Summer

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

More cycling fun added to Five Pits Trail

18th November 2015

Adventurous cyclists can now enjoy a new purpose-built off-road cycling facility just off the Five Pits Trail.

The new trail, which is just under a mile long, runs from the western side of Williamthorpe Nature Reserve near Holmewood, and is suitable for cyclists of all ages with basic off-road skills.

The Five Pits Trail is a five-and-a-half mile off-road surfaced route which runs from Grassmoor Country Park to Tibshelf Ponds.

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

“We’re delighted to announce that the adventurous bike trail has been completed.

“This is a great new trail for keen cyclists or mountain bikers looking for a new adventure. I’d like to thank our countryside team and volunteers who’ve logged an impressive 300 hours to build the new trail. They’ve all done a great job and should be proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chatsworth at forefront of accessible tourism campaign

23rd October 2015

Chatsworth is one of eight businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire playing a leading role in a pioneering project promoting England as a leading destination for accessible tourism.

Official tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire was one of just seven top destinations to net a share in national tourist board VisitEngland’s ‘Access for All’ project, funded by a 125,000 Euros (more than £93,000) grant from the European Commission.

Chastworth has had a site audit to review facilities and pinpoint areas that could be improved, classroom-based and on-line training to boost customer service, a ‘mystery shop’ by people with a range of disabilities and tips to improve their accessibility statement and websites.

It also shared in a £100,000 print and on-line media and marketing campaign by VisitEngland in partnership with Express Newspapers throughout September, which aimed to raise awareness of accessible destinations and businesses across England.

VisitEngland research reveals that the overnight accessible tourism market is now worth £3 billion per annum to the English economy, with day visits boosting the figure to £12.1 billion. Over the past few years, overnight trips by disabled tourists and their companions have increased by 19 per cent, and their spending is up by a third.

“VisitEngland estimates that the overall annual value of overnight accessible tourism to Derbyshire is £45 million, so it makes sense for local businesses to invest in improving their facilities and services for this key sector of the market,” said Lindsay Rae, Deputy Director and Head of Industry Engagement at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, said: “The accessible tourism market is worth a sizeable £12.1 billion to the English economy, and many tourism businesses are realising that catering for disabled customers is not only a necessity but a wise investment that brings a host of business benefits. Many of the changes businesses make may be small, but combined contribute significantly to the visitor experience.”

Sally Ambrose, Head of Marketing and Visitor Services at Chatsworth said: “Chatsworth is delighted to be part of VisitEngland’s Access for All initiative. We have always been committed to providing the best possible service to all our visitors, including those with mobility impairments, and this scheme has enabled us to ensure we are constantly improving our facilities to provide the best possible visitor experience for all.”

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

Awards for green-fingered residents and businesses

19th October 2015

Chesterfield residents and businesses are celebrating after scooping prizes in the annual Chesterfield in Bloom awards.

The prize for the best overall garden was won by Richard and Sharon Smithson, who also won the best back garden (smaller than 80m2) category.

The judges praised their beautifully laid out garden, which they described as ‘a real haven of greenery, with colour and interest all year round, beautifully landscaped and maintained to a high standard. Excellent use of plants with bold foliage giving real structure to the garden.’

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Smithson and all the award winners in the Chesterfield in Bloom competition. The awards are as a result of months of hard work and toil.

“This is a great example of the way in which residents and businesses have taken pride in their area to improve where they live.”

Tom and Penny Gavan were also noted in the most improved category for the improvements made to their allotment plot.

The other category winners were:

Best front garden: Terry and Eileen Kelly
Best back garden (greater than 80m2): Jointly to Terry and Eileen Kelly and also to Philip Brighton
Best pub or restaurant: The Britannia Inn
Best hanging basket: Dorothy Smith
Best allotment site: Rufford Close Allotments, Nigel Masters
Best allotment plot: Glynn Barnett
Best container garden: Dorothy Smith
Best newcomer: Jeff Webster Bakery
Best plant stall: Mark Brooks, Unstone Plant Centre
Best general trader: George Cockburn Handbags
Best fruit and veg stall: Simon Harding
Best overall market stall: Simon Harding.

In the schools’ competition, St Joseph’s Primary and Junior School was named as the best overall school. The judges were impressed with a good range of vegetable and salad crops grown outdoors in raised beds and under glass and a garden which is having a positive impact on those children taking part.

Other winners in the competition were:

Vibrant vegetables: Whittington Green School
Best environmental garden: Calow CE Primary School
Wonderful wildlife: Calow CE Primary School
Radical recycling: St Joseph’s CofE Primary School
Fabulous flowers: St Marys RC Infant and Junior School
Best school hanging basket: St Marys RC Infant and Junior School
Painting competition (year 3 to year 6): Isabel Riddell, Henry Bradley School
Painting competition (reception to year 2): Holly Grace Miles, Christ Church Primary School.

Both award ceremonies were held at Ringwood Hall Hotel, which sponsors the awards.

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

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

Funding available for Chesterfield athletes

2nd September 2015

Financial support is now on offer to help Chesterfield athletes follow in the footsteps of major championship medal winner, Liam Pitchford (pictured below).

The Derbyshire ICON bursary programme is now open for this year’s applications and also provides access to a free leisure pass and valuable PR exposure.

A total of 15 athletes from the Chesterfield area benefited from ICON support in 2014-2015, sharing a total of £2,250.

Among them was Newbold athlete Alicia Barrett, who finished sixth in the 100m hurdles final of the IAAF World Youth Championships after setting a new United Kingdom under-18 record in her heat.

Another to benefit has been Brampton tennis player Bradley Buckland (pictured right), who qualified to play at Wimbledon in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 and Under Challenge.

There have been 131 athletes in all from across the county on the Derbyshire Sport-run programme over the past 12 months, awarded bursaries totalling £21,925.

That was made possible by the contributions of all 10 Derbyshire local authorities, plus a number of business members from across the county.

To qualify, applicants must live in one of the county’s nine districts or compete for a Derbyshire-based club and must already compete at a high level in a sport recognised by Sport England.

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.

The closing date for applications is Friday September 25. For more information visit http://www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/icon-applications

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Beat post-holiday blues with ‘Shake Up September’

25th August 2015

People across Chesterfield are being encouraged to shake off the post-holiday season blues by taking part in the Derbyshire Workplace Challenge’s Shake Up September.

The campaign – administered by Derbyshire Sport – aims to help individuals of all abilities get into shape by joining forces with their work colleagues to log points from their fitness activities which are listed on a leaderboard.

Getting involved can also help you sleep better, reduce the risk of disease and stress and improve life expectancy.

It will also assist adults in meeting the government’s recommendation of getting at least 150 minutes of regular exercise every week.

And if you can get together a group of people from your organisation, you could win a team prize by earning the highest average number of points.

Vickie Maris, from Chesterfield, who works at Rykneld Homes in Wingerworth, took part in the January Workplace Challenge along with a number of her colleagues and is looking forward to ‘Shake Up September’ after recently getting married.

“The Workplace Challenge is something we use particularly when there are active challenges, such as the walking one which ran in May and the cycling one throughout August,” said the 28-year-old.

“Most of us at Rykneld take part in our own separate activities to get our points, but we do have a circuit session that we host on-site too, while we also have regular Walking Wednesday sessions when we walk a couple of miles.

“As you start to get your points, you can see how you are doing against previous weeks and also against other people in the office. Quite a few will be logging their points when they walk to work.”

To sign up for ‘Shake Up September’ go to http://www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire and for more ideas on what activities you might want to try go to www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/get-active

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Ey Up Me Little Yellow Duck

25th August 2015

Over the next few weeks, more than thirty little ducks will be released in Chesterfield and the surrounding area. But don’t call the RSPCA just yet! The ducks are all knitted or crocheted by the StraightCurves Charity Knitting Group and are part of a worldwide project aiming to raise awareness of the importance of blood and organ donation.

The Little Yellow Duck project was originally launched in 2014 in memory of Clare Cruickshank, who passed away aged just 26 whilst awaiting a double lung transplant. Due to a chronic shortage of organ donors here in the UK, Clare never got her second chance at life, but her friends and family pledged to her that they would try to change the situation so that other families don’t suffer in the same way.

They set about spreading random acts of kindness by making cute yellow ducks and leaving them in public places for strangers to stumble upon. Each duck has a tag with its name on, and finders are asked to take the duck home, record the spot where it was discovered on the project’s interactive map, and most importantly, to consider registering as a blood or organ donor. In just over a year, more than 4,500 ducks have been found in over 75 countries!

The StraightCurves Charity Knitting Group decided to join in with the project having seen first hand what a difference an organ transplant can make to somebody’s life. Studio Manager Roz Vincent explained some of the motivation behind the group’s decision:

“My father-in-law received a kidney transplant in 2008 after several years on the waiting list. The difference it has made, not only to his quality of life, but to our whole family is unbelievable.”

The group will be releasing their ducks in several locations around the local Chesterfield area in the run up to StraightCurves’ next Open Day on 5th September so keep your eyes peeled and if you’re lucky enough to discover one of the little ducks, log onto the project website at www.thelittleyellowduckproject.org and record your find. The World Map on the project website shows the locations of all the ducks that have been found, so you can also see if there was one nearby that you missed!

If you would like more information about StraightCurves or the StraightCurves Charity Knitting Group, call Karen or Roz on 01246 807575, visit the website at www.straightcurves.co.uk or pop in to the studio open day at 104 Saltergate, Chesterfield on Saturday 5th September from 10am until 2.30pm.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

More volunteers wanted for Chesterfield Marathon

25th August 2015

Organisers of the Chesterfield Marathon are on the hunt for more volunteers to help make the second event a success.

Set to take place on Sunday 20th September, the full and half marathon, as well as the fun run will all start and finish at Queen’s Park – where an all-day party has also been planned.

Those keen to get involved will be asked to assist on the day of the race from 7.30am until early afternoon, with duties ranging from marshalling to manning drinks stations.

All volunteers will be given a high vis vest, branded t-shirt, refreshments and food whilst on duty, as well as a ‘Volunteers Village’ to return to in Queen’s Park, where everyone can meet, swap stories and relax after the race is complete.

Those sparing their time will also receive a share of the profits from the event for a charity of their choice, thanks to a scheme announced earlier this year.

One group already to sign up as volunteers include ‘Team Inspire’, made up of an inspiring young people who have undertaken a National Citizen’s Service (NCS) project to create a legally designated wall space for graffiti in Chesterfield. The team, accompanied by their parents, will look after the first drinks station of the race on the A617.

Mike Hyman, founder of the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon, said: “Volunteering is a great opportunity for local people to get involved in a brilliant event in Chesterfield and show their support without actually taking part in the race itself.

“Organising an event of this scale takes a huge amount of time and effort, so volunteers provide us with such vital support, both in the run up to and on race day itself, to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.

“We are all excited about the marathon. It is going to be a fantastic day for everyone in the community and we hope as many people as possible can be involved with it.”

To volunteer for the Chesterfield Marathon register at www.chesterfieldmarathon.org.uk/registrations or contact Julie Harrington on 01246 269023 or e-mail julie@chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk.

Image: Team Inspire’, made up of an inspiring young people who have undertaken a National Citizen’s Service (NCS) project to create a legally designated wall space for graffiti in Chesterfield.

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

Spireites sign Premiership player

24th August 2015

Chesterfield have signed Liam O’Neil from West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee.

O’Neil, 22, who can play in defence or midfield, has made five Premier League appearances.

After completing the signing, Spireites manager Dean Saunders said: “Liam is a young player who has played in West Brom’s first team. He’s exactly what we want – a midfield player who can also play at the back, if required.

“He’s one for the future for us, having been tracked by the club for two-and-a-half years. We were going to loan him but we’ve managed to sign him permanently, which is great for the long-term future of the club.”

O’Neil admits that he cannot wait to get started. He said: “ I want to get some experience and develop as a player and I think I’ll be able to do that here. I’m looking forward to it and I’m excited.”

O’Neil revealed that Spireites manager Dean Saunders was an influential figure in his decision to sign. “The gaffer got in touch with West Brom and has shown good interest,” he said.

“He’s been on my case to get down here all the time and that’s what I like. He sees me as part of his plans and that’s what I want. I want to be getting regular football and that’s key for me now. I’m 22 and this is perfect timing.”

O’Neil made 22 appearances in League One last season while on loan at Scunthorpe United.

The length of the contract signed by O’Neil has not been disclosed.

Photo: Luke O’Neil is photographed after signing for Chesterfield (courtesy of Tina Jenner).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Food Producer shortlist announced

24th August 2015

Latest finalists announced ahead of glittering 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink awards ceremony

Chesterfield’s tastiest food and drink producer is closer to being unveiled. Ten nominees for the title of Food and Drink Producer of the Year were narrowed down to a shortlist of three recently at a tasting event held at Hollingwood Hub, the home of the Canal Trust Partnership in Chesterfield.

Granny Mary’s (Original Recipes), Liza Bakes and Teresa Lambarelli’s will now battle it out for the prestigious title at the glittering Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on Wednesday 28 October.

Sponsored by NatWest, the award recognises local food producers, growers and manufacturers within 10 miles of Chesterfield. The shortlisted businesses were selected from hundreds of nominations received by Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the awards in association with Chesterfield College, also headline sponsor of the awards for the third year running.

Each of the shortlisted businesses had to present three variations of their products to a panel of local judges, including Chesterfield Champions. They were awarded marks out of 10 for both presentation and taste. The shortlisted businesses have also had to submit a business plan which will be assessed by Destination Chesterfield and will contribute to their final score.

Chatsworth Road-based Liza Bakes Ltd, which distributes its produce all over the country but prides itself in using local goods, won the coveted title last year. Louise Milroy, owner of Liza Bakes, said: “I am delighted to be nominated for the award. It would be amazing to win and be a really big achievement for the team who work tremendously hard. It is a privilege to be here amongst such great producers- winning would be the icing on the cake.”

Teresa Lambarelli, a finalist for the third year running said: “I am absolutely honoured to have been named as a finalist for Chesterfield Food Producer of the year again! It has always been my aspiration and drive to give Chesterfield and now the UK a true flavour of Italy! It comes at such a very exciting time for my business as I am looking to outsource the development of my pasta sauce to meet demand.”

Craig Maxfield Sales Director of Granny Mary’s – a finalist for the first time, said: “To be nominated means a lot for the company. We are really pleased to be a part of the process. There are some fantastic producers shortlisted and the competition is fierce! It would mean a lot for us to win, but being nominated alongside such outstanding producers is an achievement in itself.”

Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “It was a very strong field and the judges had a very difficult decision to narrow it down from ten to three. Each finalist was passionate about their products and took great pride in them. They were also equally passionate about their role as food and drink producers in Chesterfield and how they are actively helping the town receive the recognition it deserves for its thriving food sector.”

The winner of the Food Producer of the Year category is just one of 14 which will be announced by celebrity chef Theo Randall at the glittering awards ceremony. He said: “Good food is one of life’s simple pleasures. The support shown for the awards in both the nomination phase and the awards shows that good food is passion of many people in Chesterfield.”

The shortlist for the Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year is the latest category to be announced in the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ahead of the awards ceremony. Already 24 eateries, pubs, bars and venues have been shortlisted across 10 categories in the popular awards. This year also sees the introduction of a brand new category – Conference Venue of the Year – and also 11 new contenders for the awards, including Tickled Trout, Batemans Mill, Chesters, Little Castle, H&F Tea Rooms, Libby’s, Four One Three, Coffee St, Qoozies, Three Cottages and the Proact Stadium.

A full list of the finalists can be seen at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones, the Crooked Spire Church, Black Eyed Susan, Reflections, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Chamber, Hooper’s, Jumble Design, BHP Chartered Accountants, Kier and MSE Hiller.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting