Leisure

Seb Perez prepares for Donington

15th April 2016

Chesterfield racing driver Seb Perez will be back on the track again this weekend – this time at Donington – for the next round of the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship; the support race to the popular Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Despite mechanical problems, the 16-year old son of 2014 BTRDA Gold Star Rally Champion Steve Perez showed tremendous determination in the first round at the beginning of the month at Brands Hatch where he raced at the high-speed Indy Circuit track for the first time in a fiercely competitive field of 23 cars.

His weekend began with a good free practice session finishing 13th fastest with a top speed of 81.9 mph.

Qualifying for race one was a somewhat slower affair however and Perez finished in 17th position after suffering brake issues. He recorded a time of 57.696 seconds with a speed of 75.37mph.

After a mid-race safety car period, Perez pulled out all the stops for race one and rose through the ranks to finish in 11th position – 12.272 seconds behind race winner William Tregurtha; with a top speed of 67.95mph on lap 9.

Driving for his team JHR Developments, Perez started race two from the 6th row on the grid in 11th place alongside rookie driver Enzo Fittipaldi. Perez reached the chequered flag in 10th place – only 8.666 seconds behind race winner, Stuart Middleton.

Despite a disappointing start due to brake and engine problems, the car has since been through extensive testing and is now performing better ready for Donington.

Perez said “After a tricky weekend at Brands Hatch with brake issues in Qualifying and missing a bit of pace over the weekend I’m looking forward to Donington Park.

“I tested at Donington last week with some good times in dry and wet conditions. A lot of work has been put into the car since by JHR Developments.”

The whole race season is televised live on the Sundays on ITV4.

Images and editorial courtesy of Paul Horton Motorsport Photography.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Historic Hotel in Chesterfield Sold

14th April 2016

Ringwood Hall Hotel, a 19^th century grade 11 listed Georgian Manor House in Brimington, Chesterfield is now under new ownership.

The management team and the day to day operations under Rona Davies, General Manager for 18 years, will remain the same, providing and maintaining outstanding facilities and service to all Ringwood Hall Hotel`s customers.

The property has undergone significant refurbishment over the last 20 years under the stewardship of Lyric Hotels Ltd, and now provides 74 bedrooms, bar facilities, conference and banqueting suites, as well as the onsite Parklands Health & Fitness Club, with indoor pool, sauna, steamroom and well equipped gymnasium.

David Seton, owner of Lyric Hotels, took over Ringwood in 1999 when it was a partly derelict 21 bedroom hotel. Since then some £4.5m has been invested in the venue and the workforce has increased from 16 to 180.

Seton added “ You never actually own a place like Ringwood, you just look after it until the next person comes along. It has been an honour to have been custodian of Ringwood Hall for such a short time in its history, and I`m delighted to be leaving the hotel in a much better state than we found it in.

Rona Davies commented “Following the retirement of the previous owners, the whole team at Ringwood are looking forward to a new era in the hotel`s history, and I am delighted to reassure our customers that its business as usual going forward.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Summer of Cycling for Derbyshire and the Peak District

13th April 2016

Cycling fans can look forward to a midsummer feast of festival fun in the Peak District and Derbyshire – whether they prefer to take to the saddle themselves or watch world-class racing from the sidelines.

The area will once again play host to the stylish three-day Eroica Britannia event from Friday June 17 to Sunday June 19 – and this year will also welcome stages three and four of the Aviva Women’s Tour for the very first time, on June 17 and 18.

Tourism bosses are encouraging as many people as possible to make the most of the forthcoming cycle fest by booking a holiday so that they can enjoy both – and maybe extend their stay to try out some safe cycling themselves on the area’s extensive network of traffic-free trails.

“We’re delighted that Eroica Britannia and the Aviva Women’s Tour will be in the Peak District and Derbyshire over the same weekend,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

“Both offer a great opportunity to come and stay in the area to experience two very different, but complementary, events, which are sure to have great appeal to both cycling enthusiasts and people who prefer to relax and watch the action.

“There’s also the chance to take to two wheels to discover our superb countryside on a wide variety of off-road trails, suitable for all ages and abilities – and there are plenty of centres where visitors can hire a bike if they haven’t brought their own.

“It’s the perfect excuse to book a few days away, taking advantage of a range of accommodation options, from ‘glamping’ and friendly B&Bs to welcoming pubs and both country house and boutique hotels.”

The third Eroica Britannia festival will again celebrate the ‘Best of British’ with a three-day celebration of live music, vintage, shopping, food, drink, camping and cycling at Bakewell Showground. This year’s irresistible mix will also include a Swing Night of music and dance and a Last Day of the Proms event to welcome riders back from their 2016 Great British Adventure.

This year’s routes – featuring regular local food and drink stops along the way – will attract cyclists from all over the world keen to explore the UK’s first National Park in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s peerless scenery on pre-1987 bikes and in vintage or traditional clothing. Three options – 30 miles, 55 miles and 100 miles – are available, featuring a selection of new locations as well as even more gruelling climbs on the long route.

Around 100 international riders representing 16 teams will take to the road for stage three of the Aviva Women’s Tour from Ashbourne to Chesterfield on June 17 – passing through some of the area’s key towns and villages, including Buxton, Matlock and the Chatsworth estate, and featuring breathtaking sprint sections along the way.

There’ll be a second chance to see the cyclists in action during stage four from Nottingham to Stoke-on-Trent on June 18, when the race will skirt Derby, between Long Eaton and Swadlincote.

For more information about Eroica Britannia, the Aviva Women’s Tour and cycling opportunities in the Peak District and Derbyshire, visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/cyclingfestivals. To find out more about Derbyshire’s long-term ambition to become a world-class cycling destination for people of all ages and abilities and to encourage everyone to cycle more by 2030, visit www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan.

Posted in Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Spireites to face Rams in testimonial

11th April 2016

The Spireites are to entertain Derby County this summer in a testimonial match for Shane Nicholson.

Part of Chesterfield Football Club’s pre-season programme, the fixture takes place at the Proact Stadium on Tuesday, July 26 (7.30pm).

Nicholson played for both Chesterfield and Derby in a 21-year playing career and it is fitting that the two clubs will meet in a match to honour the former defender and reward him for his loyal service to the Spireites.

After retiring from playing during his second stint with Chesterfield in 2007, Nicholson was then employed by the club as a fitness coach and remained in the role until last summer.

Nicholson said: “Not only is it a chance for me to say thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, but more importantly be able to help a young special lady called Sheenam, who has suffered from Junior Huntingdon Disease (JHD) for the last 13 years. The adult version of the illness had sadly claimed the life of her father only a few weeks before Sheenam herself was diagnosed.

“On meeting Sheenam and her dearest mother Paramjit, it was clear the family had faced and continued to battle with one of life’s cruelest illnesses, however they never cease to both light up a room with their smiles.

“Both Paramjit and her daughter Sheenam have become close friends to my family and I’m honoured to be able to help towards the necessary life changing treatment in India. So please come along and show your support and be apart of something special for both myself and Sheenam.”

Further details regarding the testimonial match will be released shortly.

Image: Shane Nicholson – courtesy of Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Race against time at Staveley Basin

7th April 2016

Chesterfield Canal Trust’s volunteers have been praised this week for their efforts to complete Staveley Basin ahead of the National Trailboat Festival in May.

Managed by Derbyshire County Council, the Staveley Basin project is designed to restore and improve Chesterfield Canal; making more of the waterway navigable.

Working under the direction of council engineers, and with occasional help from the volunteers of the Waterway Recovery Group, the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Volunteer Work Party has now almost completed the lock. Only the coping stones and lock gates are still to be fitted, despite encountering lots of bad weather and mechanical issues along the way.

The team has also been striving to build an additional 300 metres of canal below the lock – known as Hartington Harbour – ready for boats to turn around. This has proven the biggest challenge, as since November, the section has been at best ankle deep in mud and at worst totally flooded.

Chesterfield Canal Trust’s aging excavator, known as Denis, has also developed frequent problems, however much breakdown support has been received from JCB/TCHarrison.

Trustee in charge of the volunteers, David Kiddy, said: “I am very proud of our volunteers. Many have come to work on four or five days a week throughout the winter, frequently working in atrocious conditions.”

A major project, the Chesterfield Canal Trust has already invested around £100,000, with nearly half of the money coming from donations, and the rest coming from activities such as tripboat rides and membership fees. Part of the Markham Vale development, Derbyshire County Council has committed £89,000 for contractors and a grant has also been received for the lock gates from Veolia.

Chesterfield Canal Trust will host the National Trailboat Festival on behalf of the Inland Waterways Association on May 28th and 29th. The event will run from 10am to 5.00pm on both days and will include boat rides, canoeing, children’s rides, plenty of entertainment, dozens of stalls plus food and drink including a Real Ale bar run by Brampton Brewery.

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

Councillors confirm support for Sheffield City Region devolution deal

7th April 2016

At a special meeting held yesterday evening, councillors again voted in support of Chesterfield Borough Council applying to be part of a devolution deal which will see the borough benefit from a share of £900 million in funding over a 30 year period.

In applying to be a full member of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, powers and funding relating to issues such as transport, skills and training and business support will be controlled locally rather than by ministers and civil servants in London.

A letter from the Government to the Sheffield City Region was provided to councillors at the meeting, confirming the powers to be devolved to local councils and the allocation of a single pot of flexible funding amounting to at least £484 million over the next five years, as a direct result of the devolution deal.

This will not affect the services that the council currently provides to residents in Chesterfield.

The meeting was called following the threat of a legal challenge by Derbyshire County Council.

The report which was considered by councillors when they made their original decision to apply for full membership of the Sheffield City Region on 3 March did not contain a full Equality Impact Assessment, which looks at how the decision will affect groups protected by anti-discrimination legislation.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We held this second meeting to look again at the options open to us in terms of devolution deals rather than spending public money on legal battles.

“As councillors elected to represent Chesterfield residents, we have looked again at all of the evidence presented to us, including the full Equality Impact Assessment and the decisions of other councils in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“We feel strongly that the Sheffield City Region devolution deal is the best deal for Chesterfield people and I want to reassure all that this does not mean that Chesterfield will become part of Yorkshire; Chesterfield is and will remain a Derbyshire town – that is not up for negotiation.”

Residents will have another opportunity to have their say on the issue in a further round of public consultation to be held in the late spring and early summer before a final decision is made by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in the autumn.

For the latest on the issue, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/devolution

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Spireites invited to 150th Gala Ball at Chatsworth

6th April 2016

To mark Chesterfield FC’s 150th anniversary, a series of events are planned to celebrate such a historic milestone, the first of which is a Gala Ball at Chatsworth House on Saturday, October 22.

Kindly sponsored by G F Tomlinson, this Black Tie event will start at the Proact Stadium, with guests transported to Chatsworth House in vintage buses, arriving at the North Entrance of the famous house. There they will be treated to a champagne and canapé reception in the Painted Hall, with entertainment from Alexandra, a classically trained electric violinist.

Guests will be then invited to tour the North Wing of the house before arrival and seating at the Carriage House Restaurant for dinner and a full evening of entertainment which includes ‘Rat Pack’ singers.

Kevin Fitzgerald, the club’s head of commercial & marketing, said: “We are very pleased to have secured this prestigious venue for such a magnificent occasion and we are hoping to announce one or two special guests for the evening in the coming weeks. There is a limit of 150 tickets and they are available on a first come, first served basis.”

Tickets for the event cost £150 per person and can be booked by phoning Janice Kew on 01246 269300 (ext 4153) or via email: janicekew@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Young Spireites midfielder signs new deal

4th April 2016

Chesterfield-born Connor Dimaio has signed an extended contract with the Spireites, keeping the midfielder with the club until 2018.

The 20-year-old joined the club in January from Sheffield United and has shown his qualities in seven outings for the club – memorably scoring on his home debut against Crewe Alexandra.

Originally signing on at the Proact until the end of the season, Dimaio has already impressed sufficiently to be offered a longer deal at the club.

Dimaio’s form has also drawn attention internationally, with the player receiving his first ever selection by the Republic of Ireland under 21s last week and playing the full 90 minutes for his side away in Slovenia on Easter Monday.

After signing his new deal, Dimaio said: “It’s the best thing I could have dreamed of. I’m really happy to have signed and I’m so happy it’s worked out.

“I have a lot to thank the gaffer for as well as Chris Morgan and Ritchie Humphreys; they’ve helped me out and given me the opportunity to come here and play games. I’ve given what I can and I think I’ve done well.

“Now I’m really excited. Hopefully we can stay in League One this season, regroup and then push on next season with the plan to have a chance at getting to the Championship.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield racing driver gears up for Brands Hatch

1st April 2016

Chesterfield racing driver, Seb Perez is preparing for his first race of the season this weekend at Brands Hatch in the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship.

The 16 year old topped official testing at Brands Hatch last week, where he showed strong pace and fighting spirit in his first test session of the new 2016 season Ginetta Junior Championship, which is contested by 14 to 17 year-old racers.

Perez lapped the Indy Circuit in 56.357 seconds and topped a total of 21 Ginetta drivers out testing with three sessions on track.

Driving for his team, JHR Developments, he reached a top speed of 77.16mph on lap 24 out of 34 laps completed in the third and final session for the day.

Seb’s first full season in a Ginetta G40 race car last year was a total learning curve for him but saw him get top ten finishes at Croft and Snetterton, part of eleven top 15 places for the season. He finished 20th in the final standings.

He then made a podium finish and a top five place in the end to the season in the Winter Series Championship finishing fifth overhaul.

“I had a great first year with Ginetta,” said Perez.

“I’ve gotten used to the Ginetta G40 race car and the circuits we travel to, so I’m hoping that experience will come in handy when it comes to picking up more podium positions!”

“I’ve got a great team behind me with JHR Developments, and I’m really looking forward to getting back out on track,” he added.

Perez made the transition from rallying to racing and following in petrol head father’s motor sport footsteps at the end of 2014 where is raced a Ginetta at Brands Hatch in the final round of the series and part of a support race to the British Touring Car Championship.

He finished 18th and 16th for a first outing in a new car and totally different to driving through forests in a rally car.

Motor sport is no stranger to Perez Jnr, son of 2014 BTRDA Gold Star Rally Champion Steve Perez, who has competed in the Kick Energy Junior 1000 Rally Championship at the wheel of a Nissan Micra rally car. The series is backed by Father Steve’s Global Brands business based in Chesterfield.

Father Steve Perez with Seb as co-driver also finished fourth overhaul and first in class in the MGJ Winter Stages Rally also at Brands Hatch in February.

The Chesterfield-based racing team teenager starts his attack this weekend in the 2016 Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship, as a support race series to the ever popular British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch.

He then races at local circuit Donington Park over the weekend of 16-17th April.

The whole race season is televised live on the Sundays on ITV4.

Images and editorial courtesy of Paul Horton Motorsport Photography.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

103 year old set to become oldest man to get a tattoo – for Ashgate Hospicecare

1st April 2016

One of Derbyshire’s oldest men is set to enter the record books – by having a tattoo for his 104th birthday.

Jack Reynolds – who hit headlines in summer 2014 when he became the oldest Brit to brave the ice bucket challenge – plans to get inked on his big day on Wednesday 6th April.

Jack, who is from Hollingwood near Staveley, is having the tattoo to raise money for Chesterfield-based charity, Ashgate Hospicecare.

The charity provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. All services are provided free of charge to patients and their families, which is mainly funded through donations, legacies and income raised through their 16 shops.

Jack said: “I really love using my age to help me with my fundraising and I’d love for people to help me support Ashgate Hospicecare – it’s a great charity and very close to my heart.”

Jack’s daughter Jayne added: “Dad wanted to do something to raise money for charity again and I suggested he have a tattoo which he agreed to. We all think it’s great.

“I think the tattoo should be his date of birth or his nickname, Jacko. He’s had a consultation with the tattoo artist and it’s been decided that the best place for him to have the tattoo is on the top of his arm. My dad’s absolutely amazing and everyone loves him.”

She added that Jack had a fall before Christmas and spent about two months in hospital with a broken hip – but was now back at home doing well.

Giving the secret to a long and happy life, Jack said: “Work hard, always smile, get plenty of fresh air and last but not least have a tot of Grouse whisky in your tea in the morning and a tot before bed.”

Jack’s family say Guinness World Records has confirmed he will be the oldest man to get a tattoo. Anyone who would like to support him can do so my visiting the Just Giving website and searching for Jack Reynolds.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Have your say on future of Tapton Lock Visitor Centre

30th March 2016

Residents are being invited to have their say on the possible closure of Tapton Lock Visitor Centre in Chesterfield.

Located at Chesterfield Canal – one of the town’s popular visitor attractions – Tapton Lock Visitor Centre is home to the John Varley tripboat, as well as local information, a small shop with refreshments, mobility vehicle hire and public facilities.

Tasked to save £157m by 2018 due to cuts in Government funding, the Derbyshire County Council countryside service needs to save money and it is proposed that Tapton Lock Visitor Centre is closed, unless alternative organisations can be found to run them, or an alternative use for the building can be found.

Councillor Dean Collins, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, said:

“We know that many people use the centre so hope they will take the time to let us know how the closure could affect them.

“We are doing all we can to find other organisations that would be either interested in running the centres, or using the buildings in some way. This could involve running similar services to what we offer at the moment, or could be a different type of service. We’d be delighted to hear from any organisation that would be interested.”

Any organisation interested in taking on either of the centres should contact Martin Dowson by email: martin.dowson@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 539826.

Derbyshire County Council’s consultation is available to complete online by clicking here. The consultation closes on Friday 6 May 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting