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Spireites quartet joins Jeff Stelling on charity walk

10th March 2016

A Spireites quartet will join Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling on a walk in aid of Prostate Cancer UK later this month.

Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner, media chief Nick Johnson, Kevin Fitzgerald (head of commercial & marketing) and former player Bob Newton will walk with Jeff from Rotherham United’s New York Stadium to the Proact Stadium on Thursday, March 24.

Jeff, who hosts the popular Soccer Saturday show, will walk from Hartlepool United to Wembley between March 21-30.

Clocking in at more than 250 miles, Jeff’s Men United March will see the 60-year-old check in on 31 football clubs.

Jeff said: “I deal in statistics – but the ones we are dealing with here are shocking. One man dies every hour from this disease, that’s six in the course of Soccer Saturday every week. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and for black men the odds are even worse at one in four.

“Within the next ten years Prostate Cancer UK believes they will find the answers to make this disease something men and their loved ones no longer fear. I’ve met the scientists who pledge to do this and I can see how dedicated they are. But do to this we need to raise vital funds – and I need everyone to support me and all the men affected by prostate cancer by visiting menunitedmarch.org and pledging their support.”

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/Chesterfield-FC

(Image courtesy of Tina Jenner)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Squad named for England Under 17s

7th March 2016

The England Under 17s squad has been named by head coach Steve Cooper for this month’s Euro Elite Qualifying Round, which includes a game at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium.

With Ukraine, Turkey and Finland providing the opposition, the Young Lions will have home advantage for the mini-tournament too.

If Cooper’s side can finish top of the group, they will qualify for this summer’s Euro Finals in Azerbaijan in May, whilst even the second-placed team could progress depending on how the other Elite Round groups finish across Europe.

A number of the group who emerged from the First Qualifying Round in top spot last October, beating San Marino and Armenia before drawing with hosts Portugal, are involved again.

England go into the game on the back of three matches at the Algarve Tournament, where they drew with Germany and Portugal before ending with a 2-0 reverse against the Dutch.

England kick off their games against Turkey at the Proact Stadium at 7pm on Thursday, March 24.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jared Thompson (Chelsea), Adam Parkes (Southampton)

Defenders: Japhet Tanganga (Tottenham Hotspur), Edward Francis (Manchester City), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Tolaji Bola (Arsenal), Jaden Brown (Tottenham Hotspur), Dujon Sterling (Chelsea), Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)

Midfielders: Marcus McGuane (Arsenal), Andre Dozzell (Ipswich Town), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Dennis Adeniran (Fulham)

Forwards: Reiss Nelson (Arsenal), Samuel Shasoua (Tottenham Hotspur), Martell Taylor-Crossdale (Chelsea), Ben Morris (Ipswich Town), Jonathan Leko (West Bromwich Albion)

Tickets for all England games are just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions (U16s/OAPs). For the game at Chesterfield, they can be purchased from the Proact Stadium ticket office or by emailing tickets@chesterfield-fc.co.uk. Discounts are available for group bookings and Charter Standard schools/clubs.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Air Ambulance official charity for Chatsworth International Horse Trials

4th March 2016

Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance has once again been named as the official charity this year for The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials taking place this May.

DLRAA provides a vital rapid response helicopter service and attends over 1000 life-saving missions a year, each at a cost of £1,700. With no government funding, the service relies entirely on donations to keep the service flying.

Following the success of its presence at last year’s event, it is hoped the continuing partnership will help to raise further awareness of the important work carried out by the service every day and support the ongoing fundraising campaigns.

Sophie Burt, Senior Fundraising Manager for DLRAA, said: “Every horse rider knows the importance of the air ambulance service and we are absolutely delighted to be supported for a second time by the Horse Trials. Last year was a huge success for our air ambulance service, and we hope to make this year even better. As we receive no government funding, partnerships like these are vital to make sure our lifesaving service can keep flying.”

Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson & Horrell, said: “The air ambulance plays a crucial role in ensuring that the very best medical care is on hand at the Horse Trials as well as providing this essential service to the local community. We are delighted to be able to support their work and look forward to meeting the team on hand at Chatsworth in May”.

Three thousand pounds was raised by DLRAA over the weekend last year. This year the charity will once again run a fundraising stall and other activities across the site. They will also be supported over the weekend by Dodson & Horrell who will be fundraising for the charity on their stand.

DLRAA will also be promoting its new out of hours service at this year’s event – which will enable them to carry out even more life-saving missions – with one of the service’s Skoda cars on display.

The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials combines three days of world class sporting competition with a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Visitors are also welcome to browse the shopping village with 100 high quality trade stands.

Tickets for the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials start at £10 for adults and £4.50 for children aged five and over.

For more information on the Dodson & Horrell International Horse Trials, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Last chance to nominate in the Chesterfield Retail Awards

29th February 2016

Don’t let your favourite retailer go unnoticed. Time is running out to nominate your favourite shop or store in the town in the third annual Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Nominations for the popular awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield, close on Sunday 6 March 2016.

Retailers, including the best national high street stores and owner managed shops can be nominated across 14 different categories, with the winners being announced at an award ceremony held on 25 May 2016 at the town’s Winding Wheel.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, is urging shoppers to vote now. He said: “The closing date for nominations ties in brilliantly with the run up to Mother’s Day, the same date nominations close – 6th March. While you’re out shopping for your mum, if a Chesterfield retailer gives you outstanding service, has a fantastic choice of gifts, or even both, then make sure you nominate.

“The Retail Awards are great for business recognition, but also an opportunity for us to say thank you to the many people who work in the sector and help keep retail thriving in Chesterfield.”

Last year’s winner of the coveted Retail of the Year Award and Market Trader of the Year, Nick Ibbotson, owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, added: “It was amazing to win two awards and particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award.”

To nominate your favourite retailer before Sunday 6 March 2016, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards/nominate/

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

Green space in Brampton set to be transformed

29th February 2016

Residents in Brampton will soon enjoy an enhanced green space at Chester St Park thanks to a share of a £1.5m funding pot received from central Government.

Social enterprise Monkey Park – Brampton’s new cafe, artisan bakery, bicycle workshop and co-working space – has been awarded a £14,000 grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government ‘Pocket Parks’ programme to improve the green space opposite the centre.

Chester St Park is one of more than 80 unloved and neglected urban spaces across the country which will be transformed into green oases for everyone to use.

Working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council, the team at Monkey Park will use their funding to build a new riverside walkway with benches and a new entrance to the park, allowing people to walk along the Holme Brook and enjoy the natural green space threading through the heart of the community.

The project will support volunteers in their efforts to improve the river by providing flower bulbs and trees for planting, and will also fund an art and nature event which takes place in May.

Looking towards the future, the grant will also enable a sustainability plan to be produced, helping to ensure the park continues to improve over time.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “The news that Monkey Park has received Government funding to create a pocket park is great for local residents.

“This will allow them have more access to nature, to take part in a wider range of activities in the park as well as make improvements to improve the look and feel of the park.”

The team at Monkey Park will work in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the work before the end of March 2016.

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

Young Lions heading to the Proact

19th February 2016

England Under 17s will be in action at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium next month.

The Young Lions will have home advantage for the UEFA Elite Qualifying Round in Chesterfield, Burton and Leek as they target a spot at this summer’s Euro Finals.

Steve Cooper’s squad will take on Ukraine, Turkey and Finland knowing that finishing top of their four-team group will see them progress to the Finals in Azerbaijan in May.

And a second-place finish could also be good enough depending on how the other qualifying groups progress next month.

Tickets for all three home games are now on sale and first up for England is Turkey at the Proact Stadium at 7pm on Thursday, March 24.

England’s U17s head coach, Steve Cooper, said: “The recent Algarve tournament gave the players the chance to play against some top opposition and we’re really looking forward to what will be another three important games for us.

“To host the Elite round on home turf is always exciting and to get round the country and give young England fans the opportunity to see some of our players on home soil is really important. This year it falls during the Easter holidays, and hopefully the local fans can come out and support the team.”

Tickets for all England games cost just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions (U16s/OAPs) and are available through each venue. Further details regarding ticket sales will be announced soon.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

National recognition for Brampton Brewery

19th February 2016

Brampton Brewery has enjoyed success at the prestigious CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival which runs from 17th – 20th February, 2016.

The firm won a bronze medal for its Brampton Mild in the Old Ales & Strong Milds category – one of just 4 categories from which the ultimate National Champion Winter Ale is chosen.

Brampton’s Chris Radford was understandably delighted with the award.

He said:- “This festival recognises the finest ales the UK has to offer in this growing sector of the market, and to think that at Brampton we produce beers that stand alongside some of the biggest, best and most respected beers in the whole country is quite humbling”.

Brampton Brewery’s achievement should not be underestimated – the UK can now boast over 1,400 breweries regularly producing in excess of 9,000 different real ales. A renaissance has occurred in recent years and particularly in the field of outstanding dark, malty, rich and roasted beers perfect for those colder months of the year.

Such huge variety means that it has never been a more difficult time to judge the best of these beers. Only a select number of real ales make it to the Finals which fall into the 4 categories of Old Ales/Strong Milds, Porters, Stouts and Barley Wines, with the competition beginning at grass roots level right across Britain soon after the previous year’s finals have taken place.

Brampton Brewery was resurrected in October 2007 by a small group of local enthusiasts, bringing brewing back to Brampton for the first time in 52 years.

Image shows Brampton Head Brewer Chris Radford receiving the Bronze Medal for Brampton Mild from CAMRA National Chairman Colin Valentine.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Nearly £3.5m raised for Macmillan Cancer Support‎

16th February 2016

An impressive sum of money totalling almost £3.5m has been raised in support of Macmillan Cancer Support over the past year – thanks to the efforts of kind-hearted local people.

One of the latest developments for the charity, to which some of the money will go towards, is the new state-of-the-art Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre which will bring together vital treatment, care and support in one purpose-built facility – providing joined up services closer to home.

Macmillan has committed £2.5 million to help build the new centre at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Building work began at the end of last year and the centre is due to open in autumn 2016.

Gini Smith, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Derbyshire said:-

“Because of all your help, in 2015 Macmillan was able to commit £3,429,658 in Derbyshire helping to support the 41,248 people living with or beyond cancer locally. That means there are now around 40 Macmillan professionals working in Derbyshire.

“I just want to say a personal thank you to everyone who hosted or attended coffee mornings, volunteered their time, took part in challenge events, braved the shave, went sober for October, put a pound in a collection box, or held their own events to raise money for Macmillan.”

Speaking about the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre, Sheree Hall, Macmillan lead cancer nurse at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, said:-

“Our facilities were built almost thirty years ago when we had neither the number of patients nor the vast array of treatment options. Currently, patients have to visit different parts of the hospital for treatment, usually on different days. It will be a dream come true to have all our cancer services under one roof.”

Gini concluded; “Macmillan’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer. By 2030, the number of people living with the disease will have doubled, so it’s a huge task to support each and every one of those in some way.

‘With the support of local fundraisers and volunteers, we can keep funding new cancer centres like the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre and team up with partners like the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to provide the best cancer care possible here in your community. With your help, we can make sure no one in Derbyshire has to face cancer alone.’

If you’re interested in holding or attending a fundraising event, getting involved with a fundraising group or committee, or would like to choose Macmillan as your charity of the year, please contact Gini Smith on 07790 018400 or email gsmith@macmillan.org.uk

Anyone who has questions about cancer can call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00, Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm or by visiting macmillan.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Top Sommelier Offers Italian Wine Specialist Course at Chesterfield College

16th February 2016

Italian wine enthusiasts and those with a professional interest in food and drink will soon be able to learn from wine expert, Michele Muccilli, as he brings his fascinating 12 week British Sommelier Foundation accredited course to Chesterfield College in April.

Michele was born and bred in Puglia, Southern Italy and grew up in the vineyards of the area where food and drink is such an important part of the culture and where his passion for the subject grew. Having moved to the UK he founded the British Sommelier Foundation and also works at Sat Bains, Nottingham, recently voted the best restaurant in the UK. He told us:

“The Italian Wine Specialist course offers something for a wide range of people. Whether you are looking to work with wine within a restaurant or hotel environment or gaining knowledge before going on vineyard holidays, the course will appeal to any wine enthusiast. We’ll be looking at a wide variety of Italian wines, learning how a region’s climate, grape and tannins all go to influence a wine’s taste.

“There’s a huge amount of appreciation for good food, wine and beer in Chesterfield, this course provides those with a keen interest in wine to learn so much more, gain a certificate from the British Sommelier Foundation and perhaps start upon the path of becoming a fully qualified Sommelier.”

The course starts on 4 April from 6pm – 8pm on the Infirmary Road campus of Chesterfield College and will last for 12 weeks. It is a theoretical and practical course that will allow you to learn more about the wines from different regions of Italy and teach you how to pair wine and food for the perfect combination.

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

Peak District and Derbyshire share in tourism spending and jobs boost

12th February 2016

Inspirational marketing campaigns to encourage more visitors to come and stay in the Peak District and Derbyshire have proved almost eight times more effective than expected – generating more than £44.7 million in extra tourism spending and creating more than 830 jobs.

Research by national tourist board VisitEngland reveals that official tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has exceeded Government targets by a huge margin thanks to its major, multi-media marketing push ‘The World Away’ – costing just £600,000 over three years in a public and private sector partnership.

Government-set goals stipulated that the campaigns – which included the area’s first-ever television commercial, advertising billboards, video on demand and on-line, print and social media promotion – should reap a return of investment of £5.8 million and create more than 130 jobs from 2012 to 2015.

But they proved much more appealing than anticipated – mirroring the wider success of VisitEngland’s national campaign, ‘Growing Tourism Locally’, funded by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) – which has generated an extra £1.05 billion in tourism spend and created a record number of 19,490 jobs in the tourism sector across England over the same period.

“To say we are delighted is an understatement,” said Jo Dilley, Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. “‘The World Away’ has punched well above its weight in terms of both return on investment and creating jobs, bringing concrete benefits and hopefully a lasting legacy to the local and regional economy that we can build on throughout 2016 and beyond.”

Lady Cobham CBE, Chairman of VisitEngland’s Advisory Board, added: “It’s fantastic to see the results of the ‘Growing Tourism Locally’ campaign’, which was aimed at driving growth by encouraging Brits to book a short break at home in one of the many wonderful destinations on offer across England. It’s a brilliant result, promoting our beautiful country as a world-class holiday destination.”

The Peak District and Derbyshire was one of 14 English destinations to benefit from a £19.8 million pot of money – part of a total investment of £41.6 million, including contributions from VisitEngland and the private sector – funding campaigns to target specific audiences such as young couples, young couples with pre-school children, older couples and groups.

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

National recognition for Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre

5th February 2016

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre has once again been announced as a finalist in the prestigious England for Excellence Awards.

The centre in Rykneld Square, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council has been shortlisted for a second year in the visitor information provider of the year category.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “Each year we welcome thousands of visitors into Chesterfield to visit attractions including our open-air market, the Crooked Spire and the wider area including the Peak District.

“Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are often the first people visitors to the town will meet and they will go the extra mile to make people feel welcome and make sure they have all the information they need.”

Other nominees in the same category are: Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre, Gloucester Tourist Information Centre, Thanet Visitor Information Service and The Welcome People London.

Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive Officer of VisitBritain and VisitEngland added: “Awards for Excellence finalists exemplify outstanding tourism talent and distinguished businesses throughout England.

“We received over 400 truly impressive applications this year and there’s absolutely no doubt those shortlisted are a representatives of the best in the industry who place delivering an unforgettable experience to visitors in England at the heart of their business operations.

“I’d like to congratulate all finalists and wish them the very best of luck on awards night.”

The England for Excellence Awards 2016 takes place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Tuesday 8 March.

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