Leisure

Rent Charges Frozen for Chesterfield Market

29th January 2016

Rent charges for market traders are to be frozen as part of plans to ensure Chesterfield’s successful historic outdoor market place continues to thrive in the modern shopping world.

Last year Chesterfield Borough Council, which owns and manages the outdoor market, carried out a public consultation as part of a review looking at how the market can continue to draw in shoppers as markets across the country face increased competition from the growth of online shopping and discount stores.

Charges for traders on the general, flea and farmers’ markets are being held at their current levels to support existing traders and help with the recruitment of new traders. Fees for electricity, storage and the promotion of the open market are also being frozen.

Market charges on Chesterfield outdoor market are already cheaper or in line with those at neighbouring markets in the region.

Despite the tough economic climate for markets nationally, Chesterfield market continues to have between 100 and 150 stalls trading on market days.

To increase this further the council has begun work with traders on both short and long term plans to make improvements to the outdoor market.

Specific proposals will be drawn up over the coming months, while work starts on identifying funding to carry out more major redevelopments in the long term that could see the layout changed and improvements made to the stalls area. Some initial short term ideas are to:

· Offer incentives for new traders

· Continue to develop the town centre events programme to increase the number of visitors in the town, with the boost that brings to the markets

· Looking at whether the success of the monthly artisan markets can be followed up by looking at other specialist market events

· Helping the traders make greater use of social media to promote their products

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The market is the heart of our town centre and we all want it to remain that way.

“But all shopping environments have to move with the times to ensure they remain relevant in a world of online shopping and so I am really pleased that the traders have agreed to work with us on both short and long terms plans to achieve that.

“Some of the key issues to address are around footfall around the market place area, the sight lines of individual stalls and weather protection to provide good trading conditions for our traders and their customers.”

Longer term options to reorganise the market place area have been put forward following public consultation that would cost between £900,000 and £3 million, depending on the route taken.

Councillor Serjeant added: “With the funding cuts the council is facing this is not something we can fund at the current time so we plan on working with the traders on options to seek grant funding or work in to our medium to long term financial plans ways of identifying the money required.

“This will enable a viable and affordable plan to be developed that can then be delivered to achieve the on-going improvements the traders and us want to see.”

General markets are held in Chesterfield every Monday, Friday and Saturday and the flea market is each Thursday. A farmers’ market is held on the second Thursday of every month and an artisan market on the last Sunday of each month.

The council also holds car boot sales every Sunday at the Proact Stadium, off Sheffield Road.

–ends—

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

Chesterfield Primary School Children to Become Sports Leaders

28th January 2016

200 children from across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire have begun their journey into Sports Leadership.

The children were inspired by former Team GB Volleyball captain, Ben Pipes at the conference at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Sarah Evans, Leadership and Physical Activity Officer at the Chesterfield SSP, said: “As Young Leaders within a School Sport Organising Crew, the children must deliver a minimum of one intra-school competition and the Bronze Young Ambassador Conference will give them the platform to do this. It was a great day and everyone went home smiling.”

Liam, of Walton Holymoorside Primary, said: “It was amazingly well organised! I enjoyed all of the sports and there was a wide variety.”

Olivia, of Highfield Hall Primary, said: “I thought Boccia was a very inclusive game and I thought the Young Ambassador running it did a great job.”

Mr Marriott, of Brockwell Junior School, said: “The kids have really enjoyed it today and they’re already busy planning the events they’re going to run.”

Coming from 20 schools in Chesterfield and 21 in North East Derbyshire, the children have taken the first step into sports leadership by forming School Sport Organising Crews within their school group. The Crews will now go back to their schools and plan an intra-school competition that can maximise engagement and inspire the whole school to get involved.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Grade Two Listing for Landmark Sculpture

26th January 2016

A decision to grant grade two listed status to a landmark Chesterfield sculpture has been welcomed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Historic England has decided that the Hepworth sculpture called Rosewall – or Curved Reclining Form – should join 40 other post-war art pieces to be protected.

The sculpture, which is on Future Walk at West Bars, was bought by Chesterfield Borough Council from Royal Mail in 2009 when the artwork was in danger of being sold and moved out of the town.

This was made possible following donations from the Art Fund, Chesterfield Waterside Partnership, Strata Homes, Gladedale (South Yorkshire), David Wilson Homes (North Midlands), Barberry Chesterfield Ltd, Taylor Wimpey plc, and Barratt Homes East Midlands.

Councillor Terry Gilby, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for planning, said: “I have admired this statue since I was a child. It is undoubtedly the most important work of modern public art in the borough, and possibly even in Derbyshire as a whole.

“The fact it has now been listed vindicates the campaign backed by all political parties to keep the sculpture in the town when it was in danger of being sold.

“Through our Per Cent for Art scheme many partners came forward with funding so we were able to ensure it remains something that residents in Chesterfield can enjoy on a daily basis.

“I hope the fact Rosewall is now grade two listed will encourage even more people to visit it.”

Dame Barbara Hepworth’s 2.5 tonne sculpture has been in Chesterfield since being bought in 1963 by the then GPO, now known as Royal Mail. While she made many sculptures Rosewall is one of only four stone carvings Hepworth produced before she died in 1975.

Rosewall forms part of the Chesterfield Art Trail, which showcases public art around the town. Further details can be seen at www.chesterfieldarttrail.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Take Me Out star to judge Mr Heart Throb Event

22nd January 2016

Victoria Elliott from Chesterfield has joined the judging panel to help find Mr Heart Throb 2016 whilst raising vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.

She certainly made an impression with Paddy McGuinness, the host of ITV’s Take Me Out, when she proved she could plank continuously for seven minutes.

Victoria is now set to bring her chatty personality to this annual, fun-filled charity event, taking place at the Proact in Chesterfield on Friday 19th February.

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare says, ‘Events like this really put the fun in fundraising. It’s great to see the community coming together and helping local people by raising funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.’

Victoria is joined on the judging panel by Annette Gibson, Ward Sister at Ashgate Hospicecare, reigning champion Scott Timbrell and Chesterfield Netball Club’s Amy Revell.

Each contestant will be sponsored to take part and the money raised will make a big difference Ashgate Hospicecare. Last year this event raised over £5,000.

The contestant line up includes, Paul Mahmood, Production Director at TM Steels, Chris Maloney, Director of North South Training. Dave Trickett Landscape Gardener who is taking part in memory of his daughter Kimberley who was cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare. Logan Clark and Bus Driver, Rob Hall.

Mr Heart Throb is organised by TM Steels and North South Training with all proceeds going to local charity Ashgate Hospicecare. For more information click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield sports stars share over £1000 of funding

21st January 2016

IAAF World Youth Championships finalist Alicia Barrett is among seven talented sports stars from across the borough of Chesterfield who have shared £1,375 in funding support, thanks to Derbyshire Sport’s business network ICON.

The athletes – including Newbold’s Barrett, who set a UK under-18s 100m record en route to that final in Colombia last July – have received a grant of up to £250 each in their bid to reach the top.

They can use their bursary to help meet travel, equipment, coaching or competition costs and received their cheques at a celebration event held this week at the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Chesterfield.

Each were also handed a leisure pass by the Chesterfield Borough Council, which will further help with their training.

All of the athletes are tipped for further success in their respective sports and have either been selected to compete for Great Britain or a home nation, have won a national championship medal, are part of a recognised national development squad or club academy structure or are a member of the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS).

Others to receive ICON backing include Alicia’s twin sister and fellow athlete Ella Barrett (Newbold), Taekwondo player Aaron Cobley (Chesterfield) and tennis player Bradley Buckland (Brampton).

Also supported through the programme are table tennis player Isobel Ashley (Barrow Hill), squash player Ashley Davies (Chesterfield) and equestrian rider Emily Hedger (a member of Dunston Park Equestrian Club, Chesterfield).

Hayley Lever, Director of Derbyshire Sport ,and Cllr Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, met athletes to hand over their bursaries and leisure passes.

“We’re delighted to once again be backing ICON – and that athletes from our borough continue to benefit,” said Cllr Ludlow.

“Chesterfield Borough Council is proud to be giving dedicated local athletes a deserved helping hand in their bid to achieve at the highest level. We hope the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre facility that has just been built will help in those aims.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is among 10 local authorities across the county who are members of business network ICON, which was set up by Derbyshire Sport as part of the work to create a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympics in Derbyshire.

It is also backed by a number of businesses in the private sector, who contribute an annual membership fee, and this money goes directly to athletes through the bursary scheme.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Plan launched to get more bums on bikes in Derbyshire!

20th January 2016

An ambition for Derbyshire to be the most-connected cycling county has been outlined in the newly-launched ‘Derbyshire Cycling Plan 2016 – 2030’.

Developed by the Derbyshire Cycling Plan strategic group, the aim is to develop a world-class cycling destination with double the number of people cycling regularly by 2030.

It seeks to double the percentage of commuters travelling by bicycle as their main mode of transport, and double the number of children who regularly cycle to school.

It is hoped that greater participation across Derbyshire will result in healthier communities, more visitors, a stronger and more productive economy and a better environment.

Following a consultation process with partners and the wider public, the plan has been developed by the Derbyshire Cycling Plan Strategic Group which is made up of representatives from Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire’s district and borough councils, Derbyshire Sport, the University of Derby, British Cycling, Sustrans, Peak District National Park Authority, and the National Forest Company.

Hayley Lever, Director of Derbyshire Sport, said: “This Cycling Plan demonstrates the commitment to cycling development shared between all partner organisations, from those strategically involved, to the hundreds of individuals and community level groups who have helped to shape it. We are working together to get more people cycling more often, and the future is very exciting.

“We will work together to bring inward investment for identified priorities, through funding and sponsorship, ensuring that we align our work to the government Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.”

The ‘Derbyshire Cycling Plan 2016 – 2030’ is available to download at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan

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

Local employer offers extra holiday for Challenge Derbyshire

19th January 2016

As 2016 is a leap year, employers are set to benefit from an extra day of work from employees on Monday 29^th February at no extra cost. In light of this, businesses are being challenged to offer an extra day of holiday in exchange for employees making a donation to three local charities.

Part of the new #ChallengeDerbyshire campaign, run by Ashgate Hospicecare, Blythe House Hospice and Helen’s Trust, it is hoped this latest challenge will raise much needed funds to support patients with life-limiting illnesses across North Derbyshire.

Markovitz on Whittington Moor in Chesterfield is the first business to sign up to offer staff an extra day of holiday in return for them making a donation to the three charities. Chief Executive, Rob Turner said:-

“Our staff work hard every year so when #ChallengeDerbyshire asked us to offer them a days holiday in exchange for a donation, I couldn’t say no. Our staff are paid monthly so we won’t be paying them any more in February with it being a leap year so it doesn’t actually cost us anything.

“We have asked staff to donate 50% of a day’s salary and they can take their extra day’s holiday at any time throughout the year. We hope this will raise a lot of money for these three local charities who really need our support.”

One employee, Gemma Wray, was quick to take part. She said: “When I heard from my manager that Markovitz were offering this I thought ‘What an absolutely brilliant idea!’

“The extra day will benefit me and three truly amazing charities. Company employees pay half of what they would normally earn in a day to Challenge Derbyshire and receive an extra days holiday from the company in return. The company get their extra day of trading and everyone’s a winner, especially the charities!

“From personal experience I know Blythe House, one of the three charities that make up Challenge Derbyshire, offer amazing and well needed support to not only the people affected by a terminal illness but their family members too. I don’t know where we would be without them!”

Ashgate Hospicecare, Blythe House Hospice and Helen’s Trust have collaboratively met the needs of local patients through their variety of services for many years. Mary Atkinson, who was diagnosed with Corticobasal Syndrome 5 years ago, is just one of the many patients that receive care and support from all three charities. Her husband and full time carer, Bob, shares his story on the help they’ve both received from the local charities.

Bob says, “For a while I felt like everything was closing in on me. I was finding it really difficult to cope and there were concerns about my health in terms of depression. But the support I received from all three charities really helped me deal with everything – they’ve really helped both of us. It’s much better that I can look after Mary in our own home because that’s what we would both prefer, her here with me. I wouldn’t have been able to look after Mary without the support of these organisations. Because of them, we can continue living our normal lives.”

Ashgate Hospicecare, Blythe House Hopsice and Helen’s Trust joined together last December to form #ChallengeDerbyshire. Supporters can also join in by choosing their own challenge by videoing themselves pledging to complete a challenge to raise money for three local charities and using the hashtag #ChallengeDerbyshire when posting to Facebook and Twitter.

If you are an employer and would like to get involved in the leap year challenge please email challengederbyshire@gmail.com or visit www.challengederbyshire.org.uk for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Museum Celebrates Chesterfield’s Black and White Buildings

19th January 2016

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can find out about the history of the town’s black and white buildings in a new exhibition.

The exhibition runs at the popular Chesterfield Borough Council museum celebrates Chesterfield’s black and white buildings from Monday 18 January to Saturday 12 March.

Chesterfield town centre has nearly 50 black and white buildings, most of which were built in the 1920s and 1930s. Knifesmithgate is perhaps the most striking series of black and white buildings in the town. This exhibition explores the story behind them.

On display are objects associated with some of the well know black and white buildings in the town, for example Swallows, John Turner’s, The Co-op and the former Picture House on Holywell Street (now the Winding Wheel).

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Along with the Crooked Spire, the black and white buildings are some of the most iconic around Chesterfield town centre.

“This is a chance for visitors to the museum to find out more about their history and have a go at designing their own black and white buildings.”
The inspiration for the exhibition came from Janet Murphy, who has given many talks on the subject and developed a trail around the town. She has also developed a website www.blackandwhitebuildingsofchesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Cricket Derbyshire seeks charity partners

19th January 2016

Local charities can now apply to be one of Cricket Derbyshire’s official charity partners for 2016.

Three partners will be selected to work closely with the club as well as with the Derbyshire Cricket Board and the Cricket Derbyshire Foundation throughout the year to support the charity’s fundraising efforts and to increase recognition for its cause.

Derbyshire will also promote all three charities through their channels of communication, as well as donating signed cricket memorabilia for fundraising events.

The selection process will focus on association with Derbyshire, project delivery within the county, previous partnership work and the opportunity for Cricket Derbyshire to make a real difference.

Commercial Director, Ryan Duckett said: “We have worked with chosen charities for the past three years and we hope to develop similar successful partnerships in 2016.

“This is a great opportunity for us to use our profile and network to enhance the incredible charity work that is already being done across the county.

“As well as providing exclusive support for our three charity partners – in terms of player appearances, hosting events and fundraising activities – we have also donated almost £20,000 worth of tickets and merchandise to support good causes across the county.”

Charities can be local or national but must be active in the county of Derbyshire. Applications should aim to demonstrate a relevance to cricket in Derbyshire and a positive impact on the local community.

Any registered charity interested in becoming an official partner should email with an expression of interest to info@derbyshireccc.com or write to the Official Charity Partner panel at

Cricket Derbyshire
The 3aaa County Ground
Nottingham Road
Derby
DE21 6DA

The deadline for applications is Friday 19^th February 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield workers challenged to get active

4th January 2016

Businesses in Chesterfield are being urged to help revolutionise the lunch break by encouraging their workforce to get active – and reap the business benefits as a result.

A new eight-week Derbyshire Workplace Challenge launches today and businesses are invited to sign up and encourage staff to step away from their desks at lunchtime and take time out to take part in sport or physical activity.

Organisers say that by encouraging employees to get active on their lunch break businesses could save one sick day per employee per year – equating to an average saving of £10,225 for a business with 100 staff.

The Derbyshire Workplace Challenge is an online activity log challenge which allows colleagues to track how much sport and activity they are doing, and work together to earn activity points and work their way up the online leaderboard.

Anyone can sign up to the challenge and it is completely free for individuals and workplaces to join.

Rachael Dyer, Sport Development Officer at Derbyshire Sport, which runs the Workplace Challenge in Derbyshire, said that businesses which encouraged staff to get active could reap the rewards of a healthier and happier workforce.

She said: “Busy workloads can mean that employees sometimes feel under pressure to work through lunch, and time is often cited as a barrier to participation in sport and physical activity. But this can mean that many workers often spend eight or nine hours sat at a desk, and during winter the lack of daylight hours often provides many workers with a ready-made excuse to avoid exercising outside of work hours.

“We are inviting employers to think differently and offer their employees the opportunity for a flexible lunch break so they can participate in sport and physical activity – and come back to work feeling re-energized.”

Across England workers take on average 5.31 sick days per year. However NHS research has shown that those who are physically active are 20% less likely to take a sick day and, if they do, they are 27% more likely to return to work more quickly.

Based on the average earnings for Derbyshire, by saving one sick day per year per employee, Derbyshire businesses could collectively save £50,692,994 per year.

A number of prizes will be on offer throughout the challenge, both to teams and individuals. This includes four free places in the 2016 Derby 10k Business Team Challenge, which will be awarded to the workplace at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the eight-week challenge. In addition, anyone who successfully completes and logs 150 minutes of activity each week for the first four weeks of the challenge will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to the NBL Team Derby home game on Monday 8th February.

For more information and to take part visit www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Coronation Street star to mark opening of Queen’s Park Sports Centre

23rd December 2015

Chesterfield residents will benefit from a range of sport and physical activities for all ages and abilities when the new £11.25 million Queen’s Park Sports Centre opens for the first time.

The Chesterfield Borough Council-run centre will open its doors from Tuesday 5 January and will open from 6.30am Monday to Friday and from 8am on Saturday and Sunday

The official opening will take place on Thursday 7 January, ahead of a community open day for residents at the centre on Saturday 9 January that will feature Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle McDonald in the ITV soap.

Kym will lead a fitness class and meet fans from 10am to 1.30pm before having lunch with some competition winners. Residents will also be able to try out a range of different activities, see demonstrations by local sports groups, try out the new facilities for themselves and sign up for memberships of the new centre.

The centre has been made possible by funding of £6.725 million from Chesterfield Borough Council, £2.5 million from Chesterfield College, as part of a partnership agreement, £2 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Strategic Facilities Fund and £25,000 from England Squash.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “I am proud that we have made this investment in a new state-of-the-art sports centre at a time when many councils are having to make difficult decisions about reducing funding for leisure activities or closing facilities.

“Investment in the health and well-being of residents is a priority for the council because national statistics show the number of people in Chesterfield living healthy and active lifestyles is significantly below the national average.

“Having a brand new town centre sports centre will help us to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take part in sports activities but also to take advantage of the associated facilities, such as the services being provided at the midwifery base.”

Charles Johnston, Sport England’s property director, added: “Having the right sports facilities in the right areas are fundamental in offering more people to take part in sport and leisure activities.

“This is why we have invested National Lottery money in the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre to provide outstanding facilities which will encourage more people to take up sport and ensure they receive a quality experience”

Students of the Chesterfield College Sport and Wellbeing Academy will have use of state of the art training rooms in the centre during the day in term time and will continue to use the sports facilities alongside members of the public as at the previous Queen’s Park Sports Centre.

Stuart Cutforth, Chesterfield College principal said: “We’re delighted that we could invest in this exciting modern health and leisure facility. The partnership approach benefits both local residents and students.

“Our Sport and Wellbeing Academy located in the sports centre means that we can ensure students are able to train in the best facilities. It is wonderful to know that students will be getting this experience in a fully functioning public facility.

“We are training the next generation of sports and leisure experts who will be the ones providing services for local residents in the future.”

The centre will house the only pay and play squash facility in the borough.

Mark Williams, director of participation at England Squash said: “At England Squash, we are really looking forward to working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council to make sure the fantastic new courts are well used.

“It is an exciting time for sport in the town and we are delighted that squash is part of the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre”.

Facilities in the new centre include:

An eight lane main swimming pool with spectator seating
A learner pool with moveable floor and children’s fun water features
An eight court sports hall a viewing area and moveable spectator seating for events
80 station gym
Activity studio with latest features in active technology
Two glass back squash courts with moveable wall for other activity use
Three training rooms
Freedom climbing for fitness and fun
Village changing facilities individual and family cubicles for swimmers and modesty showers
Changing facilities for fitness and dry sports or activities
Café service, vending machines and social space including healthy eating options
Midwifery centre
Free car parking for users of the centre with space for more than 150 cars
Cycle access, and storage shelter
Access to outdoor Games area on Queen’s Park and existing outdoor tennis and bowling facilities.

Care has been taken to make the new centre accessible for all residents including with physical disabilities, including:

Lifts for access between floors
Assisted changing rooms
Group changing
Pool access lift
Graduated steps to the main pool.

There is a range of membership options available at the new sports centre, visit www.queensparksportscentre.co.uk for more details.

The project also features a piece of public art as part of the council’s Percent for Art scheme.

Jump is a sculpture of a time lapse motion of the human figure jumping. The design, manufactured from copper, represents the beauty of movement and the joy of life itself.

Mick Thacker, the artist responsible said: “The theme and form of the piece is inspired by the human body in motion a simple and poetic form reflecting the power, grace and elegance of movement in a static, sculptural form.

“My wish is for the work to inspire and motivate, to stimulate debate and contemplation and to generate interest from all site users now and into the future”.

The existing Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Boythorpe Road will be demolished during 2016 once work to decommission the building is complete.

A public consultation will be held to look at long term options for the future of the site that is in keeping with the neighbouring grade two star listed Queen’s Park.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting