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Local potters inspired by Chesterfield’s past

A new exhibition at Chesterfield Museum will display ceramics created by members of a local pottery class and inspired by a historic pottery in Brampton.

Potters in the class were inspired by an owl figurine that was created in the William Gordon Pottery in Brampton, a pottery that was at the forefront of ceramic design during the 20th century, and which currently resides as part of the collections in Chesterfield Museum. In December the owl figurine was the museum’s object of the month.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, said: “This is a great way for our museum’s collection to inspire the creative community locally. We’re really excited to display the results of the students’ work in this special exhibition.”

Clare Gage, who teaches the pottery class, said: “This William Gordon owl really caught my eye and I can see so many possibilities for how students could take inspiration from it. I love the fact that we will be connecting with local history for this project. What a fantastic way to inspire new potters.”

All the work was created as part of a pottery class that was launched at the Clay Cross Adult Community Education Centre in September 2019.

William Gordon moved to Chesterfield as a result of the expertise that existed at the Brampton properties – especially in the use of a salt-glaze technique. He worked in the Briddon Pottery in the 1930s before moving on to run his own pottery where he produced unique pieces until 1956.

The exhibition at Chesterfield Museum, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, is open to the public from Friday 7 February until Monday 23 March. The museum is open on Mondays and Thursday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm.

Click here to find out more

Students of the pottery class at Clay Cross Adult Community Education Centre have designed and produced pieces inspired by a William Gordon pottery owl

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

Funding boost for mining memorial project

More life-size steel figures honouring miners who lost their lives in 3 disasters at Markham Colliery are to be added to a memorial project following a £30,000 funding boost.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Visiting

Consultation on funding for local voluntary and community sector launched

Local voluntary and community sector groups in Derbyshire are being asked to help shape their future funding arrangements during a 12 week consultation.

Derbyshire County Council has launched the consultation into funding for local voluntary and community sector (VCS) infrastructure organisations with a view to developing a fairer more consistent way of allocating money to support our ambitions and priorities.

The council has already met with the infrastructure groups – umbrella organisations which offer information, support, guidance, training and funding advice to the local charitable sector – as well as health partners and district and borough councils, to develop future funding principles based on:

  • fairness and consistency
  • outcomes (measurable achievements)
  • long term sustainability

We now want as many people as possible across the county to take part in the consultation and give their views.

Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “We’ve already been out talking to infrastructure organisations to find out what they need from us to carry out their work in a sustainable way. Based on their feedback, we’ve come up with some ideas and we’d now like to hear from as many people as possible on what they think of our proposals.”

Derbyshire County Council give grants of more than £3 million a year to local voluntary and charity groups carrying out valuable work for Derbyshire residents. A proportion of the funding supports the infrastructure organisations – often local council for voluntary service (CVS) groups.

The new proposals could see grants given out over 4 years instead of one, distributed along borough and district boundary lines and key performance indicators introduced.

Councillor Hart added: “The way we fund organisations has developed organically over time which has led to a fragmented approach. By developing a new funding framework, the community and voluntary sector will have a better idea of what we expect from our funding.”

“The sector is also asking us to look at providing funding over the longer term to give it stability.”

“As an Enterprising Council one of our key priorities is to create empowered and self-sufficient local communities. Supporting the voluntary and community sector to grow and thrive is central to achieving this.”

A report on the outcome of the consultation is due back before Cabinet in the summer.

Click here to read more about the proposals and fill in the online questionnaire.

Action Grants

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

‘A night at the museum’ to celebrate those who are improving lives in Derbyshire

The efforts and achievements of individuals and groups who are using physical activity to help improve the lives of people across Derby and Derbyshire will be recognised at the second ‘Towards an Active Derbyshire Awards’.

The event will showcase individuals who have used physical activity to achieve outstanding change in themselves, as well as some incredible tales of what others have done to transform the lives, health and wellbeing of members in their communities.

The awards celebrate some of the amazing work happening in our communities and Active Derbyshire, who organise the event, want the opportunity to thank the volunteers, groups and staff who help to make physical activity the norm.

There are 8 categories in this year’s awards including:

  • Project/Initiative/Innovation of the Year
  • Active Place
  • Change4Life
  • This Girl Can
  • Inclusive Project, Group or Club of the Year
  • Community Coach/Activator
  • Special Recognition
  • Community Group/Association/Team of the Year

So far there are 4 finalists from Chesterfield which have been shortlisted from hundreds of nominations. These finalists have demonstrated the great impact they’ve had on the community and will be in line to win the award for their category:

  • Hunloke Community Garden (Active Place award)
  • Hannah Kendall (This Girl Can)
  • Dave Cartawick, Unit 1 Martial Arts (Community Coach/Activator award)
  • Libby Hawkins (Special Recognition)

This year’s awards are going to be jointly presented by sports broadcaster Colin Hazelden and GEM Radio presenter Jo Russell, with 200 guests expected to attend.

Event sponsors for this year include: Action Nation, Strategic Leisure, University of Derby, Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council.

More information on the event and categories can be found here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

D2N2 launches call for funding

The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is opening a call for new projects from D2N2’s Local Growth Fund allocation.

The Local Growth Fund is a Government Fund awarded to each LEP area to support economic growth in every region. D2N2 has an allocation of just over £250M which has been invested in projects since 2015 to unlock new jobs, housing and support skills development.

As the fund is coming to the end of the programme, D2N2 is looking to invite potential new projects that are ready to be delivered in the last year of the programme before March 2021 to utilise any remaining funds, that can support the objectives for a stronger, more productive and inclusive region.

The LEP is inviting organisations to put forward their proposals for capital projects that support the economic objectives for the region as set out in the Strategic Economic Plan and emerging Local Industrial Strategy. This can include projects such as facilities to support innovation, managed or incubation workspace for new and growing businesses, infrastructure to unlock new housing and employment sites including transport, and skills capital to support learners.

Sajeeda Rose, CEO of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “We are looking for projects that are ready to go that will facilitate new jobs and opportunities for local people and businesses and contribute towards the growth of the regional economy.”

“These projects will help us to drive forward our shared growth agenda, delivering economic growth and regenerating and revitalising our communities.”

Projects that have previously received Local Growth funding through the LEP include city and town centre regeneration projects, road and rail improvements, flood defences, training facilities, and development sites.

For more information and further details on how to apply to the pipeline call, visit the D2N2 LEP website here.

The deadline for responses is Midday on the 2nd of March 2020.

Over 200 delegates attended the 2019 D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Annual Conference in November.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Jomast increases number of ground floor units at Elder Way

With strong interest in the ground floor units at Elder Way, Jomast has announced that it has increased the number of available units from seven to eight.

Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast explained; “The forthcoming innovation centre at Holywell Cross car park in addition to the new Premier Inn Hotel and Saltergate car park are all positive factors for prospective tenants at Elder Way. Together they are helping drive interest both locally and from further afield in the units. In response to market demand we have increased the number of ground floor units from seven to eight and we are in advanced discussions with a number of tenants for the units.”

The proposed leisure quarter at Elder Way embraces the ‘experience economy’ that has been hailed as the future for the UK’s town centres with outlets like gyms, golf ranges, art galleries, market stalls and places to eat and drink all being part of the experience.

It is an approach, combined with having a mix of chain and independent retailers on its high street, that Chesterfield has long adopted and why it is consistently ranked as a top town for having low shop vacancy levels.

Chesterfield has a vacancy rate of just 7.63 per cent compared to a national average of 12.2 per cent.

In addition to the 92-bed Premier Inn which opened on the upper two floors of Elder Way last year, the building now has plans for a gym in the basement and eight food and drink outlets at street level.

This experiential mix of businesses, combined with Chesterfield’s regular events, open air market and chain and independent retailers, is on trend and key to driving increased footfall to the town centre; and Chesterfield is getting it right according to the government’s High Streets Task Force.

Chesterfield’s 816-year old market town heritage is helping define its future. The market remains an important part of Chesterfield and it has evolved in recent years to deliver the immersive experience which is demanded by today’s visitors.

Alongside its regular market on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Chesterfield hosts popular Flea, Artisan and Vegan Knights markets and popular events like Motor Fest, the 1940s and Medieval markets, along with the Chesterfield Food and Grooves Festival, to name but a few.

These events are helping attract footfall to the town centre and ensuring that Chesterfield not only survives but thrives. It’s an approach endorsed by industry experts.

In a Panorama documentary on the UK’s High Streets, Professor Cathy Parke, co-chair of the Institute of Place Management (IPM) and who helps lead the High Streets Task Force, said: “Retail has only ever been a part of the functions of a town and city. In the 1980s and 90s, we got a little bit fixated on retail and we just thought that the whole town and the whole city was all about retail.”

To survive and thrive, High Streets need to adapt. But before they do, according to Professor Parker, “places need to understand their function and the things that draw people into the town centres”.

To reinvigorate them, we need what you might call a Mars bar approach; building town centres which aren’t just about buying stuff, but places you can “work, rest and play”.

Elder Way provides the ultimate ‘work, rest and play’ venue which has been reflected in the strong interest shown in the units and led to Jomast revising upwards the number of available units at street level.

Mark added: “There has been considerable interest from businesses in Elder Way since we acquired the former Co-op department store building and converted it into leisure space. From the outset our vision for Elder Way was to transform it into a new food and drink quarter for the town and it is a vision which people are buying into.”

The iconic Elder Way building has been sympathetically developed into eight fully accessible, modern street level units. With glazed frontages and external seating, available units range in size from 1,420 sq ft to 4,219 sq ft. Each unit can be made bespoke and fitted out to your own individual requirements.

If you want to be part of Chesterfield’s thriving town centre, get in touch with our team now to discover what Elder Way can offer you.

For more details about the forthcoming available units and business space at Elder Way, please contact Jomast Developments on 01642 666942.

Elder Way Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

HS2 to proceed and bring economic benefits to Chesterfield

The Government announced today (11th February) it will proceed with HS2 following recommendations from the independent Oakervee Review.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is great news for Chesterfield. HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity for the town and borough. The new high-speed train line will have a transformative effect on our economy, with the prospect of 10,200 new jobs, 4,700 new homes and an annual uplift of £270 million in expenditure on local goods and services.

“HS2 will afford the one million people that currently live within 30 minutes’ drive of Chesterfield railway station improved rail connectivity to the north and south and establish Chesterfield as the international gateway to the world-famous Peak District national park.

“Chesterfield is ready for HS2. We are currently finalising the HS2 Chesterfield Station Masterplan ahead of a public consultation exercise this summer and have been making the case for the new HS2 line maintenance depot, which will bring hundreds of new high-quality engineering jobs to Staveley, to also be used as a base for construction of the new line.

“I am also delighted that over 800 primary and secondary school children in Chesterfield and north Derbyshire have already had the opportunity to engage in our “HS2 and You” programme. With the billions of pounds of investment now planned for the rail industry there will be plenty of great job opportunities for future generations”.

“There is no limit to the council’s ambition to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and to improve the quality of life for local people. The arrival of HS2 is critical to our future.”

Find out more: HS2 Chesterfield

Today’s announcement comes on the back of Talgo’s recent decision to establish its UK Headquarters at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. The Spanish train manufacturer has also confirmed its commitment to develop a Rail Innovation and Training Centre in Chesterfield.

The Innovation Centre, which is expected to open in 2022, will include a suite of specialist research and development laboratories, commercial office and workshop space, and training facilities that will provide a complete education pathway from school through to university level study. The Innovation Centre will also act as a hub for Talgo to engage with local companies that supply parts to the rail industry.

Talgo launch at Barrow Hill

Related story: Very high-speed rail comes to Chesterfield

Whilst the Government has given the go ahead to the construction of the whole line, the announcement also references an intention to carry out a further review of the second phase of HS2, which includes the eastern leg from Birmingham to Leeds.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, continued: “It is critical that the delivery schedule for HS2 Phase 2b is not delayed further and there must be no downgrading of the line through the East Midlands to reduce costs.

“I will therefore be working closely with East Midlands’ Leaders from both the public and private sectors to ensure that this doesn’t happen. We must provide certainty to investors, businesses and local communities.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber*, said: “

The vast potential of HS2 will only be realised if implemented in its entirety. While it is of course essential to keep an eye on costs, failure to deliver the Eastern Leg would undermine the whole project and greatly limit its return on investment; putting businesses here in the region at a distinct disadvantage in the process.”

Responding to news Midlands Connect Chairman Sir John Peace said:

“A further review of HS2 Phase 2b is an opportunity to make sure that HS2 is properly integrated with Midlands Engine Rail, and that other rail improvements are brought forward before the HS2 East Midlands Hub station at Toton is operational.

“It is important, however, that the Phase 2b hybrid Bill receives Royal Assent in this Parliament to provide certainty to investors, businesses and local communities. A review must also commit to constructing Phase 2b from the West Midlands to the East Midlands first, and must not consider downgrading lines north of Birmingham to cut costs. The Midlands must not be short changed with a two-tier HS2 network.

“Midlands Connect will continue to work closely with HS2 Ltd, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and local authorities to develop a plan that maximises the benefits of HS2, including improved HS2 connectivity for Chesterfield and the early delivery of the planned HS2 Infrastructure Maintenance Depot at Staveley.

“The Midlands has a golden opportunity to make the most of the huge benefits HS2 will bring to our communities. It is time to come together to deliver the infrastructure revolution the region desperately needs.”

Chesterfield Railway Station at Night

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

Local students find out how apprenticeships can kick start their career

Chesterfield College students and pupils from schools across Derbyshire had the opportunity to meet local and national employers offering exciting apprenticeship opportunities last week.

The Apprenticeship Careers Fair, held at the college during National Apprenticeship Week, brought students and employers from a range of different sectors together.

Students found out more about the type of careers they could start or develop with an apprenticeship and employers promoted the range of apprenticeships they offered in everything from business to healthcare and engineering to the armed forces.

Engineering apprentices, Warren Feast and Aaron Leivers (right), enjoyed speaking to students about the benefits of their apprenticeship with precision engineering company, Nasmyth based in Pinxton. They also highlighted the practicalities of earning and learning.

Warren said: “For me the best way to learn is to be hands on. An apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn in real situations day in day out. Spending time at college and learning on the job gives you the best of both worlds.”

“I never imagined that doing an apprenticeship would give me the knowledge and the confidence to talk to people about aerospace engineering. It’s really good to be able to speak to people about what their interests are and whether an apprenticeship would lead them on the right path.”

Chesterfield-based drinks manufacturer and owners of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Global Brands, currently have 8 apprentices and they are looking for 3 more apprentices in varying hospitality and business functions.

Andrea Houghton, Talent Acquisition and Development Manager, said: “We’re here today to highlight the opportunities there are to develop a career with us. We offer apprenticeships from level 2 all the way up to level 6. Our apprentices come into a real job doing vital business functions working alongside experienced professionals. They learn how the business works and our goal is to develop and keep that talent.”

Construction students Leon Humphries and Bradley Edge both secured a trial with Dalton Roofing at the Careers Fair.

Leon said: “The event was a great opportunity to find an apprenticeship. I have been trying to find the right one for a while so it was good to be able to speak to Dalton Roofing today. I am looking forward to starting a trial next week and hopefully getting started with my apprenticeship soon after that.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said: “It is vital to encourage young people to consider apprenticeships as a route to building a successful career. Providing our students and school pupils with the opportunity to meet employers and other apprentices at the careers fair is a fantastic way to highlight the significant benefits an apprenticeship can offer. It was wonderful to see so many employers talking enthusiastically about how they need the talent and skills of our young people in their organisations.”

“I am delighted that we can play a part in helping young people establish a career and help employers develop the workforce they need through apprenticeships.”

To find out more about the huge range of apprenticeships on offer visit www.learningunlimiteduk.com or call the Apprenticeship Hub at Chesterfield College on 0345 8501055.

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

Spireites Sports Club’s half-term return

Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s popular Spireites Sports Club will take place during the February half-term break.

Held at St Mary’s Catholic High School from Monday to Friday (9am to 4pm) during the week beginning February 17, the sessions are for children aged 5-11 years. Attendance costs just £15 per day and encourages participants to get active, make new friends and learn new skills.

As well as football, various other sports are played such as cricket, dodgeball, volleyball and basketball, with qualified coaches working on skills related to those specific sports.

A Pan-disability Holiday Club will also be held in the HUB at the Proact Stadium on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the half-term break for youngsters aged 5-17 years, costing £15 per day.

On Monday, February 17, there will be a Spireites Girls Sports Club at St Mary’s High School for girls aged 7-14 years, which costs £10 to attend.

Nathan Khan, the Trust’s senior sports officer, said: “It’s all about the kids having fun all day.

“We cater for everybody – regardless of ability – and it’s a great experience for them. We have lots of kids who come back because they’ve had such a good time.”

To find out more or to book click here

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

New on-street bins to allow recycling on the go

Residents and visitors are being encouraged to recycle when they are on the go as the council has introduced new on-street bins in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council has installed three new bins in the town centre as part of a trial with more expected across the borough in spring this year if it is a success.

Located outside the Town Hall, at the bottom of Shentall Gardens and outside the Customer Service Centre, the new bins replace single black on street bins, with one side of the bin allowing people to recycle plastic bottles, glass bottles and tin cans while the other side will still be used for general waste.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: said: “In July last year, the council declared a Climate Emergency and following this, we’ve been asking local people to consider their waste, what can be reduced, reused or recycled.

“We’re always looking at ways that we can make it easier for our residents and visitors to make the right choices when it comes to waste, both at home and when out in the borough, and these new bins will make it easier for everyone to recycle when they are in the town centre.

“Recycling is a positive way that we can all make a difference in our communities so we’re urging people working, living or visiting Chesterfield to use the new bins and help us ensure that as much waste as possible is recycled.”

Create Change Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Banner Jones Solicitors raises £1,000 for John Eastwood Hospice

Award winning law firm Banner Jones has raised £1,000 for John Eastwood Hospice through their annual Free Wills Month.

Running for the 4th year in a row, as part of the John Eastwood Hospice Free Wills Month, the team offered members of the public the opportunity to have their will written or updated, free of charge, in return for a donation to the charity.

The funds raised will help John Eastwood Hospice – an independent registered charity – continue its work in providing vital palliative care services to patients for free to those with life-limiting illnesses. The charity relies on the generosity of the local community and its team of volunteers.

This donation comes amidst of the firm’s next upcoming charity Free Wills Month which is expected to run throughout February in support of Helens Trust, a Derbyshire-based charity which helps terminally ill people spend the rest of their life in their own home.

Katie Woodard, Wills Team Leader at Banner Jones Solicitors commented: “We work closely with John Eastwood Hospice throughout the year and I’m so pleased that the work we do on a daily basis has helped raise money for such a valuable cause.

“We would like to thank all those who have donated and taken the time to let our dedicated team guide them through the Will writing process.”

Martyn Knox, Chair of Trustees at John Eastwood Hospice said: “At John Eastwood Hospice we support people with advanced or progressive diseases such as cancer, motor-neurone disease or other long-term conditions to help improve and maximise the quality of the lives of our patients and their families.

“We are always so grateful for Banner Jones’ support and our ongoing relationship with the team.”

Banner Jones Solicitors is an award-winning law firm with offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Mansfield, Dronfield and Nottingham.

Click here to find out more about Banner Jones Solicitors

Vicky Strong (Paralegal at Banner Jones), Katie Woodward (Wills Team Leader at Banner Jones), Mark Bilton (Executive Director at Banner Jones) and Martyn Knox (Chair of Trustees at John Eastwood Hospice)

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