Leisure

Museum celebrates everything Made in Chesterfield

16th October 2015

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can learn about the borough’s manufacturing industry through a new exhibition named ‘Made in Chesterfield’.

Items from at least 27 different Chesterfield companies will be on display including a drill collar from Techman Engineering, pottery, strapping from Damar Webbing and leather items from Claytons.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “Chesterfield has a rich and varied manufacturing history which continues to this day.

“The borough is known for producing specialised and bespoke items, working closely with the customer, and has a reputation for quality.

“This is a great opportunity to see the work which still continues today and I’d encourage families to visit the exhibition and learn together.”

The exhibition runs until Saturday 9th January and will include some ‘hands on’ elements for the museum’s younger visitors, including boxes allowing them to feel and explore different materials.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The exhibition is part of the town’s annual Made in Chesterfield Festival which takes place across the town throughout November.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield which coordinates the celebrations said: “Made in Chesterfield is a flagship event for the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector, which is the foundation of our economy and a large contributor to the region,

“However lots of young people don’t know the companies or careers that exist within it. Made in Chesterfield is an important tool in raise awareness of this sector.

“Last year during Made in Chesterfield we introduced more than 400 young people to the sector through a programme of events. This year, we’re running an entire month of school and business events throughout November.

“It is these events, combined with the exhibition at the museum, that will help us reach more people this year and enable the borough’s thriving manufacturing sector to survive and prosper for many more generations.”

More information can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/made

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

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards declared a sell out!

15th October 2015

Celebrity chef, Theo Randall will be in town on Wednesday 28 October to host Chesterfield’s annual Food and Drink Awards. Organised by Destination Chesterfield and in association with Chesterfield College the awards are a sell out yet again with more guests than ever attending the prestigious event.

Over 250 guests – 100 more than attended in year one, will come together to celebrate the success of the town’s food and drink industry at Chesterfield’s third glitzy ceremony.

31 businesses and individuals are up for 13 awards which will be announced on the night by Theo Randall. He said: “I am thrilled to be involved with the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2015. The awards are a great demonstration of how the food and drink scene in Chesterfield has evolved in recent years. It is now catering for many tastes, from authentic Japanese and Jamaican to Italian and Great British. The town has everything and is continuing to develop its thriving and increasingly successful hospitality scene.”

The awards are being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building. As well as hosting the ceremony, 50 of the college’s hospitality students will catering a delicious two course meal for the evening and providing silver service to guests. The college’s students will also be taking centre stage on the night, as three students from its Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery course have been shortlisted for the prestigious Young Chef of the Year award.

This year’s full shortlist in the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House
Calabria
Cocina at Casa Hotel

Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

H & F Vintage Tea Rooms
Libby’s
Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Gastro Pub of the Year – presented by headline sponsor Chesterfield College

Red Lion Bar & Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel
The Tickled Trout
The Three Cottages

Pub / Bar of the Year – Sponsored by Hooper’s

Coco Bar Bistro
The Manor at Brampton
The Market Pub

Best Newcomer – sponsored by Barber Harrison and Platt

Coffee St
Four One Three
Qoozies

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Blu Bistro & Coffee House
Libby’s
Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Best Out of Town

The Bateman’s Mill
Red Lion Bar & Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel
The Tickled Trout

Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by Natwest

Granny Mary’s (Original Recipes)
Liza Bakes
Teresa Lambarelli’s

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Saint Mary & All Saints, Chesterfield (the Crooked Spire Church)
James Greatorex
Leanne Billyeald
Liam Slinn

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Dehli 41
Indian Blues
O Tokuda

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Chesters
The Little Castle
The Manor at Brampton

Conference Venue of the Year – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers

Casa Hotel
Peak Edge Hotel
The Proact Stadium

On the night, a special award honouring a Food Hero in the town will also be presented by sponsor Banner Jones Solicitors.

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Black Eyed Susan, Reflections and magician Steve Faulkner.

To find out this year’s winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards live on the night, follow @DesChes on Twitter using the hashtag #CFDA15 or visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire tourism boosts local economy

14th October 2015

Tourism’s contribution to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy continues on an upward curve – generating more than £1.9 billion in 2014.

New research confirms that the area’s tourist economy has made solid progress since 2009, despite the challenging financial climate.

The industry’s value to the local economy increased from £1.47 billion in 2009 to more than £1.9 billion last year – an increase of five per cent on £1.8 billion in 2013 – while the number of full-time equivalent jobs it supported rose to 27,720 in 2014, compared with 25,285 in 2009.

Visitor numbers increased by more than 800,000 to reach more than 38.8 million in 2014, compared with 38 million in 2013 and 36.25 million in 2009.

The number of nights staying visitors spend in the area continues to grow steadily each year, from around 9.8 million in 2009 to more than 10.8 million in 2014.

“It’s very reassuring to see that, in spite of tough economic times, tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire continues to thrive and to make a key contribution to the local and regional economy,” said Jo Dilley, Director of Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

“We’re particularly pleased that visitor numbers are up and that there’s a gradual increase in the total number of nights they stay, helping to add five per cent more value to the area’s economy from 2013 to 2014.

“The latest figures also reveal that more people are visiting at traditionally quiet times, such as post-Christmas, early spring and autumn, which is excellent news, as our marketing campaigns consistently emphasize that we are the ideal destination for a short break or longer holiday at any time of year.”

Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, Leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council and Visitor Economy Champion for the D2 Joint Committee, added: “A thriving visitor economy plays an important role in maintaining the economic health of our area – indeed our accommodation providers, attractions, pubs, cafés and shops rely on it to support jobs and livelihoods.

“Our goal is to further increase the value of the sector and visitor spend by helping local businesses exploit growth markets such as cycle tourism, improving the quality of the visitor experience and promoting the area as a wonderful destination at any time of the year.

“However, while the influx of visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire is great news, it is crucial we turn increased visitor spending into better paid jobs for local people.”

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

Table tennis stars scoop major honours at Sports Awards

13th October 2015

Chesterfield’s Liam Pitchford and Isobel Ashley have been crowned Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively at the inaugural Active Chesterfield Sports Awards. Both athletes have had a fantastic 12 months, with Pitchford winning three medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and Ashley breaking into the top 20 of the England Senior Women’s rankings for the first time.

Over 160 local athletes, mentors and school pupils attended the Winding Wheel for the much anticipated ceremony on Thursday 8th October. In association with Chesterfield Borough Council, the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership combined community sports awards with those for schools and school teams that have excelled over the past year.

In total 22 awards were presented to athletes across a wide range of sports including Inkersall Primary and Brookfield Community schools, who picked up the Primary and Secondary Team Achievement awards respectively. Inkersall had a fantastic year of sporting success as two of their under-11 football teams reached the district finals and one became the best in Derbyshire, winning at the county final, eventually losing out in the regional event. Brookfield Community School entered 12 teams into four badminton competitions and both the key stage three and four boys teams won at county level, rounding off a year of fantastic displays that are testament to coach Mr Petty.

There was similar success for Springwell Community College who were deserved winners of the Disability Team Achievement award. After entering every Competition Plus event, the school were crowned district champions in a number of events and were county winners in the Sports Hall Athletics and Mini Tennis Plus events.

Volunteers and coaches were rewarded too, with Oliver Couch winning the Volunteer of the Year award and John Jefferson the Lifetime Achievement award. The full list of winners is detailed below.

Mark Tournier, Partnership and Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “The Active Chesterfield Awards provided an exciting platform to recognise and celebrate local sporting success and honour the dedication of sports leaders and volunteers.

“Everyone involved in school and community sport in Chesterfield deserves praise and thanks. The Winding Wheel provided the ideal setting to give the worthy winners and highly commended nominees to receive their awards.

“The Chesterfield School Sport Partnership were delighted to partner the Active Chesterfield Awards to recognise the work that schools play in developing opportunities to shine through Sport and Leadership and to celebrate the success of individuals and teams across Chesterfield.”

The evening was a great success and something which the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership looks to build upon for the years ahead. Those interested in getting involved in the future should contact m.tournier@brookfield.derbyshire.sch.uk.

See more photographs from the event at https://www.flickr.com/photos/chesterfieldsspphotos/sets/72157659635443465/

Full list of winners – 2015

Team Achievement Primary School

Winner: Inkersall Primary School

Highly commended: Old Hall Junior School

Team Achievement Secondary School

Winner: Brookfield Community School

Highly commended: Springwell Community College

Team Achievement Disability

Winner: Springwell Community College

Highly commended: Brookfield Community School, Netherthorpe School

Media & Arts Contribution to Sport

Winner: Katie Marshall

Highly commended: Joe Roberts

Individual Young Leader of the Year

Winner: India Hollingworth

Highly commended: Josh Ryder-Flint, Melanie Oldale

School Sport Organising Crew

Winner: Brampton Primary School

Highly commended: Hasland Junior School, Old Hall Junior School

School Sport Organising Committee

Winner: Hasland Hall Community School

Highly commended: St. Mary’s High School

School Staff Award

Winner: Angela Barnston

Highly commended: Karen Kerry, Rachael Bates

Junior Sportsman of the Year

Winner: Jack Barker-Sabido

Junior Sportswoman of the Year

Winner: Elise Collins

Highly commended: Anya Bourne

Coach of the Year

Winner: Dave Cartawick

Highly commended: Andy Petty, Paul Chapman

Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Oliver Couch

Active Workplace Award

Winner: Chesterfield Borough Council

Highly commended: Chesterfield College, Kier Asset Management

Community Award

Winner: Newbold Community Football Training

Club of the Year

Winner: Chesterfield Triathlon Club

Highly commended: Unit 1 Martial Arts

Team of the Year

Winner: Chesterfield Football Club

Highly commended: Chesterfield Cricket Club First XI

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: John Jefferson

Highly commended: Denise Cooper

Young Sportsman of the Year

Winner: Aaron Cobley

Highly commended: Ryan Apsley, Jake Apsley

Young Sportswoman of the Year

Winner: Alicia Barrett

Highly commended: Ella Barrett

Disabled Sportsperson of the Year

Winner: Kevin Tann

Sportsman of the Year

Winner: Liam Pitchford

Highly commended: George Woolgar

Sportswoman of the Year

Winner: Isobel Ashley

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Funding boost for Derbyshire athletes

13th October 2015

Some of Derbyshire’s most promising sporting talent can look forward to a brighter future after being handed financial backing through the ICON bursary programme.

A total of 127 athletes from across the county will receive up to £250 of the £22,925 fund raised through county sports partnership Derbyshire Sport’s business network. They will also receive free leisure passes in the area where they train and be given valuable PR exposure.

Those supported in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire are listed below.

ICON was set up by Derbyshire Sport as part of the work to create a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Games in Derbyshire.

The bursaries have been made possible by the contributions of all 10 Derbyshire local authorities, plus a number of business members from across the county.

Each successful applicant must live in one of the county’s nine district and boroughs or compete for a Derbyshire-based club and must already compete at a high level.

All should already be representing their country or Great Britain, have won a national championship medal, are part of a recognised development squad or a development squad aligned to a professional club or have been selected for the Derbyshire Institute of Sport.

Director of Derbyshire Sport, Ilana Freestone said: “It’s only through the continued support of the ICON programme from our business members that we are able to give so many athletes a helping hand, so we’re very grateful to them.

“There is a fantastic spread of sports and ages being backed by the programme, and we wait with bated breath to see what these champion performers can achieve as they move up the levels.”

Athletes supported in Chesterfield

Isobel Ashley (Table Tennis) from Barrow Hill.

Alicia Barrett (Athletics) Newbold (pictured above).

Ella Barrett (Athletics) from Newbold (pictured above).

Bradley Buckland (Tennis) from Brampton.

Aaron Cobley (Taekwondo) from Staveley.

Ashley Davies (Squash) from Chesterfield.

Emily Hedger (Equestrian) from Sheffield and a member of Dunston Park EC, Chesterfield.

Athletes supported in North East Derbyshire

Jade Ashmore (Boxing) from Heath.

Amy Bell (Swimming) from Killamarsh.

Imogen Clark (Swimming) from Morton.

Matthew Cooper (Fencing) from Dronfield Woodhouse.

Caitlin Emerson (Athletics) from Shirland.

Niamh Emerson (Athletics) from Shirland.

William Gascoyne (Cycling) from Wingerworth

Bess Heath (Cricket) from Holymoorside.

Lauren Hill (Athletics) from Grassmoor.

Oscar Kelly (Swimming) from Killamarsh.

Adam Morewood (Cycling) from Dronfield Woodhouse.

Tilly Simpson (Athletics) from Eckington.

Morgan Swales (Ice Skating) from Calow.

Calli Thackery (Athletics) from Killamarsh.

Jessie Westnidge (Swimming) from Marsh Lane.

Millie Wilkinson (Skiing) from Dronfield Woodhouse.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Women-only Workplace Challenge to kick start fitness push

9th October 2015

Women in Chesterfield have the ideal chance to kick start a healthy lifestyle later this month with Active Derbyshire’s new two-week mini Workplace Challenge.

Studies have shown just 20 minutes of physical activity each day brings significant health benefits and can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by 40 per cent.

It’s why the online, female-only challenge will run from Monday October 19 until Saturday October 31 to link in with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Wear it Pink Day, held on Friday, October 23.

Prizes will be awarded for the best Wear it Pink Day photo, which can be any picture of participants taking part in physical activity while wearing pink.

Other spot prizes will be available to those who achieve the department of health target of 150 minutes of activity each week.

Among the prizes are a cycling goody bag (hand pump, light, spare inner tube, water bottle and bike lock), courtesy of Cycle Derby and a pass for cycle hire in the Derbyshire Dales.

“The This Girl Can campaign has been hugely successful in increasing women’s awareness of the need to say fit and active – and now we want those across the county to show they are keen to act on it,” said Andrea Stone, Sport Development Manager for Active Derbyshire.

“Taking part in a Workplace Challenge event can give you added motivation as it is something you can do alongside your colleagues, and you can push each other along. You could also do something to support a breast cancer charity at the same time.”

The October challenge comes after the successful national #SeptemberShakeUp, which saw 178 people from across Derbyshire log a range of sport and activities, 62 of them ‘newbies’.

They travelled a total of 11,978 miles during the month – the equivalent of Derbyshire to Hong Kong and back – with the University of Derby, Netcomposites (Chesterfield), Derbyshire Dales District Council and Guilford Textiles (Alfreton) among the most active workplaces.

A similar two-week male-only challenge themed on ‘Movember’ is planned to follow next month from Monday November 16 until Sunday November 29.

Find out how you can get involved at www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield retains its silver gilt award at East Midlands in Bloom awards

6th October 2015

The judges made their visit to the town this summer and were given a guided tour of the borough and commented on the many improvements that have been made in the last year.

They were particularly impressed with the floral displays in the town centre, the parks and open spaces, including Chesterfield’s five Green Flag awarded parks, community involvement at sites including Boythorpe Allotments, as well as the amount of recycling carried out by residents and businesses in the borough.

They also noted the new Chesterfield in Bloom committee made up of local residents to organise the campaign and the number of community volunteers who have become involved.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “We are pleased to be awarded a silver gilt award in the East Midlands in Bloom competition. A lot of work has been put in by volunteers on the Chesterfield in Bloom committee and council staff working together to make our borough clean, green and inviting to visitors.

“If anyone is interested in joining the committee and becoming involved, we would like to hear from you.”

As well as the overall award for Chesterfield, the judges made two awards within the borough.

Steve and Jane Land of Moorland View Road won gold in the Frank Constable MBE award for the best residential garden in the East Midlands. Mr and Mrs Land won the best back garden (larger than 80 m²) and the best overall garden in last year’s Chesterfield in Bloom awards.

The judges commented on the immaculately-kept lawn, the brightly-coloured hanging baskets, the dense planting and the complete absence of weeds.

Ringwood Hall Hotel, the sponsors of the Chesterfield in Bloom competition, won gold in the best hotel/pub garden award.

The judges were impressed with the varied planting in the grounds which is in-keeping with a period property as well as the well-maintained lawns.

Chesterfield in Bloom is a council-led project to improve the borough’s environment and forms the borough’s entry into the regional East Midlands in Bloom competition.

To become involved in a range of volunteering opportunities, contact John Ramsey by email: john.ramsey@chesterfield.gov.uk or call 01246 345097.

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

New website celebrates Chesterfield’s black and white buildings

5th October 2015

Local historian Janet Murphy has launched a new website which celebrates Chesterfield’s black and white buildings to be found in the town centre.

Janet said “Few people realise that there are nearly 50 different black and white buildings in the town centre. The earliest is the building housing Peacocks coffee lounge on Low Pavement, which possibly dates back to the 16^th century.”

“Most were built in the 1920s when the Tudor Revival style was popular, but the attractive Arts and Craft building of 1934, which originally housed the Electricity Board Showrooms on Holywell Street, now the Vibe and Loft night clubs, is one of the latest.”

The new website includes a step-by-step trail round the town centre to see the buildings.

To find out more visit the web site at www.blackandwhitebuildingsofchesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield duo to walk 30 miles to Proact for Ashgate Hospicecare

2nd October 2015

Spireites fans Glynn Hinchcliffe and Keith Thomson-Pidd are preparing to walk 30 miles from the City Football Ground in Nottingham to the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield in support of Hospice Care Week.

The nine-and-a-half hour challenge, which takes place on Saturday 10^th October, should see the pair reach Chesterfield in time for a big cheer from fans at the end of the of the Spireites’ home game against Gillingham.

Glynn says, “We’re doing this for a personal challenge but hope to raise much needed money for the hospice in the process.”

Hospice Care Week takes place between 5^th and 11^th October and aims to raise the profile of hospice care across the UK by encouraging businesses, schools and local communities to undertake a fun activity throughout the week.

Named recently as Chesterfield’s official charity partner this season, Ashgate Hospicecare looks after 2,000 patients every year and provides support to the people closest to them. To continue doing this, they need to raise £6 million this year alone to ensure their services are accessible to local people across North Derbyshire.

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/glynnhinchcliffe

If you would like to get involved in Hospice Care Week, visit www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/get-involved/hospice-care-week or call 01246 567250.

Photo: Glynn and Keith showing their support for Hospice Care Week

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Colourful addition to Chatsworth Road

1st October 2015

A vibrant new wool shop has been welcomed to Chesterfield’s diverse range of shops and restaurants at Chatsworth Road.

Named Chameleon, the new business stocks an entire rainbow of wool, hand-dyed yarns and knitting accessories and is easily spotted with its colourful new signage – created and installed by local agency Jumble Design.

Chameleon’s Tracy Oldfield says: “Andrew has been very supportive in the preparations for the new shop, working closely with me and really understanding the nature of my business and how to promote it to its full potential. I always try to work with local businesses wherever possible and this was the perfect opportunity. I’m thrilled with the end products and have received many positive comments’.

Andrew from Jumble Design, who has also created a stylish new logo and marketing materials for the new venture adds: “‘It has been a pleasure to work with Chameleon on their new brand. I wish them all the best for the future.”

Chameleon is now open at 420 Chatsworth Road for all your knitting needs.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield College raises cash for new Macmillan cancer care centre

30th September 2015

Staff and students at Chesterfield College took part in Macmillan’s world’s biggest coffee morning last week raising over £2000 towards Chesterfield’s planned Cancer Care Centre at the Royal Hospital.

The day started with a 5km fun run leaving from the college’s Heartspace at the Infirmary Road Campus along the canal and back to college and continued with cake and a croquembouche over 6ft tall!

Aside from the traditional cake sale, many departments across college got on board to bring in the cash for this important cause with activities like leg-waxing, a book sale and a ‘Don’t Show Your Teeth’ competition.

Elena Wynn, Director of Learning for Business and Commercial Enterprise at Chesterfield College said “It is amazing to see everyone get behind this brilliant cause. It’s really important to work together as a community to raise the funds we need for the cancer care centre. Cancer is a disease that touches so many people’s lives so it’s a cause that is close to people’s hearts. I am delighted with how much money we have raised and would like to thank everyone who has donated time, money and cakes to help us make today such a success.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting