Leisure

Coalite redevelopment moves a step closer

14th March 2016

Plans to redevelop the former Coalite site could soon become a reality now measures to bring it back into use are gathering pace.

The 140 acre site, which lies partly in North East Derbyshire District and partly in Bolsover District, has already been granted planning permission for employment use by Bolsover District Council.

A further application for up to 660 houses, a school and a neighbourhood centre is due to be considered by North East Derbyshire District Council in the coming weeks.

And now Derbyshire County Council has given the project a further boost by agreeing to look at potential funding to help kick start the long-awaited regeneration of the site which has remained derelict since the Coalite coking works closed down more than 12 years ago.

If planning permission is granted for the ambitious plans drawn-up by Bolsover Land Ltd, a joint venture between Marcol and St Francis Group, work will first be needed to clear up a number of contaminants on the land − and we’ve offered to help.

Derbyshire County Council Leader, Councillor Anne Western said:

“The Coalite site has been an eye sore for many years since the plant closed down but it has massive potential to help regenerate the area.

“We’re using our experience and expertise in successfully developing the former colliery site at Markham Vale to support Bolsover District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and developers Bolsover Land Ltd in their proposals to develop Coalite for jobs and housing.

“We all want to see the site properly cleaned-up and we’re taking bold steps and exploring funding options to help pave the way for redevelopment.”

Councillor Ann Syrett, Leader of Bolsover District Council, said:

“The regeneration of Coalite has been a long-standing priority for the council and the people of Bolsover and we welcome the involvement of the county council to help make this development a reality.”

Councillor Graham Baxter MBE, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, added:

“We’ve been working closely with all the partners concerned to make sure the whole of the Coalite site is redeveloped. We’re determined to see high quality jobs and houses on the site and this commitment from the county council to work in partnership with us to clean up the land is a major step in the right direction.”

Derbyshire County Council is due to meet with Bolsover Land Ltd over the coming weeks to discuss funding options.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure

Play on the Proact pitch

11th March 2016

Businesses, local football clubs and individuals are being given the opportunity to play on the pitch at Chesterfield Football Club.

The Spireites are now taking bookings to give fans the chance to experience what it’s like to be a professional footballer.

From corporate events and inter-company matches with colleagues, to charity events, or even a game between friends who fancy an upgrade on a public park, the Proact Stadium will be available on the following dates:

May 17 – 7pm kick-off
May 18 – 7pm kick-off
May 19 – 7pm kick-off
May 24 – 7pm kick-off

One of the first businesses to take part will be the Proact themselves, based in Chesterfield, following their participation last year.

Each organisation that books will get the chance of a 90-minute, 11-a-side game, including full use of the stadium’s playing facilities, from the dressing room to the players’ tunnel.

A match co-ordinator and referee will be provided by the club and entry to the Proact Stadium will be free for spectators, with each business that signs up given two complimentary footballs to use during the game – and keep as a souvenir.

The cost to ‘Play at the Proact’ is just £1,750 per time slot. Playing slots are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of 16 players per squad, and a non-refundable deposit of £300 is required to confirm the booking. The full balance is due 30 days before the game.

To book, please contact Janice Kew on 01246 269300 (ext 4153) or email janicekew@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

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

Harry Ramsden’s comes to Chesterfield

11th March 2016

World-famous fish and chip restaurant, Harry Ramsden’s is preparing to open in a Chesterfield pub next week.

Making an entrance into the licensed trade sector, the iconic British brand will launch at the Wingerworth on Derby Road on Tuesday 15 March.

Harry Ramsden’s at the Wingerworth will feature an updated interior design popular with families, at the same time as retaining the pub’s local identity and remaining true to its own heritage.

Joe Teixeira, CEO of Harry Ramsden’s comments:-

“We relish this opportunity to enter into a new market and the great location, surroundings and reputation enjoyed by the Wingerworth Pub and Kitchen make Chesterfield the ideal place from which to unveil our newest model and further extend the modern day face of Harry’s to a new generation of customers.”

This latest opening comes as a result of its partnership with Punch Taverns and the Harry Ramsden’s team will manage of all aspects of the outlet’s day to day operation serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Spireites quartet joins Jeff Stelling on charity walk

10th March 2016

A Spireites quartet will join Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling on a walk in aid of Prostate Cancer UK later this month.

Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner, media chief Nick Johnson, Kevin Fitzgerald (head of commercial & marketing) and former player Bob Newton will walk with Jeff from Rotherham United’s New York Stadium to the Proact Stadium on Thursday, March 24.

Jeff, who hosts the popular Soccer Saturday show, will walk from Hartlepool United to Wembley between March 21-30.

Clocking in at more than 250 miles, Jeff’s Men United March will see the 60-year-old check in on 31 football clubs.

Jeff said: “I deal in statistics – but the ones we are dealing with here are shocking. One man dies every hour from this disease, that’s six in the course of Soccer Saturday every week. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and for black men the odds are even worse at one in four.

“Within the next ten years Prostate Cancer UK believes they will find the answers to make this disease something men and their loved ones no longer fear. I’ve met the scientists who pledge to do this and I can see how dedicated they are. But do to this we need to raise vital funds – and I need everyone to support me and all the men affected by prostate cancer by visiting menunitedmarch.org and pledging their support.”

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/Chesterfield-FC

(Image courtesy of Tina Jenner)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Walton Holymoorside Primary wins silver

8th March 2016

Walton Holymoorside Primary School has been awarded the School Games Silver Mark for showing excellent dedication to physical education and a healthy lifestyle over the last academic year.

The School Games Mark is a government-led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. Walton Holymoorside join a select group of Primary Schools across Chesterfield to achieve this award.

Far surpassing the participation rates needed to achieve the award, Walton Holymoorside took part in a number of Chesterfield SSP events last academic year, including: Mini Soccer, Cross Country, Sportshall Athletics, Dance, Fun to Run, Early Racers and Quadkids. On top of this, they encouraged out-of-school sport and leadership programmes.

Headteacher Jane Palmer-Coole, said: “We were proud to receive our School Games Silver Mark from Sporty Spire in our celebration assembly, as a recognition of all the amazing sporting events and health promoting activities that our children took part in in 2014-2015. We are now working towards our Gold Award!”

The presentation was made in the morning assembly on Friday 4th March by Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership. Sporty Spire, the partnership’s mascot, was also on hand to congratulate the children. The award was collected by a number of Bronze Young Ambassadors within the Chesterfield SSP’s leadership programme, including Poppy and James.

James said: “I am feeling proud that our school has achieved this amazing award.”

Poppy added: “I feel happy and proud of our school and now I am really excited for what will come next.”

Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “Congratulations to Walton Holymoorside, with a special mention to the PE Coordinator Miss Fairweather. Her dedication to advocating the PE and Sport agenda has inspired children at Walton Holymoorside to grow through sport.”

Jenny Fairweather, Sport Leader at Walton Holymoorside, said: “An inspirational assembly hearing our young children speaking so confidently about their passion for sport. The children were thrilled to receive our award from Sporty Spire and are very excited about sporting events to come!”

It was an excellent and inspiring morning for the children and the school as a whole, a great reward for all their hard work.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Squad named for England Under 17s

7th March 2016

The England Under 17s squad has been named by head coach Steve Cooper for this month’s Euro Elite Qualifying Round, which includes a game at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium.

With Ukraine, Turkey and Finland providing the opposition, the Young Lions will have home advantage for the mini-tournament too.

If Cooper’s side can finish top of the group, they will qualify for this summer’s Euro Finals in Azerbaijan in May, whilst even the second-placed team could progress depending on how the other Elite Round groups finish across Europe.

A number of the group who emerged from the First Qualifying Round in top spot last October, beating San Marino and Armenia before drawing with hosts Portugal, are involved again.

England go into the game on the back of three matches at the Algarve Tournament, where they drew with Germany and Portugal before ending with a 2-0 reverse against the Dutch.

England kick off their games against Turkey at the Proact Stadium at 7pm on Thursday, March 24.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jared Thompson (Chelsea), Adam Parkes (Southampton)

Defenders: Japhet Tanganga (Tottenham Hotspur), Edward Francis (Manchester City), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Tolaji Bola (Arsenal), Jaden Brown (Tottenham Hotspur), Dujon Sterling (Chelsea), Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)

Midfielders: Marcus McGuane (Arsenal), Andre Dozzell (Ipswich Town), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Dennis Adeniran (Fulham)

Forwards: Reiss Nelson (Arsenal), Samuel Shasoua (Tottenham Hotspur), Martell Taylor-Crossdale (Chelsea), Ben Morris (Ipswich Town), Jonathan Leko (West Bromwich Albion)

Tickets for all England games are just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions (U16s/OAPs). For the game at Chesterfield, they can be purchased from the Proact Stadium ticket office or by emailing tickets@chesterfield-fc.co.uk. Discounts are available for group bookings and Charter Standard schools/clubs.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New presenters join Peak FM breakfast show

7th March 2016

North Derbyshire radio station, Peak FM, has signed Stu Haycock and Catherine Kilvington to present a brand new breakfast show (weekdays 6-10am), starting on Monday 7th March 2016.

Stu has worked with several of the UK’s big radio groups and presented on Hallam FM, Beacon Radio, Rock FM and Signal Radio in Stoke. More recently he has been involved in setting up, managing and presenting on community station, Stafford FM.

Cat joined Stafford FM soon after its launch and hosted the stations successful breakfast show with Stu.

Programme Controller Tony McKenzie said: “It’s always fun to launch a new show, particularly a breakfast show. Stu and Cat will bring a fresh, new dynamic to this important time of day, a dynamic that I’m sure the people of North Derbyshire will love from day one.”

Station Director Sam Fielding said: “We are thrilled to be launching a new Breakfast show on the station. Stu and Cat are full of energy, enthusiasm and great ideas. They are a fantastic addition to a strong line up and we can’t wait to welcome them on board.”

Peak FM’s new breakfast show is supported by a high-profile marketing campaign, which includes a huge digital screen displaying images of Stu and Cat under the banner ‘Wake Up Happy’’. The screen will be positioned in strategic locations in the stations coverage area.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Air Ambulance official charity for Chatsworth International Horse Trials

4th March 2016

Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance has once again been named as the official charity this year for The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials taking place this May.

DLRAA provides a vital rapid response helicopter service and attends over 1000 life-saving missions a year, each at a cost of £1,700. With no government funding, the service relies entirely on donations to keep the service flying.

Following the success of its presence at last year’s event, it is hoped the continuing partnership will help to raise further awareness of the important work carried out by the service every day and support the ongoing fundraising campaigns.

Sophie Burt, Senior Fundraising Manager for DLRAA, said: “Every horse rider knows the importance of the air ambulance service and we are absolutely delighted to be supported for a second time by the Horse Trials. Last year was a huge success for our air ambulance service, and we hope to make this year even better. As we receive no government funding, partnerships like these are vital to make sure our lifesaving service can keep flying.”

Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson & Horrell, said: “The air ambulance plays a crucial role in ensuring that the very best medical care is on hand at the Horse Trials as well as providing this essential service to the local community. We are delighted to be able to support their work and look forward to meeting the team on hand at Chatsworth in May”.

Three thousand pounds was raised by DLRAA over the weekend last year. This year the charity will once again run a fundraising stall and other activities across the site. They will also be supported over the weekend by Dodson & Horrell who will be fundraising for the charity on their stand.

DLRAA will also be promoting its new out of hours service at this year’s event – which will enable them to carry out even more life-saving missions – with one of the service’s Skoda cars on display.

The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials combines three days of world class sporting competition with a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Visitors are also welcome to browse the shopping village with 100 high quality trade stands.

Tickets for the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials start at £10 for adults and £4.50 for children aged five and over.

For more information on the Dodson & Horrell International Horse Trials, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Last chance to nominate in the Chesterfield Retail Awards

29th February 2016

Don’t let your favourite retailer go unnoticed. Time is running out to nominate your favourite shop or store in the town in the third annual Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Nominations for the popular awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield, close on Sunday 6 March 2016.

Retailers, including the best national high street stores and owner managed shops can be nominated across 14 different categories, with the winners being announced at an award ceremony held on 25 May 2016 at the town’s Winding Wheel.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, is urging shoppers to vote now. He said: “The closing date for nominations ties in brilliantly with the run up to Mother’s Day, the same date nominations close – 6th March. While you’re out shopping for your mum, if a Chesterfield retailer gives you outstanding service, has a fantastic choice of gifts, or even both, then make sure you nominate.

“The Retail Awards are great for business recognition, but also an opportunity for us to say thank you to the many people who work in the sector and help keep retail thriving in Chesterfield.”

Last year’s winner of the coveted Retail of the Year Award and Market Trader of the Year, Nick Ibbotson, owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, added: “It was amazing to win two awards and particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award.”

To nominate your favourite retailer before Sunday 6 March 2016, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards/nominate/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Green space in Brampton set to be transformed

29th February 2016

Residents in Brampton will soon enjoy an enhanced green space at Chester St Park thanks to a share of a £1.5m funding pot received from central Government.

Social enterprise Monkey Park – Brampton’s new cafe, artisan bakery, bicycle workshop and co-working space – has been awarded a £14,000 grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government ‘Pocket Parks’ programme to improve the green space opposite the centre.

Chester St Park is one of more than 80 unloved and neglected urban spaces across the country which will be transformed into green oases for everyone to use.

Working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council, the team at Monkey Park will use their funding to build a new riverside walkway with benches and a new entrance to the park, allowing people to walk along the Holme Brook and enjoy the natural green space threading through the heart of the community.

The project will support volunteers in their efforts to improve the river by providing flower bulbs and trees for planting, and will also fund an art and nature event which takes place in May.

Looking towards the future, the grant will also enable a sustainability plan to be produced, helping to ensure the park continues to improve over time.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “The news that Monkey Park has received Government funding to create a pocket park is great for local residents.

“This will allow them have more access to nature, to take part in a wider range of activities in the park as well as make improvements to improve the look and feel of the park.”

The team at Monkey Park will work in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the work before the end of March 2016.

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

Mr Heart Throb raises over £5,000 for Ashgate Hospicecare

24th February 2016

A grand total of £5,100 was raised at this year’s Mr Heart Throb event, which saw 7 contestants, 4 judges and 170 adoring supporters coming together at the Proact Stadium in support of local charity Ashgate Hospicecare.

The contestants took to the catwalk to compete in four rounds including Mr Dream Job, Mr Beach Bod, Hospice Hero and concluding with Mr Talent, which was won by Dan Wheeldon from Gilder Group Mitsubishi, who wrote a fantastic and heart-wrenching poem where he described a hospice through the eyes of his 8 year old son.

Dave Trickett took home the title of ‘Mr Money Man’ after solely raising £900 for the event in memory of his daughter, Kimberley, who died at Ashgate Hospicecare six and a half years ago. Since her death Dave and his family have raised £70,000 in tribute and aim to reach £100,000 in total.

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare said: ‘The night was full of laughs, however it was amazing to see the contestants and audience truly understand the real meaning of this fundraising event. The importance of hospice care was echoed throughout the night.

“Thank you to all who made this event possible; the amazing total of £5,100 will enable local people with life-limiting illnesses to be cared for, whether it is in the hospice, hospital or in their own homes.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent registered charity that provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure