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Last Chance to Vote in 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

Time is ticking to nominate your favourite shop or store in Chesterfield. Nominations for the town’s popular retail awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by Learning Unlimited – part of Chesterfield College Group, close on Monday 6 April at midnight. Shoppers can nominate at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

However, if you miss the nomination deadline, shoppers still have one more chance to vote in the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award. Vicar Lane Shopping Centre and Destination Chesterfield want to help find the town’s favourite retailer based on Vicar Lane and Steeplegate in the town centre.

The Vicar Lane Award will be presented by the Centre at the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards being held on on 24 June 2015 at the Winding Wheel.

Voting for the Vicar Lane Award opens on the 2 April until 30 April and can be done in any of the 40 shops and stores in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre or online at www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Manager Sonia Kolomijez said: “Last year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards were a huge success and really got the town talking – shoppers and retailers alike. It made sense to work in partnership with Destination Chesterfield in order to celebrate the best Vicar Lane retailer. It’s easy to vote and I would encourage as many shoppers as possible to take the opportunity to do so and help us find and celebrate their favourite retailer.”

The Vicar Lane Retailer of the Year winner will join winners from across 14 categories in the Chesterfield Retail Awards, which include:

• Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
• Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
• Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
• Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
• Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
• Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
• Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year
• Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)
• Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
• Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
• National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
• Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
• Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
• Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

There is also an additional Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber, which will be announced at the awards ceremony. Other supporters of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include eBusiness works and the Derbyshire Times.

This year, retailers can support their call for nominations by submitting a short 20 second video explaining why shoppers should nominate their business. Videos should be emailed to info@chesterfield.co.uk and will appear on Destination Chesterfield’s website, Facebook page and Twitter.

There are limited sponsorship opportunities still available if you are interested in becoming involved please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Photo shows winners of the 2014 Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Chesterfield Retail Awards 2014, held in the Market Hall Assembly Rooms.

 

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

Proact Sees Increase in Wedding Bookings

A recent wedding fayre at the Proact Stadium has sparked a surge in bookings from couples who want to get married at the home of Chesterfield FC.

Seven couples who attended the fayre have already booked their wedding at the Proact with a number of others set to return to the stadium to discuss plans for the big day.

One prospective bride said:

“My partner and I attended your wedding fayre on Sunday and we were blown away by how amazing the venue is!  You very kindly spent time with us, showing us the various schemes and rooms and describing what can be achieved at the stadium and again, we were blown away.

“Having read your brochure and seeing your wedding package menus, we would very much like to get married at the Proact. It would be ideal for us!”

Paul Watts, Events Manager at the Proact Stadium, has been delighted with the response. He said:

“It was the first wedding fayre staged at the stadium for three years and we were pleased to be able to showcase the superb facilities we have on offer.
“We received many favourable comments from those who attended and we look forward to ensuring that the brides and grooms who get married at the stadium have an unforgettable day!”

CFC weddings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Photo shows the Leengate Legends Lounge at the Proact Stadium, set up for a wedding.)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Barrow Hill to Benefit from £4.5m Facelift

A £4.5m improvement programme has been agreed for the London Boroughs estate at Barrow Hill.

The work, which was approved by Chesterfield Borough Council last week, will include new roads for better access, improved car parking and green spaces and new footpaths and shared courtyards.

The changes follow extensive consultations held in July and November last year to find out would make life better for residents and visitors.

Councillor Jim McManus, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Housing, said: “If you were designing the London Boroughs estate from scratch today there is no way you would build it as it is now.

“At the time the architects would not have foreseen the huge growth of car usage and the issues this creates for parking.

“You would also want to plan the links between roads, including the network of footpaths across the estate, in a much more logical way. At the moment it is a common site to see delivery drivers unable to find the address they are looking for.

“While we cannot change everything we believe that the proposals suggested meet the needs that residents identified in the public consultation process and will improve life in many ways for everyone living on the estate.”

A tender process will take place later this year to appoint a contractor to carry out the work.

The improvement programme is set to begin in January 2016 and should be completed by March 2017.

Further details can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Barrow-Hill-environmental-works-1498.html

The council’s cabinet has also approved plans to start a public consultation later this year to find out what improvements people living on the Holme Hall estate would like to see.

These schemes are the start of a planned programme of improvements for estates across the borough over the coming years.

London Borough estate artist impression

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Visiting

Tickets Selling Well for England v Slovenia

Chesterfield FC has reported high demand for the upcoming England v Slovenia match taking place at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield next Monday.

Coach John Peacock, who guided the Young Lions to Euro success last season, has named an 18-man squad for the Elite Round qualifiers, with games against Norway and Romania also coming up this month.

“Tickets have been selling well with only limited availability now in the HTM Products (West) Stand,” said ticket office manager Karen Wood. “If all tickets for this stand are sold, we will open part of the Karen Child (South) Stand.”

The top two teams in the group will seal a place in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Bulgaria this coming May.

England Under-17s take on their counterparts from Slovenia at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield on Monday, March 23 (kick-off 7pm).  Tickets are available to purchase online via www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/tickets or by calling 01246 488232.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Saltergate Artwork Unveiled

A piece of public artwork recognising Saltergate’s football heritage has been unveiled by Chesterfield Borough Council next to Barratt Homes’ new housing development.

Designed in consultation with Chesterfield FC supporters, the commemorative piece celebrates the football ground which occupied the site for almost 140 years – featuring the inscription ‘Saltergate 1871 – 2010’ as well as Chesterfield FC supporters celebrating a goal.

Known as ‘The Spirit of Saltergate,” the metal sculpture was designed by local artist Melanie Jackson, who also worked on ‘Growth,’ which is now on display at Horns Bridge Roundabout. Its stone base was supplied by locally-based Realstone Ltd in Wingerworth.

A series of 11 bronze plaques have also been produced with images associated with Chesterfield FC.  Each has a QR code allowing people to scan them and watch short videos about the history of the club on their smartphones, with content having been supplied by Chesterfield FC Community Trust from its archives.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Planning said:

“Like many other Chesterfield FC supporters, I have many happy memories of matches at Saltergate and so it is good that this has been reflected in this artwork by Melanie Jackson and the plaques with details of the club’s history.

“I’m pleased current supporters were involved in developing the design for the artwork, which will allow future generations to see where Saltergate football ground stood.”

Peter Whiteley Director at Chesterfield FC Community Trust added: “It was a great idea to include the fans when thinking about commemorating the Club’s former home. I am proud of what the final artwork represents.

“It is also very exciting that there is a multimedia aspect to the piece and it can be a focus for the ongoing heritage work undertaken by the Community Trust.”

The Saltergate artwork is the second in a series of public art funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Barratt Homes following the Growth sculpture at Hornsbridge Island, also designed by Melanie Jackson.

The scheme also saw improvements made to the approach to Chesterfield Railway Station with funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

Saltergate artwork launch group

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Visiting

Derbyshire Pony Trekking Launches New Gallops

A ceremony has been held at Derbyshire Pony Trekking to launch the centre’s new one mile-long Gallops.

Based in Upper Langwith near Chesterfield, the all-weather facility was officially opened by Barlow Hunt Master, Christopher White, who cut the ribbon on horseback, before setting off to give the stretch a try himself, along with hounds in tow.

Owner Jayne Dukelow says the Gallops are already proving popular with visitors:-

“The Gallops are starting to attract an increasing number of customers who struggle to keep their horses fit throughout the wet winters we so often seem to be encountering.  With the surface being made of fine woodchip it is an ideal non-slip surface to ride on, enabling all year round riding.

“There is a niche in the market for riders to be able to bring along their own horses to ride in a safe environment, away from today’s busy traffic. It is also great to be able to let your horse gallop without having to worry if there would be a dog walker or cyclist around the corner which is often encountered on bridleways”.

“Derbyshire Pony Trekking is already bringing tourism into the area from afar and benefiting other small businesses in the local community, and the opening of the Gallops should benefit the area even more.

“We are also looking into the possibility of creating an off-road Farm Ride for the future as an extension to the Gallops which would offer even more facilities for the equestrian enthusiast or professional”.

The new Gallops at Derbyshire Pony Trekking are open 7 days a week and are a full 1 mile circuit with a mixture of straights, corners and hills, perfect for maintaining a horse’s fitness throughout the year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards launched – Vote now for your favourite retailer

The town’s popular Retail Awards have returned for the second year running. Shoppers are now being called on to nominate their favourite shops and stores across 14 categories.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the Awards, which are sponsored by Learning Unlimited – part of Chesterfield College Group, recognise the very best retailers in the town.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “The success of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards is once again very much in the hands of the general public. They need to nominate in order for retailers to be shortlisted.

“Chesterfield is envied nationally for its retail success. While other town and city centres are struggling, ours is thriving and it’s no wonder seeing the passion, innovation and customer service so many of the town’s retailers are delivering on a daily basis. These awards recognise this.”

This year, retailers can support their call for nominations by submitting a short 20 second video explaining why shoppers should nominate their business. Videos should be emailed to info@chesterfield.co.uk and will appear on Destination Chesterfield’s website, Facebook page and Twitter.

Last year more than 1000 nominations were received from shoppers culminating in 11 businesses being named the very best in the town. Pelican Cycles, based on Old Road in Brampton, scooped awards across four categories, including the coveted Retailer of the Year award.

The cycle shop was opened in 2012 by owner and keen cyclist Neil Armitage. The business achieved a six figure turnover in year one with turnover growing by more than 50% in its second year of trading. On winning the awards Neil said: “We pride ourselves on offering a friendly and personal service. We have created a welcoming informal atmosphere in the shop with the use of touches like an espresso machine and screen showing Tour De France highlights. Because of these touches and our approach to customer service we have developed a loyal repeat customer base.”

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College explained: “Part of the Chesterfield College Group, Learning Unlimited is delighted to be sponsoring the Chesterfield Retail Awards this year. As a rapidly-growing apprenticeships and training provider, at the core of what we do is both providing people with the skills necessary to succeed in industry and helping businesses prosper and grow as a result of their workforce.

“We work with many local retailers already and the apprenticeships that we offer in relation to retail are growing increasingly popular, such as customer service and sales apprenticeships so we were delighted to get involved with such a key retail awards ceremony in Chesterfield. We hope that we continue to work successfully with more and more local retailers in regard to their staffing and training needs as we look to help grow this area’s economy, giving the community a real boost.”

Nominations open on Tuesday 17th March and close at Midnight on the 6th April 2015 and postcards and posters are being distributed around the town to encourage people to vote online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards. 

Everyone that nominates will be entered into a prize draw to win a three-course meal with wine for two at the Old Post Restaurant, winner of Restaurant of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2014.

Following the nomination process a shortlist of retailers will be selected who will then be mystery shopped and scored to decide the winner in each of the categories.  The winners will be announced at an award ceremony held later this year in June.

The 14 categories open for nominations in the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

  • Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
  • Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
  • Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
  • Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
  • Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
  • Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
  • Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year
  • Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)
  • Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
  • Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
  • National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
  • Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
  • Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
  • Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

There is also an additional Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber, which will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Other supporters of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include E-business works and the Derbyshire Times.

There are limited sponsorship opportunities still available if you are interested in becoming involved please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

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

Have your Say on Plans for New Chesterfield Market Layout

Residents and visitors are being invited to share their views on plans for a new Chesterfield Market layout.

A team from Chesterfield Borough Council will be at Market Place on Saturday 21st March to find out about current shopping habits and opinions of the current market and stalls on offer.

The survey will also be available to fill in online from Thursday 19 March to Friday 3 April

For members of the public
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=142625911545

For market traders
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=142650862269

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with consultants to address issues previously raised by traders which include:

  • increasing the number of market stalls in a prominent position and look outwards so they can be seen by shoppers;
  • the need for increased power supplies for refrigerators and tills
  • and creating more space for wheelchairs and buggies.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “Although Chesterfield’s markets remain extremely popular, we are aware that there are issues which we need to address to improve the open market and attract new traders to Chesterfield.

“We are keen to seek the views of the people who use the market to help us in bringing forth plans to make improvements. So I’d encourage anyone who would like to take part to come along to the Saturday market on 21 March or fill in the survey online.”

Traders will also be asked for their opinions in a series of focus groups currently being held.

A further round of consultation will be carried out once the options for the new market layout are available. This is likely to be late summer.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Spireites Raise Funds For Comic Relief

Chesterfield players and supporters have been making their faces funny for money, all in aid of Comic Relief!

Charitable Spireites headed to The HUB at the Proact Stadium to don a squidgy red nose or some funky glasses and have their picture taken by club photographer Tina Jenner.

Tina, who came up with the idea, talked about the fun she’d had during the day, with plenty of Spireites players joining in with the fun.

“The theme this year is to make your face funny for money so I just thought it was the perfect opportunity,” she said. “I saw the theme and I thought it would be good to get the lads involved from the team and then by doing it at The HUB we could get the Community Trust involved as well.

“The funny faces have not been too bad: Tommy Lee, Ritchie Humphreys, Jay O’Shea and Tendayi Darikwa came over and we had some fans in as well, which was really good fun.

“The whole point of Red Nose Day is to be daft and do daft things. I’m not really one for baked beans in a bath so I’m trying to use my skills to help people along the way a little bit.”

The Community Trust’s Rachel Booth took part in the shenanigans and made sure that club mascot Chester the field mouse made his funniest face for the occasion.

She said: “We’ve had Chesterfield FC Community Trust working alongside Tina Jenner Photography and Chesterfield Football Club to do our first ever Red Nose Day extravaganza. It’s been great fun and even Chester joined in!”

Supporters who had their photos taken will receive their photos by email, with the funniest faces joining the first team squad in a special poster to celebrate the day.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Cracking Good Fun to Enjoy at Chatsworth this Easter

There’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy at Chatsworth this Easter and plenty of treats in store as the estate opens up for its new season – complete with spring flowers and decorations.

As well as the hugely popular Easter Egg hunts in the Farmyard, catering for up to 1,000 egg hunters a day, children will also be able to climb aboard the magical Easter Eggspress setting off several times a day.

Visitors to the house and garden will also be able to join the in the fun spotting decorated eggs hidden inside to tie in with new items and old favourites while a dozen golden eggs hidden around the garden will draw attention to the spring highlights. Both house & garden egg hunt trails are free upon admission.

Free face painting will be on offer in Flora’s Temple, and there will also be the chance to spot the Easter Bunny who will be hopping by every day of the Easter weekend from 3 – 6 April.

There will be plenty going on over the whole school holiday period (28 March – 12 April), with spring themed craft activities taking place daily in the Oak Barn in the Farmyard and outdoor crafts and spring bulb planting on offer at the newly opened educational centre, The Stickyard.

Chatsworth re-opens after the winter break for the new 2015 season on March 28. For more information on activities, times and prices, visit www.chatsworth.org

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Apprentices Battle it out in Town Centre Competition

Apprentices from Learning Unlimited and business students from Chesterfield College will be battling it out at Chesterfield market on Thursday 12 March to decide the winning team of a challenge set to coincide with National Apprenticeship week.

The competition is the end of a 4 day challenge in which the teams were given £150 and a brief to create a product to sell to shoppers in Chesterfield town centre. The winning team will be the one that make the most profit at the end of the day. All profits will be donated to Ashgate Hospicecare and the winning team members will receive a prize of £50 of Love to Shop vouchers each.

During the week the apprentice teams have been putting their business, marketing, finance and production skills to the test, highlighting just how apprenticeships can prepare young people for a successful career in business.

Holly Thompson, apprentice at Learning Unlimited said: “Challenges like this really make you appreciate how much you learn on an apprenticeship. It gives you the knowledge and the practical skills you need to achieve so much. This competition has given us the chance to show others what we have learnt and the skills an apprenticeship can give you.”

Paul Champion, Operations Director from Learning Unlimited said: “I am looking forward to seeing the products that the teams are creating. I have seen them demonstrate some good business skills and fresh ideas so far and I can see how passionate they are about business. Apprenticeships give businesses so many benefits including making the most of this type of talent. Putting apprentices to the test like this proves what they are capable of when they have had the chance to earn and learn in a real business situation.”

Learning Unlimited advisers will be at Chesterfield Market on Thursday to talk to young people and businesses about how apprenticeships can work for them.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Visiting