Leisure

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket hailed as a success

1st August 2018

Derbyshire Chief Executive Simon Storey has hailed another successful Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Over 8,000 people attended the week-long festival across five days of cricket, as Derbyshire claimed a four-day win over Northamptonshire before securing a dramatic Vitality Blast victory against Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday.

The Twenty20 fixture was played in front of a 4,500 sold out crowd at Queen’s Park, the second year in a row the match has been an advance sell out as the popularity of the festival continues to grow.

Storey said: “It was a terrific week of cricket and wrapping it up with victory in the last over against Yorkshire on Saturday capped off a memorable week in the north of the county.

“Queen’s Park is a special venue and Members, supporters and players always enjoy the annual trip to Chesterfield.

“The festival brings many benefits to the local community, with thousands of people visiting the town, while it also provides local school kids and cricket club juniors the opportunity to enjoy county cricket right on their doorstep.

“Taking county cricket to Chesterfield is always a huge operational challenge for our off-field team, Chesterfield Cricket Club and Chesterfield Borough Council. Running a matchday safely at an out-ground is hugely challenging and in particular the operations team led by Jamie Guthrie, ground care team led by Neil Godrich and commercial team led by Ryan Duckett work hard for many weeks in preparation.

“A successful festival also relies on partnerships and the support of the local community. We are fortunate to work with local partners such as Custom Solar and Brampton Brewery, and we also get the full support of Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Cricket Club and Friends of Queen’s Park Cricket. We are hugely grateful for the support we receive.

“The highlight of the week was undoubtedly another sell-out crowd for the traditional Vitality Blast fixture against Yorkshire, and they were treated to one of the best Twenty20 matches the venue has ever seen.

“Every year we look to improve and grow the festival. One thing we will need to review for future years is our policy around Member tickets for any all-ticket match.

“Our post-match analysis suggests that a large number of Members who claimed tickets in advance did not turn up on the day, which meant we were unable the sell those tickets to other fans who wanted to watch the match. As a result, we missed out on significant income, all of which could have been invested back into the Club. I’m sure Members will appreciate that we will need to look at this as part of our Membership package for next year.

“On the whole, it was a terrific week at Queen’s Park with good crowds, excellent cricket and, most importantly, two wins for Derbyshire.

“What made it more satisfying was to see our young Derbyshire home-grown players play a key role in all the matches. As a Club, we remain committed to the development of our young players and we must continue to build for the future and produce cricketers who can consistently win games for the county.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

The Lounges to open Sorbo Lounge in former Chesterfield Post Office

30th July 2018

The Lounges, the West Country based restaurant/café/bar group is opening a brand-new site in Chesterfield on Wednesday 8^th August 2018. Sorbo Lounge will open on Market Place, creating 25 jobs for local people.

The Lounges have spent £500k transforming the site into a family-friendly retro-inspired cosy retreat, where eclectic artwork and quirky curios sit next to oversized vintage sofas and old school benches, strikingly painted table tops and statement lighting, in the eclectic style much loved by Lounge aficionados.

Particular attention has been paid to families – there is a fine selection of games and books, colouring pencils and pads, a full menu just for Little Loungers and high chairs and baby-change facilities are available for the tiny ones.

Phil Kinsella, Operations Manager, The Lounges, said “We’re really looking forward to throwing open the doors at Sorbo Lounge and showing the locals how to lounge in style. The team are looking forward to becoming part of the community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible.”

A community notice board is available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area is kept well stocked. The team will also be holding regular fund-raising events as part of their commitment to making a difference in the community. With this in mind the team have chosen to support Fairplay, a local organisation that supports children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families, across North Derbyshire. Sorbo Lounge will donate 50p from every burger and 10p from every coffee sold from their first month of trading to the charity.

Sorbo Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for the best coffee in town, a business lunch with colleagues or a lazy all-day brunch, Sorbo Lounge is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The all-day menu features everything from their famous authentic tapas and Hero Burger to Tin Pan Louie’s beef chilli, packed paninis and the best mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted… or there’s the ever-changing specials menu. Little loungers, vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet are well catered for with their very own menus.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Spire Radio to broadcast Chesterfield FC match updates

30th July 2018

Two Chesterfield Champions are joining forces to bring fans of Chesterfield FC live updates from matches in the Vanarma National League. Spire Radio are delighted to announce that they are an official media partner of Chesterfield FC for the 2018/19 National League campaign.

When Chesterfield begin their new season on August 4th away at Ebsfleet there will be a new team bringing live updates to Spireites during the match. Alan Wilkinson, known to many fans simply as Big Al, will be leading the live updates from the stadium while Adam Marsden leads the team back in the studio.

Spire Sports presenter, Adam Marsden said “It’s a great opportunity for the station and the club to build on our already strong partnership. I look forward to being able to bring live action from the Spireites this season as well as reaction after 5pm alongside a team of very talented presenters who are excited to get the ball rolling for next season.”

Spire Sports is every Saturday from 2pm with pre-match build up from around the grounds, including Matlock and Dronfield Town. From 3pm you can expect live goal flashes and updates from the match during each half plus player and manager reactions at full time. The Fan Reaction starts at 5pm and fans can get in touch via social media, both during and after the match, email and on the phone via 01246 200 454 when Adam opens the lines. Listen in via www.spire-radio.com

Programme Director at Spire Radio, Simon Barnett commented; “We can’t wait to kick off the new season with Chesterfield FC – providing this level of coverage is a big challenge for us, but one I know that Alan, Adam and all of our sports team will rise to every Saturday from 2pm. As an online only station we are limited by the fact that we aren’t on a traditional radio, but we are available all around the world via our website on mobile, tablet and desktop. I’m looking forward to the launch of the Fans Reaction Show from 5pm we’ll be getting a fans eye view of the match straight after the final whistle – giving Spireites the chance to pass their verdict on the match.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

International football returns to the Proact Stadium

30th July 2018

England will play a key 2019 UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier in Chesterfield in October.

The Young Lions will take on Andorra at the Proact Stadium on Thursday, October 11 (7.45pm).

Tickets are on sale now priced £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. A family ticket (two adults and two children) is available at £20 and group booking and Charter Standard discounts apply.

Tickets can be purchased online via the club website or by calling 01246 269300 (option 1).

England beat Andorra 1-0 in the reverse fixture in October 2017, thanks to a goal from Everton’s Tom Davies.

Aidy Boothroyd’s side are top of Group 4, five points ahead of Netherlands who they face in their next home game at Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium on Thursday, September 6 (7.45pm KO).

Boothroyd said: “We’re really looking forward to playing in Chesterfield. It’s a great stadium and I know from experience just how good the support is there.

“This match will be a really important one for us. Hopefully we’ll have already qualified for next summer’s tournament and it’ll be a big game in terms of our preparation, but if we still need to get points then I’m confident we’ll be able to do it here.

“We’ve got a really talented, hard-working group of players and I know they can’t wait to play in front of our home supporters and hopefully a full stadium in Chesterfield.”

A Chesterfield FC club spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be hosting international football once again at the Proact.

“The prospect of watching some of the country’s brightest young footballing talents is certain to appeal to the people of Chesterfield and we look forward to another good crowd for the match.”

The finals will be played in Italy and San Marino in June 2019.

For more information, please visit www.TheFA.com/England.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire versus Yorkshire is a sell out for the second year

23rd July 2018

Derbyshire Falcons’ home Vitality Blast fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday 28 July at Chesterfield has sold out for a second year in a row.

The local derby continues to grow in popularity, with more people than ever purchasing tickets in advance to secure their place at the showpiece fixture of the Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

It’s the third time in four years the Twenty20 fixture at Chesterfield has sold out in advance.

Only matchday ticket holders will be able to gain entry into the ground on Saturday. Tickets will not be available to buy on the day.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “The local derby is always the highlight of our week in Chesterfield. The demand for tickets continues to grow year-on-year and we’re delighted to announce an advance sell out for a second year in a row.

“Queen’s Park is a beautiful venue and the atmosphere is always electric when we have a full house and Yorkshire are in town. It promises to be a great occasion to close this year’s festival.”

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “One of the reasons we help bring the cricket festival to Chesterfield each year is that the crowds who attend will stay at hotels in the area, use local restaurants, bars and other leisure facilities.

“It is also an opportunity for local residents to see first class county players in the town and for local schoolchildren to meet the cricketers and be inspired to take part in sport and leisure activities.

“The match against Yorkshire is always the one that local cricket fans look out for so it is no surprise to see it sell out well ahead of the game taking place.”

Supporters with matchday tickets are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and give plenty of time to arrive at the ground. Gates will open earlier than advertised at 12noon.

Please do not arrive at the ground if you do not have a matchday ticket.

Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Canal is a triple Green Flag Award winner

20th July 2018

Lovers of the Chesterfield Canal were delighted by the news that the waterway has been officially recognised as one of the UK’s best green spaces, not just once, but three times over.

Hollingwood Hub, which lies on the canal in Staveley, has received its first Green Flag Award. The site is run by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. The derelict lock house was restored and extended in 2011, paid for by a grant from Community Assets. Volunteers from the Trust landscaped the gardens and now tend them in conjunction with a local school.

The bid was led by Jim Bower, Vice Chair of the Trust. Jim said:-

“I am delighted that the efforts of our volunteers have been recognised. The judges were amazed by the contribution the Hub has made to the area. We hope that this award will help our campaign to complete the restoration of the canal. It demonstrates how industrial wasteland can be turned into green spaces to benefit the whole community.”

Jim believes in leading from the front and is often to be seen mowing and strimming the grass at the Hub with fellow Trust member Chris Hadfield.

Hollingwood Hub is a very popular stopping off place for the many walkers and cyclists who frequent the towpath. Many visit Katey’s Coffee Shop, whilst others come to cruise on the tripboat Madeline. The Trust runs these trips every Saturday from April to October, with Monday and Wednesday added in the school summer holidays.

The whole of the eastern end of the canal, from Kiveton Park to West Stockwith, where it meets the River Trent, has also been awarded Green Flag status. This 32 mile long section is managed by the Canal & River Trust. Previously only the final 14 miles had achieved recognition.

Tapton Lock in Chesterfield is the longest standing Green Flag site on the canal. This is the sixth year running that it has received the award. It is run by the Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Service.

Paul Todd, Scheme Manager for the International Green Flag Award, said:-

“We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield’s parks retain their Green Flags

17th July 2018

Five of Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces, maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, have, once again, been given a prestigious Green Flag award.

Queen’s Park near the town centre, Eastwood Park in Hasland, Holmebrook Valley Park, Poolsbrook Country Park and the grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium are among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said: “We are very proud of our parks and open spaces in Chesterfield.

“Our staff work hard out carrying out maintenance to our parks supported by volunteers and friends groups and these awards are testament to all of their hard work and dedication.”

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

The Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket returns to Queen’s Park this weekend.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Don’t miss a day of Medieval Fun in Chesterfield

17th July 2018

Don’t miss a day of Medieval Fun in Chesterfield this July. Visitors to Chesterfield can expect battle re-enactments, dragons, jesters and more at the Chesterfield medieval fun day organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The fun-filled family event takes place in various locations across Chesterfield town centre on Tuesday 24 July from 10am to 4pm.

There is a host of activities taking place including:

A medieval encampment in the Crooked Spire churchyard with skirmishes at 12.30pm and 2.30pm and troop marches to the market place at 11am and 1.30pm
Court jester performing in Rykneld Square, opposite the church at 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
The Legend of Theobald Puppet Theatre at Burlington Street at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm
A fun fair at Chesterfield market all day
Medieval Monks Comedy Animation Theatre in the market place with shows at 11am, 12.45pm and 2pm
Dragon and knight in the market place at 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm
Medieval beggars at the market place and Burlington Street at various times during the day.

Chesterfield Museum is also open during the day. Visitors can meet Sir Cuss the potion maker who will train them to identify dragons and make potions to protect them from the dragon, the museum is open from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

St Mary and All Saints’, the Crooked Spire church is also holding an open day with tours of the church tower hourly from 10.15am to 3.15pm. Tours cost £6 for adults and £4 for children.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The medieval fun day is one of the most popular events in our calendar each year.

“There are so many fun activities taking place, it’s a great opportunity for families to have a day out, enjoy themselves and learn a little bit about our medieval past at the same time.”

Find out more about the Medieval Fun Day and the Vintage Summer Fair which takes place on the same day.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Uncover the secrets of Chatsworth this summer

16th July 2018

With schools out for summer, an action-packed programme of entertainment launches at Chatsworth with trails, virtual reality tours and hands-on activities for families to explore the stories behind the £32m 10-year restoration.

‘Chatsworth Renewed’ is the biggest restoration and conservation of the house since the 1820s. With family-inspired activities spread throughout the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy throughout the school summer holidays (21 July to 30 August 2018).

Alongside the popular animal handling and heritage craft activities in the farmyard and outdoor games and live band performances in the 105-acre garden, visitors are invited to explore the ‘Chatsworth Renewed’ exhibition dedicated to the restoration project, with hands-on activities to engage children and young people.

Families can explore ‘Chatsworth Renewed’, solve puzzles and uncover fascinating facts about the people involved in building, conserving and looking after Chatsworth. Get hands on in the Inner Court to create their own monumental urn and explore old drawings and artefacts tucked away in sets of drawers around the grand rooms of the house. Baalington Lamb is also hidden throughout the house and will offer a task or fun fact every time he is spotted.

In the garden, the famous head gardener Sir Joseph Paxton from the 1800s who introduced many of the famous landmarks still visible today, such as the Emperor Fountain and Rockery, will be wandering around with his wife Sarah, talking about the historic landscape at Chatsworth and the Cavendish banana, along with plant hunter extraordinaire John Gibson who brought back orchids from India. These costumed character actors will be in the garden every day.

Through the use of virtual reality, there’s even the chance to explore Paxton’s Great Conservatory which took four years to build and was a precursor to Crystal Palace, but had to be demolished in the 1920s due to the huge running costs. VR tours will be available from the Maze.

The nostalgic sound of Patrick Cook’s barrel organ, traditional games such as croquet, giant Jenga and skittles, and free face painting will also be available for visitors near the Maze.

The hugely popular animal handling activities take place in the farmyard this summer, with families invited to pet rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals in the animal handling barn. With two newborn donkey foals arriving in the farmyard in the last few weeks, the first named Summer and the newest arrival named Bramble after a vote by Chatsworth House Facebook followers, there will be even more for children to enjoy. Daily milking demonstrations will also be available to discover how cows and goats are milked. On selected dates, there will be a focus on river creatures that can be found in the river Derwent; making willow creatures using willow weaving and discovering how to turn fleece to wool. A trailer discovery tour to the Golden Gates to see the Chatsworth Estate will run every day from the top yard (small charge applies).

A family house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground ticket is available and offers a half price return visit. For more information on activities, times and prices click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield business works with local artist to raise awareness about plastic pollution

10th July 2018

Chesterfield company Kakou CIC has teamed up with local Chesterfield artist Lucie Maycock to create a sculpture of a whale made entirely from plastic bottles, as part of the Ocean Life exhibit at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery.

36 million plastic bottles are used by households in the UK every day. They work themselves into just about every aspect of our daily lives. The popularity of plastics is part of a huge problem and our dependence on them makes recycling and reusing plastic bottles essential for the health of the planet.

Beginning in March, the local public joined Lucie to help produce the sculpture during three workshops held at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery and the Pavements Shopping Centre.

The “Ocean Life” exhibition will run alongside the current Park Life exhibition at the Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery. Ocean Life aims to raise awareness about plastics pollution, describes the impact of micro-plastics on the ocean environment, and provides examples of simple actions individuals can take at home to prevent plastic from ending up in the sea.

Rachel Fannen, Collections Officer at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery said:-

“Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery naturally jumped at the opportunity to support Kakou’s 2018 campaign to raise awareness about the dangerous impact of plastic on our world but most especially on marine environments.

“Kakou’s 2018 British Science Week project raised awareness by creating a plastics sculpture through local art workshops facilitated by artist Lucie Maycock.

“Chesterfield Museum is very proud to display the finished sculpture which will be accompanied by a display explaining the devastating effect of waste plastics on our planet.”

The exhibition runs from the 7th July and more information can be found here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Peak District and Derbyshire nominated in British Travel Awards

9th July 2018

Supporters of the Peak District and Derbyshire can now back its quest to be recognised as the best UK holiday destination in the prestigious annual British Travel Awards.

Voting is now open in all categories of the 2018 competition – billed as the largest and most influential poll of consumer opinion on the performance of leisure, travel and tourism providers.

The Peak District and Derbyshire has been nominated in the Best Holiday Region or County category, facing competition from other key destinations such as Cornwall, Cumbria & The Lake District, North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, said:-

“Being part of the British Travel Awards is very exciting for us as a further step in our mission to make the area’s mark as a world-class destination.

“We have so much to offer, from stunning, specially-protected landscapes, exhilarating outdoor activities and brilliant attractions to rich history and heritage, quality accommodation and fine, locally-produced food and drink.

“I hope as many people as possible will support our efforts to see it recognised as the best place to take a holiday in the UK by taking a few moments to cast their vote online.”

Lorraine Barnes Burton, CHeif Executive of the BTA, said:-

“The British Travel Awards give consumers the opportunity to reward travel and tourism enterprises for outstanding performance in service delivery and product offering.

“Voting is now open and nominated companies have until the end of September to lobby their happy customers for votes – good luck to Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.”

Voting in the competition is quick and easy at http://www.britishtravelawards.com/btaform.php?nomLink=324.

Launched in 2008, the British Travel Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who is the best in the travel industry. The British Travel Awards is an independent organisation, verified by leading global business practitioners Deloitte.

Businesses and organisations under the spotlight include holiday companies; travel agencies and holiday planning; cruise lines, airlines and transport; accommodation and hotel brands; holiday add-ons and UK domestic holidays and attractions.

Votes will be accepted until midnight on Sunday September 30. Results will be announced at a special Gala Awards Night at Battersea Evolution, London on Wednesday November 28.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure