Celebrate Chesterfield

Annual employment trend remains positive

17th February 2016

Year on year the figures for employment remain positive with 8,660 fewer people out of work across the East Midlands, when compared to October to December 2015, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This means the East Midlands’ Unemployment Rate of 4.5% remains well below the national 5.1% and better than anywhere else outside of Southern England.

In Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in January 2016 fell by 6,935 compared to the same month in 2015.

In Chesterfield the number of people claiming the out of work benefit dropped to 893, which is 587 lower than the figure released in January 2015 (1480), and remains below the national average (1.4% compared to 1.5%).

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “While the quarterly increase in unemployment and fall in employment were disappointing, the annual trend is more positive and reflective of what our member businesses tell us about their recruitment activities.

“The East Midlands remains in a healthy position as a key driver of the UK economy, thanks to its broad base of businesses which have created jobs and opportunities for local people over the past 18 months.

“However, there are uncertainties around things like changes to apprenticeships funding, the introduction of a new National Living Wage and the continued rollout of auto-enrolment and we can’t yet fully appreciate what impact these might have on business.

“Today’s figures demonstrate that while our labour market remains flexible and vibrant, it’s not immune to shock, so it’s vital that business policy continues to provide the right support and environment to facilitate job creation, particularly in the production sectors, where the East Midlands’ real strength lies.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

University of Derby agrees new partnership to support school sport

17th February 2016

The University of Derby is showing its support for school sport competitions in the county and the annual Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Awards after agreeing a new partnership with Derbyshire Sport and the Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association (DSSA).

The partnership is part of the university’s ongoing work to create greater links with local schools and encourage more young people with an interest in sport to consider studying at the University of Derby.

In addition the university’s new £10.8m sports centre will play host to several county finals in the DSSA competition calendar.

The partnership was launched at the Derbyshire School Games U16 Badminton Team Championships, organised by Derbyshire Sport, which saw around 50 pupils from schools across Derbyshire competing.

Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the work of Derbyshire Sport and the Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association in this way. The University and its Team Derby brand are serious about sport and have much to offer any young person with an interest in sport.

“This includes a range of sport and exercise courses, a range of first-class facilities, a performance sport programme for badminton, basketball and volleyball, and scholarship and bursary opportunities for talented athletes participating in British Universities and Colleges Sport.”

Ilana Freestone, Derbyshire Sport Director, said: “Derbyshire Sport and the DSSA are excited to be working with the University of Derby in this way. This new partnership will support a range of high quality competition opportunities for young people and allow their sporting successes to continue to be celebrated at the annual awards evening.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Brave daughter jumps out of plane for Ashgate Hospicecare

17th February 2016

Karlie Johnson from Brampton has completed a charity skydive challenge and raised over £2000 to show her gratitude to the team at Ashgate Hospicecare after they provided excellent care for her Dad, Dave.

Dave Johnson, 53 was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer on Christmas Eve 2013. Despite undergoing chemotherapy to stabilise the tumour, which was successful to begin with, Dave was readmitted to hospital where he was put in touch with Ashgate Hospicecare.

Sharing her story, Karlie, 23 said:-

“The care is definitely more personal than in a hospital and Dad definitely relaxed at the hospice knowing that he was getting the care he needed. The facilities were really amazing too. Things that we take for granted like having a bath after a long day – that was all dad wanted and they allowed him to have one. He was given a private room too that had a patio with a table and chairs. It was like a little sun trap – we’d take dad out there when he was having a good day and we’d sit in the sun and eat chocolate and share cans of pop. I treasure those memories from his last few weeks, and it was Ashgate Hospicecare that made it all possible.

“To say thank you to the hospice for the amazing care they gave I decided to skydive in memory of Dad to raise money for them. Dad said he was going to do one for charity before he was diagnosed with cancer, so when he got poorly I said I would do it instead. I was waiting until he got better so he could come and watch, but sadly he passed away before I did it.

“After many months of fundraising, I finally did my skydive and managed to raise a grand total of £2067.06! I work at The Rose and Crown in Brampton and they’ve also pledged to raise £5,000 for the hospice’s £1 Million Urgent Bed Appeal.”

After just 4 weeks at the hospice, Dave sadly died on 7th October 2014 whilst Karlie was on holiday in Turkey.

Karlie adds, “I’m not sure what we would have done without the help of Ashgate Hospicecare. They took a load off of our shoulders so we could just focus on dad and how he was. They were amazing from start to finish and always kept us in the loop.”

Ashgate Hospicecare, Chesterfield, provides specialist palliative and end of life care to local people and their families across North Derbyshire and the High Peak and Dales. It costs £8.5m each year the charity, which receives an NHS grant of £2.5m but has to raise a further £6m to ensure these vital services continue to be provided.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Brookfield Community School smashes Badminton County Finals

16th February 2016

Following their triumph in the district competition, run by the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, Brookfield Community School went one better last week when they lifted the Derbyshire Schools Badminton trophies in both the Key Stage 4 Girls and Boys competitions.

After comfortably progressing through the group stages, the girls met another impressive Chesterfield team, Hasland Hall Community School, in the semi-finals, where they registered a 4-1 victory. They then met Ockbrook School in the final, where excellent serving and movement across the court gave them a 5-0 whitewash.

The boys also made it out of the group with ease, before edging a tight semi-final against Friesland. They completed the job with a 4-1 win over hosts John Port School in the final, making it back-to-back county titles.

Brookfield science teacher and badminton coach, Mr Petty, said: “I’m really proud of them, the girls winning 5-0 and the boys 4-1 in the final. It’s hard to even pick a man of the match because hardly anyone lost a game all afternoon. But I’d give it to Tom Else, the boys’ captain.”

Olympic Silver Medalist and Team Derby badminton player, Gail Emms, was also at John Port School in Etwall to present the winners with their trophies and speak to the competitors. She commended them for their efforts, adding: “It’s great to see so many young players here, playing to such a high standard.”

Alex Fletcher, part of the winning boys’ team, said: “Everyone played really well. Gail Emms was nearly as good as us! We’re proud to win as a team.”

Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for Brookfield Community School to be crowned county champions, and a real celebration of the level of participation in badminton across Chesterfield with over 40 teams competing in local qualifying events. Badminton continues to grow in popularity with young people in Chesterfield and to see our schools teams performing to such a high standard in the county finals is testament to the participation base we have established.”

The event was held at John Port School on Thursday 11th February. Both teams will now go on to represent Chesterfield at the Regional Finals which will be held later in the year. There they will face the best teams from neighbouring counties.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Cycling festival inspires 650 infants

15th February 2016

Pupils from four years old had the chance to experience a fun day of cycle-themed activities at the 2016 Early Rider Festival, run by the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership and supported by Wheely Fun Wheels.

Spread across 12 stations, there were three cycling activities: Italian pursuit, the team relay and the sprint to stop race. Using the pedal-less bikes, the children could put their prior balance bike training into practice in these fun races.

The remaining stations, which were run by sports leaders from Chesterfield College, were all closely linked to cycling and road safety. These activities aimed to connect with the wider school curriculum. They included the “Think” and “See” stations, where the infants labelled parts of the bikes and then completed a word search to find words related to cycling.

Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the SSP, said: “We are delighted to welcome nearly 700 infants to take part in the Early Rider Festival. This is much more than festival of cycling, it is a chance to really excite and engage young people in sport and physical activity though a range of activities.

“We have tried to bring the classroom to this event with activities linked to numeracy, literacy and communication, managing feeling and self-awareness and of course physical development. We hope everyone has taken a step towards choosing a healthy active lifestyle through cycling.”

Nick Chamberlin, Mountain Bike Leadership and Cycle Training Manager at British Cycling, said: “Learning to ride a bicycle is a rite of passage in any young person’s life, sadly many young people are not getting the support they need to try cycling for the first time. British Cycling are excited by the innovative work of Chesterfield SSP using balance bikes to introduce hundreds of young people to the excitement of riding a bike.”

Chelsea, a pupil from Whitecotes Primary School, said: “I love riding the bike! And the colouring was fun!”

Mr Petch, a teacher at Spire Nursery and Infant School, said: “It’s fantastic seeing all the activities and seeing so many kids on bikes at such a young age. They’re having great fun and interacting with children from other schools.”

Miss McPhie, of Whitecotes Primary School, said: “I like the links to the work we do at school. By having word searches and handwriting activities, they can have a rest and still learn. The kids also enjoyed the station where they labelled the bike parts and the Young Leader running it was excellent.”

The Early Rider programme is the start of the cycling pathway for young people in Chesterfield schools with progressions to bikeabilty levels 1&2, skills to ride and cyclo-cross competitions on which to progress.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

NHS offers 10 traineeships to help young people into work

15th February 2016

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust is working with Learning Unlimited to offer 10 exciting traineeship opportunities to help unemployed 18-24 year olds in Chesterfield into employment.

Starting at the end of February, the traineeships are in estates, catering and patient experience departments and are a great way to gain essential work experience and develop key employability skills.

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust is a Top 10 NHS Best Places To Work employer 2015, in awards run by the Health Service Journal in association with the Nursing Times and NHS Employers.

For those succesful, the traineeship programme will last for 12 weeks, beginning with a two week induction period and followed by 10 weeks of work experience. Throughout the programme each trainee will be supported by the NHS Trust and training provider Learning Unlimited. At the end of the programme trainees will be offered an interview, given a reference, considered for potential job opportunities in the organisation and supported to think about the next steps into an apprenticeship, work or education with the help of Learning Unlimited.

Sharon Allison, workforce planning and development trainer at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust said:

“Traineeships are a fantastic way to develop people within the communities we serve. It is really important for our organisation to make sure we give people who want to work with us the opportunity to get experience and be job ready. We are keen to develop the skills the organisation needs and traineeships offer us the chance to do that.

“If you are unemployed, aged 18 to 24 and interested in a career in the NHS but feel you need some support to get the first step on the career ladder I would urge you think about traineeships with us.”

For more information about the traineeships and to apply visit https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/traineeship/689439. The closing date for applications is 19th February 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Peak District and Derbyshire share in tourism spending and jobs boost

12th February 2016

Inspirational marketing campaigns to encourage more visitors to come and stay in the Peak District and Derbyshire have proved almost eight times more effective than expected – generating more than £44.7 million in extra tourism spending and creating more than 830 jobs.

Research by national tourist board VisitEngland reveals that official tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has exceeded Government targets by a huge margin thanks to its major, multi-media marketing push ‘The World Away’ – costing just £600,000 over three years in a public and private sector partnership.

Government-set goals stipulated that the campaigns – which included the area’s first-ever television commercial, advertising billboards, video on demand and on-line, print and social media promotion – should reap a return of investment of £5.8 million and create more than 130 jobs from 2012 to 2015.

But they proved much more appealing than anticipated – mirroring the wider success of VisitEngland’s national campaign, ‘Growing Tourism Locally’, funded by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) – which has generated an extra £1.05 billion in tourism spend and created a record number of 19,490 jobs in the tourism sector across England over the same period.

“To say we are delighted is an understatement,” said Jo Dilley, Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. “‘The World Away’ has punched well above its weight in terms of both return on investment and creating jobs, bringing concrete benefits and hopefully a lasting legacy to the local and regional economy that we can build on throughout 2016 and beyond.”

Lady Cobham CBE, Chairman of VisitEngland’s Advisory Board, added: “It’s fantastic to see the results of the ‘Growing Tourism Locally’ campaign’, which was aimed at driving growth by encouraging Brits to book a short break at home in one of the many wonderful destinations on offer across England. It’s a brilliant result, promoting our beautiful country as a world-class holiday destination.”

The Peak District and Derbyshire was one of 14 English destinations to benefit from a £19.8 million pot of money – part of a total investment of £41.6 million, including contributions from VisitEngland and the private sector – funding campaigns to target specific audiences such as young couples, young couples with pre-school children, older couples and groups.

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

Nominate Your Favourite Retailers for a Chesterfield Retail Award 2016

11th February 2016

Chesterfield’s popular Retail Awards are returning for the third year running. Organiser Destination Chesterfield is now urging people to nominate their favourite shops and stores in and around the town centre, Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor, they want to win one of the prestigious awards.

Nominations are open now. People can nominate across 14 categories, which are designed to recognise the very best independent and high street retailers in Chesterfield. Everyone who nominates will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a three course Sunday lunch at Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, Cocina at Casa.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “Chesterfield has an amazing wealth of retailers that combine to make us one of the top performing towns in the country. Together they bring people into Chesterfield and help create a buzz and warm welcome that people from outside the area frequently comment on and keep coming back for. If you feel strongly that your favourite shops and stores deserve to win one of these prestigious awards, then it’s important that you nominate them. As they say, you have to be in it to win it.”

Organised in association with Chesterfield College, the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony which takes place at the Winding Wheel in May 2016. As well as winners of the 15 categories, winners of two additional awards – the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s and the Pavements Shopping Centre Retailers of the Year – will also be announced.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “We are delighted to sponsor the retail awards this year and look forward to celebrating with the businesses and individuals that contribute to making what is unique and special about our local retail offer. It is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the businesses that add to our economy in so many ways. Not only do they give us our retail therapy, they provide goods and services we can’t do without and they also offer employment to many.”

Last year Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce took the coveted title of Retailer of the Year and Market Trader of the Year following nominations from the public. The family business, which has been a familiar sight on Chesterfield’s market for more than 70 years, has transformed itself in the last 18 months with the addition of an online delivery service to complement its market stall and shop in Hasland.

Owner Nick Ibbotson said: “It was amazing to win two awards and particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award. Although we’re just a little fruit and veg stall that’s been in the centre of Chesterfield, we have worked hard to modernise the business and secure its future with the addition of our online delivery service. It’s going really well and has transformed the business.”

Nominations are open until midnight on Sunday 6th March 2016. To nominate your favourite retailer visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards/nominate

The 14 categories open for nominations in the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

* Hair and Beauty Business of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield College

* Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by In the Works PR

* Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre

* Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year

* Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year

* Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants

* Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Mitchells Chartered Accountants and

Business Advisers

* Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)

* Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

* Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design

* National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane

* Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Chatsworth

* Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by arvato

* Best New Store (Opened 2015/2016) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

There is also an additional Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber, which will be announced at the awards ceremony.

The awards are supported by members of the business community, who have not only sponsored individual awards but also the actual ceremony later this year. As well as the category sponsors, other supporters of the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards include the University of Derby, eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.

If you are interested in sponsoring the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards – Download information here

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards

National recognition for Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre

5th February 2016

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre has once again been announced as a finalist in the prestigious England for Excellence Awards.

The centre in Rykneld Square, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council has been shortlisted for a second year in the visitor information provider of the year category.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “Each year we welcome thousands of visitors into Chesterfield to visit attractions including our open-air market, the Crooked Spire and the wider area including the Peak District.

“Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are often the first people visitors to the town will meet and they will go the extra mile to make people feel welcome and make sure they have all the information they need.”

Other nominees in the same category are: Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre, Gloucester Tourist Information Centre, Thanet Visitor Information Service and The Welcome People London.

Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive Officer of VisitBritain and VisitEngland added: “Awards for Excellence finalists exemplify outstanding tourism talent and distinguished businesses throughout England.

“We received over 400 truly impressive applications this year and there’s absolutely no doubt those shortlisted are a representatives of the best in the industry who place delivering an unforgettable experience to visitors in England at the heart of their business operations.

“I’d like to congratulate all finalists and wish them the very best of luck on awards night.”

The England for Excellence Awards 2016 takes place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Tuesday 8 March.

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

Community Awards Launched

4th February 2016

There are many reasons to be proud of Derbyshire, but undoubtedly one of the main ones is its incredible people, and the Derbyshire Times would like to celebrate that with you.

The Derbyshire Times Community Awards, which will take place on Wednesday, April 20, at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield, is your chance to nominate your unsung heroes and get them the recognition they deserve.

A combination of previous years’ Pride and Schools Awards, the brand new Community Awards is an opportunity for the whole community to come together in one big celebration.

Categories range from sporting achievement and fundraising to courageous children, inspiring teachers, hardworking students and carers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

DT editor Nancy Fielder urges everyone to get involved and nominate someone who truly deserves the recognition.

She said: “These awards are a great chance for us at the Derbyshire Times, our readers and the wider community to say thank you to the people who make a real difference.

“We have a wide range of categories so we can include as many extraordinary folk as possible.

“There are so many unsung heroes in education, children breaking the mould and teachers making sure the future is bright for the next generation.

“But there are also lots of people we come across in every day life who dedicate themselves to helping others, boosting charity and always take on new challenges with a smile.

“We all know somebody who deserves extra credit and this is the perfect way to give them an extra special pat on the back.

“Our neighbourhoods wouldn’t be the same without these people, and now it is time we made them really just how much we appreciate all they do.”

So who do you think deserves an award? They can be of any age, from any walk of life but the one thing they must be is extraordinary.

It’s free and easy to nominate. Simply visit www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/communityawards . The closing date for nominations is Tuesday, March 29.

Shortlisted finalists will get two complimentary tickets to the awards where they will have a fantastic two course dinner before settling in for the prize-giving.

Tickets for the event will also be on general sale priced at £18 per person.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Getting more disabled people into sports and volunteering

4th February 2016

Ten sports clubs and organisations across Derbyshire are to benefit from free training to help increase the number of disabled people volunteering across the county.

Run by Derbyshire Sport, the IMPACT volunteering project aims to create more sports volunteering opportunities for disabled people whilst increasing their confidence and skills.

The programme will help understand whether having more disabled volunteers supporting a club helps increase disability participation, a key target of Sport England who are funding this project.

A volunteer recruitment campaign is set to take place within ‘Inclusive Volunteer Month’ in June to encourage disabled people to volunteer as well as providing training opportunities for the clubs who the volunteers will be deployed to.

Within the month, Derbyshire Sport will work with local voluntary services and other partners to encourage disabled people to sign up to the project and start their journey as a sports volunteer.

Matthew Dalley, Derbyshire Para-Equestrian rider and has gained many benefits from his own volunteering experience at his riding club where he started helping in the yard and now runs the club’s social media and website.

When speaking about his volunteering journey, Matthew said: “I am committed to helping other disabled people benefit from an involvement in sport, both as a participant and volunteer.

“Through my own volunteering I aim to show that my disability isn’t a barrier to helping make a difference and I encourage others to take the opportunity to get involved with the IMPACT project so they can benefit like I have.”

Sport Development Officer for Derbyshire Sport, Rachael Dyer, said: “it is important to reflect the broad spectrum of people that we are aiming to recruit by providing a varied training programme.

“Clubs and their volunteers will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills and knowledge on how to effectively engage with disabled people who are getting involved in their club in a voluntary capacity.

“The IMPACT project will help Derbyshire clubs and volunteers better understand how to effectively engage with disabled people and to help raise their awareness of what makes an inclusive club”.

Four counties will be involved in the project across the East Midlands; Lincolnshire Sport, Northamptonshire Sport and Sport Nottinghamshire will all be working alongside Derbyshire to get more disabled people volunteering across the region.

The four counties are sharing a £59,200 investment into the region that was awarded by Sport England in late 2015.

For more information on the project please contact Rachael.dyer@derbyshire.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure