Celebrate Chesterfield

Spireites quartet joins Jeff Stelling on charity walk

10th March 2016

A Spireites quartet will join Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling on a walk in aid of Prostate Cancer UK later this month.

Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner, media chief Nick Johnson, Kevin Fitzgerald (head of commercial & marketing) and former player Bob Newton will walk with Jeff from Rotherham United’s New York Stadium to the Proact Stadium on Thursday, March 24.

Jeff, who hosts the popular Soccer Saturday show, will walk from Hartlepool United to Wembley between March 21-30.

Clocking in at more than 250 miles, Jeff’s Men United March will see the 60-year-old check in on 31 football clubs.

Jeff said: “I deal in statistics – but the ones we are dealing with here are shocking. One man dies every hour from this disease, that’s six in the course of Soccer Saturday every week. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and for black men the odds are even worse at one in four.

“Within the next ten years Prostate Cancer UK believes they will find the answers to make this disease something men and their loved ones no longer fear. I’ve met the scientists who pledge to do this and I can see how dedicated they are. But do to this we need to raise vital funds – and I need everyone to support me and all the men affected by prostate cancer by visiting menunitedmarch.org and pledging their support.”

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/Chesterfield-FC

(Image courtesy of Tina Jenner)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Walton Holymoorside Primary wins silver

8th March 2016

Walton Holymoorside Primary School has been awarded the School Games Silver Mark for showing excellent dedication to physical education and a healthy lifestyle over the last academic year.

The School Games Mark is a government-led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. Walton Holymoorside join a select group of Primary Schools across Chesterfield to achieve this award.

Far surpassing the participation rates needed to achieve the award, Walton Holymoorside took part in a number of Chesterfield SSP events last academic year, including: Mini Soccer, Cross Country, Sportshall Athletics, Dance, Fun to Run, Early Racers and Quadkids. On top of this, they encouraged out-of-school sport and leadership programmes.

Headteacher Jane Palmer-Coole, said: “We were proud to receive our School Games Silver Mark from Sporty Spire in our celebration assembly, as a recognition of all the amazing sporting events and health promoting activities that our children took part in in 2014-2015. We are now working towards our Gold Award!”

The presentation was made in the morning assembly on Friday 4th March by Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership. Sporty Spire, the partnership’s mascot, was also on hand to congratulate the children. The award was collected by a number of Bronze Young Ambassadors within the Chesterfield SSP’s leadership programme, including Poppy and James.

James said: “I am feeling proud that our school has achieved this amazing award.”

Poppy added: “I feel happy and proud of our school and now I am really excited for what will come next.”

Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “Congratulations to Walton Holymoorside, with a special mention to the PE Coordinator Miss Fairweather. Her dedication to advocating the PE and Sport agenda has inspired children at Walton Holymoorside to grow through sport.”

Jenny Fairweather, Sport Leader at Walton Holymoorside, said: “An inspirational assembly hearing our young children speaking so confidently about their passion for sport. The children were thrilled to receive our award from Sporty Spire and are very excited about sporting events to come!”

It was an excellent and inspiring morning for the children and the school as a whole, a great reward for all their hard work.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Air Ambulance official charity for Chatsworth International Horse Trials

4th March 2016

Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance has once again been named as the official charity this year for The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials taking place this May.

DLRAA provides a vital rapid response helicopter service and attends over 1000 life-saving missions a year, each at a cost of £1,700. With no government funding, the service relies entirely on donations to keep the service flying.

Following the success of its presence at last year’s event, it is hoped the continuing partnership will help to raise further awareness of the important work carried out by the service every day and support the ongoing fundraising campaigns.

Sophie Burt, Senior Fundraising Manager for DLRAA, said: “Every horse rider knows the importance of the air ambulance service and we are absolutely delighted to be supported for a second time by the Horse Trials. Last year was a huge success for our air ambulance service, and we hope to make this year even better. As we receive no government funding, partnerships like these are vital to make sure our lifesaving service can keep flying.”

Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson & Horrell, said: “The air ambulance plays a crucial role in ensuring that the very best medical care is on hand at the Horse Trials as well as providing this essential service to the local community. We are delighted to be able to support their work and look forward to meeting the team on hand at Chatsworth in May”.

Three thousand pounds was raised by DLRAA over the weekend last year. This year the charity will once again run a fundraising stall and other activities across the site. They will also be supported over the weekend by Dodson & Horrell who will be fundraising for the charity on their stand.

DLRAA will also be promoting its new out of hours service at this year’s event – which will enable them to carry out even more life-saving missions – with one of the service’s Skoda cars on display.

The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials combines three days of world class sporting competition with a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Visitors are also welcome to browse the shopping village with 100 high quality trade stands.

Tickets for the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials start at £10 for adults and £4.50 for children aged five and over.

For more information on the Dodson & Horrell International Horse Trials, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Securing the best devolution deal for Chesterfield and Derbyshire

4th March 2016

Chesterfield Borough Council has voted to apply to join a devolution deal with Sheffield City Region that could bring millions of pounds and hundreds of job opportunities to Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

The devolution deal will see powers and funding held by ministers and civil servants in London – on issues such as housing, skills and training, business support and transport – transferred down to a local level.

At a special council meeting held on Thursday 3rd March, councillors confirmed that entering a deal will mean absolutely no changes to Chesterfield’s geographical boundaries with the town remaining firmly part of Derbyshire. Those councillors will also continue to control the running of all the services Chesterfield Borough Council is currently responsible for.

The additional devolved powers will be managed by a combined authority, which is made up of a group of councils, which will be led by an elected mayor. Chesterfield is applying for an equal seat at the table of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority alongside Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster councils. This builds on the strong relationships that have already delivered significant investment in Chesterfield from the Sheffield City Region.

The decision by Chesterfield’s councillors starts a process that will include a full period of public consultation – likely to be in late spring or early summer – ahead of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government making a decision, anticipated to be in the autumn.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m Chesterfield born and bred. If you cut me open I would have Chesterfield written on one side and Derbyshire on the other.

“So from day one I have been very clear that this is not about us moving anywhere as some people have claimed. Chesterfield is a Derbyshire town and will always be a Derbyshire town. Changing that has never been on the agenda and it never will be.

“This decision has been about what is going to be best for our economy and will most benefit our residents and businesses.

“It’s about creating jobs opportunities for young people who tell me they are desperately struggling to find work. It is about supporting the Chesterfield businesses who tell me that they want to expand but need staff with the right skills to do so.

“And it’s about giving our town an equal say at a table where £900 million is being handed out over the next 30 years.”

Three other Derbyshire councils – Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales district councils – are applying to join the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority as non-constituent members.

They have also decided to be full members of a similar North Midlands Combined Authority formed of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils, Derby City, Derbyshire County Council and around half of the Derbyshire district and borough councils.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also decided to apply to become a non-constituent member of the North Midlands Combined Authority.

This partnership is currently negotiating with government for a devolution deal that would also see powers come down from Government to be managed by a combined authority led by an elected mayor.

Councillor Burrows added: “I am in the unique position of being the only council leader to have been involved in negotiating devolution deals for both the North Midlands and Sheffield City Region areas.

“I’ve read every document on the subject and sat in the meetings here and in London. So I’ve heard every argument for and against both devolution deals and in all that time I’ve been looking for what is best for Chesterfield and Chesterfield alone.

“After hearing all the issues at the debate I came to a clear conclusion that this deal is in the best interests of Chesterfield. That view was shared overwhelmingly by councillors of all the three political parties represented on the council, who decided this is the deal we should put out to public consultation.

“What is on offer is so great that it would be reckless and gambling on the town’s future to walk away and not seek any devolution powers.”

Residents can view the report which has all the details considered by councillors at the meeting by visiting www.chesterfield.gov.uk and clicking on the devolution button at the bottom of the page. Paper copies can be seen at Chesterfield Town Hall.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Still time for Derbyshire businesses to join free Healthy Workplaces scheme

2nd March 2016

More Derbyshire businesses are being encouraged to sign up for a free health and wellbeing support programme which is tailored to the needs of each individual organisation.

Since it launched in July, Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire has worked with more than 40 local businesses, which together employ over 30,000 people, to help employees to get fitter, healthier and happier.

The Healthy Workplace teams offers one-to-one help and support in areas including:

Assessing an organisation’s current situation and highlighting key areas for change
Supporting health and wellbeing in the workplace
Putting in place long term solutions for preventing ill health
Developing strategies and action plans for making improvements
Providing information on local services
Providing advice and support on mental health and wellbeing, healthy eating, physical activity, stop smoking support and alcohol and substance misuse
Offering training opportunities

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said:

“Making sure that employees are healthy and happy is an important function of any business.

“The Healthy Workplaces programme offers innovative solutions for employers who want to create a healthy and engaged workforce and also signposts onto other health and wellbeing projects such as the Heart of Derbyshire healthy eating options scheme.

“We would encourage anyone who has a business in Derbyshire to get in touch and see how our team can help.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital is just one of the organisations working with the Healthy Workplaces team.

Sarah Cooper, HR Advisor at the hospital, said:

“We’ve worked closely with the Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire team to create a healthy and more engaged workforce.

“The team supported us to enable staff to access local weight management services and develop our range of physical activity sessions.

“In addition they have provided guidance to enable us to obtain the Gold Standard for the Heart of Derbyshire award so we can all benefit from a range of healthy meal options in our canteen – Café @ the Royal.”

Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire is free to join for all businesses within Derbyshire County Council boundaries (excluding Derby City).

Find out more about Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire at www.derbyshire.gov.uk.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Last chance to nominate in the Chesterfield Retail Awards

29th February 2016

Don’t let your favourite retailer go unnoticed. Time is running out to nominate your favourite shop or store in the town in the third annual Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Nominations for the popular awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield, close on Sunday 6 March 2016.

Retailers, including the best national high street stores and owner managed shops can be nominated across 14 different categories, with the winners being announced at an award ceremony held on 25 May 2016 at the town’s Winding Wheel.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, is urging shoppers to vote now. He said: “The closing date for nominations ties in brilliantly with the run up to Mother’s Day, the same date nominations close – 6th March. While you’re out shopping for your mum, if a Chesterfield retailer gives you outstanding service, has a fantastic choice of gifts, or even both, then make sure you nominate.

“The Retail Awards are great for business recognition, but also an opportunity for us to say thank you to the many people who work in the sector and help keep retail thriving in Chesterfield.”

Last year’s winner of the coveted Retail of the Year Award and Market Trader of the Year, Nick Ibbotson, owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, added: “It was amazing to win two awards and particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award.”

To nominate your favourite retailer before Sunday 6 March 2016, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards/nominate/

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

Green space in Brampton set to be transformed

29th February 2016

Residents in Brampton will soon enjoy an enhanced green space at Chester St Park thanks to a share of a £1.5m funding pot received from central Government.

Social enterprise Monkey Park – Brampton’s new cafe, artisan bakery, bicycle workshop and co-working space – has been awarded a £14,000 grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government ‘Pocket Parks’ programme to improve the green space opposite the centre.

Chester St Park is one of more than 80 unloved and neglected urban spaces across the country which will be transformed into green oases for everyone to use.

Working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council, the team at Monkey Park will use their funding to build a new riverside walkway with benches and a new entrance to the park, allowing people to walk along the Holme Brook and enjoy the natural green space threading through the heart of the community.

The project will support volunteers in their efforts to improve the river by providing flower bulbs and trees for planting, and will also fund an art and nature event which takes place in May.

Looking towards the future, the grant will also enable a sustainability plan to be produced, helping to ensure the park continues to improve over time.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “The news that Monkey Park has received Government funding to create a pocket park is great for local residents.

“This will allow them have more access to nature, to take part in a wider range of activities in the park as well as make improvements to improve the look and feel of the park.”

The team at Monkey Park will work in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the work before the end of March 2016.

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

Hotel occupier announced for Co-op development

29th February 2016

The first occupiers have been announced for the redevelopment of the former Co-op store on Elder Way in Chesterfield.

Premier Inn will operate a 89 room hotel and Beefeater restaurant on the site. The hotel is due to start operating in 2017.

Nicholas Johnston, Acquisitions Manager for Premier Inn, said:

“We are delighted to be taking an 89 bedroom hotel and Beefeater restaurant as part of the forthcoming Elder Way development in Chesterfield. Chesterfield is an excellent location and, as well as attracting new visitors to the area the new hotel will deliver fresh investment and create 60 new jobs for the local area. We look forward to opening our doors to customers in 2017.”

Find out more about the regeneration scheme which includes a hotel, 6 restaurants and a gym .

Adam Herald of Jomast said: “We now have a number of parties showing strong interest in being part of this exciting scheme and are delighted to confirm that Premier Inn and their Beefeater restaurant will be anchoring the development.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Mr Heart Throb raises over £5,000 for Ashgate Hospicecare

24th February 2016

A grand total of £5,100 was raised at this year’s Mr Heart Throb event, which saw 7 contestants, 4 judges and 170 adoring supporters coming together at the Proact Stadium in support of local charity Ashgate Hospicecare.

The contestants took to the catwalk to compete in four rounds including Mr Dream Job, Mr Beach Bod, Hospice Hero and concluding with Mr Talent, which was won by Dan Wheeldon from Gilder Group Mitsubishi, who wrote a fantastic and heart-wrenching poem where he described a hospice through the eyes of his 8 year old son.

Dave Trickett took home the title of ‘Mr Money Man’ after solely raising £900 for the event in memory of his daughter, Kimberley, who died at Ashgate Hospicecare six and a half years ago. Since her death Dave and his family have raised £70,000 in tribute and aim to reach £100,000 in total.

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare said: ‘The night was full of laughs, however it was amazing to see the contestants and audience truly understand the real meaning of this fundraising event. The importance of hospice care was echoed throughout the night.

“Thank you to all who made this event possible; the amazing total of £5,100 will enable local people with life-limiting illnesses to be cared for, whether it is in the hospice, hospital or in their own homes.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent registered charity that provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

BRM solicitors raises nearly £10k for Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre

22nd February 2016

A charity will writing service, run by local law firm and Chesterfield Champion BRM Solicitors, has raised a total of £9,742 to help build the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Throughout October and November 2015 BRM Solicitors offered to waive their usual will writing fees in exchange for clients making a cash donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors says: “The campaign was a huge success, giving people the opportunity to make a will who otherwise may not have done so, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.

Many clients chose to donate more than the suggested £54, showing their support for Macmillan’s vital work and the legal service we provided. The money raised will help to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.”

Rob Turner, the local fundraising manager at Macmillan says: “Thank you to everyone who took up BRM Solicitors offer and made a generous donation to Macmillan. Whether you choose to donate now, in your will, or both, your support is vital in helping Macmillan be there to support more people in Chesterfield who are affected by cancer.”

Planned to open in autumn this year, the £8.9m centre will transform cancer services for people across North Derbyshire. Macmillan Cancer Support has a fundraising target of £2.5 million to make the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre a reality.

If you would like to find out more about the Chesterfield Appeal and how you could support it please contact Rob Turner on 07545 419 725 or email rturner@macmillan.org.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

National recognition for Brampton Brewery

19th February 2016

Brampton Brewery has enjoyed success at the prestigious CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival which runs from 17th – 20th February, 2016.

The firm won a bronze medal for its Brampton Mild in the Old Ales & Strong Milds category – one of just 4 categories from which the ultimate National Champion Winter Ale is chosen.

Brampton’s Chris Radford was understandably delighted with the award.

He said:- “This festival recognises the finest ales the UK has to offer in this growing sector of the market, and to think that at Brampton we produce beers that stand alongside some of the biggest, best and most respected beers in the whole country is quite humbling”.

Brampton Brewery’s achievement should not be underestimated – the UK can now boast over 1,400 breweries regularly producing in excess of 9,000 different real ales. A renaissance has occurred in recent years and particularly in the field of outstanding dark, malty, rich and roasted beers perfect for those colder months of the year.

Such huge variety means that it has never been a more difficult time to judge the best of these beers. Only a select number of real ales make it to the Finals which fall into the 4 categories of Old Ales/Strong Milds, Porters, Stouts and Barley Wines, with the competition beginning at grass roots level right across Britain soon after the previous year’s finals have taken place.

Brampton Brewery was resurrected in October 2007 by a small group of local enthusiasts, bringing brewing back to Brampton for the first time in 52 years.

Image shows Brampton Head Brewer Chris Radford receiving the Bronze Medal for Brampton Mild from CAMRA National Chairman Colin Valentine.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting