About Chesterfield

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

Derbyshire V Yorkshire at Queens Park is Sold Out

11th July 2015

Derbyshire can announce that Sunday’s NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield, is now SOLD OUT!

The Club received unprecedented demand for the eagerly-awaited local derby against Yorkshire with over 4,000 supporters purchasing their matchday tickets in advance.

With capacity now reached, only matchday ticket holders will gain entry into the ground and tickets will not be available for sale on the gates. Members and Six Pack Ticket holders who have not already claimed a matchday ticket will also not be unable to gain entry.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “This fixture is always the highlight of our week here in Chesterfield and we’re delighted that local fans are keen to come out and support the Festival.

“Queen’s Park is a beautiful venue for Twenty20 cricket and whilst some fans will be disappointed they have not be able to get a ticket, we have the safety and comfort of those who attend the match in Queen’s Park as a top priority.

“The whole operations team are gearing up for a busy day with extra chairs ordered, a higher number of safety stewards on duty and additional bars and toilets already in place.

“It promises to be a great occasion and I know the team will enjoy playing in front of a packed house.”

Supporters with matchday tickets are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and to give plenty of time to arrive at the ground. Gates open at 12noon.

All supporters are reminded that due to ECB Ground Regulations, NO ALCOHOL can be brought into the ground for this NatWest T20 Blast Match.

Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Image: David Griffin

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Details announced for top careers event – Derbyshire Skills Festival

10th July 2015

The county’s largest careers event – the Derbyshire Skills Festival – will this year take place at Chesterfield College on Tuesday 29th September.

Organised with Derby City Council, the event is aimed at students aged 15 to 19, including those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school. Visitors to the event will be able to talk to employers, training providers and voluntary organisations, as well as having an opportunity to take part in have-a-go sessions to test their skills and give them an idea what different careers might be like.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“Last year, more than 11,000 people came along to the festival. Because all young people now need to stay in education or training until they’re 18, it’s really important for them to find out what options are out there.”

The event will open from 3.30pm to 8pm on the day. There will also be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) will also be invited.

Organisations interested in having a stand at one or more of the venues should contact Derbyshire County Council for more details on 01629 536545 or email skillsfestival@derbyshire.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer

Three Chesterfield schools triumph at Derbyshire School Games

10th July 2015

Three schools in Chesterfield have seen considerable success at the Derbyshire School Games – a national competition, this year featuring sprint stars Jonnie Peacock MBE and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Top achievers at Springwell Community College were proud to receive both gold and silver medals in the Tennis Plus, while Tupton Hall School took home silvers in a total of three events – Cricket Plus, the Super Sixes Golf Plus and the Quadkids Athletics Secondary competition.

Also celebrating are students at Brookfield Community School who were pleased to scoop bronze in the Super Sixes Golf Plus.

Paralympian Peacock – London 2012 gold medallist in the T44 100m – was interviewed during the opening ceremony about his rise to stardom and spoke about how he had been inspired as a School Games athlete.

“These Games are so important because it teaches the kids so many different things on so many different levels,” he said. “If they can look at my journey and emulate that in any possible way, that’s going to be a huge win for me.”

World, European and Commonwealth medallist Aikines-Aryeetey was just as popular, giving a speech about the importance of having a positive, ‘can do’ attitude.

Aikines-Aryeetey said: “It has been really fun, an honour to be here. I really enjoyed listening to the young people talking about their experiences in sport, watching them in action and seeing the enjoyment on their faces.”

Both athletes took part in the opening ceremony, which saw captains from each of the school sport partnerships act as flag bearers, accompanied by athletes on the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) programme.

A Heritage School dance group also performed at the opening ceremony and then assisted Katherine Wilkins from Deda in leading the warm-up routines.

Others to show their support at the Derbyshire Sport-led event were nine-time Paralympic swimming medallist Martin Mansell, Paralympic footballer Leon Taylor and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Caroline Povey.

Almost 1,000 young people from across the county attended the Derbyshire School Games Event at Trent College – all competing in 11 events in a total of seven sports.

Each of the 87 teams from 58 schools taking part – from High Peak to South Derbyshire – had already excelled to get through to this stage, having qualified by winning their local area competition.

Image: Tupton Hall School students with DIS athlete and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Caroline Povey and Paralympic CP footballer Leon Taylor.

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

Chamber reacts to summer budget

8th July 2015

Commenting on Chancellor George Osborne’s first Budget on a Conservative mandate, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and External Affairs at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “Before the Budget, the Chamber called on the Chancellor to deliver a package of measures focused more on boosting growth than austerity and what was announced today will, by and large, provide stimulus for the economy while continuing the tough task of eliminating the deficit at a steady pace.

“However, given that the Chancellor was in Derby only last month to state his ambition to make the Midlands an ‘Engine of Growth’ for the UK, it was disappointing that he didn’t say anything specific about fuelling that engine. There was a lack of any real action on infrastructure spending – which plays a critical role in generating growth – beyond the proposed road improvement fund, to be paid for by ring-fenced Vehicle Excise Duty.

“While it wasn’t explicitly mentioned, we await further details about two infrastructure initiatives mentioned in the written Budget which will have a real impact here in the East Midlands – the commitment of £5m of additional funding for Midlands Connect, to help develop its vision and strategy for transforming transport connectivity across the region in order to drive economic growth, and the allocation of the extended New Stations Fund to support a local bid for stations on the Robin Hood Line to Edwinstowe and Ollerton, subject to a business case, linking Nottingham city to the north of the county.

“There were, however, several measures announced that will be welcomed by business. Firms across the East Midlands are reliant on the roads for the movement of their goods and people, so a further freeze in Fuel Duty is a good thing.

“The Chamber has long campaigned for more clarity and certainty around Annual Investment Allowances and although we knew it was going to fall from its current level of £500,000, to just £25,000 from 1 January 2016, it was pleasing to see it will now be set at a new long term level of £200,000-a-year. This will provide a significant incentive for businesses to invest in their future and hopefully go some way to addressing the productivity puzzle.

“Reductions to the headline rate of Corporation Tax to 19% in 2017 and 18% by 2020 will be welcomed by business, as will the increase of the NIC employment allowance from £1,500 to £3,000. This could help to offset the expected increases to the National Minimum Wage, as recommended by the Low Pay Commission, which may well have a disproportionate effect on smaller employers already facing financial pressures as they implement pensions auto-enrolment.

“While there is still more specific detail to come, the commitment to set time scales for many of the measures set out in today’s Budget will offer the certainty to support businesses with their planning processes as they look to invest, recruit and grow.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Bowring Bell to be unveiled at Queens Park

8th July 2015

A specially-made bell will be rung for the first time on Day Three of the LV= County Championship versus Glamorgan as part of the Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

The bell commemorates the life of Trevor Bowring, who passed away in August 2014, and his commitment to the development of cricket in Derbyshire.

Trevor Bowring was Chairman at Derbyshire County Cricket Club from 1998 to 2005 and oversaw the return of first-class cricket to Chesterfield in 2005, and this summer marks the tenth successive year back at Queen’s Park.

He later served as Derbyshire President from 2005 to 2007 and also President of the Chesterfield Cricket Lovers’ Society which meets during the winter in the Pavilion at the ground where he enjoyed watching county cricket.

Mike Taylor, Chairman of Chesterfield Cricket Club, said: “It’s a generous gesture by Trevor’s family and it will be a wonderful way of remembering Trevor’s critical role in bringing county cricket back to Queen’s Park.

“Members of the Chesterfield Cricket Lovers’ Society will be present for the inaugural use of the bell when Trevor’s wife Shirley and son Ross hope to be present.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer