Celebrate Chesterfield

Schools programme announced for 2017 Made in Chesterfield

17th October 2017

Annual engineering and manufacturing festival aims to educate young people about Chesterfield’s future and past

For the fourth year running, Made in Chesterfield – will be returning this November, bringing hundreds of youngsters from schools throughout North Derbyshire the opportunity to experience, first-hand, 176 years of manufacturing and engineering history.

Around 20 businesses, training providers and visitor attractions within the sector have come together to offer a packed programme of events to nearly 350 year 6 to 13 school children.

Young people with an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths are invited to visit some of the town’s leading organisations within the engineering and manufacturing sector and learn more about the available careers.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, the month-long festival in November is designed to show young people and their teachers the modern face of manufacturing and engineering and the many careers and job roles on offer within the sector locally.

Sponsored by University of Derby and MSE Hiller, more manufacturing and engineering businesses, training providers and visitor attractions are involved in this year’s Made in Chesterfield than ever before. Modern-day gift maker Urban Flamingo, Paul Mossman Pottery, Brampton Brewery, Penny Hydraulics, Techman Engineering and MSE Hiller are just a handful of businesses that will providing tours, talks and competitions during Made in Chesterfield.

As well as trying their hand at production, youngsters from primary and secondary schools will be taking part in competitions, talks, tours and hands-on workshops during Made in Chesterfield, allowing them to experience for themselves what the face of modern engineering looks like and the many varied job roles now available in the sector.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “More businesses than ever are involved in Made in Chesterfield this year. It is through their involvement that we are able to show young people the changing face of manufacturing and engineering and the career opportunities that exist with the sector.

“It is essential that businesses in the area are able to respond to the opportunities that developments like Waterside, Peak Resort and HS2 will present to them over the next 10 years and they can only do this if they have the workforce with the right skills. Made in Chesterfield is playing a key role in sparking young people’s interest with the sector and ultimately helping local business secure contracts in the future.”

The manufacturing and engineering sector is now more diverse than ever, offering roles in everything from electrical and mechanical engineering to art, design and digital. 186,000 engineers are needed each year nationally to meet the demands of infrastructure projects alone.

Secondary schools in the area who would like to know more about careers within the town’s engineering and manufacturing sector, are invited to attend the free events:

MSE Hiller tour – 31 October and 3 November
United Cast Bar tour – 1, 2, 6, and 9 November
White Rose Armoury tour – 3 November
NLT Training Services workshop visit – 3 and 10 November
Trans-Tronic tour – 3 and 10 November
IKO tour – 7 November
Precision Products UK talk and tour – 7, 8 and 9 November
Brampton Brewery – Science of Brewing – 8 November
Barrow Hill Roundhouse tour – 8 November
Techman Engineering tour – 8 November
Hardcase International Ltd tour – 10 November
Cathelco tour – 10 November
6th Form Manufacturing and Business Seminar – 10 November

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield 2017’s school events, tours and workshops, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/school-events-secondary-schools/

As well as school visits and events, there is also a packed programme of free business events taking place during November for Made in Chesterfield. For details of the events visit: http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/business-events/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Banner Jones puts best foot forward for Ashgate Hospicecare

29th August 2017

Banner Jones Solicitors has raised £1,000 for Ashgate Hospicecare by completing a fundraising walk around the scenic Linacre Reservoirs.

The team clocked up a combined total of 240 miles on the day, with over 40 people taking part, including employees of Banner Jones, friends and family.

Ashgate Hospicecare, an independent registered charity, which provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at its hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, relies on the generosity of the local community and a team of volunteers to provide a range of vital services offered free of charge to those with a life-limiting illness.

Ali Darwood, the organiser of the sponsored walk on behalf of the team at Banner Jones, said: “The walk was a fantastic experience for everyone and we’re really pleased to have raised so much for Ashgate (Hospicecare), as it’s such a worthwhile cause.

“As a business, we feel that it is important to give something back to the communities within which we work and, as such, we regularly participate in charitable events and fundraisers across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.”

Josanne Richardson from Ashgate Hospicecare, has said: “As the demand for our services grow, so does the need for funding. As a charity the fundraising and support that local businesses provide through events such as this is absolutely vital to ensure that we can continue to support the people in our care.

“We have a longstanding relationship with Banner Jones and are so grateful that they continue to support our cause in all of their fundraising and charity efforts.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Summer

Perez joins new team ahead of Rockingham

24th August 2017

Chesterfield’s young racing driver, Seb Perez has found a new home with Lincolnshire-based Rob Boston Racing in time for this weekend’s Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup at Rockingham.

JHR Developments, which was the leading team in the Championship, was suspended from all Ginetta competitions for the remainder of the 2017 season pending an investigation by the Yorkshire manufacturer.

Perez, who is tenth in the series, has been joined by his teammate, Nottinghamshire’s George Gamble. Along with six other drivers, the pair will retain their points from Derbyshire-based JHR Developments.

Looking forward to new challenges, Perez said: “After a crazy week, myself and teammate George will stick together as we join Rob Boston Racing. Now (it is) onwards and upwards to Rockingham this coming weekend.”

The race will be broadcast live on Sunday on ITV 4 as a support race to the popular British Touring Car Championship.

Images and editorial courtesy of Paul Horton Motorsport Photography.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Ernie Moss Day raises more than £3k

24th August 2017

More than £3,000 has been raised so far for the Alzheimer’s Society and Team Ernie through fundraising efforts as part of last Saturday’s Ernie Moss Day.

The money has been raised from the sale of commemorative t-shirts and wristbands, together with a collection made on the day and a donation from Chesterfield FC following the sale of programmes and Brampton Brewery’s ‘Ernie 8’ ale.

The Moss family said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the club and staff for all their support and our wonderful helpers on the day.

“Also a massive thanks to the fans for their never-ending support and to everyone who made Ernie Moss Day an emotional, proud day to remember…and of course to the lads for a win!”

A second Ernie Moss Day was held to honour Chesterfield’s record goalscorer, who is suffering from a form of dementia.

The fund will continue to grow as t-shirts and wristbands are still on sale in the Club Superstore at the Proact Stadium.

Photo by Tina Jenner: Ernie Moss carries the match ball out before Chesterfield’s game against Port Vale, joined by daughters Sarah (left) and Nikki.

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

Craft beer and sports bar to open in Chesterfield

3rd August 2017

A new food, drink and live sports venue, specialising in craft beers, cocktails, artisan burgers and pizzas, is set to open in Chesterfield this weekend.

The All Saints Tap, based on St Mary’s Gate will open officially at 7.00pm on Friday 4th August.

A spokesperson from the All Saints Tap said: “Our concept has already proven to be extremely popular in some of most innovative cities across the UK, and we’re pleased to bring it to Chesterfield.

“Our vision is simple. We want to create somewhere that has a leading selection of the top craft beers the world has to offer, great food and exceptional service.”

“We will combine a number of the world’s most popular beers and carefully created cocktails with artisan burgers and pizzas. As well as all of this, we want to give you somewhere to watch your favourite live sports events on the big screen in a lively, social and laidback atmosphere.

“Plain and simple, we want to give you and your friends an unrivalled experience that you can shout about. No nonsense, just great food, drink and sport.”

The prominent building on St Mary Gate now home to The All Saints Tap was previously occupied by York House.

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

Striker extends Spireites stay

3rd August 2017

Chesterfield striker Kristian Dennis has signed an extension to his contract, which now runs until the summer of 2019.

After penning his new deal, Dennis said: “I am delighted to have extended my stay here at Chesterfield and I can’t wait for the season to start on Saturday.”

Chesterfield director & company secretary Ashley Carson said: “We are delighted to have secured Kristian on an extended contract as he is a very talented player.

“Signing him until 2019 shows the club’s commitment to the player and we think he will do very well this season.”

Dennis, 27, joined the Spireites last summer after leaving Stockport County and was Chesterfield’s top scorer last season with ten goals.

Destination Chesterfield: Chesterfield Football Club B2net stadium match day experience.

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

Chesterfield Rotary wins award

3rd August 2017

Chesterfield Rotary Club has been named Best Club in District 1220 by District Governor Michael Longdon.

The prestigious Gordon Taylor Trophy is presented to one club each year in Rotary District 1220, which covers 69 clubs throughout Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and parts of Lincolnshire.

The award is recognition for Chesterfield Rotary’s thriving Satellite Club – the first of its kind set up for young professionals, who have so far contributed significantly to the local community.

The Gordon Taylor Trophy also commends the Rotary’s varied programme of charitable events.

Chesterfield president Peter Barr shared the success with Satellite Club members at the July monthly meeting held at The Manor at Brampton.

For more details about the Rotary Satellite Club of Chesterfield contact secretary Rachel Trueman 07792 719 238.

Image: Chesterfield Rotary president Peter Barr with satellite club chairman Peter Blant and members of the satellite club with the Gordon Taylor Trophy.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Spireites welcome Barrow

1st August 2017

Chesterfield manager Gary Caldwell has strengthened his backroom team with the appointment of Graham Barrow as assistant-manager/chief scout.

Barrow, who assisted Caldwell during his time as manager of Wigan Athletic, said: “I’m delighted to be here. I’ve had a good working relationship with Gary and we’ve always kept in touch.

“On matchdays, I’ll be up above in the stand watching the game and provide input. I’ll also help Guy Branston with recruitment.

“The set-up here is great and it’s all geared for success. I’ve got a wide range of experience so I hope to make a valuable contribution.”

Caldwell is pleased to be reunited with his former colleague. “I have 100% trust in Graham and I value his opinions,” he said.

“He has great knowledge at every level of the game. He will be a great help to me in various ways, including preparing for matches and signing players.”

After a playing career which took in lengthy spells at Wigan and Chester City, Barrow managed Chester (twice), Wigan, Rochdale and Bury. He also took charge of Wigan on a caretaker basis on several occasions.

The 63-year-old left Wigan in May, shortly before the appointment of former Spireites boss Paul Cook as manager.

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

Chesterfield Half Marathon to go ahead

21st June 2017

One of the region’s leading independent estate agents has been announced as the title sponsor of the 2017 Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Redbrik Estate Agency, which have five offices based in Chesterfield and Sheffield, has pledged its support to the event with a five-year sponsorship agreement with race organisers MLS Contracts Ltd, the region’s largest major events company.

The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon will take place this year on Sunday 22^nd October and is set to be one of the town’s biggest and most successful community participation events and is backed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Applications for the half marathon are open from Thursday 22nd June and you can register by visiting www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com. A one mile fun run will also be held in conjunction with the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon at Queen’s Park which is open to people of all ages and abilities.

In addition, one of this year’s main charities for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has been confirmed as Ashgate Hospicecare. The independent charity provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik Estate Agency, said:-

“We are delighted to have agreed a five-year sponsorship deal with the Chesterfield Half Marathon.

“The town of Chesterfield has really got behind and supported Redbrik since we opened and we feel a strong responsibility to contribute back to the community. We love this town and want to see it prosper. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone supporting this event, getting their running shoes on and raising money for some great local charities along the way.”

John Timms, Events Director at MLS Contracts Ltd, commented:-

“It is fantastic news that Redbrik are on board as event sponsors. They are such an innovative company and it will be a pleasure to work with Mark and his team over the next five years.

“Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council and MLS are passionate about making the Redbrik Chesterfield Half marathon a successful community mass participation event and we are confident that other supporters will be coming in behind Redbrik, the Council and ourselves in the near future,” added Mr Timms.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said:

“I am sure our residents will be pleased that they can once again participate in the Chesterfield Half Marathon and the fun run events taking place in Queen’s Park.

“It is a fantastic event, which brings the community together and to raise money for a very worthy cause in Ashgate Hospice. We are happy to continue our support for the event – thanks to Redbrik for taking on the sponsorship and for MLS for running the event.”

John Timms, Events Director at MLS Contracts Ltd, said: “We are aware that are a number of people who previously registered for the KidsNCancer Chesterfield Half Marathon 2017. I would like to stress that the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon 2017 is not in any way connected to the aforementioned event.

“However, as a gesture of good will we have established a process to provide free entry to the new event to anyone who registered and paid to enter the cancelled event.

“The cancelled race entrants will need to register for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half marathon from Thursday 22nd June visiting www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com and agree to run the race in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare.

“Once they have raised more than £25 in sponsorship for Ashgate Hospicecare they will be eligible to receive a refund for their Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon 2017 entry fee.

“These steps need to be followed in order to do this:

– Take a screen shot of the total raised for Ashgate Hospicecare or copy of their sponsorship form,

– Proof of entry fee payment for the old event

– Email the documents above to events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

“On completion of this process their race entry fee for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon 2017 will be refunded within four weeks of Ashgate Hospicecare receiving the individual’s sponsorship money.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Celebrity host of 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards confirmed

1st June 2017

Mich Turner MBE and professional cake designer to the stars, has been confirmed as the celebrity host of this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Mich hosted the glittering event last year to much critical acclaim. She will now return to Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on Wednesday 25 October where she will announce the winners across 13 categories in the annual awards.

Nominations for the popular awards close on Monday 12 June 2017. People who want to see their favourite eatery, pub, bar and food producers recognised in the prestigious awards can nominate across 10 categories at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards .

Founder and director of London-based Little Venice Cake Company, Mich has created over 10,000 cakes including those for Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Gordon Ramsay and David Beckham.

As well as her high profile cakes that have been featured in films, Mich has also presented and judged Britain’s Best Bakery, one of the top five performing daytime TV shows on ITV, as well as her own Mich Turner’s Couture Cakes for Sky. In addition to her TV credits, Mich also has six international best-selling books to her name, with the latest title ‘Have Your Cake and Eat It’ published in March 2017

Delighted to be hosting the 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards Mich Turner said: “I am so happy to be returning to the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards once again. Last year was a wonderful occasion and a delight to see so many individuals and businesses recognised for their contribution to the town’s hospitality scene.”

The popular awards return for the fifth year running and are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group.

The 10 categories in which you can nominate in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

• Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
• Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar
• Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Arvato
• Pub / Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
• Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Accountants
• Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
• Best Out of Town (within 10 miles of Chesterfield) – sponsored by Shorts Accountants
• Chesterfield Food Producer – presented by Chesterfield College
• International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
• Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, the Crooked Spire Church, Casa Hotel, Mitchells Accountants and Business Advisors, Owen Taylor & Sons, ra Information Systems, Black Eyed Susan, Franklin and Sons Ltd, Addooco, Steve Faulkner and Reflections.

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

2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards a sell-out!

4th May 2017

The fourth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards which take place on Wednesday 24 May has been declared a sellout.

The event will see 200 people gather at the Winding Wheel to learn which of Chesterfield’s shops, stores and market stalls have been named the town’s best, including one which will take the coveted title of Retailer of the Year.

36 Chesterfield retailers are set to go head-to-head battling it out for a total of 17 titles at the awards ceremony which are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Addooco.

Peak FM breakfast show presenters, Cat and Ricky, have been confirmed as the hosts of the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards and will be announcing the winners of the awards on the night.

This will be the first year Ricky has hosted the Chesterfield Retail Awards having joined the Peak FM breakfast show in October last year. He said: “I am really looking forward to the awards. Since joining Peak FM I have been taking the chance to get out and about in and around Chesterfield and am amazed at what the town has to offer. I expect there will be no shortage of competition at the retail awards and it will be a great night.”

This year, more than 800 people nominated their favourite shops and stores in the annual awards. Now in their fourth year, the prestigious awards are open to retailers and market stall holders in and around Chesterfield town centre, as well as those in Brampton and Whittington Moor.

Organiser of the popular awards, Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield, said: “This year the tickets have sold out faster than ever. They have been in high demand which is no surprise considering the level of entries and engagement we had from the town’s retail community this year. It promises to be a fantastic evening and I am very looking forward to seeing who will be crowned Chesterfield’s top retailer,”

The shortlisted businesses across the 16 categories in this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

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

Burlingtons Hair Salon

Pamper Shack

Therapy Lounge

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

Blanc

Marks and Spencer

Wards Shoes

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

Centre

Adorn Jewellers

Green+Benz

Overton Clocks

Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Healthy High Streets Team

Debenhams

H&F

Olympia House Antiques and Craft Centre

Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Progression

Accountancy

Debenhams

Babyluv

Geeks Headquarters Ltd

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Custom Solar

Northern Tea Merchants

R.P. Davidson Cheese Factor

Ibbotsons Fresh Quality Produce

Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Presented by Addooco

Chips Computers

Inspire Hi-Fi

Three Store

Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) – Sponsored by Peak FM

Fred’s Haberdashery

StraightCurves

Vanishing Point Records

Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Ibbotsons Fresh Quality Produce

Unstone Plant Centre

Spire Vintage

Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design

Adorn Jewellers

Ibbotsons Fresh Quality Produce

Northern Tea Merchants

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

Marks and Spencer

Specsavers

Three Store

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business

Advisers

Adorn Jewellers

Ibbotsons Fresh Quality Produce

H&F

Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Arvato

R.P. Davidson Cheese Factor

Ye Olde Sweet Shop and Gifts

Lamb’s Cupcakes

Best New Store (Opened 2016/2017) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Blanc Occasions

Style Loft

Vanishing Point Records

The Pavements Shopping Centre Retailer of the Year

Bodycare

Massarellas

Warren James

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Retailer of the Year

H&M

Waterstones

New Look

As well as Addooco and category sponsors, other supporters of the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards include Temple Safety, City Taxis, R.A. Information Systems, eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.

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