Visiting

Spireites Sign Cheltenham Striker

Chesterfield have signed striker Byron Harrison from Cheltenham Town for an undisclosed fee.

Harrison, 27, has joined the Spireites after agreeing an 18-month contract. He has scored seven goals in 27 appearances this season after finding the net 15 times last term.

Spireites Manager, Paul Cook said: “We have been monitoring Byron closely for some time and we believe he has the necessary attributes to be a valuable addition to our squad.”

Harrison, who was previously with AFC Wimbledon and Stevenage, said: “I’ve been very impressed with the club after having a look around.

“I like their style of play – it goes well with the type of player I am and I can’t wait to get going.”

Posted in Visiting

International Football Returns to Chesterfield

The Proact in Chesterfield will once again host international football when the England Under-17s play Slovenia in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship on March 23rd.

Chesterfield FC have previously staged several other international fixtures, including last year’s UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship Finals.

Chief executive at the club, Chris Turner said: “We are delighted to have been chosen once again to provide the venue for a Young Lions match.

“We believe that we offer excellent facilities and the fact that The FA has decided to stage another competitive international fixture at our stadium clearly endorses that view.

“Some of the players who will feature in the match could go on to play at the highest level so it is a great opportunity for the Chesterfield public to view potential stars of the future.”

The Under-17 tournament for Europe’s 16 elite nations will be played at venues across the Midlands with St George’s Park at its heart.

England are the reigning champions after John Peacock’s team won last year’s tournament in Malta, but The FA has not previously hosted the Under-17 competition, which dates backs to 2002.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

‘Fuller’s Rail Ale’ Train to visit Barrow Hill Roundhouse

A special train has been chartered to transport guests to Chesterfield for the first day of the 2015 Rail Ale Festival.

Organised by UK Railtours and sponsored by Fuller’s Brewery, the East Midlands Trains HST ‘Fuller’s Rail Ale’ will depart from London St Pancras at 09.40 on Thursday 14th May, and is scheduled to pick up at Luton Airport Parkway, Kettering and Bedford, before arriving in Chesterfield at around 12 noon at the special platform which is directly beside the Roundhouse itself.

Ian Bray, Managing Director of Fuller’s beer company said “We are very glad to support this event for yet another year and can’t wait to see this unique development in action. This will be another exciting way for everyone to enjoy Fuller’s beer across the UK as well as in London.”

Tickets are priced at £39.50 (Standard) and £95.00 (First Class) and include entry to the Festival, a commemorative glass and programme.  Further information, including provisional timings and how to book tickets, can be found at www.ukrailtours.com.

Over 6000 people are expected to attend this year’s Rail Ale Festival, which runs from Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th May.  Further information and general admission tickets can be found at www.railalefestival.com.

Source:Barrow Hill Roundhouse

Posted in Visiting

£400m Peak Resort development announced by Prime Minister David Cameron

Prime Minister David Cameron announced Peak Resort, a £400m leisure development near Chesterfield, which will create 1,300 jobs.

The all-weather leisure, health, sport and education destination will be located on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

The tourism development, which will bring more than 1,300 jobs to Chesterfield has been welcomed as a further sign of the borough’s economic strength.

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, the town’s marketing campaign, both say the news that the Peak Resort project will soon get underway shows the private sector’s confidence about investing in the borough.

News about the start of work on the integrated all-weather, year round leisure, health, sport and education destination will be formally announced by the Prime Minister David Cameron during a visit to America.

Plans for the project – which is in the Chesterfield borough on the reclaimed opencast mining site, close to the Birchall Estate at Unstone, have been years in the making. It brings together leading hospitality, university, sport and medical expertise and will have 600 holiday apartments, hotel and hostel units with 250 woodland lodges.

Councillor John Burrows, Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic boost to Chesterfield and its economy and another sign of the confidence the business community has about investing in our borough.

“I congratulate the developer Rupert Carr for his determination and hard work to make this happen. I also thank the council’s planning and economic development teams who have worked closely with him and his company over many years to make this project a reality.

“The development will provide 1,300 jobs when it opens, and hundreds more during the construction phase, so the opportunities for local people to get new jobs will be tremendous.

“And once completed the venue will bring thousands of extra visitors to our borough, improving Chesterfield’s tourism offer, with the knock-on benefits that this gives to our local shops and facilities.”

The move has also received the backing of Destination Chesterfield, the town’s marketing campaign.

Chair, Peter Swallow said: “The benefits of Chesterfield’s proximity to the Peak District National Park will be fully realised with the announcement of Peak Resort.

“The investment by the US firm Grand Heritage Hotel Group will put the town on the international map and I am confident Chesterfield will reap the domino effect of this investment far beyond the construction phase.

“Residents, retailers and developers in the area have an excellent opportunity now to capitalise on Peak Resort ahead of its opening and make Chesterfield the best it can be to ensure a positive lasting impression for all visitors.”

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Chamber, which represents businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, said: “This is fantastic news and will totally transform both the economy and the tourism offer of Chesterfield and the Peak District.

“This scheme has been in development for many years, so it’s great to see it has finally secured the funding to bring it to fruition, along with the green light to make it happen.”

“The visitor economy, particularly in this part of the region, is a key driver of economic growth and this new development will further enhance the offering, draw more visitors to the area and make Chesterfield and the Peak District an even stronger proposition for potential investors.”

A new regeneration investment organisation, bringing together the two investors – Birchall Properties, led by Rupert Carr, and the US owned Grand Heritage Hotel Group – will be created to lead the project.

Work will start on site between March and April.

Read more about the Peak Resort development

The Peak Resort Masterplan by Stanton Williams (Retina Images)

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

Chatsworth to turn dream weddings into reality

Couples can begin their happy ever after with a helping hand from Chatsworth this February as its annual wedding fair returns, with over 40 new and exciting suppliers showcasing their services.

The fair, which has proven to be a popular choice amongst prospective brides and grooms, promises to be bigger and better than ever before with a wider selection of influential partners and suppliers exhibiting at one of the most romantic venues in the country.

As well as giving couples the chance to talk to Chatsworth’s expert events team, the fair will also be used to launch its new marquee wedding, working in partnership with local company Pemberley Marquees.

Kay Rotchford, Wedding and Event Manager for Chatsworth, said: “We are extremely lucky to work with some really fantastic suppliers and Chatsworth provides the perfect setting for them to show just what they can do.

“The wedding fair is always a really exciting event and gives couples the opportunity to come along, meet the wedding team and chat through all their ideas for a perfect day.”

Chatsworth’s award-winning chefs will be on-hand to discuss a range of catering options and will deliver a selection of mouthwatering dishes from the wedding breakfast for guests to try. The food tasting event will take place in the Burlington Room over three sessions, 11am, 1pm and 3pm but will be ticket entry only.

The wedding Fair runs from 10am to 4pm and guests will receive a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival. For more information about weddings at Chatsworth, visit www.chatsworth.org/weddings-and-hospitality/weddings

Source:Chatsworth via Redbrick Communications Ltd

Posted in Business, Visiting

Chatsworth at forefront of accessible tourism campaign following funding boost

Chatsworth is among eight Peak District and Derbyshire businesses chosen to promote England as a leading destination for accessible tourism – now worth £3 billion to the national economy.

Official tourist board, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is one of just seven destinations to secure a share in national tourist board, VisitEngland’s ‘Access for All’ project, funded by a 125,000 Euros (almost £98,000) grant from the European Commission.

All the businesses taking part along with Chatsworth – Crich Tramway Village; East Lodge Hotel and Restaurant, Rowsley; Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington; the Peak District National Park Authority’s Parsley Hay Cycle Centre; Peak Shopping Village, Rowsley and Rivendale Caravan and Leisure Park, near Ashbourne – will have the opportunity to promote and improve their accessibility as part of the project.

Their employees will have access to the very latest training to boost their skills, while an informative guide will showcase the warm welcome and wide variety of experiences all visitors – including those with access needs – can expect in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

VisitEngland will also launch a national marketing campaign in the late summer and early autumn to promote experiences available for visitors with access needs and encourage more people to take a short break in England.

“We’re delighted to have the chance to take part in this VisitEngland initiative, which will put the Peak District and Derbyshire firmly on the map as one of the country’s leading destinations offering accessibility to all,” said Lindsay Rae, Industry Engagement Manager at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

“We already work with our Patrons, members and organisations such as Accessible Derbyshire to make people aware that much progress has already been made to improve accessibility to accommodation, attractions and activities in the area.

“‘Access for All’ involves some of the flagship businesses that have already made great strides in catering for this growing market, and will build on what has already been achieved.”

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, added: “We are committed to ensuring England is a destination that offers a warm welcome for all visitors. The Access for All project is a fantastic opportunity to continue to build England’s reputation as a leader in accessible tourism, and help grow this important and valuable market.”

New research by VisitEngland reveals that the overnight accessible tourism market is now worth £3 billion to England’s economy, with day visits boosting the figure to £12.4 billion. Over the past four years, overnight trips by disabled tourists and their companions have increased by 19 per cent, with spending up by 33 per cent.

Source:Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

New era beckons for Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism

Tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire is poised on the brink of a brand new era as the newly-restructured tourist board looks forward to fresh challenges and opportunities in 2015 and beyond.

 

Changes at the top at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire are designed to take the organisation forward into an even brighter future as a world class tourism destination.

DMO Director Jo Dilley – who has been involved in the strategic development of the tourist board since its inception – is now at the helm of a leaner, reshaped team.

The announcement comes at the end of a review of the tourist board, instigated by its key public funders to assess its performance and achievements since it was set up nine years ago.

The review panel – consisting of representatives from both the public and private sectors – was also charged with recommending ways in which the tourist board’s structure and operations could be modified to ensure its continued success.

A new, revised structure has now been approved by both the review panel and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Board.

“I am delighted to welcome Jo Dilley as DMO Director,” said Paul Roden, Chairman of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. “After nine years as a pivotal member of the tourist board’s senior management team, she is the ideal choice to steer the organisation through its current period of transition.

“I would like to assure visitors, stakeholders, Patrons and members that they can continue to count on the high standard and wide range of services they have come to expect from the tourist board as we embark on an exciting array of marketing activities in 2015 and beyond.

“Much has already been achieved, and with our revised and responsive new structure, we can look forward to an even more promising future – building on the strong relationships we have forged with all our public and private sector partners.”

David James, former Chief Executive at the tourist board, who will join Bath Tourism Plus as Chief Executive in the New Year, added: “It has been a great honour to lead the team at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire for the past nine years.

“It has been particularly rewarding to see the difference our destination has achieved over that time. Our national Tourist Board, VisitEngland, now recognises it as one of the leading destinations in the country – a massive result achieved by working together with all our public and private sector partners for the greater good.

“I can only wish the team, the stakeholders and the industry the very best of luck for the future. The Peak District and Derbyshire is a magnificent part of the country, and it has been my privilege to serve and represent it in the tourism sector.”

Source:Visit Peak District and Derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Council approves study into new Chesterfield market layout

Plans to improve the layout of the historic Chesterfield Market market are to be drawn up.

Councillors have approved plans for experts to carry out a feasibility study to improve the popular attraction, which is owned and run by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Currently, of 151 stalls in Market Place, only 46 of them face outwards or are at the end of a row.

The study will look into changing the layout of the current market to increase the number of stalls which are in a prominent position looking outwards which can be easily seen by shoppers.

Other issues which will be investigated include:

  • Increasing the power supply to stalls to allow for more refrigerators and tills, allowing modern payment methods to be used
  • Increasing aisle space to make it easier for shoppers with pushchairs and wheelchairs to use the market.

The council has carried out consultation with traders and their views will be taken into account when the report is prepared and considered.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “Although our traditional open-air market continues to be popular with residents and visitors alike, we currently have a problem for traders where the majority of traders do not have a prominent position facing outwards or at the end of a row, meaning they cannot be seen easily by shoppers and attract less trade.

“We have listened to concerns raised by traders and we will be inviting experts to come and look at a new layout for the market which will increase the footfall to the area.”

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Exciting summer of cricket ahead as Derbyshire announces fixtures for 2015

A duo of sell-out local derbies are expected following Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s announcement of fixtures for the coming year.

The NatWest T20 Blast matches against Yorkshire at Chesterfield and Nottinghamshire at Derby have been handed prime dates at the height of summer; an Ashes summer that also includes a three day fixture versus Australia starting on Thursday 23rd July.

Demand is expected to be high for the visit of Yorkshire to Queen’s Park, Chesterfield on Sunday 12th July, a game that will bring down the curtain on the tenth successive year of Chesterfield Festivals.

The visit of Nottinghamshire to The 3aaa County Ground, a fixture that sold out in advance in 2013, will be played on Friday 26th June.

Derbyshire Chief Executive Simon Storey said: “The first fixtures we look for each-and-every year are those local derbies against Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. Once again we’re delighted with the dates that have come our way.

“Nottinghamshire at The 3aaa County Ground was an advanced sell-out in 2013 and we were close to capacity versus Yorkshire at Chesterfield last season too.

“This time around, with no tournament football and Ashes fever no doubt sweeping the nation, 2015 could be the year that we secure our first ever double sell-out.”

Captain Wayne Madsen added: “The fixture announcement is always an exciting time as we continue our preparations for the new campaign. There are a lot of things to look forward to next summer.

“We have ambitions for a successful year in all formats. We showed form and potential during the second half of last season, and we’ll make sure the new season starts well for us. It’s all about being in the mix by the end of the season.

“There’s also been a lot of work behind-the-scenes to make the facilities better, so it will be great when the new season comes around and the Club can show them off.

“We’re also really looking forward to returning to Chesterfield. It’s a great place to play cricket and the crowds are always great.

Tickets for the NatWest T20 Blast matches are available here.

 

(Photograph courtesy of David Griffin)

Source:Derbyshire County Cricket Club

Posted in Visiting

Cash injection of £10m to boost tourism in the north

News that the government is planning to pump £10 million into promoting tourism in northern England has been given an enthusiastic welcome by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

The area’s official tourist board has praised proposals to create a coherent strategy for attracting more tourists to the area, announced today (Thursday 6th November) by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the Northern Futures Summit in Leeds.

The Peak District was one of a ‘cornucopia of attractions’ cited by Mr. Clegg, Member of Parliament for Sheffield Hallam, which could be included in an initiative to lure tourists out of London to enjoy the North’s stunning countryside, history and culture.

Mr. Clegg revealed that ring-fenced cash from the government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is set to be channelled into national tourist board Visit England, with support from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, from 2015. Like previous RGF campaigns, it will rely on match funding, bringing together resources from the public and private sectors.

David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, hailed the announcement as ‘a beacon of hope that will help to put leading tourist destinations such as the Peak District and Derbyshire even more firmly on the map’.

“It has the potential to help key destinations such as ours build on work we have already done during the three-year RGF Growing Tourism Locally campaign – including our first-ever high-profile television commercial – to persuade tourists that there’s much more to England than just the many attractions in the capital,” he added.

“The Peak District and Derbyshire is the perfect countryside partner for many of the country’s great northern cities – ideally situated between Manchester and Sheffield and within easy reach of Liverpool and Leeds – so we will be extremely keen to get involved in Northern Futures to maximise future investment in and opportunities for tourism businesses across our area.

“Like VisitEngland, we are pleased that the Government rightly recognises tourism as a key driver of economic growth, generating wealth and supporting and creating jobs. In 2013, its value to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy was £1.8 billion and it supported 27,500 full-time equivalent jobs.*

“We look forward to working with VisitEngland, our public and private sector partners and co-operating with other tourism destinations to make the most of the benefits that Northern Futures is poised to bring.”

Twitter followers can nominate their favourite Peak District and Derbyshire hotspots and Seven Wonders of the North by joining the on-line discussion using #NorthernFutures.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is one of 14 leading tourism destinations currently involved in the three-year RGF Growing Tourism Locally campaign. Research by VisitEngland reveals that it has so far generated more than £20.43 million in visitor spending, equating to 380 full-time equivalent jobs, in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Source:Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield’s best restaurant named at 2014 Food and Drink awards

The Old Post Restaurant on Holywell Street, has been crowned Chesterfield’s best restaurant of 2014 at the town’s Food and Drink Awards, which returned for the second year running on Wednesday 29 October.

The Old Post Restaurant prides itself on showcasing some of the best food in the region, prompting one judge to comment: “The quality of food, both in presentation and inventiveness, was impressive – a wide range to select from and the cooking was of a high standard.”

Chef and Proprietor Martin Clayton said: “It was a huge surprise to win. It’s a brilliant accolade for the restaurant.”

Twelve other food and drink establishments and producers were also named as Chesterfield’s finest at the sell-out awards ceremony hosted by celebrity chef and TV presenter Ainsley Harriott.

Discover all the winners

As well as new names and faces, on the night three Chesterfield establishments retained their 2013 titles for a second year running, including Calabria, Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House and Tramway Tavern.

The 2014 awards were hailed as being bigger and better than ever before, with more than 1000 nominations from the public, the introduction of two new categories – International Restaurant of the Year and Family Friendly Award, and a sell-out awards ceremony.

Awards host Ainsley Harriott said: “Last year there was an electric atmosphere in the room and it felt like Chesterfield was on the cusp of something special. And it was! This year’s awards are testament to that – more guests, awards, nominations and winners. What a night.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College, the glittering awards ceremony was also hosted at the College’s Heart Space Building. The awards are considered such a valuable learning experience for the students that the College has committed to sponsoring them until 2015.

As well as being held at the College, the awards ceremony was also catered by 30 of the College’s best students studying NVQ and BTECs in Catering and Hospitality and also trained up three of the finalists in the Young Chef of the Year category, including the winner Natasha Hart.

Natasha Hart, from Chesterfield, works part time at catering services agency, Compass Group Ltd alongside her studies at Chesterfield College.

She said: “I’ve really enjoyed developing more this year at Level 3. The dishes we are learning and getting to create are much more complex and challenging. Being named the winner is a big boost to my confidence, and makes me definitely want to stay within the industry.”

Ainsley added: “Chesterfield’s food and drink sector has a wealth of home grown talent and it is fantastic to see so many of them being recognised at the awards – from the winners to the college students who have catered the event so professionally. It really excites me to see the town getting behind its young people and giving them the opportunity to showcase themselves and build their career in this dynamic industry.”

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens said: “The 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards were a resounding success. These events aren’t possible without the support of our sponsors, in particular Chesterfield College. Its two year sponsorship agreement of the Food and Drink Awards has not only ensured that the event will continue into the future but also that it will continue as a real learning experience for students at the college who are the future of our thriving local food and drink industry.”

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Visiting