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

Chesterfield retains its silver gilt award at East Midlands in Bloom awards

6th October 2015

The judges made their visit to the town this summer and were given a guided tour of the borough and commented on the many improvements that have been made in the last year.

They were particularly impressed with the floral displays in the town centre, the parks and open spaces, including Chesterfield’s five Green Flag awarded parks, community involvement at sites including Boythorpe Allotments, as well as the amount of recycling carried out by residents and businesses in the borough.

They also noted the new Chesterfield in Bloom committee made up of local residents to organise the campaign and the number of community volunteers who have become involved.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “We are pleased to be awarded a silver gilt award in the East Midlands in Bloom competition. A lot of work has been put in by volunteers on the Chesterfield in Bloom committee and council staff working together to make our borough clean, green and inviting to visitors.

“If anyone is interested in joining the committee and becoming involved, we would like to hear from you.”

As well as the overall award for Chesterfield, the judges made two awards within the borough.

Steve and Jane Land of Moorland View Road won gold in the Frank Constable MBE award for the best residential garden in the East Midlands. Mr and Mrs Land won the best back garden (larger than 80 m²) and the best overall garden in last year’s Chesterfield in Bloom awards.

The judges commented on the immaculately-kept lawn, the brightly-coloured hanging baskets, the dense planting and the complete absence of weeds.

Ringwood Hall Hotel, the sponsors of the Chesterfield in Bloom competition, won gold in the best hotel/pub garden award.

The judges were impressed with the varied planting in the grounds which is in-keeping with a period property as well as the well-maintained lawns.

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

Honour for two former Chesterfield councillors

2nd October 2015

Former councillors Stewart Bradford and David Stone have been made honorary aldermen of the borough in recognition of their long service to Chesterfield Borough Council.

They both received the honour at an extraordinary council meeting held on Monday 28 September.

Stewart Bradford was first elected as a Labour member of the council in May 1983 serving until May 1995 and again from May 1999 until retiring at the local elections earlier this year. During his time as a council member, he served on council committees including the licensing committee and the appeals and regulatory committee.

David Stone was elected in January 1984 as an SDLP council member (later Liberal Democrat) and was the longest serving councillor at the time of his retirement in May this year. He was mayor of the borough in 1995 to 1996 and later served as lead member for customer and corporate services and lead member for planning and asset management as well as sitting on various council committees. After leaving the Liberal Democrat party in 2012, he sat as an Independent member of the council until his retirement.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance said: “Between them, Stewart Bradford and David Stone have clocked up nearly 60 years of service to their communities by serving as borough councillors making this honour richly deserved.”

Honorary alderman status is the second-highest honour the council can bestow after the freedom of the borough and has previously only been granted on 11 occasions.

At the ceremony, they were each presented with a scroll and signed the roll of honorary aldermen. Their names will also be added to the board displayed outside the council chamber in the Chesterfield Town Hall.

Photo: David Stone (left) and Stewart Bradford (right) after receiving the award.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

A proud procession of graduates takes to the streets of Chesterfield

1st October 2015

A procession of proud graduates from Chesterfield College’s higher education courses created a fantastic sight as they left the town hall making their way through the town centre to their graduation ceremony at the Crooked Spire today. They were congratulated for their achievements by friends, family and passers-by on route.

Almost 300 people graduated this year with a range of qualifications from Higher National Diplomas to degrees in a variety of subjects ranging from criminal justice to computing; engineering to education and business to sports science.

Image gallery from the graduation celebrations

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said: “Congratulations to all our graduates. It feels like an absolute honour to be part of the ceremony today and to hear how studying to this higher level has made a difference for so many people in the area. I’ve heard some inspirational stories from graduates and their families which confirms how having access to quality higher education locally can transform people’s lives. From what I have heard, these graduates will soon be having a positive impact on our economy too, if they’re not already.”

Luke Terry, Age 28 from Chesterfield, who graduated with a BA (hons) in Business Management today has already climbed the career ladder from team leader to store manager and puts his promotion down to what he has learnt on his degree course.

He told us “I am already reaping the benefits of doing my degree and putting what I have learnt into practice. The course has allowed me to develop professionally and personally and I know that this combination has helped me to get on the next rung of the career ladder.”

“I am back at college and studying for an MA in business management. My goal is to work my way up through management to board level. I know studying can help me get there and I am grateful that I can do it on my doorstep so I can fit it in around work.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Top honours for Tupton Hall footballers

25th September 2015

Tupton Hall School Under-12s Girls Football Team had an evening to remember at last night’s (Thursday) 2015 Derbyshire Schools’ Sport Association (DSSA) Awards after winning the Secondary Team of the Year category.

They pipped Ecclesbourne School KS3 Girls Badminton Squad and Noel-Baker School Basketball Team to the prize at the ceremony held at Chesterfield FC’s Proact Stadium in front of more than 200 guests.

Tupton were nominated after being crowned National Champions at the FA Youth Futsal Festival National Finals, having progressed from district and county finals.

The team also went on to make the last four of the ESFA National Cup and the last eight of the Football League Kinder+ Sport competition, just one game away from a national final at Wembley Stadium.

The top award of the night, Sportsperson of the Year, was retained by Allestree Woodlands School golfer Bradley Moore, but the North East Derbyshire district had two individuals highly commended in that category.

Eckington School’s Tilly Simpson, 14, was nominated as the reigning English Schools Junior Girls 800m Champion and national outdoor and indoor 800m champion, while Tupton Hall School’s Lauren Hill was put forward as a gold medal winner at the English Schools Athletics Cup Final in the javelin.

The Chesterfield area had its own share of successes, too, with Josh Ryder-Flint of Hasland Hall Community School highly commended in the Young Leader / Ambassador – Secondary School category.

Adult volunteer Nia Yule and Media and Arts contributor to School Sport Katie Marshall, both of Brookfield Community School, were highly commended in their respective categories.

Also announced on the night were the winners of the Derbyshire School Games championship trophies, with Dronfield Henry Fanshawe confirmed as Secondary Champion School.

Joint Primary Schools’ Champions were North East Derbyshire School Sport Partnership, along with High Peak School Sport Partnership, while Chesterfield School Sport Partnership were both Secondary Schools’ Champions and Competition Plus Champions.

Special guest for the night was shot putter Sam Ruddock, who represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Paralympics, while also in attendance was the Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Barry Bingham.

Image: Secondary School Team of the Year. Winners: Tupton Hall School Under-12s Girls Football Team. Back, Students are, from left – Katy Webster, Mollie Stanley, Abbie Greaves, Leah Harrison, Elizabeth Clayton, Elodie Edwards. Front – Olivia Buckley, Aidan Greenfield, Emma Wilbourne, Millie Standen, Georgia Hagues-Stirk, Maisie Glasby-Hemmings.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield pottery to appear on BBC 2’s Great British Menu

21st September 2015

The work of award-winning Chesterfield ceramicist Clare Gage will be showcased on BBC 2 next month, when it appears on The Great British Menu displaying the culinary creation of top chef Pip Lacey.

Pip Lacey, head Chef at Murano London, Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred restaurant in the Heart of Mayfair, is one of 24 talented chefs who are in competition to cater a banquet which will celebrate the centenary of the Women’s Institute at London’s historic Drapers Hall.

Pip used the plates, cups and saucers from Clare’s range to display her dessert course – ‘a play on scones’ – to Great British Menu judges – Prue Leith, restauranteur Oliver Peyton and award-winning critic Matthew Fort.

Originally from Leicestershire, Pip’s menu is appearing in the Central heat of the competition, where she will go up against two other chefs from the region who have been challenged to produce 21st-century dishes that honour the custodians of first-class home cooking.

The first part of Pip’s four course meal will go before the judges on Monday 28 September, with her dessert course being shown on BBC 2 at 7.30pm on Thursday 1 October 2015.

Clare Gage’s textile inspired ceramics celebrate the British tradition of afternoon tea, so were the perfect accompaniment to Pip Lacey’s very British dessert of scones. Clare Gage’s ceramics are designed and made by Clare herself in Chesterfield. Her work features lace, buttons, patchwork, cross stitch as well as knitted and woven fabric designs. The beautiful range includes cups and saucers, mugs, tableware, vases, jewellery and hanging decorations.

Explaining her decision to choose Clare Gage’s creations to display her menu, Pip Lacey said: “I chose to use Clare’s cups because of the link to the brief: Celebrating the Women’s institute. They are very unique, hand crafted and made by a woman. The Institute is all about learning new crafts and Clare’s style was perfect for the dessert I did – a play on scones. Scones are something that the Women’s Institute would eat at tea breaks when knitting, so the style of Clare’s cups tied in perfectly. Knitting and baking still go together now.

“I know that the crew liked the cups, but I have no idea as to anyone else’s reaction to them or even myself as I’ve not seen any of the show yet.”

Clare added: “It was an honour to have my work selected by Pip. My collection stems from a real affection for the quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea, so to have my designs used for a dish that will celebrate the Great British Institution that is the WI seems very fitting.”

The winners of each regional heat will go on to compete in the final where 4 chefs – one for each course, will be selected to cater the banquet. Finals Week and the Banquet show will be aired the week commencing Monday 5 October.

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

Sculpture chosen for new Chesterfield College building

8th September 2015

A sculpture celebrating the town’s famous railway pioneer, George Stephenson is to be installed outside Chesterfield College’s new construction facility on Infirmary Road.

The winning design comes from Chesterfield College art and design student, Hannah Carter, aged 17, who was one of 6 finalists shortlisted from a total of 28, and will incorporate some of the decorative stones from the old building on the site.

Hannah said:

“I was inspired by the role the railway has played in the town and I wanted to combine that with the role education plays in shaping people’s lives. My design is created from stone and metal railway tracks. It shows how education can take you on different journeys in life.”

“It has been an amazing experience to take part in this competition. I can’t wait to see my designs come to life for everyone to enjoy.”

Luke Chapman, tutor at Chesterfield College said:-

“I am proud of how each of the students has used different inspirations to create their designs. This competition has given them all a fantastic opportunity to see how design is important in the local community. Some of the students want to go on to study architecture when they leave us and being finalists in a competition like this really gives them a head start in being able to apply what they learn in a classroom to the outside world.”

Other finalists included Justine Wright, Charlene Haughton, Lauren Blount and Jordan Thorpe all aged 17 and first year art and design students. The competition was judged by Cllr Terry Gilby from Chesterfield Borough Council, Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College and Mike Thackery, Head of Facilities at Chesterfield College.

The new sculpture is part of the Percent for Art scheme run by Chesterfield Borough Council, which invites developers of schemes costing over £1m to include a work of art as part of their finished project.

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

Promote your business to new students at Chesterfield College

3rd September 2015

Chesterfield College is inviting local organisations to say a ‘big hello’ at its special freshers event taking place next week on Friday 11th September.

Designed to highlight the opportunities available to young people in the area, the entire Infirmary Road campus will be transformed into a festival venue for the afternoon with plenty of music, food and entertainment.

There will be a number of special guest appearances including James Argent from TOWIE, Chesterfield Football Club and Donut Creative Arts Studio (DCAS).

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said:-

“We want to celebrate the end of the first week of term and welcome the 4000 students we are expecting to join us by giving them the chance to see all the benefits that studying at college in Chesterfield can bring. We would love lots of local organisations to join us to make the afternoon one for everyone to really remember.”

If you run a club students might be interested in joining, an organisation looking for volunteers, a place for students to eat and hang out, Chesterfield college would love to hear from you. Space is limited at the event but will be offered free of charge to organisations that can help make this a first week of term to remember for the students.

Local businesses and organisations that want to be part of the festival can contact Kerry Robertson on 07875 200939 or robertsonk@chesterfield.ac.uk for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure