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World-Class Cycling Rolls into Chesterfield

3rd February 2016

Chesterfield will welcome the Aviva Women’s Tour as it arrives in Derbyshire for the first time this June. The world’s top racers head to the county for Stage Three on Friday 17 June 2016.

Building on the success of hosting the Tour of Britain last September, the Aviva Women’s Tour will race from Ashbourne to Chesterfield. It is being billed as the toughest stage of the race.

The stage will race through the heart of the Peak District National Park including Buxton, Chatsworth, Youlgreave and Matlock, before the finish in Chesterfield. The stage also falls on the same weekend as the popular Eroica Britannia family festival in Bakewell, just a short ride from the Stage Three route.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Dean Collins, said:

“We’re delighted to be welcoming the Aviva Women’s Tour to Derbyshire for the first time. Hosting this prestigious sporting event will put Derbyshire on the cycling tourism map, and encourage more people to cycle.

“It will be a great event to watch and we’d expect many visitors to the county to follow the progress of the world’s top women cyclists.”

Cycling fans in the county will also have the chance to catch the action for a second time a day later on Stage Four, which will also pass through Derbyshire on its way from Nottingham to Stoke-on-Trent. Fans in the south of the county will be entertained by a route that skirts Derby between Long Eaton and Swadlincote.

Mick Bennett, Race Director of the Aviva Women’s Tour said:

“We are proud that Derbyshire County Council have decided to host the Aviva Women’s Tour as a part of their ambition to be the most connected cycling county. Stage Three will take the race through the heart of the Peak District National Park, with over 2,000-metres of climbing, making it one of the toughest of this year’s race and a key day for riders with the ambition of winning the Aviva Yellow Jersey.”

Commenting on the route announcement, reigning World Road Race Champion Lizzie Armitstead of the Boels Dolmans team said:

“It’s fantastic news that the Aviva Women’s Tour will continue in 2016. As a British rider it’s a privilege to be able to compete on home roads, the British public have really taken to cycling and you can see that when the race goes through different towns the community really gets behind it.

“I’m excited to see the growth in women’s cycling and I think the Women’s Tour has had a really positive impact on that change.”

Reigning Aviva Women’s Tour champion Lisa Brennauer of the Canyon SRAM team said:

“I’m looking forward to coming back to the Aviva Women’s Tour 2016. The race last year was outstandingly well organised and the amount of people that came to watch and cheer for us was breath-taking. Including some new routes with more climbs and longer stages than before, the tour offers new opportunities and again huge possibilities for thrilling racing. I can’t wait to see all of you again.”

Further news about the detailed routes of Stages Three and Four, including the locations of Strava Queen of the Mountains climbs and the Chain Reaction Cycles Sprints, along with timings will be announced in the coming weeks along with the teams spectators can look forward to seeing in action at the Aviva Women’s Tour.

Images: Aviva Womens Tour Flickr Page

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Rent Charges Frozen for Chesterfield Market

29th January 2016

Rent charges for market traders are to be frozen as part of plans to ensure Chesterfield’s successful historic outdoor market place continues to thrive in the modern shopping world.

Last year Chesterfield Borough Council, which owns and manages the outdoor market, carried out a public consultation as part of a review looking at how the market can continue to draw in shoppers as markets across the country face increased competition from the growth of online shopping and discount stores.

Charges for traders on the general, flea and farmers’ markets are being held at their current levels to support existing traders and help with the recruitment of new traders. Fees for electricity, storage and the promotion of the open market are also being frozen.

Market charges on Chesterfield outdoor market are already cheaper or in line with those at neighbouring markets in the region.

Despite the tough economic climate for markets nationally, Chesterfield market continues to have between 100 and 150 stalls trading on market days.

To increase this further the council has begun work with traders on both short and long term plans to make improvements to the outdoor market.

Specific proposals will be drawn up over the coming months, while work starts on identifying funding to carry out more major redevelopments in the long term that could see the layout changed and improvements made to the stalls area. Some initial short term ideas are to:

· Offer incentives for new traders

· Continue to develop the town centre events programme to increase the number of visitors in the town, with the boost that brings to the markets

· Looking at whether the success of the monthly artisan markets can be followed up by looking at other specialist market events

· Helping the traders make greater use of social media to promote their products

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The market is the heart of our town centre and we all want it to remain that way.

“But all shopping environments have to move with the times to ensure they remain relevant in a world of online shopping and so I am really pleased that the traders have agreed to work with us on both short and long terms plans to achieve that.

“Some of the key issues to address are around footfall around the market place area, the sight lines of individual stalls and weather protection to provide good trading conditions for our traders and their customers.”

Longer term options to reorganise the market place area have been put forward following public consultation that would cost between £900,000 and £3 million, depending on the route taken.

Councillor Serjeant added: “With the funding cuts the council is facing this is not something we can fund at the current time so we plan on working with the traders on options to seek grant funding or work in to our medium to long term financial plans ways of identifying the money required.

“This will enable a viable and affordable plan to be developed that can then be delivered to achieve the on-going improvements the traders and us want to see.”

General markets are held in Chesterfield every Monday, Friday and Saturday and the flea market is each Thursday. A farmers’ market is held on the second Thursday of every month and an artisan market on the last Sunday of each month.

The council also holds car boot sales every Sunday at the Proact Stadium, off Sheffield Road.

–ends—

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

Healthy Food Challenge for Derbyshire County Cricket Club

28th January 2016

Derbyshire County Cricket Club have taken part in a healthy eating team building day at Coughlan’s Cookery School.

The team were split into groups of three where they were competing against each other for the number one spot, being judged on; the taste of the dishes, the skills taught, team ethic and the presentation.

The players made two dishes, a starter and a main course. They cooked pasta from scratch, creating a spinach cannelloni with ricotta and a fresh tomato and herb sauce, poached breast of chicken filled with a mushroom duxelle served on freshly cut ribbons of tagliatelle and a rich Basil Pesto.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club Captain, Wayne Madsen said “This day has been excellent for educating our players, eating healthier is highly important for us”

Master Chef of Great Britain , Simon Lilley said “All of the players embraced the task and rose to the challenge, using their skills they had been taught efficiently to cook a healthy tasty dish. A great bunch of lads. They had a very enjoyable day.”

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

Grade Two Listing for Landmark Sculpture

26th January 2016

A decision to grant grade two listed status to a landmark Chesterfield sculpture has been welcomed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Historic England has decided that the Hepworth sculpture called Rosewall – or Curved Reclining Form – should join 40 other post-war art pieces to be protected.

The sculpture, which is on Future Walk at West Bars, was bought by Chesterfield Borough Council from Royal Mail in 2009 when the artwork was in danger of being sold and moved out of the town.

This was made possible following donations from the Art Fund, Chesterfield Waterside Partnership, Strata Homes, Gladedale (South Yorkshire), David Wilson Homes (North Midlands), Barberry Chesterfield Ltd, Taylor Wimpey plc, and Barratt Homes East Midlands.

Councillor Terry Gilby, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for planning, said: “I have admired this statue since I was a child. It is undoubtedly the most important work of modern public art in the borough, and possibly even in Derbyshire as a whole.

“The fact it has now been listed vindicates the campaign backed by all political parties to keep the sculpture in the town when it was in danger of being sold.

“Through our Per Cent for Art scheme many partners came forward with funding so we were able to ensure it remains something that residents in Chesterfield can enjoy on a daily basis.

“I hope the fact Rosewall is now grade two listed will encourage even more people to visit it.”

Dame Barbara Hepworth’s 2.5 tonne sculpture has been in Chesterfield since being bought in 1963 by the then GPO, now known as Royal Mail. While she made many sculptures Rosewall is one of only four stone carvings Hepworth produced before she died in 1975.

Rosewall forms part of the Chesterfield Art Trail, which showcases public art around the town. Further details can be seen at www.chesterfieldarttrail.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Take Me Out star to judge Mr Heart Throb Event

22nd January 2016

Victoria Elliott from Chesterfield has joined the judging panel to help find Mr Heart Throb 2016 whilst raising vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.

She certainly made an impression with Paddy McGuinness, the host of ITV’s Take Me Out, when she proved she could plank continuously for seven minutes.

Victoria is now set to bring her chatty personality to this annual, fun-filled charity event, taking place at the Proact in Chesterfield on Friday 19th February.

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare says, ‘Events like this really put the fun in fundraising. It’s great to see the community coming together and helping local people by raising funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.’

Victoria is joined on the judging panel by Annette Gibson, Ward Sister at Ashgate Hospicecare, reigning champion Scott Timbrell and Chesterfield Netball Club’s Amy Revell.

Each contestant will be sponsored to take part and the money raised will make a big difference Ashgate Hospicecare. Last year this event raised over £5,000.

The contestant line up includes, Paul Mahmood, Production Director at TM Steels, Chris Maloney, Director of North South Training. Dave Trickett Landscape Gardener who is taking part in memory of his daughter Kimberley who was cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare. Logan Clark and Bus Driver, Rob Hall.

Mr Heart Throb is organised by TM Steels and North South Training with all proceeds going to local charity Ashgate Hospicecare. For more information click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield sports stars share over £1000 of funding

21st January 2016

IAAF World Youth Championships finalist Alicia Barrett is among seven talented sports stars from across the borough of Chesterfield who have shared £1,375 in funding support, thanks to Derbyshire Sport’s business network ICON.

The athletes – including Newbold’s Barrett, who set a UK under-18s 100m record en route to that final in Colombia last July – have received a grant of up to £250 each in their bid to reach the top.

They can use their bursary to help meet travel, equipment, coaching or competition costs and received their cheques at a celebration event held this week at the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Chesterfield.

Each were also handed a leisure pass by the Chesterfield Borough Council, which will further help with their training.

All of the athletes are tipped for further success in their respective sports and have either been selected to compete for Great Britain or a home nation, have won a national championship medal, are part of a recognised national development squad or club academy structure or are a member of the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS).

Others to receive ICON backing include Alicia’s twin sister and fellow athlete Ella Barrett (Newbold), Taekwondo player Aaron Cobley (Chesterfield) and tennis player Bradley Buckland (Brampton).

Also supported through the programme are table tennis player Isobel Ashley (Barrow Hill), squash player Ashley Davies (Chesterfield) and equestrian rider Emily Hedger (a member of Dunston Park Equestrian Club, Chesterfield).

Hayley Lever, Director of Derbyshire Sport ,and Cllr Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, met athletes to hand over their bursaries and leisure passes.

“We’re delighted to once again be backing ICON – and that athletes from our borough continue to benefit,” said Cllr Ludlow.

“Chesterfield Borough Council is proud to be giving dedicated local athletes a deserved helping hand in their bid to achieve at the highest level. We hope the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre facility that has just been built will help in those aims.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is among 10 local authorities across the county who are members of business network ICON, which was set up by Derbyshire Sport as part of the work to create a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympics in Derbyshire.

It is also backed by a number of businesses in the private sector, who contribute an annual membership fee, and this money goes directly to athletes through the bursary scheme.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Plan launched to get more bums on bikes in Derbyshire!

20th January 2016

An ambition for Derbyshire to be the most-connected cycling county has been outlined in the newly-launched ‘Derbyshire Cycling Plan 2016 – 2030’.

Developed by the Derbyshire Cycling Plan strategic group, the aim is to develop a world-class cycling destination with double the number of people cycling regularly by 2030.

It seeks to double the percentage of commuters travelling by bicycle as their main mode of transport, and double the number of children who regularly cycle to school.

It is hoped that greater participation across Derbyshire will result in healthier communities, more visitors, a stronger and more productive economy and a better environment.

Following a consultation process with partners and the wider public, the plan has been developed by the Derbyshire Cycling Plan Strategic Group which is made up of representatives from Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire’s district and borough councils, Derbyshire Sport, the University of Derby, British Cycling, Sustrans, Peak District National Park Authority, and the National Forest Company.

Hayley Lever, Director of Derbyshire Sport, said: “This Cycling Plan demonstrates the commitment to cycling development shared between all partner organisations, from those strategically involved, to the hundreds of individuals and community level groups who have helped to shape it. We are working together to get more people cycling more often, and the future is very exciting.

“We will work together to bring inward investment for identified priorities, through funding and sponsorship, ensuring that we align our work to the government Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.”

The ‘Derbyshire Cycling Plan 2016 – 2030’ is available to download at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan

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

Museum Celebrates Chesterfield’s Black and White Buildings

19th January 2016

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can find out about the history of the town’s black and white buildings in a new exhibition.

The exhibition runs at the popular Chesterfield Borough Council museum celebrates Chesterfield’s black and white buildings from Monday 18 January to Saturday 12 March.

Chesterfield town centre has nearly 50 black and white buildings, most of which were built in the 1920s and 1930s. Knifesmithgate is perhaps the most striking series of black and white buildings in the town. This exhibition explores the story behind them.

On display are objects associated with some of the well know black and white buildings in the town, for example Swallows, John Turner’s, The Co-op and the former Picture House on Holywell Street (now the Winding Wheel).

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Along with the Crooked Spire, the black and white buildings are some of the most iconic around Chesterfield town centre.

“This is a chance for visitors to the museum to find out more about their history and have a go at designing their own black and white buildings.”
The inspiration for the exhibition came from Janet Murphy, who has given many talks on the subject and developed a trail around the town. She has also developed a website www.blackandwhitebuildingsofchesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Coronation Street star to mark opening of Queen’s Park Sports Centre

23rd December 2015

Chesterfield residents will benefit from a range of sport and physical activities for all ages and abilities when the new £11.25 million Queen’s Park Sports Centre opens for the first time.

The Chesterfield Borough Council-run centre will open its doors from Tuesday 5 January and will open from 6.30am Monday to Friday and from 8am on Saturday and Sunday

The official opening will take place on Thursday 7 January, ahead of a community open day for residents at the centre on Saturday 9 January that will feature Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle McDonald in the ITV soap.

Kym will lead a fitness class and meet fans from 10am to 1.30pm before having lunch with some competition winners. Residents will also be able to try out a range of different activities, see demonstrations by local sports groups, try out the new facilities for themselves and sign up for memberships of the new centre.

The centre has been made possible by funding of £6.725 million from Chesterfield Borough Council, £2.5 million from Chesterfield College, as part of a partnership agreement, £2 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Strategic Facilities Fund and £25,000 from England Squash.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “I am proud that we have made this investment in a new state-of-the-art sports centre at a time when many councils are having to make difficult decisions about reducing funding for leisure activities or closing facilities.

“Investment in the health and well-being of residents is a priority for the council because national statistics show the number of people in Chesterfield living healthy and active lifestyles is significantly below the national average.

“Having a brand new town centre sports centre will help us to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take part in sports activities but also to take advantage of the associated facilities, such as the services being provided at the midwifery base.”

Charles Johnston, Sport England’s property director, added: “Having the right sports facilities in the right areas are fundamental in offering more people to take part in sport and leisure activities.

“This is why we have invested National Lottery money in the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre to provide outstanding facilities which will encourage more people to take up sport and ensure they receive a quality experience”

Students of the Chesterfield College Sport and Wellbeing Academy will have use of state of the art training rooms in the centre during the day in term time and will continue to use the sports facilities alongside members of the public as at the previous Queen’s Park Sports Centre.

Stuart Cutforth, Chesterfield College principal said: “We’re delighted that we could invest in this exciting modern health and leisure facility. The partnership approach benefits both local residents and students.

“Our Sport and Wellbeing Academy located in the sports centre means that we can ensure students are able to train in the best facilities. It is wonderful to know that students will be getting this experience in a fully functioning public facility.

“We are training the next generation of sports and leisure experts who will be the ones providing services for local residents in the future.”

The centre will house the only pay and play squash facility in the borough.

Mark Williams, director of participation at England Squash said: “At England Squash, we are really looking forward to working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council to make sure the fantastic new courts are well used.

“It is an exciting time for sport in the town and we are delighted that squash is part of the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre”.

Facilities in the new centre include:

An eight lane main swimming pool with spectator seating
A learner pool with moveable floor and children’s fun water features
An eight court sports hall a viewing area and moveable spectator seating for events
80 station gym
Activity studio with latest features in active technology
Two glass back squash courts with moveable wall for other activity use
Three training rooms
Freedom climbing for fitness and fun
Village changing facilities individual and family cubicles for swimmers and modesty showers
Changing facilities for fitness and dry sports or activities
Café service, vending machines and social space including healthy eating options
Midwifery centre
Free car parking for users of the centre with space for more than 150 cars
Cycle access, and storage shelter
Access to outdoor Games area on Queen’s Park and existing outdoor tennis and bowling facilities.

Care has been taken to make the new centre accessible for all residents including with physical disabilities, including:

Lifts for access between floors
Assisted changing rooms
Group changing
Pool access lift
Graduated steps to the main pool.

There is a range of membership options available at the new sports centre, visit www.queensparksportscentre.co.uk for more details.

The project also features a piece of public art as part of the council’s Percent for Art scheme.

Jump is a sculpture of a time lapse motion of the human figure jumping. The design, manufactured from copper, represents the beauty of movement and the joy of life itself.

Mick Thacker, the artist responsible said: “The theme and form of the piece is inspired by the human body in motion a simple and poetic form reflecting the power, grace and elegance of movement in a static, sculptural form.

“My wish is for the work to inspire and motivate, to stimulate debate and contemplation and to generate interest from all site users now and into the future”.

The existing Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Boythorpe Road will be demolished during 2016 once work to decommission the building is complete.

A public consultation will be held to look at long term options for the future of the site that is in keeping with the neighbouring grade two star listed Queen’s Park.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Peak tourist board backs Accessible Derbyshire

23rd December 2015

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is expanding its leading role in supporting accessible tourism by announcing its support for a Derbyshire charity.

Accessible Derbyshire – which was set up to make life easier for people with disabilities, their families and carers – is to be the tourist board’s first-ever chosen charity throughout 2016.

The charity, set up by Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver, who between them have six children, three of whom have disabilities, will receive support thanks to a link on Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s website to invite donations, a series of sponsored events organised by the tourist board team and efforts to encourage tourist board members to adopt it as their chosen cause.

“This is the first time we have ever selected a charity to support, and we thought Accessible Derbyshire was a highly appropriate choice,” said Jo Dilley, Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

“Not only have we worked with Gillian and Jane on a variety of projects in the past, we were recently only one of just seven destinations to secure a share in national tourist board VisitEngland’s ‘Access for All’ project, aimed at promoting England as a leading destination for accessible tourism.

“Eight of our businesses took part, and are setting a shining example to their peers in making their facilities and services more accessible. We know Gillian and Jane are passionate about their cause, and we share their enthusiasm for improving access across the area for everyone, so we have decided to support their work by raising money for them throughout next year.”

Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver of Accessible Derbyshire added: “We are absolutely thrilled that Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has chosen us as its first-ever charity of the year.

“As we both have children with severe disabilities, we understand at first hand the importance of a friendly and inclusive welcome. If we can all pull together, we can make Derbyshire an even more accessible destination, for the benefit of both visitors and the tourism industry.”

Chatsworth is one of the eight businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire which took part in ‘Access for All’ earlier this year to maximise the potential of the so-called ‘Purple Pound’, now worth more than £12 billion to the national economy.

VisitEngland research reveals that the overnight accessible tourism market is now worth £3 billion per annum to the English economy, with day visits boosting the figure to £12.1 billion. Over the past few years, overnight trips by disabled tourists and their companions have increased by 19 per cent, and their spending is up by a third.

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

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap returns to Pomegranate Theatre

16th December 2015

The legendary Agatha Christie thriller The Mousetrap is to return to The Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield in the spring, following sell-out performances in 2014.

Louise Jameson will star as Mrs Boyle in the record-breaking 60^th anniversary tour. Best known for her long-running roles as Leela, a companion of Tom Baker’s Doctor in Doctor Who, Louise has also played Susan Young in Bergerac¸ Eleanor Glasson in Doc Martin, and Rosa di Marco in EastEnders.

Louise said: “I thought about doing something special for my 65th birthday in 2016. Just how did I get to be 65? The same way The Mousetrap has run for nearly that length of time I suppose, just second by second time has ticked away we’ve both lasted this long, and so we’ll be celebrating together. That’s quite special.”

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been the world’s longest running stage production at its London home since breaking the record in 1958 and recently celebrated its 26,000th performance. The 60th Anniversary – and first ever – UK tour of this beloved murder mystery is approaching 1000 performances and has now been seen by nearly 1 million people, having broken box office records in many of its tour venues.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap comes to the Pomegranate Theatre from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th March. For ticket please visit www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk, call into the box office at Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre or call 01246 345 222.

Images:

The Mousetrap 2016 UK Tour. Courtesy of Hugo Glendinning.
Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen and the cast of The Mousetrap celebrating the 26,000 performance. Courtesy of Dave Wise

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting