Summer

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

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

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

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre scoops bronze

30th March 2016

The team at Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre is celebrating after bringing home a bronze award from the prestigious England for Excellence Awards 2016 held in Blackpool earlier this month.

Run by Chesterfield Borough Council, it is the second time in two years that the centre has been shortlisted in the Visitor Information Provider of the Year category.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre provides an efficient and friendly service to the thousands of people who visit the town centre each year and for our residents.

“Whether it’s giving information about attractions and events in the borough or the wider area of Derbyshire and the Peak District or selling tickets to our theatres, our staff go the extra mile.

“We have lots of positive feedback from people who use the service and I’m proud that we have received bronze in the England for Excellence Awards this year.”

Commenting on the Award, Sally Balcombe, CEO of VisitBritain and VisitEngland said “We received hundreds of applications this year of an extremely high standard.

“Winning a Bronze Award is a considerable achievement, especially against such tough competition.

“Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre is now ranked as one of the top three businesses in their category for excellence in England and I warmly congratulate them on this achievement”.

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6pm.

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

Major funding boost for historic railway site Barrow Hill Roundhouse

29th March 2016

Britain’s only surviving operational railway roundhouse is set to receive a £1.17m cash boost to help safeguard its future as one of Chesterfield’s top attractions.

The funding, confirmed by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), will be used to repair and refurbish Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and transform it into a nationally-important museum.

High quality visitor facilities, a dedicated learning and meeting space and a conservation workshop will all be created at the site, which will also enjoy a new entrance, shop and café. A wide range of learning, training and skills activities will accompany these developments, ensuring that the roundhouse can attract a much wider and more diverse audience.

Mike Kennedy, chair of Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, said: “We are delighted by the news of our success. The project will enable us to safeguard the roundhouse for future generations, and provide the improved facilities that we need to attract a new audience, while retaining our existing audience of rail enthusiasts.

“It will also provide us with the expertise and equipment to tell the story of the roundhouse and its workforce to a wide range of people, particularly local people including families and schoolchildren.”

Barrow Hill Roundhouse was built in 1870 for the Midland Railway and houses an operational turntable serving 24 radiating roads or tracks. It was used to repair and maintain engines and rolling stock for the Staveley Iron and Coal Company.

As one of the few roundhouses to survive the transition from steam to diesel engines, it operated until the industry went into decline during the 1970s and 80s.

In 1991 it was saved from demolition by local campaigners with just 48 hours to spare and has since become a popular place to visit, primarily for railway enthusiasts. Visitors can currently see a host of rare locomotives and over 4,500 items including tools, lamps, uniforms and photographs.

Now the Engine Shed Society wants to attract local people as well, many of whom are unaware of what is on their doorstep and its history.

The main building also requires urgent attention to make it watertight and prevent the collections from getting damaged. There is also a pressing need to record the memories of people who worked at the site, many of whom are now elderly.

Jonathan Platt, Head of HLF East Midlands, said: “As the last surviving operational roundhouse, Barrow Hill has a unique role in telling the story of the UK’s evocative transport heritage.

“There’s no better way to learn about this history than getting up close to the buildings that survive from that time, so we’re delighted that thanks to National Lottery players we can support this much-needed project to repair the building and enhance visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of the site.”

HLF previously provided a £96,400 development grant in 2014 to work up plans for the project. Now, following a further application, the full grant has been awarded allowing the major works to commence.

It is hoped that work will start at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in June this year and be complete by mid 2019.

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

Custom Solar to Sponsor Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

16th March 2016

The Chesterfield-based renewable energy company, who recently installed over 500 solar panels at The 3aaa County Ground, has thrown its support behind the six-day festival, which starts on Sunday 3 July.

The action-packed festival features two NatWest T20 Blast fixtures, against Northants Steelbacks and local rivals Yorkshire Vikings – which sold out in advance in 2015 – on consecutive Sundays, and a Specsavers County Championship fixture versus Northamptonshire which begins on Monday 4 July.

The Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, held in association with Chesterfield Borough Council, will represent the fourth successive year that title sponsorship has been attributed to a commercial partner for the annual event.

Custom Solar Director, Matthew Brailsford said: “To sponsor the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is an exciting prospect. As a local Chesterfield business we remain active across the region and where possible support events that raise the profile of the town and county. To do this in partnership with one of our flagship clients is ideal for us.

“We will utilise the event to continue spreading the word of renewable energy and to show our continued support for local sport, both of which make us incredibly proud.”

Derbyshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive, Simon Storey added: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership and to have Custom Solar as our principal festival sponsors for the next three years.

“The Chesterfield Festival is always one of the highlights of the summer and we are looking forward to another fantastic week of cricket.”

Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket 2016
NatWest T20 Blast
Derbyshire Falcons vs Northants Steelbacks
Sunday 3 July; 2.30pm
Specsavers County Championship
Derbyshire vs Northamptonshire
Monday 6 July to Thursday 9 July; 11am

NatWest T20 Blast
Derbyshire Falcons vs Yorkshire Vikings
Sunday 10 July; 2.30pm

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer

World-Class Cycling Rolls into Chesterfield

3rd February 2016

Chesterfield will welcome the Aviva Women’s Tour as it arrives in Derbyshire for the first time this June. The world’s top racers head to the county for Stage Three on Friday 17 June 2016.

Building on the success of hosting the Tour of Britain last September, the Aviva Women’s Tour will race from Ashbourne to Chesterfield. It is being billed as the toughest stage of the race.

The stage will race through the heart of the Peak District National Park including Buxton, Chatsworth, Youlgreave and Matlock, before the finish in Chesterfield. The stage also falls on the same weekend as the popular Eroica Britannia family festival in Bakewell, just a short ride from the Stage Three route.

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

“We’re delighted to be welcoming the Aviva Women’s Tour to Derbyshire for the first time. Hosting this prestigious sporting event will put Derbyshire on the cycling tourism map, and encourage more people to cycle.

“It will be a great event to watch and we’d expect many visitors to the county to follow the progress of the world’s top women cyclists.”

Cycling fans in the county will also have the chance to catch the action for a second time a day later on Stage Four, which will also pass through Derbyshire on its way from Nottingham to Stoke-on-Trent. Fans in the south of the county will be entertained by a route that skirts Derby between Long Eaton and Swadlincote.

Mick Bennett, Race Director of the Aviva Women’s Tour said:

“We are proud that Derbyshire County Council have decided to host the Aviva Women’s Tour as a part of their ambition to be the most connected cycling county. Stage Three will take the race through the heart of the Peak District National Park, with over 2,000-metres of climbing, making it one of the toughest of this year’s race and a key day for riders with the ambition of winning the Aviva Yellow Jersey.”

Commenting on the route announcement, reigning World Road Race Champion Lizzie Armitstead of the Boels Dolmans team said:

“It’s fantastic news that the Aviva Women’s Tour will continue in 2016. As a British rider it’s a privilege to be able to compete on home roads, the British public have really taken to cycling and you can see that when the race goes through different towns the community really gets behind it.

“I’m excited to see the growth in women’s cycling and I think the Women’s Tour has had a really positive impact on that change.”

Reigning Aviva Women’s Tour champion Lisa Brennauer of the Canyon SRAM team said:

“I’m looking forward to coming back to the Aviva Women’s Tour 2016. The race last year was outstandingly well organised and the amount of people that came to watch and cheer for us was breath-taking. Including some new routes with more climbs and longer stages than before, the tour offers new opportunities and again huge possibilities for thrilling racing. I can’t wait to see all of you again.”

Further news about the detailed routes of Stages Three and Four, including the locations of Strava Queen of the Mountains climbs and the Chain Reaction Cycles Sprints, along with timings will be announced in the coming weeks along with the teams spectators can look forward to seeing in action at the Aviva Women’s Tour.

Images: Aviva Womens Tour Flickr Page

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, 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

Chesterfield to host second local clash with Yorkshire in 2016

21st December 2015

Derbyshire’s Royal London One-Day Cup fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings on Sunday 12 June will now take place at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.

The move means there will be even more cricket at the picturesque out-ground in 2016, with the popular week-long Chesterfield Festival of Cricket to follow in July.

In total, there will be seven days of county action at Queen’s Park next summer, beginning with the 50-over fixture with neighbours Yorkshire in June.

The annual cricketing festival follows, beginning on Sunday 3 July, which will once again include a traditional first-class fixture and two NatWest T20 Blast fixtures in the space of seven days.

The festival concludes on Sunday 10 July with a second local clash versus Yorkshire Vikings, this time in the NatWest T20 Blast – a fixture that sold out in advance in 2015.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “It was a record year at Chesterfield in 2015 and we’re delighted to now be able to offer even more cricket at the picturesque ground next summer.

“The support has always been great at Queen’s Park, especially for the local fixtures against Yorkshire. A lot of away supporters travel down from north of the county border creating a unique atmosphere and a special event for Members and supporters.
“The NatWest T20 Blast fixture in 2015 was a complete sell out and we’re expected similarly high-interest for both matches in 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Yorkshire to Return for Chesterfield Festival of Cricket 2016

9th December 2015

Derbyshire County Cricket Club is anticipating capacity crowds for the derby against Yorkshire Vikings. The match which was an advance sell-out in 2015 – will bring the curtain down on next summer’s Chesterfield Festival of Cricket on Sunday 10 July.

The popular week-long festival at the picturesque Queen’s Park will once again feature two NatWest T20 Blast matches, starting on Sunday 3 July, and a traditional first-class fixture, which will this year be against Northamptonshire.

Derbyshire Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “The first fixtures we look for each year are the local NatWest T20 Blast derbies against Notts and Yorkshire. Once again we’re delighted with the dates that have come our way. Yorkshire at Chesterfield, was a complete sell-out last summer for the first time ever.”

“We hope that Members, supporters and local people will once again get behind our side and we can secure another sell-out.”

Captain Wayne Madsen added: “The fixture announcement is always an exciting time as we continue our preparations for the new campaign. There are a lot of things to look forward to next summer. “We’re really looking forward to returning to Chesterfield. It’s a great place to play cricket and the crowds are always great.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Casa celebrates AA Silver Award on 5th birthday

27th November 2015

Casa Hotel in Chesterfield has been awarded the prestigious AA Silver Award – a commendation received by the team on the eve of the hotel’s fifth anniversary.

Casa’s reputation as one of the leading hotels in the country continues to grow, attracting the country’s top companies, worldwide guests and hosting more prestigious events each year.

Over the last five years, Casa has received many awards and accolades, including being voted one of the UK’s top ten hotels in a prestigious list included London’s Goring hotel and Corinthia hotel.

More recently Cocina restaurant was voted the best restaurant in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Casa has also been voted top hotel in the East Midlands area by Trivago.

Operations Director at Casa, Stuart Downham says: “The team at Casa work tirelessly to ensure the best stay for our guests. Being an independent hotel we are able to really tailor our service to the needs of our guests and every decision we make is made with the guest as our number one priority.

“It is a very happy coincidence that we were awarded the prestigious AA Silver Award on the eve of our 5^th anniversary’.

These thoughts are echoed by the hotel’s owner, Steve Perez, who has built the business from a building site to the multi-award winning hotel. He said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 5 successful years in the industry and look forward to an exciting future ahead. I am incredibly proud of what Casa has achieved in such a short period of time. Throughout this period we have never swayed from our promise to deliver the best customer experience and we will continue to do this in the years to come.”

It is this passion for the best customer service that has seen over the last 5 years, a massive 125,604 breakfast served using Walton lodge eggs and Walton sausages, 368,412 glasses of wine and 39,538 portions of delicious tapas. Casa has accommodated 113,769 sleepers and served 373,577 dinners between our gastro bar Barca and our 2 rosette restaurant Cocina.

Casa has also had a positive impact on local business and employment. Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield the town’s inward investment campaign, said: “Having a four star hotel in the town has helped put Chesterfield on the map nationally, opening investors’ eyes to the potential of developing here particularly along the A61 corridor.

“The fact Casa is one of the top five hotels on TripAdvisor demonstrates the great pool of talent the town has within the customer service sector. Destination Chesterfield shares Casa’s pride in everything it has achieved since opening in 2010.”

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