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Surprise marriage proposal takes centre stage at 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards

Love really was in the air at last night’s 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards. Taking centre stage at the sell-out award ceremony was a marriage proposal by Giuseppe Barone, co-owner of Sicily Restaurant which won Best New Hospitality Business.

Walking up on stage to collect the award, Giuseppe dropped to one knee and proposed to his business partner Monica Sardisco in front of a shocked and delighted crowd.

Giuseppe explained: “The proposal was all planned for if we won but if we didn’t win it wasn’t going to happen. I am very happy – for the award and for Monica saying ‘yes’.”

Sicily Restaurant was just one of 16 businesses and individuals celebrated at the Love Chesterfield Awards – the first in-person event held in 19 months by Destination Chesterfield.

Almost 50 businesses, individuals and projects were shortlisted across 16 categories, but it was Adorn Jewellers, Chesters Restaurant & Takeaway and CarMats.co.uk that clinched the three headline awards – Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year respectively.

Recent Strictly star and breakfast TV presenter Mike Bushell announced the winners of the awards at a sell-out black tie event held at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 20 October.

More than 250 people attended the celebration. Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “This year the awards were a celebration on so many levels – recognising entrepreneurial and community spirit, achievement, survival and a marriage proposal – the first in our awards history. I am delighted that the business community was once again able to come together in person, connect with each other and share in each other’s success. It was a brilliant event.”

New business CarMats.co.uk, owned by Ash Young, is the first ever recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year award. The Chesterfield-based ecommerce business, which sells car mats, was founded during the first lockdown in 2020 and achieved £1 million in revenue in just nine months. Capitalising on his success, he has since established a second digital business selling car seat covers this year.

Delighted to win the award, Ash said: “During lockdown I wanted to set up a business to support local jobs. Car mats is a bit of a strange business, but everyone uses car mats and they wear out. We are now looking to expand across Europe going into Ireland first and then onto France and all from Chesterfield.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve done with Carmats.co.uk and it’s really nice to get the recognition locally.”

CarMats.co.uk was just one of 761 new businesses registered in Chesterfield during 2020 – an increase of 20% compared to the previous year.

Long established businesses, town centre-based Adorn Jewellers, and Chesters based on Sheffield Road are previous multiple award winners in the Chesterfield High Street and Food and Drink awards.

Chesters is investing £1 million opening a second restaurant at Markham Vale. Chris Ioanides, Owner of Chesters, which next year celebrates its 10th anniversary, said: “It means so much to us to be recognised locally. Even though we’ve been in the top 10 in the UK this award means more to us because it’s Chesterfield people that have got us where we are today. It fills our hearts to know that we are up there with the top restaurants in the town.”

Capitalising on the success of Adorn, which opened in The Shambles in 2010, owners Laura-Jo and Adam Owen opened a second shop, Acorn Jewellers, in Bakewell in 2017. An emotional Laura Jo said: “We’re thrilled to win this award. Our success is our customers – 100%. We have a wonderful community of customers and this award is for them.”

The Love Chesterfield Awards replace and combine the town’s popular Food and Drink and High Street Awards. Three new categories have also been added to the Love Chesterfield awards line-up – Sustainability, Community Contribution and Entrepreneur of the Year.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by EntireFM, categories in the new Love Chesterfield Awards reflect the challenges which local businesses, people and projects have faced over the last 18 months as well as the business landscape post pandemic.

Speaking at the awards, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The last 19 months have been a turbulent time for all of us. But our local businesses have shown such resilience; adapting and supporting each other to keep moving forward. They have all achieved so much and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. It is an honour to be able to recognise so many at the Love Chesterfield Awards.”

Love Chesterfield Awards

Winners of the 16 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards categories include:

Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Entire FM

Chesters

“It means so much to us to be recognised locally. Even though we’ve been in the top 10 in the UK this award means more to us because it’s Chesterfield people that have got us where we are today. It fills our hearts to know that we are up there with the top restaurants in the town.” Chris Ioanides, owner, Chesters

Café of the Year – sponsored by CMP Legal

The Café at Libby’s

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bits to win. We make what people want to eat and our customers keep coming back. It’s a pleasure to come to work and keep serving them.” Ann Truscott and Julie Legdon, The Café at Libbys

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Addooco IT

The Tickled Trout

“It’s been a really difficult 18 months at The Tickled Trout and the team have been brilliant. Pulling together throughout the pandemic and adapting the business and supporting the community.” Rachel Cutting, The Tickled Trout

Best New Hospitality Business – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Sicily Restaurant

“Sicily Restaurant is a family business and when people visit us, we want them to feel welcome and like they are in our home. We are not standing still; there is still room for improvement. We now plan to do fresh pasta to add to all our home made, authentic Sicilian menu.” Giuseppe Barone, Sicily Restaurant

Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

Monkey Park Café

“It feels amazing to win the award. It’s important to us to ensure people are connected and that involved delivering new services during the pandemic, like providing take away services from the café and supplying tablets and mobile phones to members of the community to help them get online and develop new skills. It means such a lot to us that Monkey Park and our services are accessible to everybody and this award is recognition of that.” Sarah Clarke, Monkey Park Community Hub

Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

“We’re thrilled to win this award. Our success is our customers – 100%. We have a wonderful community of customers and this award is for them.” – Laura Jo Owen, owner of Adorn Jewellers

Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Chesterfield College Group

Lottie’s Sandwich Bar

“We weren’t expecting to win the award. We came to the Love Chesterfield Awards thinking that it would be an amazing experience so to win is absolutely amazing. Without our customers and community, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We work so hard for them so to get something back is just amazing. We’ll keep listening to our customers and do our best for them.”

Independent High Street Business – sponsored by Evoluted

Fred’s Haberdashery

“It feels fantastic to win the award. Fred’s is an institution in Chesterfield and we feel proud to have developed the business further using technology.  We have really enjoyed being on Twitter during The Great British Sewing Bee. It’s really made a difference to the business as more people are getting into dressmaking and coming into the shop for fabric and patterns.” Emily Lord, Fred’s Haberdashery

Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Superior Wellness

“We are absolutely delighted to have won this inaugural award. Sustainability is high on the agenda at Superior Wellness and it became even more important when we moved into our new 130,000 square foot warehouse and office in March.

“Within the last few months, we have reviewed our waste strategy, purchased electric forklift trucks, installed solar panels and have electric charging points.

“This is just the start as we seek to become more sustainable as a business.  Our ten-year vision is to become carbon neutral.” Mark Needham, Head of Operations, Superior Wellness

Community Contribution – sponsored by Van Dyk by Wildes

Peak Pharmacy

“It’s really exciting to win the award. It’s been great to help Chesterfield get back to normal by delivering 30,000 vaccinations. It’s been a real team and family effort and we’re all so proud.” Tara Brown, Peak Pharmacy

Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

CarMats.co.uk

“During lockdown I wanted to set up a business to support local jobs. Car mats is a bit of a strange business, but everyone uses car mats and they wear out. We are now looking to expand across Europe going into Ireland first and then onto France, and all from Chesterfield.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve done with Carmats.co.uk and it’s really nice to get the recognition locally.” Ash Young, CarMats.co.uk

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by DBC Training

Ellie Gibson – Heathcotes Group

“I am so shocked to win the award. I love working at Heathcotes and loved doing my apprenticeship. I would say to anyone who wants to do an apprenticeship just do it. I’ve really enjoyed it.” Ellie Gibson

Food Producer of the Year (within 10 miles) – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Crooked Pickle Co

Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Peak Pharmacy

The Therapy Lounge

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants

The Glass Yard

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards were supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, CMP Legal, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Evoluted, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

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Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On promises fun for the whole family

Residents and visitors can get into the festive spirit as Chesterfield’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On returns for 2021.

There will be a variety of entertainers performing throughout the day and a market that will allow shoppers to grab a Christmas bargain. The event takes place on Sunday 21 November from 12 noon to early evening, with the switch on happening at 4.45pm.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch On is one of our most popular events attracting thousands of people each year and for many families it is a Christmas tradition.

“We’ve got lots planned this year to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day. I am delighted that it could return this year, and I hope lots of people will come along and have a great day out whilst shopping local and supporting local businesses.”

The stage show will be held in New Square and there will be a variety of different performers including choirs, dancing robots and children’s characters.

A market will run alongside this event in the Market Square and the Market Hall will be open so shoppers can start picking up presents from local businesses.

Market stalls are available to book for this event, these can be booked for £15 by visiting:  www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading

The Christmas Lights Switch On is a key element of the Christmas in Chesterfield campaign which aims to encourage people to visit Chesterfield town centre and support local businesses this Christmas.

Other activities planned include the return of the Amazing Magical Santa House and Elf Trail which were very popular last year. A series of walkabout entertainers including stilt walkers, carol singers and tap-dancing turkeys. The Crooked Spire will also be hosting its Christmas Tree Festival and Beauty and the Beast pantomime will be at the Pomegranate Theatre.

More details on the entertainment schedule will be released closer to the event. Find out more at:http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-christmas-market-and-lights-switch-on/

 

Chesterfield Christmas Market and Lights Switch on

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Inaugural Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k hailed a success  

The first-ever Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k has been hailed a great success by organisers, event partners and participants after more than 1,300 runners took part in the event on Sunday 17 October.

Thomas Shaw was the first to cross the 10k finish line with a time of 00:33:32 with Emma Holt the first female to finish in a time of 00:41:12

The oldest participant in the event was David Onion, aged 81, and Daniel Greatorex was the youngest at 15.

Max Taylor (10), and Sophie Bramley (12), were the winners of the City Taxi’s Fun Run, which took place within the boundaries of Queen’s Park in tandem with the main event.

Around 15 organisations also took part in the first Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a team entry into the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k’s events.

The event also helped raise thousands for good causes across the region, with £59,000 pledged for charities including main charity partners – Redbrik Community Foundation, Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and North Anston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, along with many other charities selected by the runners from across the region.

Following the event, John Timms, Event Director of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k said: “We launched the 10k event in 2020 with a view to providing a fantastic experience for both participants and the local community, and as a way of generating revenue for the event’s charity partners.

“It was truly amazing to see how many people turned out to support the event, both in Queen’s Park at the start/finish line and out on route.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to making the event a success once more – including event partners and sponsors, and of course all those who took part.

“A special mention must go to all the volunteers who helped out on race day – who gave up their Sunday morning to help keep everything running smoothly, to assist runners and to help the general public. Without them, this event simply would not be possible, so a big thank you to everyone who helped out.

“I also want to thank anyone who was affected by the road disruptions across Chesterfield for their understanding throughout the day.

“Most importantly, however, the money raised by this event will go a long way to helping good causes like the Redbrik Community Foundation, Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and other charities all of which do so much fantastic work in the local community.”

David Cooper, Trustee of headline sponsor the Redbrik Community Foundation and a participant in the 10k said: “We are very proud to support this event, which has so much goodwill from all involved. It has been great to give something back to the town, who have continually supported our estate agency business, Redbrik, since we opened nearly nine years ago.

“The course really showcased what a beautiful town chesterfield is and when I was running it felt like the entire town had come out to support all the runners. It was wonderful.

“We love this town and we want to see it thrive. Events such as this help to do that, with huge numbers of people coming to Chesterfield from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part. We can’t wait until 2022 already!”

Redbrik Estate Agents and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Multiple accolades for Brampton Brewery at prestigious regional awards

Chesterfield’s Brampton Brewery took home three Silver medals and one Bronze award at the annual SIBA Midlands Independent Beer Awards, which took place at the Trent Bridge Inn, Nottingham last week.

Their award-winning beers are listed as follows :

  • Terminus is a 4.2% session pale ale and won the Bronze medal in the Session IPA category.
  • Brampton Best is a 4.2% Best Bitter and won Silver medal in the British Bitters category.
  • Wasp Nest is a 5.0% Premium Bitter and won Silver medal in the Premium Bitters category.
  • Speciale is a 5.8% IPA and won Silver medal in the Cask IPA (5.5% – 6.4%) category.

Roy Allkin, SIBA Chairman commented: “Judges had a tough job separating the pack as the standard was extremely high once again. Lucky beer festival attendees at Nottingham CAMRA Beer Festival were able to try these and other award-winning beers immediately after the competition, something which is great for brewers too as they get to put their beers into the hands of real beer-lovers. The winners from the SIBA competition are officially the best independent craft beers in the Midlands region, something brewers should be extremely proud of.”

The SIBA Midlands Independent Beer Awards judge a huge range of beers across a number of styles in separate cask and small pack (bottle and can) competitions. As the awards are judged mostly by brewers, industry experts and beer journalists the SIBA Independent Beer Awards are very much seen as the prestigious ‘Brewers’ choice Awards’ by the industry.

Chris Radford from Brampton Brewery had this to say on their win: “It’s fair to say we’re all blown away by the success we’ve had at this year’s competition. It’s been a pretty miserable last 18 months for everyone, but none more so than in the Brewing industry and hospitality trade. We’re such a small team down at the brewery, but we’re just passionate about what we do and dedicated as to how we go about it.”

Brampton Brewery was re-formed in 2007 resurrecting a once-proud brewery name that traded successfully in Chesterfield and the North Midlands for well over 100 years until 1955.

The brewery now operates 3 pubs – The Rose & Crown, Brampton; The Tramway Tavern, Brampton and The Glassworks, Sheffield Road as well as licensed premises at the Brewery on Chatsworth Road itself. The Brewery produces a range of award-winning beers in Cask and Keg, as well as small-pack bottles and mini-kegs.

To find out more about SIBA’s Independent Beer Awards visit www.siba.co.uk/awards/

Brampton Brewery supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Road closures confirmed ahead of Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

Organisers of this year’s Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k race have confirmed road closures for the event, which takes place this Sunday, 17th October.

The route starts and finishes in Queens Park and will be centered on the heart of Chesterfield, taking in major landmarks such as the town’s famous crooked spire. It will also feature service and cheer stations on the course and will have a later 10am start.

Runners can sign up to the City Taxis Fun Run on the day at the Race Information Point in Queens Park.

In accordance with traffic authority regulations for Derbyshire County Council, an order has been made prohibiting and restricting the use of certain roads and road junctions by vehicles in order to facilitate the safe holding of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K.

The event will require the closure of roads and road junctions, car parking restrictions as well as the suspension of a number of Traffic Regulation Orders between 07:00 until 13:00 on Sunday 17th October 2021.

A full list of closures, including approximate times, is provided below. You can find out more about the event and how you can get involved on the day at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-10k/

Chesterfield 10K Road Closures

Chesterfield 10K Parking Restrictions

Meanwhile, event organisers are set to launch the Pronto Paints Schools Wellbeing Challenge 2021 on Friday 15 October.

School children from across Chesterfield are set to take part in the event at Queen’s Park which promotes health and wellbeing among young people in our area.

Daniel Thompson, Head of Physical Education at Brookfield Community School, one of the schools taking part, said: “As a community school, when we were given the opportunity to be part of the first ever running festival to link with the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K, we did not hesitate.

“We are excited to be able to give our students the chance to participate in an event that not only challenges them, but is great for their health and well-being.  The fact that it is supporting such a worthwhile charitable event that such as the Chesterfield 10K that lots of our school community will be engaging in is even more reason to take part.  MLS have been amazing in the support they have provided and in setting up.  I can’t thank them enough.”

David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Paints, added: “We are very proud to sponsor this event. Anything which encourages children to focus on exercise and wellbeing is fantastic.

“In addition to this event, we are headline sponsors of the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, which is a great way for local businesses to join together and raise money for local charities.

“We are hoping to make the schools challenge an annual event and hopefully it will even bigger and better next year.”

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Grants on offer to help young musicians in Chesterfield

Young people, schools or other organisations in Chesterfield can now apply for grants to help them develop their music making.

Thanks to a bequest from a local resident, Derbyshire County Council is offering individual grants of £500 for those aged 5 to 18, and grants of £2,000 for schools and other organisations for those living in Chesterfield.

The money can help to support any kind of music maker either to buy equipment or pay for lessons or other support required. It can help pay for support which will nurture a young person’s musical talent, or can fund music-related trips or visits.

The County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “This generous bequest from a local resident means that we can offer grants to help our young people continue to make the sort of music they love.

“It also means that schools and other organisations can apply for funding to help them further develop their student’s music education, and maybe pay for visits that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to go on.

“I’d urge schools and families in the Chesterfield area to look really carefully at this grant scheme and to apply if they think they are eligible.”

  • Applications are welcome from or on behalf of anyone aged 5 to 18, or by schools or other providers of music activities to fund projects to further develop young musicians.
  • Applicants must reside or go to school in the Chesterfield area or live in Derbyshire and the organisation they attend must provide regular activities to young people in Chesterfield
  • Organisations or shcools must provide regular activities to young musicians in the Chesterfield area.
  • If you are unsure about whether this applies to you, please contact music.partnership@derbyshire.gov.uk
  • Feedback | Successful applicants will be required to complete a feedback from regarding the outcomes and impact of the grant.

For more information on the funding, click here.

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Comic-Con returns to Chesterfield this October

Chesterfield Comic-Con is back at Queens Park Sports Centre this October, with organisers promising yet another geeky, fun-filled event.

The Dark Lord, Darth Vader aka Spencer Wilding will be available for guests to meet on the day and he is sure to entice you over to the Dark Side of the comic-con galaxy. This will be Spencer’s first convention appearance in nearly two years.

Spencer is an actor, special creature performer and a martial artist. Although, he is well known for his role as Darth Vader in Star Wars Rogue One, Spencer has also appeared in so many other great movies and TV programs such as Doctor Who, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Men in Black: International, Guardians of the Galaxy, Green Street 3: Never Back Down, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Game of Thrones andbBatman Begins.

Joining Spencer will be Phill Martin and Billy Mansell. Phill Martin is a giant of an actor, standing at 7ft tall, and he has used this to his advantage gaining roles as a ‘Ghost Engineer’ for Ridley Scott in Prometheus, he then quickly went on to secure roles in Jack the Giant Slayer and Joe Wright’s Pan. Phill has also worked in TV playing ‘Thomas Garlic’ in ITV Encore production The Frankenstein Chronicles and also ‘Lanky John’ in the BBC comedy production Mountain Goats. His other experience has included short films ‘Joe Wilkinson & David Earles Summer : Giddy up Gunty’ for the Sky comedy shorts summer season and also competition winning short ‘The Confession’.

Billy Mansell started his acting career after attending comic-cons as a cosplayer. Billy is a huge fan of Alien and had a dream come true when he secured a role on set playing an iconic engineer. Billy’s film roles didn’t stop there and he landed parts in big films such as Jurassic World 2, Fantastic Beasts 2 (Crimes of Grindelwald) Detective Pikachu and king of Thieves Mission Impossible Fallout, plus had roles in some major TV programmes like Eastenders, League of Gentlemen and most recently Outlander S5. All three actors are available to meet as well as to sign photos or memorabilia as well as offer advice to any budding Chesterfield actors.

Other displays on offer for visitors include a photo opportunity inside the mouth of Jaws from Steven Spielberg’s classic movie series, or even the Gremlins cinema set. There’s also the massive Transformers Bumblebee, the Superheroes Cosplay Group, The Mos Eisley Misfits in their Star Wars costumes and even Daleks for any timelords in the town.

As well as guests and attractions there are comic creators, authors and loads of geeky traders with tons of geeky toys, comics, collectables, art, jewellery, VR gaming and more…

Attendees are also encouraged to dress-up as a TV, movie, game or anime character and entering the cosplay competition with a chance to win prizes on the day.

Sharon Hall of Unleashed Events said: “Our previous events in Chesterfield have always been so popular and it is great to be back!

“As usual there is loads of geeky stuff going on for you to see and do as well as geeky traders where you can purchase items that you simply won’t find on the high street. Our events are not just for the ‘geeky’ they are for people of all ages who want to come along and enjoy a great day out, something that all the family can enjoy with loads of photo opportunities to be had!”

Find out more about the event here: Chesterfield Unleashed comic-con – Destination Chesterfield | Destination Chesterfield

 

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Recent Strictly star set to host town’s sell-out Love Chesterfield Awards 2021

Strictly star and breakfast TV presenter Mike Bushell will be heading to Chesterfield on Wednesday 20 October.

A familiar face on weekday and Saturday morning breakfast TV, sports presenter Mike will host the town’s brand-new Love Chesterfield Awards at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

As well as presenting, Mike also holds the record for trying 560 different sports and activities, including ballroom dancing.

In 2019, he traded the TV newsroom for the ballroom and participated in Series 17 of Strictly Come Dancing where he was the seventh contestant to be eliminated.

He’ll be taking to the stage once again at the Winding Wheel Theatre later this month to announce the winners of the Love Chesterfield Awards. A total of 48 businesses and individuals have been shortlisted across 16 categories.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, the sell-out Love Chesterfield Awards will celebrate the best of the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability.

Prior to moving into broadcasting in 1990, Mike was a journalist on the Derby Evening Telegraph so is familiar with Chesterfield.

Looking forward to hosting the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards, Mike Bushell commented: “I’ve always loved coming to Chesterfield and the beautiful Derbyshire Dales and countryside around. The Spire, the old market town charm and the football club which I came to for a live BBC Breakfast broadcast in 2020 as football was trying to cope with the pandemic. I worked on the Derby Evening Telegraph in my early journalism days and so got to know the area well and am very excited about celebrating the success and champions in this gem of a town.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Mike to Chesterfield. We’re all delighted to have been able to secure such a high profile presenter for the awards. It only adds to the excitement of holding our first in person awards in two years.”

Peter Currey, Managing Director at Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management added: “It’s been great to be involved with the run up to the Love Chesterfield Awards. It will be brilliant to see so many local businesses getting recognition for their hard work and effort that is put into delivering their products and services.”

See the full list of 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, CMP Legal, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Evoluted, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Reflections Magazine, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

For all the information on the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards, please visit here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/

Love Chesterfield Awards

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See the sparks fly at annual fireworks event

Chesterfield is set to be lit up as Chesterfield Borough Council’s fireworks extravaganza returns.

The council have partnered with Chesterfield Football Club to deliver the entertainment at this year’s fireworks extravaganza.

The event takes place at Stand Road Park on Friday 5 November, the gates will open at 4.30pm and close at 9pm.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Our fireworks event is one of the most popular in the calendar with thousands of people coming along each year.

“It’s fantastic to be partnering with the football club to deliver this year’s event and I’m sure they will make it a great evening for everyone. Please wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and come along to join in the fun.”

Bridget Ball, marketing manager at Chesterfield FC, said: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to organise and host this event, which is very popular.

“As a football club owned by a Community Trust, we are always looking at ways of engaging with the local community and this is an ideal opportunity to do that.”

The fireworks display will begin at the family-friendly time of 7pm and there will also be a selection of fairground rides and food vendors. There will be live entertainment for crowds to enjoy both before and after the fireworks.

Entry to the event is £2 per person – free for children under five. Visitors are asked to have the exact money ready as change cannot be given.

Parking for the event will be available at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium for a donation of £3 per car, which will help cover the cost of stewards with any excess being given to charity.

There is also a bus stop on Sheffield Road which is less than a two-minute walk from the park, find more details about bus services that stop here on the Stagecoach website.

Visitors are reminded that they should not attend this event if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, a new or continuous cough or a loss of their sense of smell or taste. There will also be plenty of space at Stand Road to ensure visitors can maintain social distancing.

The fireworks extravaganza is one of a series of events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

More information about entertainment and safety at the event will be released soon.

Chesterfield Football Club and Chesterfield Borough Council  support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Successful Kickstart scheme extended to provide further boost to young people

More young people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire could be given a chance to gain vital work experience after the Government extended the Kickstart Scheme by three months.

East Midlands Chamber has welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s confirmation the Government’s employment programme will continue to fund new starters on the six-month job placements until 31 March 2022, rather than the original 31 December 2021 end date.

This means it will continue to accept applications from employers and gateway organisations, such as the Chamber – which has already helped to create and fill more than 1,000 vacancies for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit or at risk of long-term unemployment – until 17 December this year.

Unveiling a £500m jobs support package at the Conservative Party Conference, Mr Sunak also confirmed an initiative to give businesses a £3,000 bonuses for each apprentice it hires will be extended until 31 January 2022.

East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive and Kickstart lead Diane Beresford said: “This is really positive news for businesses as it comes at a crucial period in which many firms are now looking to grow again following the struggles they have endured over the past 18 months.

“The Kickstart Scheme has been a fantastic initiative that enables companies to trial new roles they may otherwise not have felt in a position to do, and we’ve received outstanding feedback from so many employers about the high standard of people they have recruited and the attributes they’ve brought to teams.

“This announcement also provides a big boost to young people, who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic both in terms of their mental and physical wellbeing, and the significant amount of unemployment it has created.

“The Kickstart Scheme has been a lifeline for them to get the skills and work experience that will be vital to their future prospects, and this extension will enable potentially hundreds more people to make the first crucial steps in their career.”

How does the Kickstart Scheme help businesses and young people?

The Department for Work and Pensions funds 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, national insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week over a six-month period.

Employers can choose to top up this wage and are also eligible for a £1,500 Government grant for training people on a Kickstart placement.

Once applications are accepted, young people are referred into the roles via a Jobcentre Plus work coach.

East Midlands Chamber has had just under 2,800 placements approved among 860 businesses located in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and other locations. Of these, 2,325 have resulted in vacancies being created and 1,111 of those have now been filled, with dozens starting new roles every week – meaning hundreds more could benefit over the three-month extension.

Eighty percent of those who have finished their six-month placements have either secured jobs or moved into further study.

Nick Hogan, who owns Chesterfield Escape Rooms used the scheme to help build a workforce in order to ensure a successful launch for the new business.

He said: “When Kickstart came along, it allowed me to recruit and be selective in the recruitment process.”

“In working with these six people, it’s reminded me that everyone deserves a chance. The younger generation is tomorrow’s workforce and unless we give the opportunities to succeed, our businesses won’t survive.”

Frontline Sales & Marketing, in Chesterfield, has recruited 10 people via the Kickstart Scheme, with some of those resulting in permanent roles.

Director Vicky Anderson said: “The difference we are making together for these young people is just incredible.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of it, and I never thought it would be such a resounding success. I am absolutely convinced this will pay off economically, socially and for our wider community.

“There is nothing better than real work, structure, tasks and deadlines to shape a person, give pride and a new ‘professional’ identity.”

The latest Kickstart vacancies can be viewed at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/kickstart-vacancies

For businesses wanting to take part in the Kickstart Scheme, contact Pieter Eksteen on pieter.eksteen@emc-dnl.co.uk or 0333 320 0333 (Ext 2241).

East Midlands Chamber and Chesterfield Escape Rooms support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

New music studios at Chesterfield College provide industry standard facilities

New studios at Chesterfield College are giving music production students and local musicians a professional space to practice and record, using industry standard equipment.

The studios are the latest addition to the college’s new music department. They are designed to allow students the opportunity to develop the technical and creative skills they need for their future careers. At the same time, they will also provide a useful resource for musicians in Chesterfield to use as a collaborative recording space in the evenings and at weekends.

The new facilities provide a perfect mix of practical and academic spaces for a combination of classroom based learning and hands on experience at music making and recording. They are made up of three elements. These include a traditional classroom space with a suite of macs for learning and editing, a control room including a mixing desk and analogue equipment, and a ‘live room’ which has been designed for traditional collaborative music making. The live room has features which are designed to reflect acoustics and help musicians perform better together.

After spending the first week of term using the new facilities, level 3 music students Josh Clark and Connor Cartledge told us about the difference it had made to them.

Josh who is a rapper, singer and songwriter, with an interest in production said: “I am very happy that I have the opportunity to come in to use an actual studio and work with my peers. The course gives us the chance to learn lots of different skills and practice on different equipment that I don’t have at home. I am excited to know how I can use it next. I am hoping to record my own EP using the facilities we have here. I am really looking forward to that.”

Connor, who wants to be a producer or sound engineer said: “It has made a massive difference now we have this equipment. When we leave college to pursue a career in music, whether as a producer or as a musician we will have the knowledge we need.  We have top of the range microphones and a full studio which will mean any assignments and projects we work on will sound a lot better. Last year we had to record on whatever we had because we couldn’t be in college, so it is going to make a lot of difference. We have got a lot to learn about how to run and work the studio, but it is good to have it ready for the start of the new college year.”

Music tutor and musician, Jonathon Salisbury said: “Having the music studio gives us a professional environment the students can walk into and use. You don’t necessarily need that level of equipment to make good music but if you learn how to use this kind of facility you can always scale back to whatever you need. It is fundamental for students to understand how a professional studio works and get used to that kind of environment. It will help them build up an amazing portfolio of recordings which will launch them onto whatever they choose to do after college.”

“The studio is designed with analogue equipment so it works best for traditional collaborative music making. You can put a whole band in one space. There is real magic that happens when you get musicians together in one room. All the old great bands worked that way. The students who have used it so far have been amazed that they are in this professional space making music with other people again. They are definitely inspired by the quality of what they can produce in the new facilities.”

One local band has already used the space to record parts of their album and the college plans to hire out the new music studios to more local bands and musicians. They are particularly keen to offer the space to those just starting out who are looking for a resource like this on their doorstep.

To find out more about hiring the music studios contact hello@weststudios.co.uk.

To find out more about studying music at Chesterfield College visit https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/music/

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

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