronfield Woodhouse.

Tilly Simpson (Athletics) from Eckington.

Morgan Swales (Ice Skating) from Calow.

Calli Thackery (Athletics) from Killamarsh.

Jessie Westnidge (Swimming) from Marsh Lane.

Millie Wilkinson (Skiing) from Dronfield Woodhouse.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Women-only Workplace Challenge to kick start fitness push

9th October 2015

Women in Chesterfield have the ideal chance to kick start a healthy lifestyle later this month with Active Derbyshire’s new two-week mini Workplace Challenge.

Studies have shown just 20 minutes of physical activity each day brings significant health benefits and can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by 40 per cent.

It’s why the online, female-only challenge will run from Monday October 19 until Saturday October 31 to link in with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Wear it Pink Day, held on Friday, October 23.

Prizes will be awarded for the best Wear it Pink Day photo, which can be any picture of participants taking part in physical activity while wearing pink.

Other spot prizes will be available to those who achieve the department of health target of 150 minutes of activity each week.

Among the prizes are a cycling goody bag (hand pump, light, spare inner tube, water bottle and bike lock), courtesy of Cycle Derby and a pass for cycle hire in the Derbyshire Dales.

“The This Girl Can campaign has been hugely successful in increasing women’s awareness of the need to say fit and active – and now we want those across the county to show they are keen to act on it,” said Andrea Stone, Sport Development Manager for Active Derbyshire.

“Taking part in a Workplace Challenge event can give you added motivation as it is something you can do alongside your colleagues, and you can push each other along. You could also do something to support a breast cancer charity at the same time.”

The October challenge comes after the successful national #SeptemberShakeUp, which saw 178 people from across Derbyshire log a range of sport and activities, 62 of them ‘newbies’.

They travelled a total of 11,978 miles during the month – the equivalent of Derbyshire to Hong Kong and back – with the University of Derby, Netcomposites (Chesterfield), Derbyshire Dales District Council and Guilford Textiles (Alfreton) among the most active workplaces.

A similar two-week male-only challenge themed on ‘Movember’ is planned to follow next month from Monday November 16 until Sunday November 29.

Find out how you can get involved at www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Vulcan XH558 to pass over North Derbyshire as part of national tour

8th October 2015

This coming weekend the Vulcan XH558 will take-off on two large orbital tours of the country, visiting as many places as possible. The northern tour will take place on Saturday 10th October and the plane will fly over North Derbyshire as it travels from Derby on its return to Doncaster Airport (See map below).

The flights will take place in the afternoon and flight times are expected to be over three and a half hours each day.

The flight will fly over north Derbyshire between 200 minutes and 210 minutes after take off. No take off time has been released as of Saturday morning (8.50) but expected to be around 13.00 – If this is correct would fly over North Derbyshire between 16.00 and 16.30. Full timings of the flight will be announced on the Vulcan’s website

Image: Vulcan XH558 by Mike Lawrence from Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting