Leisure

Derbyshire Connect services to be rolled out countywide

16th August 2017

Community transport users will continue to receive life-line services as Derbyshire Connect buses are rolled out countywide.

Derbyshire County Council have pledged to continue supporting Dial-a-Bus (DAB)- style ‘shopping’ buses and aCTive Travel journeys to healthcare appointments.

These services are for people unable to use conventional transport because of mobility difficulties or because they live in areas − usually rural − where public transport is limited.

A new Derbyshire Connect service has been trialled in the Ashbourne and Wirksworth area since February. Contracts to operate the service across the county have now been awarded and will start in October − continuing to take people to supermarkets, shops, banks and medical appointments at hospitals, clinics, the doctors, dentists and opticians.

Councillor Trevor Ainsworth, Cabinet Support Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure at Derbyshire County Council, said:

“This is great news for community transport users. We are aware that there have been concerns among some passengers that their services were ending because funding was being withdrawn. This is not the case − funding is being provided in a different way.”

Councillor Ainsworth added:

“We know how important getting out and about is for people to retain their independence and we are clear on our commitment to continue to support the most vulnerable, particularly in rural and isolated communities, ensuring they have the same opportunities as they currently have, to travel to vital services.”

Funding for DAB and aCTive Travel services is currently provided by the council to the county’s six community transport schemes through grants.

Following a legal challenge, which makes it more difficult to provide funding in this way, the new Derbyshire Connect services will be run under contract.

Community Transport for Town and County (CT4TC), based in Chesterfield and Ripley, will run shopping buses in Amber Valley, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Erewash and North East Derbyshire.

And CDGi Training Limited − a specialist healthcare transport provider based in Eckington – will put on aCTive Travel services in Bolsover, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.

Like the current DAB and aCTive travel services, the new Derbyshire Connect services will still need to be booked but will continue to run door-to-door with passenger assistants on hand to provide extra assistance, where necessary.

Councillor Ainsworth said:

“These new Derbyshire Connect buses will offer better value for money − around £7 per passenger to run compared to an average £16.57 for the current service − and provide a more customer focused service. Gold Card holders will also be able to travel for free − currently they have to pay − and in the longer term we expect them to develop into more flexible services to meet the needs of a wider range of customers.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Funds raised for Alzheimer’s Society on Ernie Moss Day

15th August 2017

Valuable funds will be raised for the Alzheimer’s Society at Saturday’s game between Chesterfield and Port Vale when the Spireites stage a second ‘Ernie Moss Day’ to honour the legendary former striker, who is suffering from a form of dementia.

Ernie, who also played for Port Vale in a career which saw him score 245 goals in 749 league appearances, will be introduced to the crowd before kick-off and fans will be encouraged to applaud after eight minutes in recognition of his old shirt number.

Hospitality guests in the SBK Computers Spires Restaurant – including Ernie and members of his family – will be treated to a menu of Ernie’s favourite food while Brampton Brewery’s special ‘Ernie 8’ ale will be on sale on the day. The matchday programme will include a number of tributes to Ernie, together with a photo montage on the cover.

T-shirts featuring a ‘Badly Drawn Spires’ image of Ernie on the front and ‘8’ on the back will be available to buy from the Club Superstore, priced at £10. Fans will also be able to buy limited edition blue and white wristbands inscribed with ‘Ernie Moss Day 2017’, again sold in the Club Superstore, for a minimum donation of £1. Money raised from the sales, together with a collection on the day, will go to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Ashley Carson, Director & company secretary at Chesterfield Football Club, said:-

“Ernie’s goalscoring exploits have quite rightly made him one of the most popular players in the history of the club. Fans talk fondly of watching him in action and he is fully deserving of his legendary status.

“Dementia is a cruel disease and it is heartbreaking to see someone like Ernie suffer in this way. Our staff have received training to learn how to deal with people who are affected by dementia and we will do all that we can to help promote awareness of the disease and raise funds for charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society.”

Now 67, Ernie is Chesterfield’s record goalscorer, scoring a total of 191 goals over three spells with the club. He netted 23 times for Port Vale in 74 appearances.

After his playing career came to an end, he managed various non-league clubs including Gainsborough Trinity, Leek Town and Matlock Town.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Heritage Lottery Fund Chairman to lead Barrow Hill Roundhouse re-launch celebrations

14th August 2017

Sir Peter Luff, Chairman to the Board of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund will visit Barrow Hill Roundhouse on Thursday 21^st September 2017 to view the comprehensive National Lottery-funded restoration and officially open the new entrance building at the unique Midland Railway roundhouse.

The celebrations to mark the completion of the £1.2 million restoration, made possible by National Lottery players, will continue as the Grand Reopening Gala commences on Friday 22^nd September, continuing on Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th September.

The gala will star two icons of steam, the National Railway Museum’s A3 60103 “Flying Scotsman” and A1 60163 “Tornado”. This will be the first visit to the Roundhouse by “Flying Scotsman” since a Barrow Hill Roundhouse Open Day in 1974.

It will also be the first opportunity for many to get up close to the locomotive alongside her sister East Coast racehorse, the 100mph “Tornado” – recently the subject of a BBC4 documentary – against the unique and authentic backdrop of the Roundhouse.

Tickets are now also on sale for “Down the Line”, a professionally produced play commissioned as part of the celebratory events to mark the reopening of Barrow Hill Roundhouse and supported by The Arts Council.

The show will involve a cast of professional actors and hundreds of local people, including a community choir and Ireland Colliery Chesterfield Brass Band. The audience will be an integral part of the play as they follow the drama in and around the Roundhouse building. The Roundhouse team is delighted to announce that the play will include a guest appearance by “Flying Scotsman”.

Mervyn Allcock, General Manager of Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said:-

“We are very honoured that Sir Peter Luff has agreed to open the new extension building and lead our celebrations. We are looking forward to welcoming him to our unique Roundhouse and showing much we appreciate the financial assistance the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us.”

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said:-

“As the last surviving operational roundhouse, Barrow Hill has a unique role in telling the evocative story of the UK’s dazzling railway heritage. There’s no better way to learn about this history than getting up close to the buildings and locomotives that survive from that time, and that combination is what makes this place so special. That’s why I’m really excited to open the new extension, and see the finished restoration, all made possible thanks to National Lottery players.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield’s first botanical gin room to feature in new Italian restaurant

8th August 2017

Chesterfield’s first botanical gin room is set to feature in a new Italian restaurant for the town, Cipollini Ristorante Italiano.

The new restaurant, which specialises in homely traditional Italian cuisine, is set to offer a new experience in the already booming Chesterfield Food and Drink scene.

The restaurant will be situated on the mezzanine above the The All Saints Tap – a new food, drink and live sports venue, specialising in craft beers, cocktails, artisan burgers and pizzas which opened its doors last weekend.

A spokesperson from Cipollini said:-

“Our concept is simple, we’re not messing about with the classic recipes and ingredients that’s been served in Italy for century’s – no twists, nothing but fine Italian food done right by our chef Fabrizio.

“We pride ourselves on staying true to our Italian roots and recipes, and serving them with a smile.

“Our Gin room will be open at weekends for pre meal drinks and available to hire out for celebrations with your own bar tender and music of your choice.”

With a focus on the Italian tradition of families dining together, the restaurant are offering all children under 12 to dine for free at all times. Every Sunday they will also be offering half price pizza and pasta between 12pm-8pm.

The prominent building on St Mary Gate now home to The All Saints Tap was previously occupied by York House, in the buzzing and vibrant Real Ale Quarter just 50 yards away from the famous Crooked Spire.

The restaurant joins an number of new businesses that have recently opened in the town over the last year – including Odyssey, Spire by Stephenson’s and Bottle and Thyme – who are nominated in the Best Newcomer category at this years Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Craft beer and sports bar to open in Chesterfield

3rd August 2017

A new food, drink and live sports venue, specialising in craft beers, cocktails, artisan burgers and pizzas, is set to open in Chesterfield this weekend.

The All Saints Tap, based on St Mary’s Gate will open officially at 7.00pm on Friday 4th August.

A spokesperson from the All Saints Tap said: “Our concept has already proven to be extremely popular in some of most innovative cities across the UK, and we’re pleased to bring it to Chesterfield.

“Our vision is simple. We want to create somewhere that has a leading selection of the top craft beers the world has to offer, great food and exceptional service.”

“We will combine a number of the world’s most popular beers and carefully created cocktails with artisan burgers and pizzas. As well as all of this, we want to give you somewhere to watch your favourite live sports events on the big screen in a lively, social and laidback atmosphere.

“Plain and simple, we want to give you and your friends an unrivalled experience that you can shout about. No nonsense, just great food, drink and sport.”

The prominent building on St Mary Gate now home to The All Saints Tap was previously occupied by York House.

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

Striker extends Spireites stay

3rd August 2017

Chesterfield striker Kristian Dennis has signed an extension to his contract, which now runs until the summer of 2019.

After penning his new deal, Dennis said: “I am delighted to have extended my stay here at Chesterfield and I can’t wait for the season to start on Saturday.”

Chesterfield director & company secretary Ashley Carson said: “We are delighted to have secured Kristian on an extended contract as he is a very talented player.

“Signing him until 2019 shows the club’s commitment to the player and we think he will do very well this season.”

Dennis, 27, joined the Spireites last summer after leaving Stockport County and was Chesterfield’s top scorer last season with ten goals.

Destination Chesterfield: Chesterfield Football Club B2net stadium match day experience.

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

Spireites welcome Barrow

1st August 2017

Chesterfield manager Gary Caldwell has strengthened his backroom team with the appointment of Graham Barrow as assistant-manager/chief scout.

Barrow, who assisted Caldwell during his time as manager of Wigan Athletic, said: “I’m delighted to be here. I’ve had a good working relationship with Gary and we’ve always kept in touch.

“On matchdays, I’ll be up above in the stand watching the game and provide input. I’ll also help Guy Branston with recruitment.

“The set-up here is great and it’s all geared for success. I’ve got a wide range of experience so I hope to make a valuable contribution.”

Caldwell is pleased to be reunited with his former colleague. “I have 100% trust in Graham and I value his opinions,” he said.

“He has great knowledge at every level of the game. He will be a great help to me in various ways, including preparing for matches and signing players.”

After a playing career which took in lengthy spells at Wigan and Chester City, Barrow managed Chester (twice), Wigan, Rochdale and Bury. He also took charge of Wigan on a caretaker basis on several occasions.

The 63-year-old left Wigan in May, shortly before the appointment of former Spireites boss Paul Cook as manager.

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

Flying the flag for Chesterfield’s parks

27th July 2017

Five of Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces have retained their prestigious Green Flag awards for another year, meaning they are among the best in the country.

The parks and open spaces, maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, received the recognition from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy after they inspected them against strict standards.

They decided to award Green Flags to:

Eastwood Park, Hasland
Holmebrook Valley Park
Poolsbrook Country Park
Queen’s Park
The grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Brimington, which are maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee, which consists of Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.

The international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the spaces boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:-

“We are extremely pleased to retain Green Flag Award status in these five parks and open spaces once more.

“One of the council’s top priorities is to improve the quality of life for local people and providing green space that people can visit, play in, use to get fit and active or see wildlife is an important way to achieve this.

“A lot of effort goes in to maintaining parks and open spaces and I would like to thank all our staff and the members of our friends of the park groups for all of their efforts throughout the year to achieve results like this year-on-year.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

The news come as Chesterfield is waiting to hear if it has been successful in retaining its gold award in the East Midlands in Bloom competition. The town picked up the honour for the first time last year. Judges visited Chesterfield earlier this month to judge if those standards had been maintained.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Community radio station expands ‘Team Spire’ with exciting new changes

26th July 2017

Spire Radio, Chesterfield Champions and local community radio station, have recently announced a number of exciting new changes to ensure the survival of the stations legacy as they move forward after a successful first 2 years on air.

A focus on strengthening involvement in the local community has been a main priority for the station, with links now forged between the Derbyshire Times, Chesterfield Food Club Community Trust and the Chesterfield College Performing Arts and Media Departments. The station has also recently offered work experience to local schools and colleges.

To keep at the forefront of local business, Spire Radio have also recently joined the Chesterfield Champion network. Chesterfield Champions are a group of 170+ local businesses who work together to support the development of the local economy, shape the future of the town and showcase all that is good about it.

To showcase how vital the business community is in the development of the town, Destination Chesterfield, who run the Chesterfield Champion scheme, and Spire Radio have joined forces to showcase these local businesses with a new show to air from late August. The show, which will air on Tuesday afternoons, will see Champions interviewed about their business and their views on topics relevant to the town.

A number of new appointments have also been made to strengthen their Directorship and Management team.

Joining the Current Directors Chris Walters (Programme Director), Stephen Mahoney (Technical Director) and Amy Hartshorn (Director of Finance and Human Resources), Spire Radio are proud to announce the appointment of Andrew Payne, Presenter of the Generation Game, Local Business man and long standing supporter of Spire Radio as a Director.

Other appointments include Matthew Squires (Presenter of SquiresonSpire) as Training, Compliance & Development Director, Simon Barnett (Presenter of Anthems) as Media & Communications Director and Mark Judge as Technical & Web Development Director.

David Trickett, local legend and fundraiser will also join the team as Charity & Community Event Director to oversee that all of the stations operations are within the remit of not for profit and in the best interests of Local Community & support local charitable organisations.

Alongside the recruitment of the new directors the station are also looking to grow their listener-ship with the introduction of a host of new shows and presenters.

George Drummond will be the new host of Spire Breakfast (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday). George has years of experience of online radio to bring to Spire.
‘Debs & Denise’ from LOL Laughter yoga have been announced as the presenters of the Wednesday Breakfast Show. Denise and Deborah from LOL are a dynamic duo bursting with energy to share the wonderful benefits of laughter and how it can be used to facilitate change.
Adrian Lings joins as presenter of the Weekend Wind Up Show (Fridays 10am – 1pm). Adrian is a well-known Sheffield DJ and compere and does swing work with Sheffield live, Hallam fm and many others.
Martyn Gillie will present the Community Slot on a Friday (2pm – 3pm). His show will focus around local heritage and history as well as playing music from the 50s.
Lee Brade will join as presenter of Friday Drive Time and Tracey Leeds will present a new show on Sundays (1pm – 4pm)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Thousands celebrate Chesterfield’s medieval past

26th July 2017

Thousands of people flocked to Chesterfield town centre for the annual medieval fun day on Tuesday 25 July.

The popular event, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, saw a host of activities to celebrate the middle ages.

There was a medieval encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire church with troop marches and skirmishes.

Chesterfield market place hosted a market with charity stalls, street food and traders from Chesterfield’s general and flea markets.

Traders got into the spirit of the event by wearing traditional costumes and crowds were entertained by a court jester, medieval beggars, goblins and dragon.

Chesterfield Museum also opened specially with an event entitled ‘A day in the middle ages’.

Visitors to the museum found out about medieval arms and armour, religion and battlefield surgery and learn about the diseases, illnesses and curses the people suffered from in the middle ages.

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’ hosted an open day featuring tours of the tower.

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

“Each year, the medieval fun day brings thousands of people into Chesterfield – and this year was no exception.

“Not only was this a great day out and a chance to learn about history together but also a great boost for businesses in the town centre.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Dronfield’s first ever Arts Festival set for 2018

26th July 2017

The Dronfield Arts Festival will take place over four days from the 4th-7th May 2018 and will be packed with not just art, but also live music, street performance, street vendors, markets and more. You’ll find Dronfield buzzing with excitement and full of people.

The festival will bring amazing and captivating arts experiences to Derbyshire focusing heavily on local talent. With over 60 events planned they’ll be a fantastic mix of performances and workshops including; music, drama, poetry, visual art, dance, crafts, food, talks, literature and much more. The festival is designed to appeal to all ages and tastes; to local residents and bring visitors to Dronfield’s vibrant community.

Alan Powell Chair of Dronfield Heritage Trust, said:-

“The festival will have an accessible and lively programme that embraces the wider performing arts, with broad appeal for Dronfield, engaging the wider community and our valued visitors. The events will take place across the exciting range of social and community spaces that Dronfield offers. The festival will also provide the perfect platform for the community and those further afield to engage with the arts.”

The Arts festival is a requisite part of the Heritage Lottery Fund project to restore Dronfield Hall Barn and will be a big catalyst to making the Barn fully self-sustainable once the project finishes in 2018. Due to this, the festival is more of a community project, managed in conjunction with FWD Motion (a local digital design agency, and Chesterfield Champion) using volunteers in and around Chesterfield, with the majority of the entertainment and performances made up of local talent.

In addition to income from ticket sales and national and local funding partners, the festival is also heavily reliant upon the help and support from its army of volunteers, and the ongoing generosity of its friends and sponsors.

To find out how you can get involved and benefit from the festival’s promotional activities visit
www.dronfieldartsfestival.co.uk

The Festival will be supported by a widespread media campaign, targeting press, radio and online sources across the bordering counties. The full programme of events will be announced at the end of January 2018.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting