About Chesterfield

Tower poppies could head to Chesterfield in 2016

Part of the poppy sculpture by Chesterfield artist Paul Cummins could be heading to the town as Chesterfield Borough Council makes a bid to display the commemorative artwork next year.

The council, together with Chesterfield College, Destination Chesterfield and ex-servicemen’s organisations, has completed an expression of interest to host the Weeping Window sculpture, which was part of the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red on display at HM Tower of London in autumn 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War.

The display features 2,800 ceramic poppies, which will cascade from a building of some height. Options for displaying the sculpture include the Town Hall, Rose Hill.

Paul came up with the original idea for the sculpture after looking at some First World War archives while visiting the local studies and family history section of Chesterfield Library.

He was inspired by a line in the will of an unknown soldier, who died at Flanders, which said: “The blood-swept lands and seas of red, where angels fear to tread.”

This gave him the idea of making an installation with ceramic poppies representing each of the dead.

The decision on whether the borough will host the sculpture will be made by a panel including Paul Cummins; 14-18 NOW, the official First World War Centenary cultural programme and the Imperial War Museum.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy and vice chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The First World War was a watershed in our history. Hosting the Weeping Window sculpture would be fitting for us to remember the many Chesterfield men and women who gave their lives during the conflict.

“As the artist, Paul Cummins, is from Chesterfield, this would also be an opportunity to show our pride in him and his work in his home town.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Cestrefeldians all felt immense pride when Paul Cummins’ poppy installation received such international acclaim. The chance to have the poppies on display here in Paul’s home town, the place where he got the inspiration for this magnificent artwork, is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.

They represent so much about Chesterfield, not least the many men who lost their lives in the war; it seems only fitting that the artwork returns to its spiritual home. I hope the entire Chesterfield community – businesses and residents – join the campaign to make this happen. If successful, this will be momentous for Chesterfield and put our town further on the map for investors helping create jobs.”

The decision on whether Chesterfield could host the sculpture will be made in September.

If successful, the artwork could be on display in the town in 2016.

The council will seek sponsorship to cover the cost of displaying the sculpture. Anyone with any suggestions for funding should contact: Bernadette Wainwright, cultural and visitor services manager by email: bernadette.wainwright@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 345779.

Chesterfield Town Hall spring

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Ashes in Chesterfield

Queen’s Park plays host to a One Day International on Friday 14 August when England under-19s play their Australia counterparts.

The game is being staged by Chesterfield Cricket Club with the valued support of Chesterfield Borough Council and admission is free of charge although there is a £5 charge for the limited amount of car parking by the ground.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to see the crème de la crème of the two country’s young cricketers which may well include test players of the future,” said Mike Taylor, chairman of Chesterfield Cricket Club.

“It’s a considerable honour for Chesterfield that the ECB have selected the town for this international and we have taken the decision to make the game free of any entry fee to open up opportunity for everybody to enjoy the event.”

A tea bar alongside the pavilion will be selling tea, coffee and cakes throughout the day and snacks and soft drinks will be available from the pavilion bar. A barbecue will be running at various times and a range of drinks including Brampton Brewery’ award winning Golden Bud will be on sale.

The 50 over a side game starts at 10.30am. No tickets are needed but spectators are welcome to bring garden chairs to guarantee a seat for what promises to be a wonderful day of top class cricket at Chesterfield’s beautiful Queen’s Park ground.

Chesterfield Cricket Club

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Chesterfield Marathon organisers launch business clubs

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins is calling on local businesses to join the Chesterfield Marathon‘s new business clubs – the Top 50 and the Top 100.

Organisers of the annual event say the clubs will help to create a lasting legacy for the town and ensure that as much money as possible is shared with all charities involved.

Those taking up membership will enjoy a range of benefits and discounts including member networking events, VIP tickets to the marathon’s hospitality marquee on race day, tickets to the charity’s annual dinner and PR opportunities.

Mr Perkins, who is also the Shadow Small Business Secretary, said: “The Chesterfield Marathon is a fantastic event for our town, bringing real economic benefits, especially to all the shops, restaurants, hotels and bars which visitors will flock to on marathon weekend.

“I’d encourage as many businesses as possible to support the marathon by joining the business clubs, and help the race organisers to grow the event and make it a huge success each year, for the benefit of everyone living here,” added Mr Perkins.

Mike Hyman, co-founder of Kids ‘n’ Cancer and the Chesterfield Marathon said: “It is our aim to make the marathon one of the UK’s largest running events, bringing thousands of runners and visitors into our town every year.

“Research shows that for every runner between 2 and 6.5 visitors will come to the town. With well over 1,000 runners in last year’s event, the marathon brings people to Chesterfield from all over the country, Europe and indeed other parts of the world; people who would not be spending their money in Chesterfield if it were not for the marathon,” added Mr Hyman.

The Chesterfield Marathon takes place on Sunday 20th September and involves a full, team-relay, half marathon and fun run, as well as an all-day party in Queens Park.

This year the charities which will benefit include Kids ‘n’ Cancer, MacMillan (Chesterfield Cancer Centre Appeal), Ashgate Hospicecare, the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Images: Portrait: Inaugural member of the Top 100 Club – Maison MesAmis – (L-R) Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, James and Marcella Kirk, with daughter Darcy, and Mike Hyman of Chesterfield Marathon

Landscape: Inaugural member of Top 50 Club – Dunston Lodge, (L-R) Julie Harrington, Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, Richard Harrington with sons Charlie & Fraser, Mike Hyman of Chesterfield Marathon

Top 50 Business Club Chesterfield Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chatsworth set for summer with late garden opening

Chatsworth is helping visitors to make the most of the summer with special extended openings of its beautiful 105 acre garden taking place for the first time this August.

A new hop-on-hop-off Garden Train will take visitors to the furthest reaches of the garden, passing under the Cascade through Paxton’s coal tunnel; a feature of the garden not normally open to visitors. It will run every 45 minutes from outside the Orangery shop and have four other stops around the garden, located near Blanche’s vase, the Grotto pond, the Kitchen garden entrance and the Willow Tree fountain.

Flora’s Temple and the Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar on the Broadwalk will be open while all the iconic water features from the Cascade to the Emperor fountain will continue to play up until 8.30pm.

Bands will be playing every weekend in the Rose garden and a classical string trio will be adding ambience during the late garden openings.

Summer garden games based at the maze will also take place throughout the school holidays.

The garden will now stay open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays from August 8 to 29 inclusive to allow visitors to experience the garden at dusk when it really comes into its own.

With no additional cost to daytime admission, there is also an option to buy a discounted evening-only ticket for visits from 6pm – available on the gate or via www.chatsworth.org with free entry for Friends of Chatsworth.

Chatsworth maze

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

Eastwood Park receives its first Green Flag

Eastwood Park in Hasland has been declared one of the country’s finest green spaces, after receiving a prestigious Green Flag award.

The park, which is owned and maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council is one of five spaces in the borough to receive the national accolade this year.

Eastwood Park reopened in June 2013 after a redevelopment funded by the council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

This included restoring the fountain, creating a community garden, mini orchard, rose garden, wildlife area, a new play area for children as well as improvements to the car park, footpath, drainage and war memorial.

Work was also carried out to Hasland Village Hall and a new sports pavilion opened in the park this year with the project carried out by the council’s builders and apprentices.

Eastwood Park also has an active friends group and community gardeners.

The other parks in Chesterfield, which have retained their Green Flags are:
• Queen’s Park
• Holmebrook Valley Park
• Poolsbrook Country Park
• The grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “I’m pleased that Eastwood Park has been awarded a Green Flag Award to complement our other four award-winning parks.

“Eastwood Park is well used with a thriving friends group and community garden who take great pride in the park.

“I’d also like to thank our staff who have worked hard throughout the year to maintain each of our parks.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd added: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

Eastwood Park Green Flag 2015-16

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

Shortlist announced for 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

The votes for the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are in and have been counted.

24 eateries, pubs, bars and venues have been shortlisted across 10 categories in the popular awards which are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College, who are headline sponsor and host of the awards for the third year running.

The shortlisted establishments were selected from hundreds of nominations received by the competition organisers Destination Chesterfield.

This year sees the introduction of a brand new category – Conference Venue of the Year – and also 11 new contenders for the awards, including The Tickled Trout, Batemans Mill, Chesters, Little Castle, H&F Tea Rooms, Libby’s, Four One Three, Coffee St, Qoozies, Three Cottages and the Proact Stadium.

A secret panel of judges is now set to visit the shortlisted establishments in order to decide the winner of each category which will be announced in October by award winning restaurateur Theo Randall, who is a familiar face on prime time TV.

Restaurant of the Year

Chesterfield Restaurant of the Year  – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Calabria

Cocina at Casa Hotel

 

Chesterfield Cafe/Tea Room of the Year

 Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

H & F Tea Rooms

Libby’s

Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

 

Chesterfield Gastro Pub of the Year

Gastro Pub of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield College

The Tickled Trout

Red Lion Bar and Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel

Three Cottages

 

Chesterfield Pub Bar of the Year
Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Hoopers

COCO Bar Bistro 

The Manor

The Market Pub

 

 

Chesterfield Pub Bar of the Year

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by Barber Harrison & Platt

Four One Three

Coffee St

Qoozies

 

 

Chesterfield Best Customer Service

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Libby’s

 

Chesterfield Best Out of Town

Best Out of Town

The Tickled Trout

Red Lion Bar and Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel

Bateman’s Mill

 

 

Chesterfield Food Producer Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by NatWest

To be announced soon

 

 

 

Chesterfield Food Hero Chesterfield Food Hero – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

To be announced on the evening

 

 

 

Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year

Young Chef of the Year – Sponsored by the Crooked Spire Church

To be announced

 

 

 

 

Chesterfield International Restaurant of the YearInternational Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41
O-Tokuda
Indian Blues

 

 

 

Chesterfield Family Friendly AwardFamily Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Chesters
The Manor at Brampton
Little Castle

 

 

Conference venue of the yearConference Venue of the Year – Sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants

Casa Hotel
Proact Stadium
Peak Edge Hotel

 

As well as the winners of the nine categories, Theo will be announcing the winners of three additional categories – Food Producer of the Year, Young Chef of the Year and Food Hero – at the glittering award ceremony being held on Wednesday 28 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield Cllr Amanda Serjeant said: “The success of the Food and Drink awards is all down to the general public and, once again, they haven’t let us down voting in their droves for their favourite food and drink establishments.”

“The awards are recognition of the contribution Chesterfield’s thriving hospitality industry makes to the local economy. Restaurants, cafes and bars are an important part of Chesterfield’s future leisure offering and are integral part of our recently launched Town Centre Masterplan.”

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones, the Crooked Spire Church, Black Eyed Susan and Reflections.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain. If any businesses are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards they should contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207

F&D Awards 2014 018

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

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

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.)

5 year deal for Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

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

Celebration of Learning takes place in Chesterfield

 

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.

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”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Dragon hunts for the next generation of entrepreneurs

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.”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Keeping Chesterfield town centre vibrant

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

Chesterfield Market

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

Exclusive offers for Chesterfield Marathon runners

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.

Chesterfield Marathon

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