Visiting

Retailer commissions Chesterfield artworks

Chesterfield based independent retailer, H&F has teamed up with a number of artists to produce unique artworks of the town.

Louise Peel, Owner of H&F said: “We thought it would be a great idea to produce some artwork to represent Chesterfield in an interesting way. We spoke to two local artists to discuss ideas and landmarks of the town and surrounding area.”

Pete Spowage, a Nottingham based artist, who visits the town’s fleas market every Thursday, has created vibrant canvas pieces using oil, which capture the heart of the town, including Market Square and the Crooked Spire.

Andy Slater, Freelance Illustrator at Reyt Good Illustration has created a number of detailed pencil drawings of the towns landmarks, including Market Square, the Crooked Spire and George Stephenson.

Louise added:”We have had lots of great comments regarding the artwork and it is lovely to explain them to the many tourists that pass through the shop when on daily coach trips. Many of which are from overseas. Recently we had two paintings purchased to send over to our twin town Darmstadt as a gift.”

The artworks are available to purchase from H&F which is located on New Beetwell Street in Chesterfield next to the coach station.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Vicar Lane Joins Forces with The Pilgrim Bandits

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, has announce a partnership with The Pilgrim Bandits, to offer customers the chance to win a stunning chair, upholstered in a replica uniform of Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson MBE, in a charity draw.

The Pilgrim Bandits were established by a small group of Special Forces veterans in 2007 and registered as a charity in 2010, with the sole aim of using their unique training and experience to help and inspire injured personnel to live life to the full.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re proud and excited to be working in partnership with The Pilgrim Bandits for their worthwhile cause. It’s a great opportunity for one lucky person to acquire a totally unique piece of furniture, while showing their support for a charity that helps so many people.”

The chair is worth over £1,000 and tickets are priced at just £5 each, available to be purchased on the  right up until the day of the draw itself all proceeds of the ticket sales will go to the registered charity, The Pilgrim Bandits.

The winner will be drawn at 4.30pm on Sunday 18th August – also the day of Chesterfield MotorFest – and the chair will be presented to the winner, in person, by Ben.

Chesterfield MotorFest is a must-visit for classic car fans, petrol heads and families alike, with over 200 cars on display throughout the town including an American car showcase and supercar experience in Vicar Lane itself, as well as live music and stalls.

To purchase a ticket/tickets for the prize draw visit https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/vicarlanecharitychairdraw

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Adorn Jewellers scoops top award at 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards

Adorn Jewellers has been named as Chesterfield’s favourite retailer. The independent jeweller, which is owned by husband and wife team Laura Jo and Adam Owen, was crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards on Wednesday 19 June.

The multi award-winning jeweller, which is based in The Shambles in Chesterfield town centre, also clinched the title of Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year at the annual awards ceremony held at Casa Hotel.

This is the fifth consecutive year Adorn Jewellers has been recognised at the annual awards, but 2019 is the first year the business has taken the coveted overall title of Retailer of the Year.

Delighted to accept the award, Laura Jo Owen said: “After a winning a number of retail awards over the last five years I am absolutely speechless to win Retailer of the Year. Chesterfield has so many fantastic shops and stores that make for an amazing retail landscape, so to win the top award is unbelievable.”

The Retailer of the Year title sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) was just one of 15 awards presented to 13 businesses, events and individuals at the sixth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony, which was hosted by Peak FM presenter, Craig Bailey.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the awards recognise the very best shops, stores, market stalls and events in the borough. Nominated by shoppers, the winners were all selected by an independent panel of judges as well as Destination Chesterfield assessing the online presence of the businesses.

On the night it was also a double win for Something Special Bridal, based in Old Whittington, which walked away with the Independent Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service titles.

And it wasn’t just businesses recognised for their contribution to Chesterfield’s retail sector; apprentices and events were too.

Apprentice hairdresser Kelly Jaggers (24) from Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty in Hasland was named Retail Apprentice of the Year and Chesterfield’s popular Food and Drink Festival, which is organised by Edge Events, was voted Best Town Centre Event.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Chesterfield Retail Awards recognises some of the town’s most wonderful people and businesses and the 2019 awards ceremony was no exception. The way we shop is changing and Chesterfield’s retailers are adapting to this brilliantly. They are creating fun experiences for customers; providing spaces to meet, socialise and shop; utilising technology to communicate with customers and teaming up with local businesses and initiatives to ensure the town’s retail sector continues to thrive. Congratulations to every shortlisted and winning business and individual. They all play a very important role in Chesterfield’s economy.”

In addition to Adorn Jewellers, Something Special Bridal, Kelly Jaggers and the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival, the winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards included:

Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Adorn Jewellers

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year (Sponsored by Elite Private Education)

Belle Vie

Alysha Bradley, Owner of Belle Vie said: “It feels absolutely amazing to be crowned Hair and Beauty Business of the Year. We care so much about the people in the business, our customers and the contribution we are all making to the community. The next step for the business is to open a disability retreat for adults and children.”

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year (sponsored by In the Works PR)

Dotique

Dorothy Robinson, Owner of Dotique said: “We were delighted to win Best New Store last year so to follow that up with the Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year award in 2019 is just fabulous. I am ecstatic. I am very proud of Chesterfield and so happy to be here.

Home & Gifts Retailer of the Year

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Food & Drink Retailer of the Year

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Nick Ibbotson, Owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, said: “We’re over the moon to win the award particularly as it recognises the quality of our produce. I personally hand select all our produce daily from wholesale farmers and markets and if I wouldn’t eat it, then it’s not good enough for our customers. We’re all about quality.”

Leisure Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Peak FM)

Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Brian Quinney, Owner of Quinney’s Pet Supplies, said: “It feels amazing to be crowned Leisure Retailer of the year. It’s a fantastic reward after two and half years of hard work. We’ve grown massively since we opened, and we hope to continue that growth in the future.”

Market Hall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Arvato)

R P Davidson Cheese Factor

Simon Davidson, Owner of R P Davidson Cheese Factor said: “It’s a great honour for me and my staff to be crowned Market Hall Business of the Year. It’s important that the business continues to evolve. We don’t want more shops, but we definitely want to work with other retailers, and we have sponsored the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival in Queens Park in 2019.”

Market Trader of the Year (Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Roper’s Honey

Helen Roper, Owner of Roper’s Honey said: “It’s really exciting to be crowned Market Trader of the Year. We love the market, the customers and our fellow market traders – it’s like a big family – just like our business and we hope our children will be the future of it.”

Independent Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by Jumble Creative Design)

Something Special Bridal

Tonya Stickley, Owner of Something Special Bridal, said: “I am over the moon to win. It is beyond amazing. It means so much to me and my little boutique to win the awards. It’s a tough environment economically and politically, so it’s great to recognise the independent retailer.”

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by The University of Derby)

The Body Shop

Hannah Richardson, Manager of The Body Shop in Chesterfield said: “We were all completely shocked to hear we’d won. We are a small team of four, who are all committed to delivering the very best service to our loyal customers. We are all so proud to have won the award.”

Excellence in Customer Service (Sponsored by Casa Hotel)

Something Special Bridal

Best Town Centre Event (Sponsored by Spire Radio)

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Laura Ashby, Managing Director of Edge Events, said: “It feels amazing to be local to Chesterfield and to win this award. It’s a fantastic event that is for all members of the family. We’re delighted to win.”

Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Kelly Jaggers (Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty)

She said: “I am so happy and surprised to win the award. It is so nice to be appreciated. I have just completed my Level 2 apprenticeship and now want to do my Level 3. If you want to learn a new skill or trade, an apprenticeship is the best way to do it.”

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

The Therapy Lounge

Carly Smith, Owner of The Therapy Lounge, said: “I’m really pleased that I and the whole team have been recognised for the time and effort we put into our apprentice programme. I am a massive advocate of apprenticeships because I know the benefits that they can bring to a business as well as to the career development of young people.”

Best New Store 2018/2019 (Sponsored by Pavements Shopping Centre)

Astra Designs

Donna Danielle, Owner of Astra Designs said: “It’s a big shock to win but feels absolutely amazing to be named as the Best New Store at the Retail Awards.  There is so much support for business in Chesterfield. The community and customers mean so much to us and help us grow the business, which means my daughter is able to join it next year as an apprentice.”

Further supporters of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, JayRar, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety and Temple Safety.

For more information and images of the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

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

Which are the best Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Businesses?

Businesses that represent the best of the area’s tourism industry are set to be showcased and celebrated in the newly-launched Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

Organised by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, the awards will recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector, which is worth over £2.15 billion, attracts 40.45 million visitors each year and supports over 28,000 jobs.

Nominations are open from 17th June to 4th August 2019, with local businesses encouraged to enter in 11 categories that celebrate different aspects of the visitor economy – from amazing visitor attractions and great accommodation providers to traditional pubs and unique experiences.

Winners from each category will automatically be put forward into the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Supported by the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund, awards include ‘Hotel of the Year’, ‘Self Catering Accommodation of the Year’, ‘Pub of the Year’, ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Experience of the Year’. Others champion ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism’ and ‘Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism’, shining a light on some of the most successful and committed tourism businesses in the area.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts in the autumn. Those shortlisted will be informed in November 2019 and the winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2020.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a celebration of the visitor economy and the people who work across the area’s tourism sector to make it so successful.

“We look forward to honouring all the brilliant local businesses who continuously strive for excellence, ensuring visitors have the most rewarding and memorable experiences when they visit the Peak District and Derbyshire.”

The full list of categories is below:

  • B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Hotel of the Year
  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
  • Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
  • Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • Pub of the Year
  • Experience of the Year
  • New Tourism Business of the Year
  • Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award
  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

For more details on the categories and to enter, please visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/tourism-awards

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are free to enter for current members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. Non-members can enter at a fee of £75 plus VAT per category.

Applications open at 09:00 on 17th June 2019 and close at 23:59 on 4th August 2019. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

St Valentine's Day Luxury Cruise

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

BRM Solicitors to sponsor Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Leading law firm and Chesterfield Champions BRM Solicitors take on naming rights of the popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket after being involved in the annual event since 2013.

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, which returns to the picturesque Queen’s Park on Sunday 14 July, will see Derbyshire play Northamptonshire in four-day first-class cricket, before it rounds-off with the showpiece Twenty20 fixture against Yorkshire in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd.

Jimmy Drew, Commercial Manager at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, said: “It’s great to extend our relationship with BRM Solicitors after they have been involved in the festival for a number of seasons.”

“We’ve had some exciting matches across both formats in recent years, including a memorable Vitality Blast win last summer, and we hope to see more of the same in 2019.”

“The festival is very well supported – less than 30 per cent of tickets remain for the Yorkshire fixture – and by taking on the headline sponsorship, BRM Solicitors’ name and branding will be highly visible across Chesterfield this July.”

Rob Woodhead (right), Executive Director at BRM Solicitors, added: “BRM is delighted to continue its support of the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.”

“Queen’s Park is recognised as one of the best venues to watch cricket in the world and the Derbyshire/Yorkshire T20 Blast, on Saturday the 20 July, is the jewel in the festival’s crown.”

“From BRM’s perspective the opening of our Sheffield office, at Steel City House in 2018, brings added ‘spice’ to the Derbyshire/Yorkshire fixture. When the possibility of becoming the headline sponsor of the Festival arose, it was too good an opportunity to miss!”

Find more information for this summer’s BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket here.

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket Image David Griffin

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

Tree Planted to Celebrate a Year of Success

The Garden Secret Spa located in the grounds of Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa celebrated their 1st Anniversary this week.

A tree planting ceremony within the grounds took place, officiated by the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield accompanied by Becky & Ricky, Peak FM’s Breakfast presenters.

The Luxury Spa has now been open exactly a year and located within the grounds of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa consists of a Vitality Pool, Herbal Sauna, Foot Spas, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Blossom Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers, Relaxation Lounges, 7 treatment rooms and its own Brassiere.

Since opening its doors in June 2018, The Garden Secret Spa has already become established as one of Derbyshire’s newest luxury spas. In August 2018 the Spa was awarded the prestigious 5 Bubble award from the Good Spa Guide, making it the first in Derbyshire to receive this accolade, along with being a finalist for Best Newcomer.

The spa has also increased its facilities and offerings since its opening; In September the Jennifer Young brand was launched offering ‘Beauty Despite Cancer’ treatments and products allowing cancer patients the opportunity to enjoy a full spa experience. A new spa terrace was then built and launched In October, the terrace wraps around the full length of the spa, and allows access to the gardens from the pool hall.

Jemma Whitney, Spa Manager of the Garden Secret Spa said “We have had the most fantastic first year and would truly like to thank everyone that has visited and supported us since our opening. The concept of the spa was all about bringing the award winning gardens of Ringwood Hall into the spa. To be able to celebrate today by adding a stunning Acer into the grounds means we have been able to give back to our original inspiration. We hope that as our spa grows and develops throughout the years, changing through the seasons, that our new tree will also. We are very excited about the future plans for The Garden Secret Spa”

Ringwood Hall 1 year Anniversary

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

CBeebies ‘Waffle’ Star Joins Chesterfield Panto

Chesterfield Theatres have announced that star of CBeebies Waffle the Wonder Dog,  Andrea Valls, will join the cast of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020.

Instantly recognisable to youngsters (and their parents) as ‘Mum’ Jess, in CBeebies heart-warming family comedy show Waffle the Wonder Dog, Andrea will make her pantomime debut this Christmas as Princess Jess.

Andrea has enjoyed great success with BAFTA-nominated Waffle the Wonder Dog which first hit TV screens in Spring 2018. The critically acclaimed show, now in its third series, is broadcast in 30 countries worldwide and has been viewed by over 24 million people on BBC IPlayer alone. The programme which features the talking wonder dog Waffle, voiced by the aptly named Rufus Hound, and which focuses on the newly blended Brooklyn-Bell family was an instant favourite with viewers and critics alike, praised for its sensitive and humorous handling of the everyday issues that affect young children, helping viewers to understand and cope with confusing emotions.

Away from ‘Waffle’ Andrea, who trained at East 15 Acting School, has starred in Jack & Dean of All Trades alongside Jessica Hynes, Valentine’s Night for Sky Arts and is currently writing and developing a digital sketch series.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “With her natural warmth, charm and energy not to mention a fantastic singing voice, Andrea is the perfect choice for our vivacious Princess Jess and if she can handle a talking dog I’m sure our Giant will be no match for her!”

Andrea joins the previously announced star of pop supergroup Steps, Lee Latchford-Evans, who takes the title role of Jack in this year’s spectacular production. Filled to the brim with toe-tapping pop songs, high energy dance routines, laugh-out-loud comedy and breathtaking special effects along with all the well-loved pantomime traditions and plenty of chances to join in the fun, Jack and the Beanstalk has something for all the family this Christmas.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Historic Pub Tour launched in Chesterfield

A new attraction launches in Chesterfield at the end of June. The Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour features 8 of the town centre public houses and the town’s historic sites along the way.

Taking place every Saturday from 12:00 noon, at the Pig And Pump on St Mary’s Gate, (formerly the White Swan), this walking tour takes 4 hours.    

Launching on the 29th of June and running until the end of August, the tour costs just £5 per person, which can be paid in cash to the tour guide on the day as booking is not required.

“I am hoping to attract visitors from far and wide”, said the Tour’s Creator, Shaun Stevenson. “There is a great deal of interesting history behind many of the pubs in Chesterfield, and I want this Tour to be both enlightening and fun”.

A guidebook, which contains much of the historical information, directions and also an observational quiz, is currently being put together, with the help of local historian, Janet Murphy. The guidebook will be available to purchase from the Tourist Information Centre, and at each of the venues from August.

Shaun is hoping to attract local people interested in the history of Chesterfield through the summer and is also marketing the tour to coach companies.

Pig and Pump

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

Chesterfield Museum wins award for the Trench Experience

Chesterfield Museum has won an award for its interactive display which commemorated the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The Trench Experience Exhibition, which ran from 12 October to 19 January at the popular Chesterfield Borough Council run attraction on St Mary’s Gate, received the award for enterprise and innovation at the recent Derbyshire Heritage Awards.

The awards, run by the Derbyshire Museums and Heritage Forum, celebrate the work taking place in museums and heritage organisations across the county.

Part of the museum’s art gallery was transformed into a section of a trench like those on the Western Front in France and Belgium from 1914 to 1918. Sights, sounds and smells were included to give visitors a good idea of a soldier’s life during the conflict.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “I am extremely proud of the hard work carried out by staff and volunteers at the museum to make this possible. It is great to see them recognised by the county for their innovative approach to marking the First World War.”

The exhibition was supported by many local organisations and was funded by Chesterfield Borough Council, a £1,500 grant from Museum Development East Midlands and donations from the many visitors to the Museum over the year.

The Trench Experience exhibition was extremely popular with both local people and visitors. The museum saw a 36 per cent increase in visitors while the exhibition was on show.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. For information on the current exhibitions, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

The Trench Experience

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Vicar Lane reveals community hero in their midst

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is proud to reveal the identity of an as yet, unsung hero who has been working under the cover of darkness to help local charities over the last 18 years.

Ken Harper is the centre’s Night Security Officer and, while undertaking his duties and nightly patrols of the centre, he collects the small denominations of change discarded by shoppers throughout the day, collecting them up to make a monthly donation to charity. Over the past 18 years Ken has donated this ‘loose change’ to charities including Hospices and St. John Ambulance and, most recently to Cancer Research and McMillan Cancer Support.

Each year, for the least 18 years, Ken has collected between £150-£190, donating over £1,000 in total to a variety of local charities, proudly pinning the monthly paying-in slip on the team notice board for all to see.

To explain, Ken says, “I thought this was a good way of helping these charities out. Not only do I collect the coins that have been discarded, but I also receive change that has been saved by the on-site cleaning, security and management teams, who bring it in and add it to the pot – it’s a real team effort. The charities I donate to are worthy causes that are dear to my heart.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said: “For one individual to demonstrate such community spirit over all these years is incredible. Ken is an inspiration to the Vicar Lane team and wider community and we’re proud to have him as a long standing member of our team.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Extensive developments begin at Hotel Van Dyk

An extensive two-million-pound development is well underway at Hotel Van Dyk on Worksop Road, Chesterfield.

An entirely new state-of-the-art hotel is in the process of being built at the venue that will house over fifty new bedrooms, a luxury spa, new restaurant and additional wedding, meeting and conferencing facilities.

The new hotel, which will be located next to the existing building, will see Van Dyk significantly boost the local economy by employing over one hundred new staff in a variety of positions.

The development is set to make Van Dyk the premier location within Chesterfield for accommodation, food and drink, weddings and conferences.

Building work at the site began in March and is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Marc Wildes, Managing Director at Van Dyk, said: “We’re all really excited with how it’s coming together, not long ago it was all just a plan. To see it start to take shape is amazing.”

“I’m so proud to be able to offer a venue like this to the people of Chesterfield, we wanted to put something together that ticked all the boxes. I can’t wait for everyone to see it when it officially opens.”

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