Visiting

Chesterfield schoolgirl seeks votes to progress in CBBC singing competition

4th February 2020

Georgie Mills, a 14-year-old student from Chesterfield, is currently a contestant on the hit CBBC show ‘Got What It Takes?’ and is appealing for residents to cast their votes for her in the upcoming semi-final.

In ‘Got What It Takes?’, eight teen singers compete for a life-changing prize with the help of their mums. Each week, the contestants learn about an aspect of the music industry, with the two challenge winners receiving a place in the sing-off. The third place in the sing-off is awarded to the contestant whose mum wins the physical activity challenge. The contestant who has won the most sing-offs at the end of week 8 automatically goes through to the final, with the other three finalists being decided by the public vote. The final four performers will compete in the final for the chance to perform at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Series 5 began on 8 January 2020 and is shown every Wednesday evening on CBBC as well as being available on BBC iPlayer. The semi-final takes place on Wednesday 4th March, where the voting will open for only 24 hours.

Georgie currently attends Outwood Academy in Newbold and lives in Newbold village. Georgie has won local competitions such as Eckington‘s Got Talent, Dronfield’s Got Talent and Chesterfield’s Got Talent, as well as singing for over 3,000 people at the Ashgate Hospicecare Sparkle Night Walk.

On Saturday (1 February), Georgie appeared in the Grand Final of TeenStar UK, where she came third in the ’13 & Over’ category. In addition, Georgie was nominated for ‘Best Young Breakthrough Artist’ at the National Entertainment Awards.

Georgie said: “Performing at the TeenStar UK final on Saturday was a great experience for me and I was delighted to come third. To perform at The O2 was amazing and something I’ll never forget.”

Georgie now has her sights set on the ‘Got What it Takes?’ semi-final vote. She added: “I would absolutely love for everyone to vote for me in March so I can reach the final. I love to be on stage and I have been performing for as long as I can remember.”

Jo & Andy Mills, Georgie’s parents, said: “Singing is her dream and appearing on ‘Got what it Takes?’ is a fantastic opportunity for her. We’re now looking for all the help we can and for as many people to vote for Georgie as possible – the vote is only open for 24 hours so every vote counts! To see Georgie progress to the final would be absolutely amazing”.

Votes can be submitted for 24 hours from 4th March through the CBBC website here. Voting is free however please check for terms & conditions before voting. Previous episodes are available on BBC iPlayer for those who would like to watch Georgie’s journey so far.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Planning application for revitalising the former Chesterfield Hotel site

31st January 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with the owners of the Chesterfield Hotel to explore opportunities for the future use of the site.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield Hotel is a landmark building and a venue that holds very happy memories for many of us. Sadly, the costs to refurbish and bring the building back into productive use have proven beyond the means of the many investors and developers that have had a look at it.”

“I can therefore confirm that Whittam Cox Architects has recently applied for outline planning permission, on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council and Prestige Hotels (Midlands) Limited, to build offices on the site.”

“This is a first step of many that the council plans to make with our partners to re-vitalise the Chesterfield station area, which is one of our long-term regeneration priorities”.

Whittam Cox Architects are acting as agents for Chesterfield Borough Council and the owners of the Chesterfield Hotel, Prestige Hotels (Midlands) Limited.

The owners of the Chesterfield Hotel were successful in obtaining planning permission to demolish the current structure in December 2019.

Councillor Tricia Gilby continued: “The council is currently in the process of finalising the HS2 Chesterfield Station Masterplan, which will be available later this year for public scrutiny and comment.”

Click here to learn more about the Northern Gateway development and what it means for Chesterfield town centre

Click here to learn more about HS2 in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Local arts festival helps school children to commemorate VE Day anniversary

30th January 2020

Friday 8th May 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) day and to celebrate this historic event, North Wingfield Parish Council have worked with Chesterfield Champions, Dronfield Arts Festival to produce commemorative mugs for students at North Wingfield Primary and Nursery School.

Every child at the school will receive a mug as a way to help connect them to the past and as a memento for the future. As well as supporting the history curriculum, it will help the children to understand the importance of remembering significant events from history and to gain an appreciation of what life was like 75 years ago.

As the war in Europe ended and the guns fell silent, millions of people took to the streets to celebrate peace and remember the enormous courage and sacrifice of those who were lost. This year’s local celebrations will be the perfect opportunity to get the children involved in a whole range of events designed to commemorate and celebrate Britain’s finest hour and the arrival of peace in Europe.

The Parish Council sourced the mugs from Dronfield Arts Festival, who are working alongside Dronfield Town Council to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day in Dronfield and District, as part of the national celebrations organised by SSAFA.

The Festival will be delivering a programme of 1940s themed events in Dronfield throughout the bank holiday weekend from Friday 8th May until Sunday 10th May 2020. A donation will be made to SSAFA the Armed Forces charity from proceeds made during the weekend.

If you would like to find out more about how to support and celebrate this historic event, Dronfield Arts Festival have a range of official VE Day merchandise that can be personalised to mark this momentous occasion and which you can purchase online at https://www.dronfieldartsfestival.co.uk/

If you would like to get involved, you can find out how you can be part of the official national VE Day celebrations at https://www.veday75.org/

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

Liza Bakes to open new bakery and store

29th January 2020

Chesterfield Champion, Liza Bakes has recently relocated to Clay Cross, occupying the space of the old Orwins Butchery Shop on Main Street. The bakery and retail store officially opens this weekend (Saturday 1st February)

Phyllis Bown and her team have been producing cakes in Derbyshire since 2014 for a range of clients from local businesses and farm shops to the general public requiring special celebration cakes.

The new bakery will produce a range of cakes, tray bakes, drip cakes, cupcakes and handmade biscuits, utilising as many locally sourced ingredients possible. It will of course also be the new home of your favourite signature baked goods, including the infamous and “Great Taste Award Winning” gluten free orange polenta cake, fruit & ale cake, chocolate beer cake, Victoria sandwich and carrot cake to name a few. The expansion allows development of the business,including a room for gluten free products for the ever growing gluten free market.

Phyllis Bown, Owner of Liza Bakes said “This ideal Clay Cross location will provide more room for the team to flex their uniquely creative take on fresh baked goods as they continue to push the boundaries of baking.”

The new location will also be the home to a cake shop. The glass fronted shop, has been painstakingly remodeled as a Victorian cake shop and named affectionately Harriet’s Couture after Phyllis’ Grandmother, who not only taught Phyllis to bake, but who also inspired her to develop her own range of signature bakes. Harriet’s Couture will be selling Liza Bakes Cakes alongside an extensive range of their decorated wedding and celebration cakes.

The official opening of the bakery and retail store takes place on Saturday 1^st February 2020 from 9.45 am – 3.00 pm, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am to officially open the bakery.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield museum celebrates inspirational local women

25th January 2020

Chesterfield Museum is celebrating the lives of local women who have made a significant contribution to their communities and the country overall.

The extraordinary women exhibition runs to 28 March, and features the lives of many inspirational women, including political campaigners such as Emma Miller and Barbara Castle, and the story of suffragette Winifred Jones.

Visitors can also learn about Florence Robinson, who ensured that Robinsons had some of the best working conditions and work social facilities in Derbyshire. The exhibition also explores the story of Violet Markham, social welfare, educational reformer and political pioneer, who became the first female Mayor of Chesterfield.

The exhibition also includes the story of the ladies’ football tournament – which took place during the First World War – possibly the first of its kind to be played anywhere in Britain.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member town centres and visitor economy, said: “It is important that we continue to remember the stories of our local heroes and we’re encouraging as many of you as possible to come down and learn about the lives of these local women who have helped shape our communities in to the way we know them today.”

“We hope that anyone visiting this exhibition regardless of their age, gender or background will be inspired by the achievements of these extraordinary women.”

The exhibition is open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm. The museum is free to enter, however donations are welcomed.

Click here to see more events in Chesterfield

Click here for our Half Term in Chesterfield Guide

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield going for gold after being named as Britain in Bloom finalist

24th January 2020

Chesterfield has been named as a finalist in the RHS’s nationwide gardening competition, Britain in Bloom.

Following the success at the East Midland’s in Bloom awards over the past four years, Chesterfield Borough Council and local residents will now put their horticultural skills to the test as they prepare to battle it out on a national level in the small city category of Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) competition.

Britain in Bloom is the UK’s longest running gardening competition. It provides a regional and nationwide platform for community groups to brighten up their town or city. Finalists are put forward to the national final based on their progress regionally and will be scored by a team of RHS national judges in summer this year.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Britain in Bloom is such a great campaign and we are delighted to have been selected as finalists this year. It shows just how well we have done on a regional level in the last few years.”

“As a council we are committed to improving the local environment and projects such as this really do help. It’s also great to see that the bloom projects and competitions in Chesterfield bring a variety of people together throughout the year, so being selected as a finalist is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together once again and show Chesterfield at its best.”

Judges will visit some the borough’s parks and green spaces on Friday 7 August, including main sponsor, Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, before the winners are announced later in the year.

More information on Britain in Bloom can be found here.

Click here to find out more about the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2020

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Headline sponsor of Sparkle Night Walk aims to reach £1m raised for Ashgate Hospicecare

21st January 2020

Local company M Markovitz Ltd have been confirmed as headline partners for the Sparkle Night Walk for the fourth year running, as they aim to surpass £1 million raised for Ashgate Hospicecare.

Savannah Redhead, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare said: “The 2019 Sparkle Night Walk set new records with over 3,000 walkers taking part. Collectively over the years, the event has raised more than £700,000 for patients and their families across North Derbyshire and we are hoping that 2020 will raise over £300,000. This would take the total amount raised over the last four years to £1,000,000! ”

“The ongoing support Markovitz provides means that the money people raise on the night goes directly to caring for patients in their own homes and at the hospice. We are aiming for another record sell-out event when it returns on Saturday 11 July 2020 with an improved route and additional capacity for more walkers – and the support of Markovitz has been integral to that growth.”

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “What an amazing four years it has been for the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk and Ashgate Hospicecare’s Events Team. The event continues to beat all expectations and raise phenomenal amounts for the hospice each year, something we couldn’t have done without the support of David Hopkins and Markovitz.”

“We can’t put into words how grateful everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare is for the amazing support and kindness all those involved have continued to show. The Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk has made an enormous contribution to the hospice and difference to the care that patients and their families across North Derbyshire have been able to receive.”

“It means a huge amount to all of us at Ashgate to have had your support at our flagship event over the past four years.”

David Hopkins, CEO of Markovitz, said: “2020 will be our 4th year as proud sponsors of the Sparkle Night Walk. Thanks to the thousands of local people who year after year support this fantastic event, in this short time over £700,000 has been collected. Hopefully this year will see us smash through the £1million.”

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to all those supporting the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk. With everyone’s help we must ensure that Ashgate Hospicecare remains able to support those in need at the most difficult of times.”

Ashgate Hospicecare encourage any local business who might consider supporting with this fantastic event to get in touch with our team at Ashgate Hospicecare. If you or your business would like to sponsor Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event in 2020 and make a huge difference to the lives of local people, please get in touch with Ali at alison.ward-foster@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk before the end of February 2020.

Registration for the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk 2020 on Saturday 11th July is now open. If you register before 14^th April you will receive our Early Bird Discount, reducing entry to JUST £10 per person.

Click here to find out more and to book your place at the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk

Click here to find out ore about Ashgate Hospicecare

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Proposals for new cycle routes in Derbyshire approved

17th January 2020

Proposals to implement a key cycle network throughout Derbyshire have been approved by Derbyshire County Council cabinet members.

The Derbyshire Cycle Plan launched in early 2016 set out aspirations to create the most connected and integrated county for cycling in the country.

In 2017, the Cabinet agreed to the development of a key cycle network for the county identifying the most important routes for commuting, leisure and tourism which included both established and new routes.

Now a revised network of routes has been approved following a 12-week public consultation period which gave Derbyshire residents the opportunity to have their say on the proposals offering amendments and recommendations.

Please click below links to view the PDF documents (opens in new window).

Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Simon Spencer, said: “These plans show our ambition to cement Derbyshire as a world class cycling destination for everyone.”

“The council has recently pledged to tackle climate change with our carbon reduction manifesto which includes supporting and promoting the development of low carbon travel and more environmentally friendly modes of transport.”

“Establishing a key cycle network will make a significant contribution to this pledge offering quality routes for low carbon travel which are safe and enjoyable to use for both residents and visitors to the county.”

There are 127 sections of the network that have been prioritised for investment which have been grouped in short, medium and long term categories.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Work to begin on Chesterfield’s new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

14th January 2020

Work is set to begin on the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre on part of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.

Chesterfield Borough Council has appointed local contractor Robert Woodhead Ltd to build the new development for businesses, with work to begin in Spring 2020.

This appointment follows an extensive procurement process undertaken by Chesterfield Borough Council in which Robert Woodhead Ltd has proved successful amidst a highly competitive field of design and build contractors. The good response by the construction market to this opportunity indicates there is a high level of interest for schemes in Chesterfield.

The new building will provide 32 high-quality offices in a range of sizes (26 to 120 square metres) over three floors. It offers a shared reception and lobby area, meeting rooms, first floor break out area, bicycle store, shower and changing facilities, air conditioning throughout, lift access, internal bin store, kitchenettes on the first and second floor for use by occupants, individually metered power supplies, access control to all office doors, CCTV coverage to internal communal areas and external area. IT fibre connection into building with maximum speed multi bandwith and Wifi is provided throughout.

Businesses moving in to the new facility will benefit from its central location, being in easy access to the town centre, Chesterfield train station, local buses and there being car parking nearby, and will benefit from having access to business support.

The development is estimated to take 12 months to build, so will be open for business in early 2021. Those interested in occupying one of the spaces should use the contact details below to discuss options available.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “The new centre will allow those based there to have access to in-house support services to encourage and nurture start-up and early stage businesses in a wide variety of industry sectors.

“The contractor appointed is based in the East Midlands, and as with all our contractors we will work with them in the support of the local labour clause promoting the use of a local supply chain and the employment of local people.

“The council declared a climate emergency in Chesterfield last year so being environmentally friendly in our forthcoming building projects is essential.

“This building has been deliberately designed to reduce its demand for energy and related carbon emissions. Through this design we are looking to achieve a 39.11% reduction in carbon omissions and 41.28% reduction in annual energy consumption when compared with a standard building.

“The combination of building fabric design and efficient building energy management systems will help us to achieve these targets. To demonstrate the sustainability credentials of this building we aim to achieve a BREEAM – New Construction Rating of Excellent.

“The location of the building in the town centre also ensures it benefits from proximity to a range of public transport services. The building will provide shower and changing facilities for those occupants who cycle or travel to work on foot. A building travel plan will also help promote more environmentally sustainable forms of transport to those using the building.

“The new centre will be the third managed workspace in the council’s portfolio, and we are seeking to build on the success of our well let Tapton and Dunston Innovation Centres.”

Leo Woodhead, Business Development Director at Woodhead Group, said: “Woodhead Group is delighted to be taking part in this exciting opportunity collaborating with Chesterfield Borough Council.”

“Our partnership will allow Woodhead Group to grow and develop our business within the local community.”

The centre will be developed on the same area that the archaeological dig took place last year, with hoarding going up around the site over the next few weeks. It has benefited from grant funding support from the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund.

To find out more about your business being based in the Enterprise Centre call either Claire Cunningham or Hannah Ramsdale on 01246 345255 or email hannah.ramsdale@chesterfield.gov.uk or claire.cunningham@chesterfield.gov.uk .

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Young people to have their say about how they influence county council decisions

13th January 2020

Children and young people are set to be asked for their views on the best way for Derbyshire County Council to involve and consult with them on decisions that they make.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet is to consider a proposal at its meeting on Thursday 16 January 2020 to carry out a consultation about changing the Derbyshire Youth Council (DYC) for more representative arrangements to increase the number of young people taking part in local democracy.

The DYC was set up in 2002 and has 36 members aged 11 to 19 voted into office by children and young people through the ‘Big Vote’ process every two years.

As well as hosting the DYC we also support a variety of other opportunities to encourage youth democracy including Locality Youth Forums, the Children in Care Council, School Councils, the Care Leavers’ Council and countywide locality youth forums.

An independent review of these groups carried out in 2018 identified that they were all valued by young people, but that a significant proportion of available staff time and resources was devoted to the DYC which in comparison only benefited a relatively small number of young people.

The Cabinet will consider a recommendation to carry out ‘The Big Consultation’ on a proposal for the DYC to be disbanded and replaced with a strategic network developed around the current School Council and other structures.

If Cabinet agrees to approve the consultation it would run for 12 weeks from Friday 24 January 2020 to Friday 17 April 2020 and gather views from:

children and young people
schools
voluntary organisations
youth service providers
councillors
children’s services managers and staff

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People, said: “We are committed to involving young people in our decision-making processes for a variety of reasons including the opportunities for them to learn about democracy and to help us plan services and make the best use of our resources by listening to what they have to say.”

“Young people have told us that the DYC is a great way to discuss relevant issues and make a difference, but they also raised concerns that it was not always representative and only allowed for a small number of young people to be involved and benefit from the experience.”

“That’s why we’re asking Cabinet to consider approving a consultation around a proposal which would focus resources on supporting opportunities young people think would enable and encourage more of them to get involved in local democracy and influence our decision-making process.”

Representatives from the DYC and some schools took part in an initial consultation to help shape the consultation options. The feedback was that it was ‘great to be part of the DYC’ but it was only available for a few young people and funding should be used to enable more young people to be involved in council decisions and that existing groups could be developed using technology to improve communication and connections between them.

And the issues young people were most interested in included:

the council’s long-term plans and how it is meeting its environmental responsibilities
how budgets are spent
the quality of schools and services
equality and diversity

Current DYC members were due to end their two-year term in office in March 2020 but that would be extended for a further year while proposals for possible future arrangements were considered.

Derbyshire county council are committed to involving young people in local democracy and decision-making and this is supported by legislation including the Children Act 1989, the Education Act 2002 and the Health and Social Care Act 2001.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire County Cricket Club apppoints Head of Talent Pathway

10th January 2020

Daryn Smit has been appointed Derbyshire County Cricket Club‘s new Head of Talent Pathway, with the aim of enhancing the number of local home-grown players progressing into the first team.

The 35-year-old will oversee players developing within the Cricket Derbyshire Academy in partnership with The University of Derby, working closely with the Derbyshire Cricket Board and local clubs.

Smit will now transition into his off-field role, bringing his 16-year playing career to an end after making his last appearance for the club at Finals Day.

He already has experience working with developing players, having captained the Second XI side which saw Fynn Hudson-Prentice break through in 2019.

Head of Cricket, Dave Houghton said: “Daryn is a tremendous young coach and he has shown great leadership qualities throughout his work with the Second XI.”

“With this appointment, there will be more emphasis on the Academy and the long-term goal of developing local players to play professional cricket for Derbyshire.”

Smit added: “My goal was always to go into coaching and this is a brilliant opportunity for me, at this stage in my career. To finish playing now to take this role is a small sacrifice to make.”

“I have had a long and enjoyable playing career, the club have been brilliant to me, so this is a chance for me to give back to them and the youngsters that are coming through our pathway.”

Smit will now be tasked with increasing the number of Academy graduates playing professional cricket for Derbyshire and, potentially, England.

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