Visiting

Top restaurant revealed at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

1st November 2018

Less than two years after opening, Bottle and Thyme has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the town’s 2018 Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Based on Knifesmithgate in Chesterfield town centre, Bottle and Thyme was one of 13 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals to scoop an accolade across 15 categories.

Now in its sixth year, the awards ceremony recognises the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector. Once again held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building, the awards ceremony was hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who explained: “I was delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Since opening in December 2016, Bottle and Thyme has made a big impression on the town’s food and drink scene. Last year, it took home the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service, in the 2017 Food and Drink Awards.

Hannah Grainger, Owner of Bottle and Thyme said: “It feels incredible to win Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year. We were so happy to win the two awards last year and, this year, we are ecstatic to win this – it means so much. We try to use as many local suppliers as we can and always try and make our menu seasonal to change it up; keeping things exciting.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Once again the awards have been a tremendous success and reflection of a thriving sector in Chesterfield. The awards – in terms of nominations, businesses and guests, increase year on year, and 2018 was no exception. They epitomise everything that is great about the Chesterfield hospitality scene – great food, drink and partnerships between both the business community and education sector.”

This year, the awards saw the introduction of two new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year, recognising the contribution that apprenticeships make to the hospitality industry.

Corey Elliott, an apprentice chef at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant was named as the Apprentice of the Year, while Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House was named as the Apprentice Employer of the Year. Stephenson’s’ owners, Claire and Sam Wood had cause for double celebration on the night after being named as the Café/Tea Room of the Year.

Chatsworth Road-based Junction Bar was also a double winner on the night scooping the awards for Pub/Bar of the Year and Best Customer Service.

More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are also a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students, who prepared and served a two-course menu at the event.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “I am delighted that the role of apprenticeships in the industry was celebrated for the first time this year, alongside the achievements of the Young Chef of the Year finalists.

“We are training the next generation of catering and hospitality experts both in our classrooms and working with employers through apprenticeships, so it is fantastic to be able to inspire them by helping to showcase successful businesses in the sector.

“I am very proud of our catering and hospitality staff and students who have worked hard to prepare and serve an amazing meal for guests, which highlights the quality of their work and their professional approach.”

Lesley Waters added: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

To see all of the winners of the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Supporters of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Juxta-Post Media, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Reflections, Steve Faulkner and Winster Foods.

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

Bonfire returns to Stand Road Fireworks Display

1st November 2018

Residents and visitors are set to enjoy a sparkling night of entertainment when Chesterfield Borough Council’s Bonfire and Firework Display takes place on Sunday 4 November.

The popular annual event will take place at Stand Road Park and this year will include a bonfire which will be lit by members of Chesterfield’s Ex-Servicemen’s Association as part of a programme of events to mark the 100^th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

The main attraction of the night will be the traditional fireworks display set to music, which will include a rendition of I Vow To Thee My Country by the Central Band of the Royal British Legion, alongside the normal current and past chart songs.

Doors to the event open at 4pm for visitors to enjoy the fun fair rides and a wide range of food stalls, including a pie and pea stall run by the Market Café which will offer pies, cakes, crisps, coffee, tea and soft drinks.

The event will also see:

The Peak FM stage show, featuring breakfast show presenters Ricky and Becky, from 5.30pm
The bonfire being lit by members of the Ex-Servicemen’s Association at 6pm
Live stage performances between 6pm and 7pm by Ben Haenow, who won the X-Factor in 2014; Four of Diamonds, who were X-Factor finalists in in 2016; and singer Amir
The fireworks display set to music from 7pm

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The fireworks display is always one of the most popular events that we put on but this year we hope it will be even more special.

“We are organising a lot of events in Chesterfield over the next month to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the end of the First World War so thought it would be a good idea to also have a memorial bonfire at this event.

“After the event the ashes from the bonfire will be collected in a memorial container and will then go on display in the Mayor’s Parlour at Chesterfield Town Hall.

“So I would encourage everyone to come down to Stand Road Park on Sunday 4 November to enjoy a great night’s entertainment.”

Entry costs £2 per person, with under 5s free. Exact money is needed as no change can be given. Residents are encouraged to arrive at the event as early as possible to avoid congestion at the entrance gates.

The Bonfire and Fireworks Display is one of a series of community events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of its commitment to help make Chesterfield a thriving borough and to improve the quality of life for local people.

Find out more about the Chesterfield Fireworks Extravaganza

More Bonfire Night ideas in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Patient donates lifetime of artwork to raise funds for Ashgate Hospicecare

31st October 2018

Ashoka Sen, from Holymoorside, who is a Day Hospice patient at Ashgate Hospicecare in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, has decided to donate her lifetime of artwork to raise funds for the Hospice. These intricate and vibrant paintings, prints and merchandise will initially be sold in the Hospice shop and at the Hospice’s Christmas Market on Saturday 17^th November 2018.

Ashoka has a life-limiting illness which means that her health is declining day to day. Her right arm does not work as well as it used to, and so she cannot paint large paintings as she once did. However, she still enjoys doing smaller drawings when she comes into the Day Hospice each week.

Ashoka said, “It means a lot to me that the legacy of my artwork will live on. I’m not very well now and I was very concerned that my paintings would just sit in my house and not go anywhere as my son doesn’t have the space for all of them. It’s wonderful to know that other people will be able to enjoy my work for years to come and that the Hospice will be able to raise lots of money and help more patients.”

Ashoka is a self-taught artist who was born in India, but she has lived on the edge of the Peak District for over 40 years. Many of her paintings are inspired by nature and the beauty of her surroundings in Derbyshire.

Sanjoy Sen, Ashoka’s son, said, “We’re very pleased to be able to donate the artwork to raise funds for the Hospice. We’re going to be staying in touch with the staff at the Hospice to ensure that more merchandise such as prints, cards, gift wrap, mugs and bags can be made from my mother’s works. I’m looking forward seeing how much we can help to raise and to keep it going year on year.”

Ami Brunyee, Activities Coordinator at the Day Hospice, said, “It’s clear that Ashoka is a very skilled, passionate and creative artist who produces absolutely spectacular things and it’s great that we’ll be able to sell her paintings at the Hospice on her behalf. I’ve already bought an original – a beautiful painting of a tiger leaning over a tree branch that reminds me of my daughter when she was a baby. It’s so nice having a painting with a story; one that was created by a patient. I also think people will appreciate the text that accompanies each picture about Ashoka’s inspiration for it. It’s definitely going to fly off the shelves!”

To buy Ashoka’s artwork and merchandise, you can come to Ashgate Hospicecare, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, you can come along to Ashgate Hospicecare’s Christmas Market on Saturday 17th November – click here for more information. To see more about Ashoka and her artwork, you can visit her website at www.ashokasen.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Visiting

Chesterfield prepares for First World War centenary

30th October 2018

Chesterfield will mark the sacrifice of servicemen and women in a series of events to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

All the events have been organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in conjunction with the Royal British Legion and Chesterfield Combined Ex Services Association.

A cascade of poppies will be fixed to the balcony of Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill, on the weekend of Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 November.

An appeal for knitted and crocheted poppies earlier this year saw more than three times the target of 15,000 provided by Chesterfield residents and people from all over the world to be used in making the cascade.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of knitted and crocheted poppies we have received for our poppy cascade – thanks to everyone who has provided them.

“This will be in place until after the remembrance service on 11 November and will provide a fitting backdrop for the commemorations.

“The remaining poppies are cascaded from the balcony of Chesterfield Market Hall and displayed in shops in the town centre so will provide a colourful trail through the whole town that we hope will attract a lot of visitors.”

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can also see what life was like for a soldier on the Western Front in the exhibition The Trench Experience.

The exhibition in the museum’s art gallery is open until 12 January. The museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

Chesterfield’s mayor, Councillor Stuart Brittain will also lay a wreath at every war memorial across the borough beginning in Staveley on Thursday 1 November.

The mayor will also plant a tree in Shentall Gardens to mark the anniversary on Tuesday 6 November at 2pm. Residents are invited to attend the tree planting and a short service of remembrance.

The civic remembrance service will take place as usual at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the Crooked Spire, on Sunday 11 November at 2.30pm followed by the wreath laying at the war memorial, Rose Hill.

Find out more about remembrance events in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Derbyshire showcased to Chinese delegates

26th October 2018

Derbyshire’s tourism links with China have been strengthened further with a formal agreement signed by Derbyshire County Council Leader Barry Lewis and delegates from Anhui Province.

The agreement to work together to boost tourism, improve visitor experience and further develop links between the two areas was signed during a tourism conference held at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield.

It follows a visit to China in November 2017 when our officials met Li Guoying, Governor of East China’s Anhui province to agree to work more closely on shared interests.

Environmental, economic, education and healthcare were also discussed during the visit which included a tour to our Markham Vale flagship regeneration site and state-of-the-art Meadow View Community Care Centre in Darley Dale.

From sampling a famous Bakewell Pudding to exploring Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House – visitors got a taste of what Derbyshire has to offer. The Chinese delegation included representatives from the country’s tourist and business industries.

Councillor Lewis said:”This was a fantastic opportunity to meet with Chinese delegates to further strengthen links between the two areas and showcase what Derbyshire has to offer and learn about Anhui Province.”

“It has been great to share the delights of the Peak District and Derbyshire with the delegation as tourism is an important part of our local economy. The population of the province is about 60 million people, a growing number of whom love to travel so we hope to welcome many more visitors in the future.”

The visit was hosted by Anhui Province with support from Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire and Derbyshire County Council. It was a chance for the delegation to promote the beautiful places to visit in China outside the usual tourist hotspots.

Tourism’s value to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy exceeded all expectations in 2017 – rising by 6% to £2.15 billion.

Annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million, an increase of more than 1.3%, while the number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by the visitor economy is up by almost 2.5% at 28,630.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis (right) helps show Mr Yang Guangrong, Vice-Governor, Anhui Provincial Government and visitors around Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.

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

2019 Membership packages announced for Derbyshire County Cricket Club

24th October 2018

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has announced its Membership prices and categories for the 2019 season.

Club Membership, which offers entry to all regular season home cricket in 2019, will include a host of new benefits, giving Members more from their Membership. As well as over 40 days of cricket, Members will receive some great benefits including four free guest passes, free entry at selected four-day matches at Leicestershire, free visits to Uttoxeter Racecourse and the exclusive use of the Pattonair Lounge.

Members can again save £20 by purchasing before our 1st February Early Bird deadline, with Club Membership only £159. The price for Junior Membership and the popular Six Pack Ticket, meanwhile, have been frozen. Also, those who recruit a new Member through the Ambassador Initiative can still claim £50 cash back by introducing someone new to the Club.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “We continually review our Membership packages and we’re pleased to be able to offer our Members more in 2019.”

“We’ve worked hard to create a Membership that, as well as entry to every home regular season Derbyshire match, offers some great new benefits – many of which were hand-picked by our Members.”

“We have also listened to feedback from our Members and will be offering the Pattonair Lounge as an exclusive facility for them and will monitor the impact on sales and service.”

“Membership is the best price way to watch Derbyshire – working out as less than £4 per day – and is still one of the best value Memberships in county cricket.”

“The support from our Members play a vital part not only on matchdays, but also helping the Club continue our investment on the field.”

“It’s an exciting time as we welcome Dave Houghton back as our new Head of Cricket. He impressed us with his vision for the future as we build a squad capable of competing for silverware.”

“Membership at Derbyshire represents great value and we hope our new-look packages will encourage Members old and new to be part of the Club in 2019.”

Membership can be purchased online at derbyshireccc.com, by calling 01332 388 101 or in person at The 3aaa County Ground.

Membership Prices	Early Bird	Full Price
2019 season	Until 31st Jan	From 1st Feb
Club Membership	£159	£179
Junior Membership	£20	£20
Age 16-21/Student	£55	£55
Pattonair Executive Club	£495	£525
Pattonair Executive Club & Partner	£725	£749
Six Pack Ticket	£76	£76
Car Park Pass	£65	£65

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Success for second Redbrik Half after event enjoys huge growth

23rd October 2018

Organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon have declared the 2018 event a huge success after a four-figure turnout – with registration into the 2019 event open at a special early bird price.

Around 1,500 people registered for the event across its three elements – the 13.1 mile Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and 1km Blachford Fun Run.

Gary Gregory was the first to finish in a new Redbrik Half record of 1:14:58. The fastest female was Nicola Holland in a time of 1:26:26.

The fastest male in the Peak FM Five Mile Run was John Sanderson in 0:29:19, with Cath Lee close behind as the fastest female in 0:39:40.

Meanwhile, Jacob Jones was the fastest boy in the Blachford Fun Run and Elizabeth Medd was the fastest girl.

More than 10 organisations also took part in the first Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a group entry into the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon which includes registration into each of the event’s three elements.

The event helped raise thousands for good causes across the region, including the event’s charity partners – Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and North Aston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice.

Leading estate agency Redbrik was the headline sponsor the event for the second year of its five-year partnership deal.

John Timms, event director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We were incredibly happy with this year’s turnout to the event, which was a huge success, and even happier that the sun decided to keep shining after ‘testing’ conditions in 2017!

“I’d like to personally congratulate everyone who took part, volunteered or contributed to making the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon a huge success once more.

“I’d also like to highlight the fantastic work of more than 200 volunteers, who gave up their free time to help keep everything running smoothly and assist runners and the general public. Without them, this event would not have enjoyed this level of success.

“I also want to thank anyone who was affected by the road disruptions across Chesterfield for their understanding throughout the day.

“Most importantly, however, the money raised by this event will go a long way to helping good causes like Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, which do so much fantastic work in the local community.”

Mark Ross, director at headline sponsor Redbrik, said: “I took part in the event myself for the second time and I though I may be biased in saying this, it was by far the best Chesterfield Half Marathon yet!

“We’re incredibly proud to play a big role in the event, and I’m thrilled to see that so many people turned out to support it.

“It’s great that so much was raised by the event for good causes too, which is what the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is all about. So many people will have such incredible stories to tell.

“After we’ve all had a hard-earned rest, all eyes will now turn to 2019, and with entries open already and special discounts for those who took part this year, we’re already incredibly excited to see where this event can go next.”

Find out more about the Chesterfield Half Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New festive event launched for Chesterfield

22nd October 2018

The Street Food and Craft Market is a brand new event taking place in the market square in Chesterfield this Christmas.

The Event has been curated by Edge Events who are also the organisers of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival and Street Food and Grooves Festival.

A spokesperson for Edge Events said “We are passionate about supporting local traders and celebrating the wide range of food, drink and craft producers that Chesterfield has to offer. By organising the Street Food and Craft Market the Edge Events Team hope to bring the public back to Chesterfield’s town centre therefore increasing the revenue for not only the traders that have a stall at the market but for other companies and shops in the surrounding area.”

“The Edge Events Team would really like to welcome people from far and wide to celebrate at this festive event. We really hope that by you supporting this event it can grow into a fantastic annual festive celebration that everyone can enjoy!”

The market place will be in full swing with local traders selling a variety of crafts, jewellery, Christmas decorations, furniture, books, toys and many other items for that unique gift for Christmas!

There will also be a choice of hot and cold street food such as gourmet turkey sandwiches, venison arancini, beef bourguignon and Neopolitan pizza which you can wash down with a festive mulled wine, cider or even an artisan gin.

The event will run across four days from the 14th until the 17th Dec and will be open from 9am until 4pm on all four days.

Discover more about events happening in Chesterfield this Christmas.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Visiting

Celebrity Chef Chesterfield-bound for town’s Food and Drink Awards

22nd October 2018

The celebrity chef Lesley Waters will be arriving in Chesterfield on Wednesday 31 October to host the town’s sixth annual Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Well known for her regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, Lesley Waters will announce the winners of 15 categories including Chesterfield’s Food Hero at the sell-out event.

Lesley said: “I am delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Once again, the awards ceremony, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building, will be used as a learning experience for Chesterfield College’s catering and hospitality students, who both cook and serve a two-course meal on the night to more than 250 people.

Lesley commented: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

35 businesses and individuals are shortlisted in the 2018 awards, with 12 businesses taking part for the first time and 13 hoping to retain their titles from 2017. This year, the awards also see the introduction of two new categories recognising the vital role apprentices and their employers play in the Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Bottle & Thyme

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant

Qoozies

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

The Fox & Goose Inn

The Market Pub

The Rectory

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Chesterfield Arms

Junction Bar

Rose & Crown, Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Ciuri Ciuri

The Crafty Dog

Pump & Grind

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme

Junction Bar

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Devonshire, Upper Langwith

Kathmandu Ghurka, Clay Cross

The Three Horse Shoes, Clay Cross

The Tickled Trout, Barlow

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41

Einstein’s

Nonnas

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters

Mason’s Coffee Lounge

The Soulville Steakhouse

Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year – presented by the Mayor of Chesterfield

Casa Hotel

Proact Stadium

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Winster Foods

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Cup and Saucer

Original Recipes

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons

Ashley-Darrah Pienaar

Callum Taylor

Kye Homiak

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

Ben Forster – Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Corey Elliott – The Lilypad Café & Restaurant

Courtney Slater – Katey’s Coffee Shop

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

The Rectory

Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House

Van Dyk

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group, Peak FM, and Reflections.

For more information about the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

From Kenya to Chesterfield: Charlie returns to defend half marathon title

19th October 2018

A Sheffield-based physiotherapist who ‘got the running bug’ after a half marathon in Kenya is up for the challenge of defending his Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon title when the event returns for its second outing this Sunday (21 October). Read our event guide including everything you need to know about the route, road closures and the event.

Totley Athletics Club’s Charlie Baker, who was born in Devon but moved to Sheffield three years ago, will join more than 1,400 others at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Last year’s Redbrik Half Marathon was Charlie’s first victory over the 13.1-mile distance – and though he would love to successfully defend his title, the physiotherapist is ‘fully expecting’ fast runners to turn out after the event’s huge growth over the past 12 months.

Charlie said: “I would love to win again and I’m up for the challenge, but I fully expect some faster runners to turn up.”

“I imagine a few will have seen the winning time from last year and fancy a bit of the glory so I’d be happy with a PB.”

“I’ve been getting out more on the fells after joining Totley AC this year, I’ve been running more miles a week than ever and my legs haven’t fallen off – so who knows!”

Charlie, who works for Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and was born and raised in Brixham, Devon, started running seriously while at Sheffield Hallam University. However, after a couple of years away from running, he was then invited by a friend to train in Kenya.

“I was more interested in football as a child but always liked cross country,” said Charlie.

“My dad enjoyed jogging and I went to support him after he ran a half marathon just months after a quadruple heart bypass.

“Chesterfield was my seventh half marathon, having run the Sheffield Half Marathon four times, plus the Torbay Half and Exeter Half Marathon.

“But I properly started getting the running bug when a friend of mine invited me to train out in Kenya and I ran the Lewa Safari Park Marathon. After surviving the half marathon and the lions, I’ve trained almost daily and fitting it in around my work whenever I can.

“I enjoyed Chesterfield mainly because I’ve never had a timing car and an encouraging steward in front of me, telling me I’m far out in the lead. There were enough twists and turns in the course to stop it getting monotonous and it was unique to run out on the A-road.

“My main memory of winning was a feeling of surprise because I never expected to win a half marathon. I half expected to trip up and twist my ankle on my way into Queens Park instead of crossing the line!”

Charlie will be hitting Chesterfield’s streets along with more than 1,400 runners this Sunday. To get involved with marshalling the event, which is set to become one of the region’s largest mass-participation events.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New retailer on the way to Chesterfield town centre

18th October 2018

The Entertainer has announced it will be opening a store in Chesterfield.

The ambitious toy retailer has a vision that every childhood should be filled with wonder and its mission is to be the best-loved toy shop.

The grand opening of The Entertainer’s Chesterfield store, which will be on Packers Row, is expected to take place on the 10th November at 9.00.

The opening day event is going to have character visits, live demos and lots of toys! There will also be a competition with the first twenty families through the door having the chance to pick a gift card at random where they could win up to £100.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said “It is great that The Entertainer will be opening a new store in Chesterfield.

“It joins Chesterfield’s existing mix of independent and high street retailers, bars, restaurants and historic market, which are key reasons why so many people, locally and nationally, visit the town each year.”

This latest investment follows the recent opening of Sorbo Lounge in the former Post Office and the redevelopment of the Co-op store, which will include a new Premier Inn.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield

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