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Who will be Chesterfield’s Young Chef of the Year?

16th September 2015

Chesterfield College student set to be named as 2015 Young Chef of the Year

Three budding chefs are hoping to take the title of Young Chef of the Year at the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by Chesterfield College. The winner of the award will be announced on Wednesday 28 October.

Chesterfield College students James Greatorex, Leanne Billyeald and Liam Slinn, all in year two of the Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery course, have been named as the three finalists in the tough competition after preparing a two course meal for judges.

Judges included winner of the 2014 Chef of the Year title Adam Warwick from Blu Bistro, category sponsor Patrick Coleman, the Vicar from The Parish Church of St Mary and All Saints ( the Crooked Spire Church) and Chris Mapp chef and owner of The Tickled Trout in Barlow, Chesterfield.

James Greatorex (18) from Chesterfield, who also works at The Devonshire Arms at Middle Handley, prepared Szechwan Lamb and Lemon Grass and Coffee Pavlova for the judges. He said: “I am used to working in a busy kitchen producing high quality food for customers but I know I had to do something extra to impress the experienced judges. I was pleased with what I produced but the dishes the other competitors produced looked really impressive too so you never know. We’ll have to wait for the results on awards night.”

The judges were wowed with Leanne Billyeald’s menu of Roast Corn Fed Chicken Breast and Lemon and Passion Fruit Cheesecake. Leanne (18) from Chesterfield said: “It’s brilliant to be part of the Young Chef of the Year competition. I hope I managed to control my nerves and impress the judges. Cooking in those kind of conditions really tests your skills and it’s brilliant experience for working in the industry.”

Liam Slinn (18) from Chesterfield served up roast belly pork and lemon meringue pie to judges. She said: “This competition really puts everything you learn at college and in work to the test. It proves how much I have learnt since I decided I wanted a career as a chef. Cooking for judges who are so well respected in the local industry adds some extra pressure but I enjoyed the challenge!”

The winner of the Young Chef of the Year title will be announced at the glitzy award ceremony at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building, which is being hosted by celebrity chef Theo Randall. As well as sponsoring the awards, the College also uses the awards ceremony as a learning exercise for its hospitality students. This year, fifty students from the College will also be catering and silver serving a two course meal to more than 250 people attending the event, working over three days on all areas, including kitchen and front of house.

38 businesses and individuals are up for 13 awards in this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. A full list of the finalists can be seen at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones, Black Eyed Susan, Reflections, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Chamber, Hooper’s, Jumble Design, BHP Chartered Accountants, Kier and MSE Hiller,

To find out this year’s winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards live on the night, follow @DesChes on Twitter using hashtag #cfda15 or visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

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

Artists Turn up the Volume at Chatsworth

16th September 2015

More than 25 leading artists, curators and writers are heading to the Peak District this weekend (Friday 18 – 20 September) to launch ‘The Chatsworth Festival – Art Out Loud’, a major new literary festival dedicated to art.

Festival speakers include Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry CBE considering art history’s web of connections and influences and what they mean for artists; and the writer, broadcaster and art historian Tim Marlow talking about Ai Weiwei as a major new exhibition of the artist’s work opens at the Royal Academy.

They are joined by journalist and author Simon Jenkins; portrait artist Jonathan Yeo; BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz; novelists Esther Freud and Hannah Rothschild and many more (see ‘notes to editors’ for full list) to discuss their work, their influences and inspirations and the latest developments in the arts world.

Conrad Shawcross, who stole the show at this year’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, will also be speaking about his work including his vast modular sculpture ‘The Dappled Light of the Sun’. A variation of this sculpture is on view at Chatsworth as part of ‘Beyond Limits: The Landscape of British Sculpture 1950-2015′ (14 Sept-25 Oct), Sotheby’s 10th annual monumental sculpture exhibition, which is running in the garden.

Talks will take place in a marquee on the private South lawn and in the historic Theatre. Tickets are on sale at www.chatsworth.org priced at £12.50 per talk and include entry to the garden and the sculpture exhibition, Beyond Limits.

‘Art Out Loud’ continues Chatsworth’s long association with the literary world. The Duke of Devonshire owns the antiquarian bookshop ‘Heywood Hill’ in Mayfair where his aunt Nancy Mitford, author of ‘Love in a Cold Climate’, worked during WWII, while his mother Deborah Cavendish was a successful published author of more than a dozen books including ‘Wait for Me’ and ‘Tearing Haste’.

‘Art Out Loud’ is the latest addition to a burgeoning arts scene at Chatsworth. As well as ‘Beyond Limits’, the ‘Make Yourself Comfortable’ exhibition of contemporary seating takes place in the house until October while the ‘Grand Tour’ programme of exhibitions and events began in July in conjunction with Nottingham Contemporary, the Harley Gallery and Derby Museums.

Beyond Limits features more than 30 monumental sculptures in the grounds at Chatsworth – the largest Beyond Limits show to date. Other highlights include Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Three Obliques (Walk-In)’ and Anthony Caro’s ‘Sunshine’, alongside works by Antony Gormley, Sarah Lucas, Reg Butler and Philip King.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Runners prepare for Chesterfield’s big race day

16th September 2015

More than a thousand runners are preparing to hit the streets of Chesterfield this weekend when they take part in one of the town’s biggest mass participation events.

Chesterfield Marathon Road Closures and Route Information

Runners from as far afield as America are expected to take part in the Drainage 2000 Chesterfield Marathon on Sunday 20 September, raising funds for Kids ‘n’ Cancer and many other worthwhile local causes.

Participants will be running in the full marathon, half marathon and the team relay event, where four competitors take a share of the course, with all events starting and finishing at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield.

In addition to the races, Kids ‘n’ Cancer has organised a massive ‘Party in the Park’ to bring the community of Chesterfield together to celebrate another fundraising achievement.

There will be something for everyone to enjoy, from a cocktail with local bar and restaurant Maison Mes Amis, to hours of fun at Proctor’s Fun Fair and activities including a rodeo bull and sumo wrestler suits.

The park will also be full of food and market stalls, as well as face painting, hair braiding, and target football. Live music on the main stage will kick off at 1.30pm to keep the music lovers entertained until 8:30pm, bringing the day to an end with a firework display.

The full and half marathons and the team relay race will all start at 8.30am and road closures will be in place on race day around the route, with local diversions in place.

Organisations that are already set to benefit from the scheme include MacMillan, The Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and the British Heart Foundation, as well as community groups like Chesterfield District Scouts and the Friends of Holmebrook Valley and Eastwood Park groups, thanks to the volunteers that have already registered.

The event will also see the reunion of around youngsters who have received proton therapy treatment at either the ProCure Proton Therapy Centre in Oklahoma City or the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, US.

Former patients, aged between three and 20, and their families from around the country will come together on race day, with doctors and welfare staff also travelling from the US to Derbyshire for the reunion.

Mike Hyman, co-founder of Kids ‘n’ Cancer, said: “We’re really excited that race day is nearly upon us and we can’t wait to see people of all ages and abilities taking to the starting blocks at Queen’s Park.

“Last year was an absolutely fantastic day and we are looking forward welcoming spectators and supporters to help us celebrate and raise vital funds for some incredibly worthwhile causes.

“We hope the race will help to put Chesterfield on the map and, with people coming from abroad to support runners, it will be fantastic for the local economy. We are sure it will be a memorable day for everyone.”

The Chesterfield Marathon route will see runners head out of Queen’s Park, through the town centre onto the A617, then looping around onto Slack Lane, Park Road and Chesterfield Road before hitting Mansfield and Hasland Road.

Once the runners hit Hady Hill the Half Marathon participants will then head back towards Queen’s Park for the finish, with Full Marathon runners making their way along the A61 to the Casa Hotel, towards Pevril Road and through to Dunston. From there, the route will pass through Loundsley Green and Holme Brook Valley Park before reaching Ashgate Road and heading back towards the town centre – finally returning to Queen’s Park for the finish.

The event was recently granted an official road race licence from UK Athletics (RunBritain), which now means that runners who are affiliated to a club can now take their time from the event and add it to their official results from the racing calendar.

The male and female winners of the full marathon will receive a cash prize of £250 and free entry for next year, and the half marathon winners will get £200 and free entry next year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Warnock relishes Spireites return

15th September 2015

Controversial football personality Neil Warnock is looking forward to returning to Chesterfield to attend the club’s popular sporting dinner.

Warnock scored two goals in 24 appearances for Chesterfield after starting out as a winger with the Spireites in 1967. He went on to play for seven other clubs, including Rotherham United and Barnsley.

He then enjoyed a colourful career in management with a host of clubs including Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, QPR and Leeds United, often clashing with officials, opposition managers and players.

Looking ahead to his appearance at the All-Star Events dinner at the Proact Stadium on Thursday, October 1, Warnock said: “I am really looking forward to going back to Chesterfield. When I was asked if I would talk at a dinner, I jumped at the chance because I have fond memories of Chesterfield and I know chairman Dave Allen and chief executive Chris Turner.

“I will talk about the run-ins I had with various high-profile figures over the years and there will also be an opportunity for those attending to ask me questions. It promises to be a great night.”

The event, which starts at 7pm for 7.30pm and includes a superb three-course meal, also features further entertainment from hilarious comedian Max Pressure. Tickets, priced at just £39, can be booked by phoning 01246 269300 (ext 4153) or emailing richardkew@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Sculpture chosen for new Chesterfield College building

8th September 2015

A sculpture celebrating the town’s famous railway pioneer, George Stephenson is to be installed outside Chesterfield College’s new construction facility on Infirmary Road.

The winning design comes from Chesterfield College art and design student, Hannah Carter, aged 17, who was one of 6 finalists shortlisted from a total of 28, and will incorporate some of the decorative stones from the old building on the site.

Hannah said:

“I was inspired by the role the railway has played in the town and I wanted to combine that with the role education plays in shaping people’s lives. My design is created from stone and metal railway tracks. It shows how education can take you on different journeys in life.”

“It has been an amazing experience to take part in this competition. I can’t wait to see my designs come to life for everyone to enjoy.”

Luke Chapman, tutor at Chesterfield College said:-

“I am proud of how each of the students has used different inspirations to create their designs. This competition has given them all a fantastic opportunity to see how design is important in the local community. Some of the students want to go on to study architecture when they leave us and being finalists in a competition like this really gives them a head start in being able to apply what they learn in a classroom to the outside world.”

Other finalists included Justine Wright, Charlene Haughton, Lauren Blount and Jordan Thorpe all aged 17 and first year art and design students. The competition was judged by Cllr Terry Gilby from Chesterfield Borough Council, Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College and Mike Thackery, Head of Facilities at Chesterfield College.

The new sculpture is part of the Percent for Art scheme run by Chesterfield Borough Council, which invites developers of schemes costing over £1m to include a work of art as part of their finished project.

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

New fitness equipment for Chesterfield leisure centres

4th September 2015

State-of-the-art fitness equipment is set to be installed at two Chesterfield leisure centres.

The 150 stations currently available at the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley will all be replaced before Christmas. There will be a mix of the latest cardio, strength and functional machines and accessories to provide a range of exercise options for users.

New equipment will also be in place at the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre when it opens early next year. The size of the new fitness suite will be more than double that in the current centre, with over 80 stations compared to the 40 now available.

At least half of the new equipment will be designed to an inclusive standard which will improve accessibility to equipment for people with disabilities.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “One of the council’s top priorities is the health and wellbeing of our residents and this investment shows how seriously we take this.

“We are committed to keeping the equipment at both our fitness suites as up to date and as accessible as possible for our gym users.”

A consultation will be carried out before the final mix of equipment is chosen.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Beat post-holiday blues with ‘Shake Up September’

25th August 2015

People across Chesterfield are being encouraged to shake off the post-holiday season blues by taking part in the Derbyshire Workplace Challenge’s Shake Up September.

The campaign – administered by Derbyshire Sport – aims to help individuals of all abilities get into shape by joining forces with their work colleagues to log points from their fitness activities which are listed on a leaderboard.

Getting involved can also help you sleep better, reduce the risk of disease and stress and improve life expectancy.

It will also assist adults in meeting the government’s recommendation of getting at least 150 minutes of regular exercise every week.

And if you can get together a group of people from your organisation, you could win a team prize by earning the highest average number of points.

Vickie Maris, from Chesterfield, who works at Rykneld Homes in Wingerworth, took part in the January Workplace Challenge along with a number of her colleagues and is looking forward to ‘Shake Up September’ after recently getting married.

“The Workplace Challenge is something we use particularly when there are active challenges, such as the walking one which ran in May and the cycling one throughout August,” said the 28-year-old.

“Most of us at Rykneld take part in our own separate activities to get our points, but we do have a circuit session that we host on-site too, while we also have regular Walking Wednesday sessions when we walk a couple of miles.

“As you start to get your points, you can see how you are doing against previous weeks and also against other people in the office. Quite a few will be logging their points when they walk to work.”

To sign up for ‘Shake Up September’ go to http://www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire and for more ideas on what activities you might want to try go to www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/get-active

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Ey Up Me Little Yellow Duck

25th August 2015

Over the next few weeks, more than thirty little ducks will be released in Chesterfield and the surrounding area. But don’t call the RSPCA just yet! The ducks are all knitted or crocheted by the StraightCurves Charity Knitting Group and are part of a worldwide project aiming to raise awareness of the importance of blood and organ donation.

The Little Yellow Duck project was originally launched in 2014 in memory of Clare Cruickshank, who passed away aged just 26 whilst awaiting a double lung transplant. Due to a chronic shortage of organ donors here in the UK, Clare never got her second chance at life, but her friends and family pledged to her that they would try to change the situation so that other families don’t suffer in the same way.

They set about spreading random acts of kindness by making cute yellow ducks and leaving them in public places for strangers to stumble upon. Each duck has a tag with its name on, and finders are asked to take the duck home, record the spot where it was discovered on the project’s interactive map, and most importantly, to consider registering as a blood or organ donor. In just over a year, more than 4,500 ducks have been found in over 75 countries!

The StraightCurves Charity Knitting Group decided to join in with the project having seen first hand what a difference an organ transplant can make to somebody’s life. Studio Manager Roz Vincent explained some of the motivation behind the group’s decision:

“My father-in-law received a kidney transplant in 2008 after several years on the waiting list. The difference it has made, not only to his quality of life, but to our whole family is unbelievable.”

The group will be releasing their ducks in several locations around the local Chesterfield area in the run up to StraightCurves’ next Open Day on 5th September so keep your eyes peeled and if you’re lucky enough to discover one of the little ducks, log onto the project website at www.thelittleyellowduckproject.org and record your find. The World Map on the project website shows the locations of all the ducks that have been found, so you can also see if there was one nearby that you missed!

If you would like more information about StraightCurves or the StraightCurves Charity Knitting Group, call Karen or Roz on 01246 807575, visit the website at www.straightcurves.co.uk or pop in to the studio open day at 104 Saltergate, Chesterfield on Saturday 5th September from 10am until 2.30pm.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

More volunteers wanted for Chesterfield Marathon

25th August 2015

Organisers of the Chesterfield Marathon are on the hunt for more volunteers to help make the second event a success.

Set to take place on Sunday 20th September, the full and half marathon, as well as the fun run will all start and finish at Queen’s Park – where an all-day party has also been planned.

Those keen to get involved will be asked to assist on the day of the race from 7.30am until early afternoon, with duties ranging from marshalling to manning drinks stations.

All volunteers will be given a high vis vest, branded t-shirt, refreshments and food whilst on duty, as well as a ‘Volunteers Village’ to return to in Queen’s Park, where everyone can meet, swap stories and relax after the race is complete.

Those sparing their time will also receive a share of the profits from the event for a charity of their choice, thanks to a scheme announced earlier this year.

One group already to sign up as volunteers include ‘Team Inspire’, made up of an inspiring young people who have undertaken a National Citizen’s Service (NCS) project to create a legally designated wall space for graffiti in Chesterfield. The team, accompanied by their parents, will look after the first drinks station of the race on the A617.

Mike Hyman, founder of the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon, said: “Volunteering is a great opportunity for local people to get involved in a brilliant event in Chesterfield and show their support without actually taking part in the race itself.

“Organising an event of this scale takes a huge amount of time and effort, so volunteers provide us with such vital support, both in the run up to and on race day itself, to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.

“We are all excited about the marathon. It is going to be a fantastic day for everyone in the community and we hope as many people as possible can be involved with it.”

To volunteer for the Chesterfield Marathon register at www.chesterfieldmarathon.org.uk/registrations or contact Julie Harrington on 01246 269023 or e-mail julie@chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk.

Image: Team Inspire’, made up of an inspiring young people who have undertaken a National Citizen’s Service (NCS) project to create a legally designated wall space for graffiti in Chesterfield.

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

Spireites sign Premiership player

24th August 2015

Chesterfield have signed Liam O’Neil from West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee.

O’Neil, 22, who can play in defence or midfield, has made five Premier League appearances.

After completing the signing, Spireites manager Dean Saunders said: “Liam is a young player who has played in West Brom’s first team. He’s exactly what we want – a midfield player who can also play at the back, if required.

“He’s one for the future for us, having been tracked by the club for two-and-a-half years. We were going to loan him but we’ve managed to sign him permanently, which is great for the long-term future of the club.”

O’Neil admits that he cannot wait to get started. He said: “ I want to get some experience and develop as a player and I think I’ll be able to do that here. I’m looking forward to it and I’m excited.”

O’Neil revealed that Spireites manager Dean Saunders was an influential figure in his decision to sign. “The gaffer got in touch with West Brom and has shown good interest,” he said.

“He’s been on my case to get down here all the time and that’s what I like. He sees me as part of his plans and that’s what I want. I want to be getting regular football and that’s key for me now. I’m 22 and this is perfect timing.”

O’Neil made 22 appearances in League One last season while on loan at Scunthorpe United.

The length of the contract signed by O’Neil has not been disclosed.

Photo: Luke O’Neil is photographed after signing for Chesterfield (courtesy of Tina Jenner).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Food Producer shortlist announced

24th August 2015

Latest finalists announced ahead of glittering 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink awards ceremony

Chesterfield’s tastiest food and drink producer is closer to being unveiled. Ten nominees for the title of Food and Drink Producer of the Year were narrowed down to a shortlist of three recently at a tasting event held at Hollingwood Hub, the home of the Canal Trust Partnership in Chesterfield.

Granny Mary’s (Original Recipes), Liza Bakes and Teresa Lambarelli’s will now battle it out for the prestigious title at the glittering Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on Wednesday 28 October.

Sponsored by NatWest, the award recognises local food producers, growers and manufacturers within 10 miles of Chesterfield. The shortlisted businesses were selected from hundreds of nominations received by Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the awards in association with Chesterfield College, also headline sponsor of the awards for the third year running.

Each of the shortlisted businesses had to present three variations of their products to a panel of local judges, including Chesterfield Champions. They were awarded marks out of 10 for both presentation and taste. The shortlisted businesses have also had to submit a business plan which will be assessed by Destination Chesterfield and will contribute to their final score.

Chatsworth Road-based Liza Bakes Ltd, which distributes its produce all over the country but prides itself in using local goods, won the coveted title last year. Louise Milroy, owner of Liza Bakes, said: “I am delighted to be nominated for the award. It would be amazing to win and be a really big achievement for the team who work tremendously hard. It is a privilege to be here amongst such great producers- winning would be the icing on the cake.”

Teresa Lambarelli, a finalist for the third year running said: “I am absolutely honoured to have been named as a finalist for Chesterfield Food Producer of the year again! It has always been my aspiration and drive to give Chesterfield and now the UK a true flavour of Italy! It comes at such a very exciting time for my business as I am looking to outsource the development of my pasta sauce to meet demand.”

Craig Maxfield Sales Director of Granny Mary’s – a finalist for the first time, said: “To be nominated means a lot for the company. We are really pleased to be a part of the process. There are some fantastic producers shortlisted and the competition is fierce! It would mean a lot for us to win, but being nominated alongside such outstanding producers is an achievement in itself.”

Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “It was a very strong field and the judges had a very difficult decision to narrow it down from ten to three. Each finalist was passionate about their products and took great pride in them. They were also equally passionate about their role as food and drink producers in Chesterfield and how they are actively helping the town receive the recognition it deserves for its thriving food sector.”

The winner of the Food Producer of the Year category is just one of 14 which will be announced by celebrity chef Theo Randall at the glittering awards ceremony. He said: “Good food is one of life’s simple pleasures. The support shown for the awards in both the nomination phase and the awards shows that good food is passion of many people in Chesterfield.”

The shortlist for the Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year is the latest category to be announced in the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ahead of the awards ceremony. Already 24 eateries, pubs, bars and venues have been shortlisted across 10 categories in the popular awards. This year also sees the introduction of a brand new category – Conference Venue of the Year – and also 11 new contenders for the awards, including Tickled Trout, Batemans Mill, Chesters, Little Castle, H&F Tea Rooms, Libby’s, Four One Three, Coffee St, Qoozies, Three Cottages and the Proact Stadium.

A full list of the finalists can be seen at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones, the Crooked Spire Church, Black Eyed Susan, Reflections, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Chamber, Hooper’s, Jumble Design, BHP Chartered Accountants, Kier and MSE Hiller.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting