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New bridge milestone for cycle path

24th June 2016

Work to build a new cycle path in Chesterfield between Queen’s Park and the train station reaches a major milestone this weekend.

A new 30-metre span bridge for pedestrians and bikes will be lifted into place over Hollis Lane next to the railway line during the early hours of Sunday morning. This will provide a direct route from the station across a series of new and re-furbished bridges to connect with existing paths linking to Derby Road, the Ravenside retail park and the Hipper Valley Trail to Somersall.

The new path is being installed as part of the Chesterfield Cycle Network − a long-term project to link shopping areas to the train and bus station and main residential areas in the town.

Hollis Lane and the A61 off-slip road will be closed at the railway bridge from 8pm on Saturday evening until 9am on Sunday to allow the work to take place. Signs will be in place to divert traffic during the road closure.

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

“This project will provide a safe and easy route for people to cycle through Chesterfield. We know more and more are using bikes to get from A to B − it’s better for the environment, cheaper than running a car and it’s a great way to stay fit and healthy too.

“We’re carrying out this work at night to cause the least disruption to motorists as possible and apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Uncategorised

Hurdler gets thumbs up for World Championships

23rd June 2016

Alicia Barrett has been selected for the IAAF World Junior Championships taking place from July 19 to 24 in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

The 100m hurdler, from Newbold, Chesterfield, is one of 16 athletes to have been chosen to represent Great Britain so far, with a further announcement expected.

Chesterfield and District AC runner Alicia, 17, competed at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia last year, finishing sixth in the final. It was an event that saw her set a United Kingdom under-18 record after clocking 13.40secs in her heat.

Jo Summers, Team Leader for the British Junior team, said:-

“The team is looking good for Poland and there is still time for a few more athletes to step up and secure selection.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Spireites make fourth pre-season signing

23rd June 2016

The Spireites have made a fourth pre-season signing with former Dundee defender Paul McGinn agreeing a two-year contract.

McGinn, who will officially join the club on July 1, is a free agent after coming to the end of his contract at Dundee.

Commenting on the signing, Spireites chief executive Chris Turner said:-

“Paul’s arrival will greatly strengthen the level of competition for a place on the right-hand side of defence. He is very athletic and comes highly recommended.”

The 25-year-old started his career at Queen’s Park and then had spells at St Mirren and Dumbarton before joining Dundee in the summer of 2014.

McGinn will join fellow new recruits Kristian Dennis, Jon Nolan and Ched Evans when the players report for the start of pre-season training on July 4.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Clean-Up on the Chesterfield Canal

23rd June 2016

A group of over 30 employees, from three local McDonald’s stores, supported a clean-up of the Chesterfield Canal and the surrounding areas on 21st June; from litter picking, to weed pulling and painting the iron footbridge that crosses the River Rother.

Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Rangers also played their part, by cutting back undergrowth and removing the dozens of bags of litter and weeds that had been collected during the day.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, Cllr Steve Brunt and Mrs Jill Manion-Brunt, joined the Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Cllr John Burrows, at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre to thank the volunteers for their hard work.

Jordan Ball, speaking as a representative for McDonald’s, said:-

“This has been a really worthwhile event. McDonald’s is committed to LWYL – Love Where You Live – and we hope to repeat the exercise next year.”

Clean-Up on the Chesterfield Canal

Posted in About Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Schools invited to nominate sporting stars for annual awards

23rd June 2016

Derbyshire’s brightest and best sporting stars are to be recognised at a special awards ceremony later this year – with schools now encouraged to nominate their talented youngsters to ensure they don’t miss out.

The annual awards will return to Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on October 19th – and teachers, schools, sports associations and area associations can now put forward outstanding performers who deserve recognition.

The Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association (DSSA) Sports Awards honour young people who have excelled whilst competing in school sport or sport outside of school, as well as young people and adults who have been involved in voluntary roles off the playing field, court or gym floor.

Nominations are invited for individuals and teams from primary, secondary and special schools in Individual Achievement, Team Achievement, Young Leaders / Ambassadors and Adult Volunteer categories.

There is also a Special Award, for media and arts contribution to school sport, which recognises individuals and groups who have produced exceptional work such as photography, film, written reports, music or dance in relation to school sport.

The Individual Achievement, Team Achievement and Young Leaders / Ambassadors awards will be divided into Primary and Secondary School categories, as well as a disability category.

More information about the awards can be found at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/dssa-awards, where an online nomination form is available. A nomination form can also be downloaded.

The closing date for all nominations is 5pm on Friday, July 29th.

Secondary School Team of the Year
Secondary School of the Year 2015: Tupton Hall School Under-12s Girls Football Team

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Macmillan marks milestone with celebration event

23rd June 2016

A topping out ceremony was held at the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre to celebrate the near-complete development. Held on 14^th June, the event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, local schools and supporters, who visited to hear about the latest fundraising news.

Last month The National Gardens Scheme (NGS), a long standing partner of Macmillan, announced it would donate £1.5 million towards the new state of the art cancer centre. The donation is equivalent to over half of the £2.5 million Macmillan has committed to raise towards the Chesterfield appeal. It marks a significant step towards meeting the fundraising appeal target and towards the development of this much needed local service.

Rob Turner, Macmillan’s Senior Fundraising Manager for Chesterfield, said:-

“Being diagnosed with cancer is the toughest fight many people will ever face, so I am absolutely delighted that this generous donation from the NGS has brought us closer to the completion of the build which we can see taking real shape today.”

The new £8.9 million Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre is due to open at Chesterfield Royal Hospital in the autumn.

Macmillan still needs to raise just under £700,000 to hit the appeal target of £2.5 million. If you are able to help please contact Rob Turner on rturner@macmillan.org.uk or 07545 419 725.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Uncategorised

Chesterfield College inspires town to cycle at Aviva Women’s Tour

22nd June 2016

Chesterfield College students supported Chesterfield Borough Council’s role in the Aviva Women’s Tour of Britain cycling event last week, by helping school children, and members of the public, to get involved and get pedalling.

Students who are currently studying Public Service were involved in marshalling the event route and helping to run the schools event, where children got to ride part of the route and have a go on balance bikes in the market square. The students put their skills to the test to help with managing the crowds and ensuring the safety of spectators and riders.

Sports students and staff challenged members of the public in New Square, in the town centre, to see how far they could cycle in 2 minutes using a spinning bike. They were also on hand to encourage and advise women to take part in sporting activities, as well as carrying out fitness testing.

Stuart Allen, Director of Learning from Health, Wellbeing and Society, said:-

“This kind of high profile sporting event really brings communities together and inspires people to take part in sport. We’re delighted the college has been invited to play a role to help make it happen and to show how the people of Chesterfield can improve their health, fitness and wellbeing. Our students did a fantastic job at sharing their skills and expertise with people, young and old, in order to help them improve their health and fitness.

“I want to thank staff and students from our public services and sport courses for working so hard to make our involvement in the Aviva Women’s Tour so successful.”

Sports students from Chesterfield College encouraging members of the public to take part in a cycling challenge at the Aviva Women’s Tour event

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Uncategorised

Colleges collaborate to enhance further education provision

22nd June 2016

It has been announced that Chesterfield College will be forming key collaborations to improve the way learners and employers can access apprenticeship and further education provision, following a review of further education provision in the Sheffield City Region to meet the Government’s aims of creating resilient and efficient further education provision.

The report, produced at the end of the review, recommends that over the next 12 months Chesterfield College forms an apprenticeship company with other colleges in the region, including Barnsley College, Dearne Valley College, Sheffield College and the Rotherham and North Nottinghamshire College group. The apprenticeship company will make it easier for learners and employers to find and access apprenticeships, as well as reduce the costs of developing and marketing the apprenticeship offer for individual colleges.

The report also highlights that Chesterfield College is working on a new strategic partnership with a college outside the Sheffield City Region. Chesterfield College and Derby College are exploring opportunities for working in partnership to improve further education services for students, employers and local communities.

The aim of both colleges is to provide robust and locally responsive further education provision that will help to develop a highly skilled workforce for the region and improve employment prospects for young people and adults. Options are being explored that will strengthen the work of both colleges for the benefit of their communities.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College, said:-

“We are looking forward to working with colleges in the Sheffield City Region to grow apprenticeships and create a robust system that makes it easier for everyone to use apprenticeships to get the skills they need. Our plans to work with Derby College were born because both colleges share the same ethos, drive and quality approach to ensure we are developing a skilled workforce, so it makes sense to make the most of our strengths and geographical location by working together.

“Plans are in the early stages but the vision is to share our expertise to improve our offer to students and employers. Any partnership would look to improve and grow services that meet the priorities of our area. I look forward to working with the team at Derby College to develop the strategies.”

Mandie Stravino, Chief Executive at Derby College, added:-

“I am confident that much can be achieved through working together. Our focus will always be on ensuring we play our part in positively impacting on the prosperity of the communities we serve.”

Details of the strategic partnership are currently being developed and further details will be announced following the next area review, which includes colleges in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire region, planned to start in November.

Chesterfield College

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised

VK to support pride festivals across the UK this summer

21st June 2016

Chesterfield drinks firm Global Brands is set to wow festival goers with its VK brand this summer after sponsoring a total of nine events across the UK.

VK will support festivals in Portsmouth, Bristol, Hull, Oldham, Brighton, Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow and Stoke – and will command an entire area at each event for revellers to enjoy.

Pride festivities include marches, parties and other events which celebrate individuality, freedom and acceptance. The events showcase a range of colours, which Global Brands believes matches up perfectly with VK flavours – blue, strawberry & lime, orange & passion fruit, black cherry, tropical fruits, apple & mango and ice.

At each event attendees will enter the VK area and be greeted with the opportunity to ‘VK themselves’ with colourful paint, glitter and sequins. The VK bus will be serving every flavour alongside 6ft tall letters where everyone will be encouraged to mark their hand print with UV paint.

A photo booth will also be on site to snap memories, which will then be available to post through personal social media accounts, as VK is dedicated to social output, using engaging content to connect with consumers.

During the weeks of pride, VK has also partnered with Gaydio, the UK’s first LGBT FM radio service, to launch an 8-week-long competition in support of the events.

The competition will give away 8 separate VK party packs to listeners who can enter online via the website or app. The partnership is a fantastic way to promote pride and raise awareness of the collaboration and will be supported with a social media campaign.

Simon Green, Marketing Director, Global Brands said:-

“The partnership with pride festivals symbolises VK’s brand promise to always bring excitement, refreshment and fun to the party. We are excited to be supporting the festivals for the second year running and look forward to more unforgettable events.”

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Celebrating success at Chesterfield College

21st June 2016

A ceremony has been held at Chesterfield College to recognise students, apprentices and employers for their hard work over the past academic year.

Awards were presented to recognise a range of academic and personal achievements including commitment to learning, outstanding achievements and investment in workplace training.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said:-

“Our students and apprentices are all at different stages in their lives and have different aims and goals, but one thing they do have in common is their passion for learning and self-improvement and that is really something worth celebrating.

“Our awards tonight recognise those people and organisations who stand out as going the extra mile to make the difference on their own educational journeys or to influence others. It’s a really inspirational evening.”

Childcare student, Megan Talbot, aged 20 from Chesterfield, claimed the title of Student of the Year. Her tutors nominated her in recognition of resilience and dedication she has shown despite a difficult start and juggling the demands of studying whilst looking after a young child.

Tarmac Driveways, in Chesterfield, won the Employer of the Year award for their commitment to apprenticeships and the quality of the training and extracurricular development that they offer their engineering apprentices.

The Apprentice of the Year award was presented to Megan Cameron, aged 19 from Eckington. Despite a variety of personal issues, Megan has overcome many barriers to achieve her Level 2 apprenticeship – always with an overwhelming positive attitude, making the most of the support on offer to her through all levels of her traineeship and apprenticeship, showing an unbelievable commitment to achieving her dream of becoming a qualified childcare worker.

Other winners on the night included:

• Jasmin Senior, Health and Social Care student – Commitment to Learning Award
• Amy Sharpe, Sixth form student – Improvement Award
• Cheryl Booth, Beauty student – Inspirational Learner Award
• Natalie King, Hospitality Student – Outstanding Achievement Award
• Harrison Davies, Foundation Studies student – Foundation Studies Student of the Year
• Michael Davison, Access to Higher Education student – Adult Student of the Year
• Cuan Whitworth, BSc (Hons) Information Technology Student – Higher Education Student of the Year
• Slack & Parr Ltd – Investment in Workplace Training

Student of the Year, Megan Talbot with the Gill Parkes, Assistant Principal, Classroom-Based Learning of Chesterfield College and Jo Addy, Director of Time and Beauty Spa who was guest speaker.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Keepy Uppy Record Attempt at the Proact

25th April 2016

Organisers of a world record ‘keep uppy’ attempt at the Proact Stadium are hoping to attract at least 1,866 people to the event, which would smash the current record.

The Spireites were formed in 1866 and the Chesterfield FC Community Trust would like to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary by beating the record, which currently stands at 1,377. The attempt will take place on the pitch at the Proact on Saturday, May 21, from 3pm.

One of the organisers, Simon Edmonds, said: “We want to see as many people as possible keeping footballs up in the air at the same time! There has been a very good response to our call for clubs and organisations to get involved, but we need more.

“All local clubs and organisations are invited to take part to help raise funds for the Community Trust as well as their own club or organisation.”

Posted in Uncategorised