Visiting

First births registered at new Chesterfield Register Office

19th November 2018

Chesterfield Register Office has moved from New Beetwell Street into Chesterfield Town Hall and has welcomed the first families to register the births of their babies.

The new venue offers improved facilities for those who use the Register Office, and will offer a greater choice of rooms for weddings and civil partnerships. The new office is also much larger and includes separate waiting areas for people who are registering a birth to those who are registering a death.

There are several rooms of different sizes to choose from for weddings, civil partnerships, renewal of vows and naming ceremonies all of which are newly refurbished. And there are attractive areas inside and outside for photographs.

Families are well catered for with a parent and baby room, and all the accommodation is on one level.

Councillor Carol Hart, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, , said:

“The register office has been in New Beetwell Street for over 40 years but wasn’t giving us the opportunity to offer the sort of services we want to.”

“Our new office is in the Town Hall, and will be a much better place to visit to register a birth or death, celebrate getting married or a civil partnership.”

The new register office gives more space for the historic registers containing entries of all the births, deaths and marriages in Derbyshire since 1837.

The Register Office opening hours remain the same, Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm. The contact numbers have changed to: 01629 533110, 01629 533111 or 01629 53112.

Two new mums, their babies and Councillor Carol Hart outside Chesterfield Town Hall.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Redbrik Half targets further growth after official launch

16th November 2018

Organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon are targeting further growth after announcing that entries have opened into the 2019 edition, with an Early Bird price available until January.

Event directors, charity partners and sponsors gathered at Chesterfield’s Market Hall to launch the 2019 event following its huge expansion in 2018, when around 1,500 people signed up to take part – an increase from 800 the previous year.

Entry until 31 January is priced at £22, with the regular price of £28 applying after that date. Runners can also enter the Five Mile Run which takes place at the same time for just £18.

Organisers have set sights on a 2,000-runner total for the 2019 event, with more than 200 people having already signed up following the success of last month’s Half Marathon.

Leading estate agency Redbrik will be 2019 title sponsor for year three of its five-year partnership deal, and Ashgate Hospicecare will once again be the events main charity partner with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice also an event charity partner.

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We were really pleased with this year’s event. The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is an amazing group of people coming together to make something special happen in the town of Chesterfield.”

“Without all our partners, the event would not happen. The growth that we saw from last year to this year was incredible – let’s hope we can keep doing that, that’s the challenge that we’re setting ourselves.”

“Let’s keep building – we want to get to 3,000, even 4,000 runners, and through our partners I think we’re able to do that. The people of Chesterfield have been amazing in supporting the event – it’s so important to have their support. With their support, anything is possible.”

Mark Ross, Director of the event’s headline sponsor, Redbrik, said: “Being involved in the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is fantastic for us as a business. It gives us the opportunity to give back to the town and help further enhance the wellbeing culture which everybody is looking to promote.”

“We’re huge advocates of Chesterfield, we want to promote what’s here and it’s a brilliant place to live and work. To have an event which is expanding, as the Half Marathon has done, is so crucial for the area.”

“It’s also a great opportunity to raise funds and awareness for brilliant local causes such as Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, charities which do so much for people across the region.”

For more information on the 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon or to sign up click here.

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

Spireites raise funds for Royal British Legion

13th November 2018

Over £3,000 has been handed over to the Royal British Legion, thanks to the generosity of Chesterfield supporters.

A total of £2,807.40 was raised from the sale of Chesterfield FC poppy badges while a bucket collection at Saturday’s game against Billericay Town generated £562.57.

Chesterfield Director & Company Secretary Ashley Carson said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who made a donation, either by purchasing a badge or putting some money in a collection bucket.”

“We are delighted to be able to support the Royal British Legion in this way and we will definitely be talking to them about repeating this fundraising initiative next year.”

The Royal British Legion helps members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families all year round. They also campaign to improve their lives, organise the Poppy Appeal and remember the fallen.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Get into the festive mood at Chesterfield Christmas lights event

12th November 2018

Residents and visitors can experience the magic of Chesterfield Borough Council’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event on Sunday 18 November.

The event begins from noon with fairground rides and an indoor and outdoor market with stalls offering the opportunity to buy Christmas presents for loved ones. Chesterfield Market Café will also be open within Chesterfield Market Hall.

Youngsters can meet Paddington Bear will in Rykneld Square outside Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre at noon to 12.30pm, 1pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 3.30pm.

Santa will also be in residence in Chesterfield Market Hall, on the mezzanine level overlooking the Market Café. Children can meet Santa from 11am to 3.30pm. A visit to Santa will cost £4.50 and each child will receive a present.

The Christmas lights stage show will get underway at 3.30pm with Peak FM providing entertainment.

As well as local acts, stars from Cinderella, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre will perform on stage with the switch-on taking place by Chesterfield’s mayor, pantomime stars and Paddington at 4.45pm.

For more information about Sunday’s event click here.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “Our annual Christmas lights switch-on is a great event for all the family to enjoy with the opportunity to meet Paddington Bear and Santa.”

“We provide the event as part of our commitment to supporting the local economy and as well as the market and Market Hall, many of our town centre shops, cafés and restaurants will also be open on the day.”

Chesterfield borough residents can use their free parking pass to park for free at the following council-run car parks:

Albion Road
Derbyshire Times
Devonshire Street
Durrant Road
Hollis Lane (excluding on-street bays)
Holywell Cross (the ‘Donut’)
Queens Park (North and South)
Spa Lane
Station Road
St Mary’s Gate
Theatre Lane

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

Inspirational speaker to visit Chesterfield as part of a series of free public lectures

12th November 2018

Simon Wheatcroft, storyteller, technologist and adventurer, is the next inspirational speaker to visit Chesterfield as part of Chesterfield College’s Sparks Series of free public lectures. The lectures are designed to inspire people on a range of topics.

The lecture, which will be held at Chesterfield Library Theatre at 2pm on Wednesday 14 November, will highlight how he made the impossible, possible and achieved some truly remarkable things.

Simon lost his sight at the age of 17 but didn’t want that to define what he was capable of achieving for the rest of his life. By cleverly making use of technology, Simon learned not only to navigate everyday life, but also to run outdoors with only a smartphone app and his remaining senses as a guide. Seven months later, he ran his first ever race – an incredible 100 miles long. Since then, he has gone on to compete in ultra-marathons in the Namibian desert.

He now works with leading technology companies, such as IBM and Google, to assist them to develop products which help others to go further than they ever imagined. He has spoken at a range of conferences and events delivering talks on diversity, inclusion and technology drawing on his own achievements, pushing boundaries and motivating others to reimagine what is possible.

Simon Wheatcroft said: “Inspiring people to keep pushing to break physical and mental barriers is really important to me so it is a wonderful that I can be part of the Sparks Series. I know there will be people in the audience who could be the next generation of technology experts or sports scientists. I hope I can give them an insight into how much their passion for a subject and the way that they apply their studies could have such a positive impact on people in the future.”

Tickets for the Sparks Series are free but booking is essential to secure a place. Places can be booked here or by calling 01246 500500.

The third and final lecture in the Sparks Series, Moments That Changed the World, is to be held at Chesterfield College on 12 December 2019 at 4pm when Roma Agrawal a structural engineer who builds BIG and is making it her mission to excite future generations about the importance of engineering. More information can be found here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Free conference to help Peak businesses tap the full potential of the ‘Purple Pound’

12th November 2018

Time is fast running out for visitor economy businesses and services to book free places at a one-day conference featuring local and national experts in accessible tourism – now worth an annual £12 billion to the English economy.

The second Derbyshire Access Exchange will be held at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield on Wednesday November 21 to help the area’s business people and service providers make the most of the so-called ‘purple pound’.

Co-ordinated by Access for All UK, the consultancy arm of Accessible Derbyshire and supported by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the main aim is to create an even more accessible destination by:

Sharing best practice and top tips from national experts
Learning about accessibility projects across the Peak District and Derbyshire
Browsing and sampling products to improve accessibility
Finding out how accessibility can boost profits
Promoting and sharing accessibility projects, plans and marketing techniques
Meeting Accessible Derbyshire, the local charity that can help with funding
Improving confidence in welcoming people with access needs
Collaborating, creating new partnerships and celebrating success
Planning future action to improve accessibility

Key speakers will include Ross Calladine, Head of Business Support at national tourist board VisitEngland; Trizia Wells, Inclusion Manager at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum; Dan Smith, Head of Creative Design at Motionspot, offering insights into dementia-friendly design and Felicity and David Brown, owners of Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington, who will share their advice and expertise on how to create accessible holiday accommodation.

The event will be held from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and a complimentary two-course lunch and refreshments are included. During the afternoon, there will be a series of workshop sessions, during which delegates will have the chance to experience the wide range of accessible facilities and services that are on the market.

“National research by VisitBritain reveals that one in five people in the UK have an impairment that might affect where they choose to stay and visit, and that domestic and international visitors spend more than £3.5 billion on overnight tourism trips in England each year,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

“It also reveals that visitors from this market are more likely to take longer trips, are generally very loyal to destinations that meet their needs, and also that an extra £117 million a year could be generated from additional business if accessibility were improved.”

“So not only is improving accessibility important to improve people’s overall experience, it’s obviously very good for business. We’re very pleased to support this event, which we hope will further enhance the Peak District and Derbyshire’s excellent reputation in this fast expanding field.”

Gillian Scotford, of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire, added: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local businesses and services to learn more about how they can better appreciate and meet the needs of the 13 million people with disabilities in the UK – ranging from hearing, vision and mobility impairment to autism, learning difficulties and dementia.”

“Last year’s event got things off to a great start. We are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is able to support it for a second time, and also to offer extra funding this year to enable us to offer four training days plus free audits, training and support to 30 small businesses in nine market towns. Their practical and financial commitment to helping to make life easier for people with disabilities is much appreciated.”

“We hope as many people as possible will sign up for what promises to be an enjoyable, interesting and very positive day, and will then take advantage of the follow-up training and support that will be available in the New Year.”

Tickets for Derbyshire Access Exchange can now be booked here.

Gillian Scotford (left) and Jane Cooper of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire

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

Chesterfield remembers the fallen 100 years on

9th November 2018

Chesterfield residents have the opportunity to pause and remember those who have died in battle on the 100^th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

The annual service of remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, Sunday 11 November, will take place at 2.30pm at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’. Everyone is welcome to attend but residents are advised to be seated by 2pm as the church becomes very full.

The service will remember all those killed in the First World War and subsequent conflicts.

The service will be followed by a parade from the church, through Burlington Street, High Street, Glumangate onto Rose Hill allowing those taking part to see the poppy displays in the town centre.

Residents and visitors are welcome to watch the parade which will include Chesterfield’s Mayor, Mayoress and other local dignitaries.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial from approximately 3.30pm with the poppy cascade featuring 16,000 poppies donated by people from across the world as a backdrop.

To mark the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the First World War, the Chesterfield branch of the Old Contemptibles will lay a wreath directly after the Lord-Lieutenant, who lays a wreath on behalf of the Queen.

Find more information on the service and parade here.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The remembrance services are a culmination of months of activity to mark the 100^th anniversary of the end of the First World War.”

“Everyone is welcome to attend and mark the sacrifice made by people in the war and subsequent conflicts.”

People can also attend an eleventh hour service at the Crooked Spire church on Sunday 11 November at 11am – the time of the 100^th anniversary of the armistice.

Staveley Town Council will hold an event in Staveley at 11am on Sunday 11 November at the war memorial. More information here.

Brimington Parish Council will hold a parade and service in Brimington at 3pm.

Chesterfield Museum will also open on the day from 10am to 3pm to allow visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the First World War at ‘The Trench Experience’ exhibition. There will also be a talk on the Sherwood Foresters from Chesterfield who lost their lives in the First World War.

To see more information on events in the borough to mark the anniversary, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Champion launches Toy Appeal to brighten children’s ward this Christmas

8th November 2018

As we enter the Christmas holiday season, Chesterfield Champion Jones & Co Independent Financial Advice is asking local businesses and residents to ‘spare a toy and share some joy’ and support them in their Christmas Toy Appeal. All gifts received will be donated to the Nightingale Ward of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The Nightingale Ward is a dedicated paediatric ward which offers acute medical care to all children and young people aged from 1 day old, up to their 17th birthday.

Every year, many children spend their Christmas on the Nightingale Ward. At such a special time of year, Jones & Co Independent Financial Advice would like to bring some additional Christmas cheer to these children and their families.

Adviser Donna Robertson said: “Helping our local children is a cause very close to our hearts and we thought this is the perfect opportunity to give back!”

Donations can be dropped off at the Jones & Co office, 27 Glumangate, Chesterfield S40 1TX. Gifts can be donated up to the 14th of December, allowing plenty of time for Santa to deliver the gifts to the children on the ward. Please note, all gifts must be new and unwrapped.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Visiting

Groups invited to apply now for Action Grants

7th November 2018

Community groups, clubs and charities are being invited to apply now for the next round of Derbyshire County Council’s Action Grants.

Action Grants totalling more than £210,000 have been awarded to 112 groups across Derbyshire in the first round of our scheme which we launched in May 2018. A full list of those who have benefitted can be found here.

Applications from the second round, which closed in September 2018, are currently being considered and the third round is open now inviting applications up to 31 December 2018.

From the £1.5 million fund there are 2,000 small grants of up to £500, a number of grants worth up to £5,000, and for schemes which can be shown to offer long-term benefits for local people and promote two or more of the Action Grant themes, potential grants of £10,000.

Successful applicants so far were able to show they promoted one or more of the four Action Grant themes or a combination;

Youth activity – Including setting up youth clubs, organising activities for young people, projects to help young people gain new skills or schemes to help them deal with mental health issues.

Community activity – Such as setting up new community groups, organising a local event or starting a community project.

Physical activity and sport – Money for schemes to encourage residents of all ages to take part in physical activities, keep fit and stay healthy – or which encourage people to get active if they’re not already.

Community safety – Grants for projects to reduce crime and the fear of crime including raising awareness about scams and rogue trading, schemes to tackle anti-social behaviour and initiatives to help residents keep themselves safe.

Successful applicants in the first round of Action Grants included:

Friendship and social clubs
Brownie, Scout, Guide and Cadet groups
Sports clubs
Fitness classes
Youth activities and support for young people
Baby and toddler groups
Specialist support schemes
New community initiatives
Music and arts groups
Gardening and environmental projects

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “If you’re involved with a community group, club or charity in Derbyshire and would benefit from a cash boost our next round of Action Grant applications is now open and I’d urge you to apply.”

“There are many groups which do amazing work to provide opportunities for residents in their communities and we’re keen to support them. An Action Grant could be just the helping hand they need to do even more to provide lasting benefits for residents across the county.”

“As the list of groups which successfully applied for one of our grants in the first round shows, we’re happy to consider any activity for Action Grant funding which can show a benefit for residents and their local community – anything from family fit sessions and school holiday clubs to schemes which tackle domestic abuse and support mental health.”

“We’ve made the process as simple as possible with a short form to fill in and a quick decision process. Dozens of groups are already benefiting from their Action Grants and we’re encouraging others to get their applications in before the next deadline.”

The deadline for the current round of Action Grant applications is 31 December 2018. Groups which apply should hear if they have been successful within 4 weeks of the deadline. More rounds will follow next year until the scheme ends in May 2020.

Click here to apply or for further information on applications.

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

Enter a land of make-believe at Chatsworth this Christmas

7th November 2018

All who enter Chatsworth this Christmas will find themselves transported into a world of make-believe as it presents ‘Once Upon a Time’; a selection of favourite stories to enchant young and old alike.

Scenes from classic tales are woven throughout the Chatsworth House to create a storybook world guaranteed to set imaginations running wild this Christmas season, running from November 10 to January 6.

Arthur the dragon guards the overgrown North Entrance and those who creep past him to the grand rooms beyond will find themselves surrounded by scenes from family favourites.

From Snow White in the Sculpture Gallery and Cinderella in the Chapel to more recent classics like James and the Giant Peach and Charlotte’s Web, the house has never before been host to such an array of popular characters.

Storytellers with the air of the Pied Piper will roam the rooms and corridors to enchant visitors with mystical tales as they explore the magical land of make-believe. For younger visitors, a free family trail will be available at the entrance with a friendly baby dragon to spot en route.

It wouldn’t be Christmas at Chatsworth without a huge helping of dressed Christmas trees along the route, and don’t miss the mirrors on the wall for the perfect photo opportunity. There will costumes to try on for those who want to get into character too. As an enchanting end to the route, snowball decorations swirl around The Snowman in the Vestibule and snowflake lights glitter in the pale glow of the Sculpture Gallery.

Once again, the creative team at Chatsworth has produced a Christmas experience that draws on the talents of the staff from across the estate to make costumes, props and sets as well as painting, decorating, printing and staging with lighting, sounds and scents.

The Christmas route winds its way through the ground, lower floors and guest apartments on the upper floor. A timed ticketing system will be in operation, with visitors encouraged to book online in advance to secure their preferred time slot and take advantage of free parking.

The popular Chatsworth Christmas market will be running from 16 November to 4 December. With over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, it’s a great way to start the festive season.

Entrance to ‘Once Upon a Time’ is included with Christmas admission. Christmas tickets include the house, garden and farmyard are priced at £25 per adult; £15 per child and £69 per family (2 adults, 3 children).

Also at Chatsworth this Christmas, take part in the Traditional Christmas Decorations Workshop on the 9th or 13th December, where using natural materials from the Chatsworth Estate, you will make some special decorations to take home for Christmas or give as a gift.

You can also join the Christmas Willow Workshop on the 12th December where you weave your own willow angels, stars and wreaths to decorate your home or garden this Christmas, led by basket maker Maggie Cooper on the 12th December.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

New pub to open in Chesterfield

5th November 2018

The newest addition to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene will open in November.

Formerly known as The White Swan, The Pig and Pump will be a traditional pub serving a large range of real ales, traditional ciders, a craft offering and home cooked locally sourced food. The venue also plans to showcase live bands from around the country every Saturday night.

Multi site owners Tom O’Neill and Kate Simpson secured the venue in October and are currently in the process of a full refurbishment. Once open the venue will create 20 new jobs.

General Managers Ash & Danielle Sheppard said “We are excited to push the venue to the next level and bring our experience and passion for real ale, quality food & live music to make the Pig & Pump a huge success!”

The grand opening takes place on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th November with live music from the Jake Henry Trio on the Friday and Andy Bennett, formally of Ocean Colour Scene on the Saturday.

This news follows the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards being announced last week. The awards which were in their 6th year celebrate the flourishing food an drink scene in the town. Check out this years winners at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards.

Posted in Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting