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Chesterfield Library to reopen this week

6th July 2020

Chesterfield Library will reopen on Wednesday 8 July after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic since 20 March.

Libraries across Derbyshire are to begin reopening from this week, with several temporary changes in place to keep customers and staff safe.

Chesterfield Library will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays until further notice, with people being asked to arrange appointments direct with their local library.

‘Book and borrow’ appointments for people wanting to take out books can be arranged over the phone or by email, and use of library computers can be arranged by phone only.

All currently borrowed books and other items have been automatically renewed until 30 September 2020 and people are being urged not to bring them back unless they have made an appointment. No overdue charges will be incurred for books which are currently borrowed.

It will not be possible for library staff to order books from other libraries during the temporary arrangements, and staff will only be able to provide items from their specific branch. This means that specific titles may not always be available. All books will be issued to 30 September 2020.

Library staff will monitor how the new systems put in place are working and ensure social distancing can be adhered to before rolling out the re-opening of other libraries across Derbyshire.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Tourism and Culture, said:“We are delighted to be in a position where we can start to slowly reopen our libraries and take the first steps towards getting them back to being fully operational.”

“The safety of our staff and customers is always our top priority, and we’ve been following government guidance closely, considering a range of options to get our libraries open in some form.”

“We know how important libraries are to people, and we’ve seen the number of library members rise by more than 1,100 during lockdown, with Derbyshire residents taking advantage of the excellent range of free services available online, from eBooks and eNewspapers to activities and research materials.”

“I hope library users will bear with us and take advantage of the reopening of services, albeit limited to start with, and we will endeavour to reopen other parts of the service over the next few weeks.”

During the initial phase of reopenings, it will not be possible to:

visit without an appointment
return books or other items unless attending a book and borrow appointment
browse the shelves
take part in reader groups or other activities
use meeting rooms
request specific items/books
use the toilets and baby changing facilities
read newspapers in the library
make donations, including to the foodbank.

Click here to find out more about the temporary new rules on borrowing books, and using computers in libraries.

You can contact Chesterfield Library by calling 01629 533 400 or email chesterfield.library@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Water management system produced by Chesterfield manufacturer chosen for United Arab Emirates ship

4th July 2020

A water management system produced by Chesterfield-based company Cathelco has been chosen for a cable-laying vessel based in the United Arab Emirates.

The Evac Evolution ballast water management system (BWMS) system will be installed on Cable Ship Etisalat, which is operated by E-Marine PJSC, a leading specialists in telecommunications submarine cable installation, repair and maintenance who have headquarters in Dubai.

The Evac Evolution system is produced and developed by Cathelco, who have been part of the Evac Group since 2018.

Stevenson Varghese, Managing Director of Cathelco Middle East, who won the contract, said: “When E-Marine contacted us, they said it was essential that the system was delivered to Dubai within four weeks so that it could be installed when the vessel was in drydock”.

Technical proposals were submitted to the customer and approved within a matter of days, enabling the assembly of equipment and delivery to proceed at record speed.

Based on a combination of filtration and UV technology, the system gained IMO and U.S. Coast Guard Type Approval in 2019, opening the way to worldwide sales.

Carlo Soddu, Country Manager, who has supervised the contract: “Ours was the first BWMS to allow owners to make an informed decision about choosing a suitable system for the areas where the vessel is sailing”.

The system is being supplied in modular form, enabling individual components to be distributed around the engine room to make best use of available space.

The Evac Evolution also incorporates a unique feedback ‘loop’. It automatically adjusts to different seawater qualities in harbours and estuaries and the system is effective in fresh, brackish and seawater.

The system is also completely chemical-free. This means that the potential hazards and safety implications of dealing with chemicals are completely eliminated, together with the cost of replenishment.

The Evac Evolution system has been fitted on vessels including cruise ships, container vessels, research ships, offshore supply vessels and cable laying craft where its small footprint and potential for flexible installation have proved to be important assets.

The Evac Evolution system is produced and developed by Chesterfield-based company Cathelco who have been part of the Evac Group since 2018.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s hospitality and leisure businesses start to reopen

3rd July 2020

More businesses across Chesterfield, including pubs and restaurants, are set to re-open to the public from Saturday 4 July.

To make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend, Chesterfield Borough Council is reminding residents and visitors to adhere to social distancing rules and respect the Covid-19 secure measures that local businesses have put in place.

Residents that are making a special visit to a particular town centre business are being reminded to check that it is open as a number of businesses have delayed opening until Monday 6 July.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, said: “After over 100 days of lockdown, this is a great chance for you to visit the town centre and support our local businesses. Sustaining our many brilliant independent businesses as well as the many household names that appear on Chesterfield’s high street is vital for our local economy.”

“Please do look after yourselves and your families. If we all follow the rules we can keep everyone safe. It is vitally important that we all remember this when visiting our favourite pubs and restaurants.”

The council is working closely with its partners to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

There will be an increased police presence and the council’s town centre ambassadors will also be on hand if people need any support.

The council’s licensing team have been working with business owners to ensure that they have undertaken appropriate risk assessments and have procedures in place to ensure the safety of both their customers and their staff. Bars and restaurants will be collecting customer details as part of their responsibility under the NHS track and trace system.

The council is encouraging visitors to walk or cycle into the town centre where possible, as it is anticipated that taxis will be busy. Each taxi company will also have their own Covid-19 secure working arrangements in place and you should check these when booking.

Residents using public transport are also required to wear a face covering on all public transport.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield businesses can apply for free graduate recruitment scheme

3rd July 2020

Chesterfield’s SME businesses are being invited to access expert help to attract, select, recruit and train graduates through a region-wide funded scheme.

RISE is a unique business support initiative, focussed on enabling small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow through the employment of graduate talent.

RISE is delivered through a well-established collaboration of the region’s local authorities, universities and a specialist private sector delivery partner working together to provide thetailored support your business needs.

RISE makes the recruitment process easier for businesses, saving costs, time and increasing their access to a wider pool of suitable graduates; but more importantly it is about helping develop your know-how and capabilities, providing the practical tools that will enable you to confidently recruit graduates in the future.

This service is free of charge to businesses and a limited number of one-off small grants are available towards employment costs.

To be eligible your business must:

Be an SME based in the Sheffield City Region
Currently employ fewer than 250 people
Not already be routinely employing graduates
Be looking to create new/additional graduate-level jobs

SMEs who have used the scheme previously can access the scheme again, providing they meet the eligibility criteria.

To find out more about the RISE project, download the information brochure here or by calling 0114 221 0220.

The deadline for applications to get involved is Wednesday 29th July.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Featured, Home

D2N2 Careers Hub expands to cover additional Derbyshire schools and colleges

3rd July 2020

D2N2’s North Derbyshire Careers Hub is to expand to cover both High Peak and Derbyshire Dales.

Careers Hub schools and colleges have access to support and funding to help coordinate activity and build networks, a central fund to support employer engagement activities, and training for a ‘Careers Leader’ in each school and college.

The expansion into High Peak and the Derbyshire Dales is part of a new wave of Careers Hub expansion announced by the Department for Education and The Careers & Enterprise Company, extending coverage in local communities across England.

The expanded D2N2 Careers Hub will be made up of 32 local schools and colleges working together with local employers such as AECOM and United Cast Bar, universities, and training providers.

Across the country, more than 2,200 schools in communities will now be in a Careers Hub – nearly half of all state sector schools and colleges.

D2N2 Careers Hub Lead, Dan Heffernan, said: “In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to ensure our young people are given high quality, relevant and timely careers provision.”

“The North Derbyshire Careers Hub will play a key role in supporting localised skills development and contribute towards the long-term success of our region’s economy, driving up aspiration and creating a pipeline of talent that our businesses will need to bounce back and to thrive.”

“I’m delighted that we will now be extending our reach to cover the whole of North Derbyshire, and I look forward to welcoming the new schools into our Careers Hub Community in the coming weeks. The progress that we have seen over the last 7 months has been substantial, and we are excited to build on that success over the next academic year.”

Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan said: “We want young people across the country to receive the best careers advice so they can get a head start in the world of work and go on to have successful careers.”

John Yarham, Interim CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company said: “Careers Hubs bring people together. They create a powerful partnership between schools, colleges, employers and local agencies focused on improving skills and opportunity for young people, tailored to local need – nationally led, locally developed and delivered.”

Over one hundred people attended the launch of the North Derbyshire Careers Hub on 14 January.

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

Town’s hospitality businesses gear-up for re-opening

2nd July 2020

Chesterfield’s post COVID-19 recovery is taking a further step forward on Saturday 4 July, when pubs, bars, restaurants and accommodation providers are given the green light to re-open.

The re-opening signals the end of three long months of shut down and the signs are there that people can’t wait to return to their favourite haunts.

“Within minutes of Boris Johnson’s announcement our online booking system was deluged and we had to suspend it,” said Chris Mapp, owner of the Tickled Trout in Barlow. “People are generally fed up with cooking at home and are desperate to come back out, have a decent pint and enjoy a nice meal.”

Chris Mapp, Owner of the Tickled Trout

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, urged caution saying: “I hope many people will enjoy our beautiful town centre this weekend, but we all have a responsibility to help keep other people safe and it’s vitally important that we all remember this when visiting our favourite pubs and restaurants.”

However, understanding the government COVID-19 guidelines around re-opening has left many businesses scratching their heads in confusion.

“Hand sanitizer, plexiglass dividers at check-in and reminders to social distance are an expectation that we think of as the baseline,” said Steve Perez owner of Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel.

Chris added: “We’ve gone through the 42-page document in great detail with industry experts and it’s not easy to understand; some of the guidelines are contradictory. We have erred on the side of caution however and undertaken very thorough risk assessments.”

“It’s bookings only for the time being to ensure everyone has a seat. We have reduced the number of tables and there will be no standing both inside the restaurant and outside in our pop-up bar md seating area. We’ll also be asking customers to complete an email questionnaire when they book with us as part of the Track and Trace system. Their details will be stored securely for 21 days and then destroyed.”

It will also be bookings-only for the time being for customers that wish to visit Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House following re-opening on Monday 6 July. Owner Claire Wood explained: “This will enable us to have a total control over the number of people in our establishment at any one time.”

Stephensons Tea and Coffee House

Brampton Brewery will open the doors of its pubs at 12noon on Saturday 4 July with table service being provided inside all its pubs. There will be no standing in the pubs, however outside in the confines of the garden areas it will be a bit more relaxed and people will be allowed to queue, socially distanced, to purchase from the bar. Chris Radford, owner of Brampton Brewery said: “We’ve tried to find a middle ground between being sensible and people being safe and comfortable.”

While some smaller establishments are choosing not to re-open due to a lack of space to accommodate social distancing measures, this isn’t the case for Stephenson’s. “At Stephenson’s we are lucky enough to have incredibly spacious rooms and have always provided a large amount of space between our tables which has enabled us to implement the 1+metre rule very easily.

Despite the additional COVID-19 health and safety measures hospitality businesses have had to put in place, operators are welcoming the return to business.

Marc Wildes, Managing Director of Van Dyk by Wildes, said: “We’re really excited to re-open and welcome our customers back.”

Claire Wood shared Mr Wildes enthusiasm saying: “We are excited to be re-opening. It will be good to see the town come back to life again and hopefully see the return of all businesses, and maybe some new ones too.”

Mr Radford agreed saying: “I’m relieved the pubs are at last re-opening. The government and council grants have been very welcome during lockdown but this hasn’t stopped bills hitting the mat.”

Van Dyk by Wildes

Excitement is tempered with trepidation however, with many operators unsure of what levels of customer demand to expect.

“Re-opening is a step into the unknown. When we re-open our doors at 12 noon on Saturday; we don’t know whether we’ll have a queue of people or no-one,” added Mr Radford.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “The re-opening of the town’s hospitality is a real turning point in the town’s recovery particularly as more people are expected to take staycations this year. Chesterfield’s proximity to the Peak District will, I hope, enable us to benefit from the projected growth in domestic tourism particularly if we can convert many of the town’s day visitors to overnight stays.”

Steve Perez added: “Recovery is very much dependent on domestic demand, particularly for the Peak District.”

Peak Edge Hotel

Despite nervousness around re-opening, operators are optimistic about the recovery of Chesterfield’s hospitality sector. Chris Mapp praised the town saying: “Chesterfield is blessed with big outdoor spaces and is not over-populated which, I believe, will aid the sector’s recovery.”

Although the sector is re-opening its doors, a number of businesses are continuing to operate takeaway and delivery services that were put in place during lockdown. “Chris Radford explained: “A lot of our older clientele are still very nervous about going back into pubs so for that reason we’re maintaining our free home delivery service of bottled beers.”

Details of businesses offering takeaway and delivery can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal

Looking for inspiration of where to go to eat and drink check out the winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Chris Radford, Director, Brampton Brewery

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Applications being accepted for Chesterfield FC Football & Education Programme

1st July 2020

Applications are now being sought from students who wish to join the Chesterfield FC Football & Education Programme.

The two-year programme, which is run by Chesterfield FC Community Trust, will provide students with the opportunity to study full-time on one of three BTEC or A-Level courses while training three times a week with UEFA and/or FA-qualified coaches.

They will be based at either Outwood Academy or the Technique Stadium, depending on which course they are studying.

Students will represent Chesterfield FC in the Under-19s National Football Youth League, competing against teams representing the likes of Manchester City, Everton, Burnley and Sunderland.

The programme will provide a pathway to gain further qualifications with the potential for students to play semi-pro football, take a scholarship abroad or progress into a job in sport.

Commenting on his experience of the programme, Josh Marsh said: “Before the course I wasn’t confident in myself, however, the programme has allowed me to express myself whilst gaining the qualifications.”

He added: “The support I’ve received from CFC staff has been exceptional, both on and off the pitch. The programme has enabled me to gain a scholarship in Spain, which will hopefully allow me to make a living doing something I love every day!”

Another student, Ethan Robinson, said: “My technical and tactical understanding has improved significantly and my physical and psychological attributes have developed. The support from the CFC staff has been incredible, from personal problems to football specific issues, like injuries. They have always been there for me and supported me so much. ”

Ethan added: “The education at Outwood, combined with football development, has allowed me to progress to the next stage in my life, on a university football scholarship in Northampton.”

Scott Atkinson, the Trust’s Head of Education and Wellbeing, believes it is an ideal programme for anyone who is looking to carve out a career in sport: “We care passionately about the overall health and wellbeing of the students and their progression, which our track record illustrates. We are proud of what we have achieved in this area, helping students on the road to a career in sport.

Scott said: “As well as the education we provide, it is also very satisfying to see the students representing the Spireites in matches against teams associated with Premier League clubs.”

To request an application form for the Football & Education Programme, please email joshwain@spireitestrust.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer

Derbyshire County Cricket Club squad returns to training

1st July 2020

The Derbyshire County Cricket Club squad will return to training today (1 July) and begin their preparations for the 2020 season.

The phased return, which will closely follow current government guidance, initially allows players to train in one-hour, one-to-one slots with coaches. This schedule will gradually increase over the next few weeks to include larger group sessions.

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that should all government guidelines allow, the 2020 domestic season will start on 1 August, with a revised schedule and fixture list to be announced.

Dave Houghton, Head of Cricket, said: “This is another positive step towards playing competitive cricket this summer and that’s something everyone at Derbyshire is working towards.”

He added: “All of the players have been proactive in managing their fitness, but now we can pick up a bat and ball again with the aim of returning to competitive cricket in August.”

This year’s popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket event, which was due to take place in June and July at Queen’s Park, has been postponed. When cricket returns, tickets purchased for the original fixture dates will remain valid.

Click here to find out more about the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Please note: The below picture was taken a previous cricket event held at Queen’s Park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Ashgate Hospicecare announces Virtual Sparkle Night 2020

30th June 2020

Ashgate Hospicecare have announced that this year’s Sparkle Night Walk will be a virtual event called the ‘Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night 2020’ and will go ahead on Saturday 19th September 2020.

Thousands of people were set to take part in this Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event but due to COVID-19, the event had to be postponed. The event, which is a hugely important date in the diary for so many fundraisers and volunteers across North Derbyshire, promises to still provide the Sparkle spirit like every year and the local hospice needs your support more than ever.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We know that the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk is a hugely important date in the diary for thousands of our fundraisers and volunteers. For it not to go ahead in the usual way is disappointing for everyone. That’s why we’ve decided to launch Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night to ensure North Derbyshire can still come together in a safe and responsible way to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.”

“By walking, running, cycling or dancing in your bunny ears and special edition t-shirt from 8pm on Saturday 19th September 2020, you’ll be a part of a unique virtual event unlike any other – and the difference it will make to local people living with a life-limiting illness and their families will be huge.”

“Last year, more than 3,000 people came together to raise over £263,000 and we need your support again this year more than ever before to ensure Ashgate Hospicecare is here for the future. Please sign up now, choose a challenge involving walking, running, cycling or dancing and join us on Facebook to party from 7pm – because together, we sparkle.”

Like every year, there will be some special surprises in store for the big night that will help recreate that unforgettable Sparkle atmosphere from home – and with younger children and pets able to get involved this year for the first time as well, we’re sure it will just as memorable.

Steven Collis, from Derby, will be participating in his third Sparkle Night Walk this year. He said: “Having experienced the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk in person, it’s such a shame we can’t all be together as we would normally be. That said, I’m still really excited to take part in the Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night this year, and I can’t wait to get involved in a new way – I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

The past few months have been hugely challenging for the charity and the wider community. At Ashgate Hospicecare, they have had to transform the way they provide their care, in the most difficult of circumstances, to reach more people than ever before. They have also expanded their end of life and bereavement support into the wider community, including care homes. And that’s why they need your support now more than ever.

For more details and to sign up for this year’s Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night, click here.

Click here to read more about Ashgate Hospicecare

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

The University of Derby appoints new Director of Finance

29th June 2020

The University of Derby has appointed Craig Jones as its new Director of Finance, to help drive forward the institution as it looks to take advantage of opportunities for growth and commercial development within the region and beyond.

In his new role, Craig will be working with the University’s executive team, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, responsible for the strategic management of all finance related functions, as well as the delivery and implementation of future-focused strategies that secure the long-term financial sustainability of the University.

Commenting on his appointment, Craig said: “I am delighted to have joined the University of Derby, an ambitious institution with significant scale and influence in the city, county and region. There is no doubt that changing roles and sectors during a global pandemic is a challenge, but I am excited to be in a position where I can help navigate change while also building for the future.

He added: “The value the University places on its civic responsibilities is important to me, as is the opportunity to contribute to the skills and progression of my hometown, and I look forward to being a part of that.”

Craig, who hails from Derby and began his career as a trainee accountant with the city council, has joined the University after 18 years in the corporate finance sector, working for some of the industry’s best-known firms, including KPMG, PwC and Deloitte.

While with Deloitte, he led major projects across a range of government departments including health, housing, local government and further education. He has also overseen public sector mergers and service reconfigurations and led large-scale public procurement projects.

For the past six years, Craig has been a director in the social housing and care sector in the Midlands, helping to develop new companies and attracting substantial investment from within the UK and overseas.

Professor Mitchell added: “Craig joins us at a time of real momentum and positive change and his vast experience in corporate finance, and strong track record of success in delivering the investment needed to realise complex and large-scale projects, will add huge value to the institution.”

“As a university we have a significant role to play in the local economic recovery resulting from Covid-19 and we need to ensure we are in the best possible position to maximise any opportunities that not only support this, but help us to realise our greater ambitions.”

“While we are still operating under the conditions necessary for controlling the pandemic, we are very much pushing ahead with our longer-term plans and Craig’s expertise will be pivotal in this.”

For further information about the University of Derby’s Strategic Framework, click here.

Click here to find out more about the University of Derby

The University of Derby are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Free advertising for Chesterfield businesses

29th June 2020

To help support local businesses that are re-opening, and to showcase Chesterfield as a great place to visit, Chesterfield Borough Council is offering retail, hospitality and leisure businesses the chance to take out free listings on the VisitChesterfield website until 31 March 2021.

Councillor Kate Sarvent said: “We know things have been tough for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses over the past few months. It is hoped this advertising opportunity will assist them with the process of reopening and provide a timely sales boost.”

Kate added: “VisitChesterfield aims to promote the town and its businesses to potential tourists as well as local residents, so this free advertising provides a great opportunity for these businesses to let customers, both old and new, know that they are back open for business.”

Independent businesses who are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should visit www.visitchesterfield.info/advertising, complete the application form and send it to events.promo@chesterfield.gov.uk along with high resolution landscape images of their business.

Destination Chesterfield are also offering free listings to local businesses on their new Supporting Local website – www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal. It currently has details of nearly 100 shops, food and drink businesses, training, support and service providers in and around Chesterfield that have adapted to provide and supply their products and services remotely.

Many town centre businesses are positive about their future following the success of the Shop Local message which has been championed by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Borough Council throughout lockdown.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting