Celebrate Chesterfield

Family judges wanted for Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the town’s annual Food and Drink Awards, is looking for two foodie families with children aged under 12 to judge short-listed family-friendly establishments in the annual awards.

As well as having an all-expenses-paid meal for four, the lucky winners will also receive two tickets to attend the glittering awards ceremony in October, which is being hosted by celebrity chef Theo Randall.

The Family-Friendly Award aims to find the town’s ultimate eatery that offers great food, excellent facilities for young children, special menus and goes that extra step to make sure families can enjoy their dining experience. As well as enjoying a meal, the winning families will be required to mark the establishments on food, ease of access, cleanliness and the quality and variety of children’s food. Last year the popular award, which is sponsored by Jumble Design, was won by The Manor at Brampton.

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens commented: “The family friendly category is one of the most popular in the awards and we get many nominations reflecting the wealth of family friendly restaurants that we have here in Chesterfield.

“This competition is a great chance for families in the area to voice their opinion and get to enjoy a meal out too.”

If you want to get involved then simply enter online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/family-judge-competition.

The closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday 15th July. The winning families will receive a meal for two adults and two children in up to three short-listed establishments. The adults will also receive two tickets to attend the awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony, which will be held in autumn, promises to be a glittering affair. If any businesses would be interested in becoming a sponsor of the new awards contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Family Judge Competition

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

Local brewery supports Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Chesterfield-based Brampton Brewery has thrown its support behind next week’s Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Brewery, which is sponsoring the Derbyshire friendly against a Chesterfield Invitational XI at Queen’s Park on Wednesday 1 July (6pm start), will have two outlets at the ground throughout the six-day long festival.

Brampton Brewery will have prominent branding at the ground and will also be sponsoring opening batsman Ben Slater for the 2015 season.

The festival commences on Sunday 5 July when Northamptonshire Steelbacks visit the picturesque outground in a NatWest T20 Blast clash.

The attention turns to the longest format the following day when Derbyshire welcome Glamorgan for four days of first-class cricket, before the festival concludes on Sunday 12 July with a NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus neighbours Yorkshire Vikings.

A wide range of local Real Ales will be available for supporters to enjoy from Brampton, in addition to a number of other food and drink outlets around the ground.

Cricket Derbyshire Commercial Director, Ryan Duckett said: “We are delighted to have a local company in Brampton Brewery supporting this year’s festival.

“Supporters will be able to taste the brewery’s famous real ale throughout the entire festival, which is a real highlight of the local sporting calendar. We’re looking forward to six great days of cricket in the park.”

(Image courtesy of David Griffin)

Chesterfield Festival of Cricke

 

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

Tripadvisor accolade for Chesterfield Museum

Chesterfield Museum has received a Certificate of Excellence award from online review site, tripadvisor.

Owned and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council, the popular attraction on St Mary’s Gate, was given a certificate of excellence after receiving positive reviews from visitors.

The museum has a loyal fan base with more than 800 adults and children going along to its recent Lego Day event which saw children colouring Lego figurines, decorating Lego biscuits as well as making creations from Lego.

The current Down the Track exhibition, which runs until 18 July and showcases Chesterfield’s railway history, has also proved popular with thousands of people looking it up on social media.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Museum proves to be a popular attraction with visitors old and young and this award is proof of this.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come along, enjoyed themselves and left positive feedback.”

The museum is also encouraging visitors to show why they enjoy coming to the attraction as part of the I Love Museums campaign led by the National Museum Directors’ Council.

People can visit the I Love Museums website at www.ilovemuseums.com where they can say why their local museum means so much to them as well as share photos showing their love of museums.

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

(Image shows Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence.)

Chesterfield Museum

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

Ibbotson’s wins top award at 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

One of Chesterfield’s oldest businesses, Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, has been crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2015 Retail Awards (24 June 2015), organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Learning Unlimited.

Established in 1945 Ibbotson’s is, this year, celebrating its 70th year of trading.  As well as being a regular sight on the market it has recently diversified into online ordering which has widened its customer base by bringing Chesterfield’s market to those who are unable to come into town or are at work during opening hours.

As well as Retailer of the Year, Ibbotson’s also scooped the title of Market Trader of the Year at the annual awards. Owner Nick Ibbotson said: ““I can’t believe that we have won two awards and it is particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award. It’s amazing to have beaten all the big stores and other independent retailers. We’re just a little fruit and veg stall that’s been in the centre of Chesterfield for more than 70 years. It’s been a long time coming.”

Ibbotson’s was one of 13 winners of a total of 16 awards recognising the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town. Other multiple award winners include Adorn Jewellers and Debenhams who each triumphed in two categories.

This year’s awards received more than 600 nominations for businesses from the public resulting in 32 finalists, of which 20 were first time finalists. Six businesses returned to defend their crowns from last year’s event including Pelican Cycles, which successfully retained its titles of Leisure Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year

Held at the Winding Wheel, the sell-out ceremony was hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo James Summers and Becky Measures.

The winners were selected from 36 finalists, competing for the title of the very best in their respective categories.

Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Cabinet Member for the Town Centre and Visitor Economy, Amanda Serjeant, said: “Across Chesterfield we are privileged to have a great range of independent stores in the Shambles and the Yards in the Town Centre, along Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor as well as our market and popular high street stores. It is this mix of retailers that makes our town so popular and keeps shoppers, both locally and further afield, coming back for more.

“Chesterfield is envied nationally for its retail success. While other town and city centres are struggling, ours is thriving and it’s no wonder seeing the passion, innovation and customer service so many of the town’s retailers are delivering on a daily basis. The Retail Awards recognised and celebrated the efforts and success of retailers across the town.”

Other supporters of the awards included eBusiness Works, Derbyshire Times and Peak FM.

Find out more about the winners of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

Chesterfield Retail Awards Winners 2015

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield prepares to compete in Derbyshire School Games Event

Around 1,000 children across Derbyshire, including a number from schools in Chesterfield are on their marks for the Derbyshire School Games Event – an exciting and fully-inclusive national competition designed to motivate and enthuse young people to take part in more competitive school sport.

The Derbyshire event, which takes place at Trent College, in Long Eaton will see London 2012 Olympic athlete Eilish McColgan in attendance to give inspiration to youngsters, who have qualified for this stage through excellent performances in District or School Sport Partnership Level Two competitions.

Her appearance has been made possible by Sporting Champions, a Sport England initiative that brings world-class athletes face-to-face with young people and young adults.

“I was lucky enough to represent Great Britain in my sport of athletics through lots of hard work and dedication,” said McColgan.

“At the Sainsbury’s Derbyshire School Games I will be hoping to see the Olympic and Paralympic stars of the future with so many talented youngsters in action, but, most importantly, it will be great to see young competitors having fun, making friends and giving their best.”

At a local level, the Sainsbury’s School Games are delivered by schools, School Games organisers, clubs, the ten School Sport Partnerships across Derbyshire, Derbyshire Sport and other local partners.

James Gregory, Director of Operations at hosts Trent College, said: “We have a proud history of sports participation at the school and are delighted to be able to welcome youngsters from across the county back to our facilities, after first hosting the event in 2013.

“Whatever their age or ability, it will be great to see young people getting enjoyment out of physical activity, which will hopefully become a positive habit in their lives as they grow into adulthood.”

The event will be compered by Jim Fearn from Derbyshire Dales District Council and you can Tweet your pictures and updates to #DSGE2015.

Schools in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire which have qualified to date (some schools are still involved in qualifying competitions):

  • Netherthorpe School (Staveley);
  • Springwell Community College (Staveley);
  • Old Hall Junior School (Chesterfield);
  • Newbold CofE VA Primary School (Chesterfield);
  • Mary Swanwick Community Primary School (Old Whittington);
  • Newbold Community School (Chesterfield);
  • Eckington School, Tupton Hall School, Deer Park Primary School (Wingerworth).

Derbyshire School Games

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

Celebrating success at Chesterfield College

An awards ceremony has been held at Chesterfield College to recognise students, apprentices and employers for their hard work over the past academic year.

Performing arts student Matthew Parker, was the winner of Student of the Year category after showing a huge commitment to developing his skills and those of others. He leaves the college this summer and will continue his studies in a highly sought after drama school in September.

The Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Tayub Khan who has shown a real commitment to learning and proven his ability to make a big impact at work where he has been instrumental in a project that has seen fantastic efficiency savings.

Derbyshire County Council was recognised for its contribution to raising skill levels and employability through its ambitious apprenticeship programme.

Congratulating award winners at the ceremony was Liz Barnes, Deputy Vice Chancellor from Sheffield Hallam University.  Liz expressed her passion for education and training during her speech at the event by sharing stories of her own career journey and how education has shaped her life and opened up different opportunities.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said: “These awards recognise and celebrate the impact learning can bring to individuals and to businesses.

“Congratulations to the winners and all those shortlisted for an award. The standard of entry was very high this year and it was difficult for the judges to make the final decision with such inspiring stories to choose from.”

Frank Smith OBE, Chair of Chesterfield College Corporation said: “It is wonderful to be able to recognise learners for their achievements at events like this.

“Exam results are a great measure of success but there are so many other ways to measure the impact of learning and education. The people here tonight deserve the recognition and I am proud to be a part of it. ”

The full list of winners include:

Imogen Clark – Pre-16 Award
Gurdev Kaur – Commitment to Learning
Robert Watson – Adult Student of the Year
Cullum Detuners – Employer of the Year
Pamela Morehen – Inspiration Award
Jordan Garratt – Outstanding Achievement
Tom Anderson Higher – Education Award
Katie Widdowson – Award of Enterprise
Leah Whitfield – Improvement Award
Daniel Wade – Foundation Studies Student of the year
Derbyshire County Council – Apprentice Training Agency
Investment in the workplace training – Rotherham company – Owen Springs
Photograph below shows: Student of the Year, Matthew Parker (centre) with Gill Parkes, Assistant Principal at Chesterfield College (left) and Professor Liz Barnes, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Sheffield Hallam University.

Chesterfield College Student Celebration

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield Artisan Market Returns on Sunday

The Chesterfield Artisan Market will return for a second month this Sunday 28 June with more stalls and even more fun for the whole family.

Last month the popular event attracted thousands of visitors to the town who all enjoyed quality artisan foods, quirky, bespoke, original craft items and delicious aromas in the street food court.

Taking place at New Square at Chesterfield Market, the market will once again feature musical entertainment and creative workshops for children by StraightCurves.

Organisers say the range of artisan producers will be even more diverse this time with traders offering local meat, cider, cheese, raw milk, award-winning pies, cheesecakes, old-school cornflake tarts, cookies and Eccles cakes.

There will also be plenty of non-food items including soaps, doodle art, photography, artwork and doggy paraphernalia, watercolours, hand-crafted fabric bags, leather satchels and cards – all in addition to the vast array of talented traders at the last event.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said:-

“We had lots of really positive feedback from traders, visitors and local business owners after the first artisan market in May.

“People really enjoyed the quality and value of the artisan food and gifts on offer and I am sure this one, with the extended opening time, will be bigger and better than before.”

Denise Valente, director of The Market Co, said:-

“The welcome we received from Chesterfield visitors was overwhelming. Everyone was thrilled with the diverse range of goods on offer – quite different to anything that has been brought to Chesterfield before, as well as the incredible atmosphere created in the street food arena.

“Each month we will add new artisans to the market hopefully making it one of the very best destinations in Derbyshire.”

Chesterfield Artisan Market is run by Chesterfield Borough Council in association with The Market Co and will take place next on Sunday 28 June in New Square. In response to feedback the event will start earlier at 10.30am and run through to 4pm.

Chesterfield Artisan Market

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

Danish Furniture Store JYSK Opens in Chesterfield

More jobs have been created for Chesterfield with the opening of a Danish furniture store, JYSK.

Shoppers were invited to enjoy an authentic Danish breakfast at an official launch, with the mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Barry Bingham and his wife, June attending to cut the ribbon.

Known as one of the world’s largest retail furniture groups, with more than 2,200 stores in 37 countries, JYSK chose Chesterfield based on the market town’s retail health and Markham Retail Park’s ability to serve approximately 45,000 households.

Steve Stenhouse, JYSK country manager says:-

“Our stores have always had a following with great value for money shoppers, who are looking to add Scandinavian style to their home – perfect for Chesterfield.”

JYSK Chesterfield offers a range of garden furniture, beds, mattresses, duvets, sofas, dining table sets, housewares and home textiles all at affordable prices.

JYSK Chesterfield

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

Chesterfield College fashion students show off their talents

Chesterfield College fashion students dazzled audiences at the end of year fashion show this week with their amazing creations including fabulous 1960’s themed creations and a sneak preview of costumes designed and created for the Little Shop of Horrors performance at the Pomegranate Theatre next week.

From pop art, space race and psychedelic themed creations of the first years to a range of stunning and a variety of intricate themed designs by the second years the range of skills and creativity on display was inspiring.

The outfits on the catwalk were the culmination of a year of work from first and second year fashion students who have been perfecting their technical skills in making and design and developing their knowledge of other aspects needed for a career in the fashion industry such as manufacturing, marketing and promotion.

Second Year Fashion Diploma student Anna Proffitt, 18 said:-

“Preparing for the fashion show has been hard work but really exciting. My grandma taught me to sew and sparked my passion for fashion so I think she’d be really proud to see my 1930’s inspired collection on the catwalk.

Although making and designing are exciting I have really enjoyed the other modules of the course and it has opened my eyes to the range of career options there are. The next step for me is a degree in fashion promotion and communication.”

Damanjeet Kaur, 22 moved to Chesterfield from Birmingham to study art because she loved drawing. She soon realised that her interest was in drawing clothes and textiles so her tutors encouraged her to start the diploma in fashion. She said:-

“Seeing my second year work on the catwalk was absolutely amazing. It made me realise that two years ago I didn’t even know I could design and make clothes and now I am thinking about a degree in fashion.”

Amie Watson, Fashion Tutor from Chesterfield College said:-

“The fashion show is a great way to highlight what our students are capable of and to teach them so many skills that are needed for a career in fashion. They have worked really hard and shown some amazing talent. When I think how far some students have progressed from when they first joined us to being able to make outfits like the ones we have seen today it makes me very proud.”

Chesterfield College Fashion Show

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Nominate your favourite sporting places in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as the ‘Home of Sport’

VisitEngland are searching to find the nation’s favourite sports destinations.

As part of the quest to find the country’s top sporting destinations, the national tourist board has asked the public to send in their own nominations. By submitting an image of their “home of sport” – be it Headingley or a hidden gem of a village cricket green – sports fans will help decide the jewel in England’s sporting crown, no mean feat in a country that is world-renowned for its sporting heritage.

Could it be the Festival of Cricket at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield FC at the Proact Stadium or the multitude of outdoor activities in the Peak District!

To help find England’s sporting capital, participants can simply upload a picture of their own home of sport to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #HomeOfSport with a snappy sentence on where it is, and why it’s the best sporting destination in England. Approved nominations will appear on a national sports wall at www.englandhomeofsport.com and will be entered into a prize draw to win a selection of sporting experiences.

Over 250,000 people are expected to attend local events as part of the Festival of Rugby from this week until October – but England’s summer of sport is not all about the rugby. The Peak District welcomes the world famous vintage cycle race, L’Eroica, from 19 – 21 June and there’s a host of other exciting events coming up, providing the industry with a fantastic opportunity to showcase all the great things England can offer sporting enthusiasts.

VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, James Berresford, says: “As the birthplace of rugby, football, cricket, punting and the modern Olympic Games.  England’s sporting heritage is something that truly sets us apart from other destinations. Additionally, our green and pleasant land provides jaw-dropping backdrops to a whole host of popular pursuits, from hiking and running to abseiling and coasteering, making the search literally country-wide.”

James Berresford continues: “The ambition of this campaign is to capture the variety of England’s sporting offer, to showcase the related benefits and opportunities for the tourism industry and continue to build excitement and ahead of the arrival of Rugby World Cup in September.”

Chesterfield Football Club

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Future jobs in pipeline at Markham Vale as Gould Alloys prepares for opening

Metal distributor Gould Alloys has become the latest business to get the keys to a new premises at Markham Vale.

Gould Alloys will be moving from its current base at Carwood Industrial Park in Chesterfield to a new purpose-built warehouse and distribution centre at the flagship regeneration site to benefit from better transport links located just off Junction 29A of the M1.

Sixty-two existing employees will move to the new 50,000 square feet premises and the company is looking to expand over the next few years bringing more jobs to Markham.

Managing Director at Gould Alloys, Jane Bradshaw said:

“We’re really excited to open our new base at Markham Vale.

“We’re moving to the site to benefit from better transport links and bigger premises with the aim of attracting more business to our company − which could lead to further jobs being created in the future.

“The relocation has future-proofed our business and we’re pleased to be part of Markham’s growing network.”

Work began in September last year to build the premises which includes office space, features solar panels and has energy efficient heating.

The company was established in 1984 and distributes metals to a number of industries including defence, medical, scientific, exploration and production, motor sport and power generation and is a key supplier to the aerospace industry where it delivers ‘first stage’ machining.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s leader and cabinet member for strategic policy, economic development and budget,  said:

“It’s great that Chesterfield-based companies continue to choose Markham Vale to relocate to instead of moving outside Derbyshire.

“With bigger premises and better transport links, the company aim to attract more businesses which could lead to jobs being created in the future.”

Gould Alloy’s new base was designed and built by private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Ben Ward, Henry Boot’s regional director, added:

“We are delighted that Gould Alloys are moving to Markham Vale.

“The interest generated and current activity here at Markham Vale is exceptional. We have recently welcomed Inspirepac, AW Repair Group, Euro Garages, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg, with existing occupiers including Andrew Page and Industrial Ancillaries.

“In addition, we’re also underway with a new building for Meter Provida which will be ready at the end of 2015.”

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development