Leisure

Chasing Markham Banger Rally tests wit and stamina to raise money for charity

31st August 2017

bilstein group’s amazing Banger Rally, raising money for the charity BEN, will cross the finish line at their brand new state of the art warehouse in Markham Vale on 22^nd September 2017.

The banger rally starts at the company’s site in Marden, Kent, travelling across 10 different countries in 7 days, to finish at the new distribution hub at Markham Vale. 21 teams will battle it out to win points and be crowned the Chasing Markham Champions.

The route encompasses some of the most difficult and also most beautiful roads to drive in Europe, including the Stelvio Pass, Grossglockner Pass and Hahntenhoch Pass, finishing with the Butter Tubs pass in the Yorkshire Dales before heading down to Markham Vale and across the line.

Planning the Rally, the company decided they wanted to give something back to the industry that has helped their growth over the years. BEN is an automotive industry charity offering help and support to anyone who works in the automotive industry, from workshops to car manufacturers and the aftermarket suppliers.

Each team taking part has had to raise £1,000 each for the charity in order to go on the adventure, and the company will be auctioning the cars after the Rally to increase the final total. Donations are open now, using the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/chasingmarkham. You can also text TCMR55 and the amount you wish to donate to 70070. The company hopes to raise at least £30,000 to give to the charity.

Traci Limb, Marketing Manager, said:-

“We are incredibly excited to be chasing down the launch of our brand new site with such an amazing adventure. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate our company’s latest success, whilst giving back to the very industry that has supported us.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Creative collaboration of Chesterfield businesses

30th August 2017

Clare Gage, multi-award winning Chesterfield based artist has teamed up with Chesterfield Champions, StraightCurves, to bring pottery courses to Chesterfield.

Clare Gage is a Chesterfield based artist who has celebrated her life-long love of textiles with ceramics by creating a truly unique collection of porcelain and jewellery. Clare is respected in the world of design, having won numerous awards for her work and seeing her designs featured in many great design magazines.

With interest in pottery growing in recent years due to a resurgence in traditional craft skills and TV programs such as The Great Pottery Throw Down, the collaboration between Clare and StraightCurves couldn’t have come at a better time.

Clare says:-

‘I love encouraging people to play with clay. I grew up going to pottery classes and it’s fabulous to be able to teach others. I like to create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere where your creative ideas can take shape.’

StraightCurves was set up in 2013 by Karen Rogers, a fully qualified and experienced designer and secondary school teacher/adult education tutor, who is passionate about creativity and learning. She firmly believes that anyone can be creative, and StraightCurves offers a range of high-quality workshops and courses for adults and children in a variety of techniques based at their studio building on Saltergate, Chesterfield.

Karen Rogers, owner of StraightCurves, is excited about the new addition to her team of tutors. She says:-

“It’s great for our customers to have the opportunity to learn with Clare an award winning ceramicist who is based in Chesterfield.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Dronfield Local Producers’ Market Returns

30th August 2017

Sunday 1^st October will see the return of the hugely popular ‘Local Producers’ Market’ at Dronfield Hall Barn.

Founded by personal trainer, nutritionist and founder of Real Food Function, Jon Hodgkinson, the ‘Local Producers’ Market’ is a must-visit event for food and drink lovers everywhere.

Explains Jon:-

“Once again we’re delighted to welcome a whole host of producers from the local area who will be showcasing their products for visitors to sample and purchase. These producers include: Moss Valley Fine Meats, Frazer’s Coffee, Kevin’s Pies, Sheffield Organic Growers, Hedgerow Preserves and many more.

“Our aim is simple; we want to highlight the good quality, artisan food and drink that is available right on our doorstep. There is some truly delicious and healthy produce out there and it’s really easy to access and show your support for local farmers and producers.”

Continues Jon: “As a personal trainer and nutritionist, I really do believe that getting back to basics with food is where it all starts. If we can gain a greater understanding of how our food has been grown, raised or produced it helps us make more informed choices and promotes a healthier way of living.

“That’s exactly what these markets are about; they provide the ideal opportunity to connect with the producers themselves and learn more about their products.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Perez joins new team ahead of Rockingham

24th August 2017

Chesterfield’s young racing driver, Seb Perez has found a new home with Lincolnshire-based Rob Boston Racing in time for this weekend’s Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup at Rockingham.

JHR Developments, which was the leading team in the Championship, was suspended from all Ginetta competitions for the remainder of the 2017 season pending an investigation by the Yorkshire manufacturer.

Perez, who is tenth in the series, has been joined by his teammate, Nottinghamshire’s George Gamble. Along with six other drivers, the pair will retain their points from Derbyshire-based JHR Developments.

Looking forward to new challenges, Perez said: “After a crazy week, myself and teammate George will stick together as we join Rob Boston Racing. Now (it is) onwards and upwards to Rockingham this coming weekend.”

The race will be broadcast live on Sunday on ITV 4 as a support race to the popular British Touring Car Championship.

Images and editorial courtesy of Paul Horton Motorsport Photography.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Ernie Moss Day raises more than £3k

24th August 2017

More than £3,000 has been raised so far for the Alzheimer’s Society and Team Ernie through fundraising efforts as part of last Saturday’s Ernie Moss Day.

The money has been raised from the sale of commemorative t-shirts and wristbands, together with a collection made on the day and a donation from Chesterfield FC following the sale of programmes and Brampton Brewery’s ‘Ernie 8’ ale.

The Moss family said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the club and staff for all their support and our wonderful helpers on the day.

“Also a massive thanks to the fans for their never-ending support and to everyone who made Ernie Moss Day an emotional, proud day to remember…and of course to the lads for a win!”

A second Ernie Moss Day was held to honour Chesterfield’s record goalscorer, who is suffering from a form of dementia.

The fund will continue to grow as t-shirts and wristbands are still on sale in the Club Superstore at the Proact Stadium.

Photo by Tina Jenner: Ernie Moss carries the match ball out before Chesterfield’s game against Port Vale, joined by daughters Sarah (left) and Nikki.

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

Local community takes part in archaeological dig at Chesterfield Canal

23rd August 2017

Over 500 people from the local community joined the Chesterfield Canal Trust and a number of archaeologists to take part in the Last Cuckoo Project.

At the beginning of the year it was reported that the Chesterfield Canal Trust acquired funding from the Aviva Community Trust of £10,000 for the Last Cuckoo Project – an archaeological dig at Staveley – where it is believed that at least one Cuckoo boat, unique to the canal, could be found.

The dig, which took place over two weeks in August, unearthed a variety of material including pottery and bottles and – as expected – three boats, one which has been reported as almost certainly a Cuckoo.

The dig has received enormous community support. The funding for the project was made possible by the project gaining 9,500 votes in a public vote. The public support continued with over 500 places on the dig being snapped up by members of the community – including a number of local children.

To celebrate the findings, the Trust organised an open day, which was also well attended with over 300 people being given a guided tour of the trenches and the teams findings. The dig also gained regional coverage with a feature on BBC Look North.

As the project was an archaelogical dig and not a restoration project the findings where reburied. However the Canal Trust will be working hard to ensure that the findings are remembered.

Rod Auton, a representative from the Chesterfield Canal Trust, said:-

“There was never any possibility of lifting an incredibly fragile 70’ boat, then storing and preserving it, so everything was reburied at the end of the dig. When the restoration of the Canal reaches a certain point, they will be dug up again because there will be moorings on the site.

“However, part of the grant has been reserved to create an information board on the site, so that the whole event will be remembered in the time being.”

The Trust wishes to pay particular thanks to Mark Walker for his months of planning on the project, Elmet Archaeological Services – led by Christine Rawson – who had vast experience of community archaeology, T.C. Harrison/JCB who lent the Trust a mini-digger for the whole fortnight and Henry and Lorraine Day who allowed the Trust to use their field for camping, car parking and accommodation facilities.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

New hashtag campaign to highlight the Peak District’s hidden gems

23rd August 2017

Social media users are being invited to share their stunning shots of what they think is unique and inspiring about the Peak District and Derbyshire in a new hashtag campaign aiming to spread the word about its most special and secret gems.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, is about to launch #UniqueDistrict in a bid to promote the essence and spirit of the area with the help of the expanding online community.

Lindsay Rae, the tourist board’s Deputy Director, said:-

“We’re asking people to post images of their favourite features of the Peak District and Derbyshire – everything from breathtaking landscapes and fabulous attractions to their favourite cafés and restaurants serving locally-sourced food and drink.

“We’re looking for special shots that inspire them and will inspire other people too – and they can feature any subject, as long as it captures what’s best and beautiful about the area.

“We know the Peak District and Derbyshire is full of hidden treasures, and this is a brilliant opportunity to share them across the growing on-line audience.

“We’ll be posting the best entries across our Instagram and Twitter accounts, and there’ll be quality prizes on offer in a series of competitions from September to the beginning of November.”

#UniqueDistrict will be launched on the tourist board’s Twitter feed – @vpdd – on Friday September 1 at 1pm, when a video outlining full details of how to enter and details of the first prize give-away will be released.

After that, people can tweet their images, using @vpdd and #UniqueDistrict, and their submissions will go forward as competition entries until November 1. #UniqueDistrict will then continue to run for another ten months to encourage even more people to join the online conversation.

The video will become the campaign’s ‘pinned’ tweet and will stay at the top of the @vpdd Twitter page throughout September. It will also be posted on the tourist board’s website at www.visitpeakdistrict.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Ashgate Hospicecare raise a combined £18,437 at this year’s Summer Fair and Open Air Cinema

21st August 2017

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that a combined total of £18,437 was raised at last weekend’s Summer Fair and Open Air Cinema.

Both events, which were based on Ashgate Hospicecare’s meadow, hosted over a thousand people throughout the day and raised vital funds for patients and their families across north Derbyshire.

Beth Cole, Events Assistant at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“We would like to thank everyone who came and supported the hospice over the weekend. It was amazing to see so many families enjoying themselves.”

Throughout the day, families enjoyed an array of activities including fairground rides, games, donkeys, craft stalls, food, a bar and live music as well as over a thousand-local people settling down and watching a screening of Grease later in the evening.

Jill Ashmore, from Chesterfield, said:-

“What a great night. Film brilliant, lovely atmosphere and the meteor display …. inspired. Next please.”

Stewart Oldham, Long standing car park volunteer, from Chesterfield, said:-

“From the volunteers on car park duty thanks for everyone’s cooperation and understanding what a great atmosphere and event. See you all next year.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Award winning coffee shop reopens after relocation

21st August 2017

Two time winner of the Café of the Year category in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards have reopened this weekend after a move to new premises.

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House, situated at Stephenson’s Place, have relocated down one floor of the building. The move downstairs provides the venue with more accessible accommodation, better views of the town and unique original Victorian features. This is the first phase of an extensive refurbishment of their premises on Stephenson Place.

Opening in 2014, the café have gone from strength to strength, now employing 14 people and 2 apprentices. It has also been nominated as Cafe of the Year in 3 consecutive Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards – winning twice in 2014-2016 – and also winner of the Best Customer Service award in Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2016.

In the last couple of years, Stephenson’s have introduced Afternoon Teas, acquired a license to sell alcohol and opened The Spire by Stephenson’s – also nominated in the Best Newcomer Category at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2017. The move downstairs highlights its desire to be ever expanding and provide a venue accessible to all customers.

Claire Wood, Owner of Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House, says:-

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Sam and I. We have retained the peaceful atmosphere our customers want, and will continue to serve our extensive menu including snacks, breakfasts, lunches, cakes, scones and much more, homemade from high quality ingredients and served by the friendly Stephensons Team.

“With so much investment taking place in Chesterfield Town Centre we feel privileged to be providing a service for the people of Chesterfield.”

Claire and Sam – her son – work very closely with their team of staff at both Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House and in their second Coffee Shop, The Spire by Stephenson’s at 3 St Marys Gate.

She says:-

“We aim to ensure all our customers receive a friendly welcome and enjoy excellent food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere in either Stephensons Tea and Coffee House or The Spire by Stephensons.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Visitors welcome to Chesterfield Museum’s open day

21st August 2017

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can join in a range of activities for the museum’s open weekend.

The popular attraction, owned and run by Chesterfield Borough Council, hosts the event on Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Monday 28 August.

Activities on offer include:

Creative crafts for children each day from 10am to 4pm
Behind the scenes tours at 1pm and 2.30pm each day – tours are free but must be booked in advance, call (01246) 345727 to book
Meet George Stephenson each day at 10am – find out more about the North East’s railway pioneer who made his home in Chesterfield
A talk by the Derbyshire Records Office on Friday 25 August at 11am
Spire stories at noon and 1.45pm on Saturday 26 and Monday 28 August

The current exhibition features the history of St Mary and All Saints’ Church – the ‘Crooked Spire’.

The church will be offering hour long tours of the tower on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 August at 2.30pm and Monday 28 August at 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“We’re proud to welcome thousands of visitors to Chesterfield Museum each year. The open weekend gives people the chance to look round and find out more about this popular attraction.

“There are activities suitable for all ages so it is a great opportunity for families to enjoy themselves together this bank holiday weekend.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Boyband star with a passion for farming is announced as president for Chatsworth Country Fair

16th August 2017

Former boyband star turned award-winning farmer, with a passion for educating children about the origins of their food has been announced as the president for this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair.

JB Gill (30) rose to fame as a member of one of the UK’s biggest boybands – JLS. They dominated the charts for five years, boasting five number-one singles, over 10 million record sales worldwide and a multitude of awards.

Four years ago, JB set up a farm in the Kent countryside, where he lives with his wife, Chloe, and two-year-old son, Ace. Their smallholding successfully produces award-winning, KellyBronze turkeys and free-range Tamworth pork.

Now an established member of the farming community, JB has used his success within the entertainment industry to highlight his passion to educate children about the origins of their food and he is the lead presenter on CBeebies’ BAFTA-nominated television series, ‘Down On The Farm’ created for children aged 0–6 years, teaching them about life on a farm and outdoors. He also works closely with The Prince’s Countryside Fund, which seeks to celebrate and promote the value of family farms, rural affairs and the countryside to British society.

JB said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be named as president of the Chatsworth Country Fair 2017. The countryside is such an important part of our British society and I’m excited to represent, support and meet the many contributors and guests the fair will welcome over the weekend.

“I’ve always heard of the incredible beauty of Chatsworth Park and I was able to witness this incredible place whilst filming recently with BBC Songs Of Praise. Needless to say, I am overjoyed to have been asked to be Country Fair President 2017, joining the esteemed list of past presidents, who have all shared the same admiration that I have for this stunning countryside venue. My family and I are also looking forward to exploring the fair and getting stuck into everything it has to offer. It’s going to be an exciting weekend!”

In 2014, JB launched a diploma course at Sheffield College, ‘JB’s School of Entertainment Industries’, which teaches those enrolled a vast array of skills required to embark on a career in the entertainment industry.

He will be out and about exploring the country fair throughout the opening day (Friday 1 September).

As well as the thrilling line-up of Grand Ring entertainment, running from 10.45am to 6.30pm each day, the Chatsworth Country Fair also offers lots of shopping, fun and games for all the family, animal antics and much more. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome, and there’s even the chance to enter the family pooch into a dog show!

The three-day celebration of the countryside set in the beautiful Chatsworth parkland is offering a feast of family entertainment, from the whirlwind that is Dzhigitovka! – The Way of the Cossack Warrior, to what is set to be one of the last displays by the army’s world famous motorcycle display team The White Helmets.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting