Visiting

Gold for Ringwood Hall Hotel

Ringwood Hall Hotel in Chesterfield has scooped a Gold Award at this year’s East Midlands in Bloom ceremony in the Best Hotel/Pub Gardens category.

It’s the third time this popular wedding and conference venue has been recognised by the competition, having previously won prizes in 2008 and 2009.

A Gold Award is given to exceptional achievers who have demonstrated a consistently high standard in all areas of judging criteria and objectives of Britain in Bloom.

David Seton, Chief Executive of Ringwood Hall Hotel said:-

“The directors, management team and all the staff are absolutely thrilled with this Gold Award. We want our guests and clients, particularly our bridal couples and leisure break visitors to enjoy our fabulous formal gardens.”

The East Midlands in Bloom competition covers the six counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, and is part of the national Britain in Bloom awards which this year celebrates its 50th year of competition.

Source:Ringwood Hall Hotel

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

New Nando’s creates 30 new jobs in Chesterfield

Chesterfield residents and visitors are in for a tasty treat as Nando’s, home of legendary Portuguese flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, opens to the public on Wednesday 22nd October 2014.
Located in Alma Leisure Park on the former Blockbusters retail site, the restaurant stays true to Nando’s unique Afro-Portuguese roots with a stunning design seating up to 128 guests. The opening has also created 30 new jobs for the local area, ranging from cashiers and grillers to assistant managers.
Packed with flavour and great variety, the new restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from the cinema and will provide the perfect pre or post film refreshment for students, families and locals.
19 year old Nando’s devotee, Jared Shooter, will be given the opportunity of a lifetime after winning a Facebook competition to open the new Chesterfield restaurant. Jared is adding to his list of Nando’s achievements, having finished second place at last year’s ‘Nando’s Comedian of the Year’.  As well as cutting the all-important ribbon, Jared will be the very first customer to sample the infamous flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken.
Andy Crook, Nando’s Regional Managing Director said: “Chesterfield is clearly hungry for chicken, so we’re delighted to be finally opening a restaurant in the area to satisfy people’s cravings.”

Source:Nandos

Posted in Business, Visiting

Chesterfield restaurant makes 2015 Good Food Guide

Chesterfield’s authentic italian restaurant, Calabria has been recognised in the Good Food Guide 2015.

The restaurant will feature in a new ‘Local Gem’ category in the guide, which highlights local eateries that deliver perfect food and overall experience. Entries to the Good Food Guide are based entirely on anonymous expert inspections and reader recommendations.

The guide, published by Waitrose, is the UK’s bestselling and most respected restaurant guide. It has been running since 1951 featuring some of the world’s most famous restaurants, including those owned by Heston Blumenthal, Gordon Ramsay and Michel Roux Jr.

Based on Glumangate, Chesterfield, Calabria Cucina Italiana & Caffè Bar is a well-loved eatery throughout Derbyshire and no stranger to accolades. As well as being shortlisted for two awards at this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, the popular eatery is ranked first in restaurants in Chesterfield on Trip Advisor and was voted Best International Restaurant 2014 at the Derbyshire Food & Drink Awards’.  The team also scooped three awards in the 2013 Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards – Best Customer Service, Chef of the Year, and Restaurant of the Year 2013.

Calabria was also the first restaurant in Derbyshire to receive the Marchio D’Ospitalitá Italiana Seal of Quality, which recognises its commitment to a truly authentic taste of Italy (through the use of authentic quality ingredients) and accurate representation of the country’s distinctive gastronomic culture.

Calabria’s owner, Vittorio Risorto said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this internationally famous guide. It is credit to the whole team that we have been selected. Their customer service, attention to detail and the good quality authentic Italian eating experience they deliver each and every day have earned us the accolades that have achieved national recognition for Calabria in the guide.”

Vittorio also gives his time as a board member to the town’s marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield, where he has responsibility for the retail sector.

He added: “This isn’t just fabulous news for Calabria, but also great news for our town where there are a growing number of quality places to eat and drink.”

Wherever possible, Calabria uses authentic ingredients in its food, many direct from the Risorto family’s roots in Calabria, the southern region of Italy. Such is the popularity of these ingredients that earlier this year the delicatessen delicibo was opened, located at the new Market Hall in Chesterfield and on-line at www.delicibo.com.

Photo caption: Calabria owner Vittorio Risorto (front) with members of the team, proudly displays 2015 Good Food Guide logo which he is now entitled to display in the restaurant following its inclusion in the internationally famous guide.

Source:Calabria via In the Works PR

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

New development creating more jobs for Chesterfield

A new family pub and restaurant development is to open at the Markham Vale regeneration site in Chesterfield.

Named The Little Castle, the new eatery is expected to open by December and will bring 40 jobs to the town.

Run by Marston’s Inns and Taverns, which provides pubs throughout the UK, The Little Castle will be located next to McDonald’s and will offer an extensive food menu, including a Sunday carvery and weekend breakfast buffet.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Marston’s Inns and Taverns to Markham Vale and the employment opportunities it brings.

“Markham Vale is playing an important part in our vision to build a strong Derbyshire economy that creates jobs and we look forward to welcoming many more businesses to the site in the future.

“Working with development partner, Henry Boot Developments Limited, we have helped to attract 28 businesses to the site to date and create 565 jobs.

“We have invested £77 million to reclaim the former mining area at Markham, between Chesterfield and Bolsover, with the long-term aim of creating 5,000 jobs.

Rachel Newnes, from Marston’s Inns and Taverns said: “We are extremely excited about our latest pub which we hope will build a great reputation locally, and we are hoping to welcome the community through the doors in time for Christmas.”

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in Development, Visiting

Chesterfield’s parks among the best in the country

Four parks, all maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, have retained the prestigious Green Flag award.

The national accolade, handed out by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises Britain’s top parks and open spaces.

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Both Poolsbrook Country Park and the grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium were awarded the honour for the second time, after first receiving the award last year.

Holmebrook Valley Park received its fourth Green Flag, while Queen’s Park‘s award marks the tenth time it has been given Green Flag status.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment said: “One of our priorities as a council is to keep our parks and open spaces clean, tidy and well-managed.

“The fact that four of our parks have retained Green Flag status shows we are successful in this.

“I’d like to thank our staff and the many residents and volunteers of our friends of the park groups, without whom, this would not be possible.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.

“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.

“Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”

Photograph caption: Councillor Chris Ludlow (centre) celebrates the Green Flag awards for 2014 with Chesterfield Borough Council environmental services staff and friends of the parks.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

New department store to open in Chesterfield

Boyes will be opening the doors to its new store in Chesterfield this Thursday 24th July.

Located on Cavendish street in what was the old Zanzibar nightclub, this will be the company’s 51st store and will offer the people of Chesterfield quality branded products at great value prices.  Boyes Chesterfield will stock everything from toiletries, toys, stationary, tools, housewares, home furnishings and clothing for all the family, as well as their range of wool, dress fabrics and haberdashery.

Management and staff are very excited and looking forward to welcoming customers to the new Boyes store in Chesterfield. Robert van der Heijden, Marketing & New Store Development Director says “The opening will be a great celebration packed with lots of fantastic Opening Offers such as fabulous Lego watches for only £4.99  and Free giveaways, so come on down and grab a bargain.”

Source:Boyes

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Music fans flock to the Proact

Thousands of music fans enjoyed two fabulous concerts last weekend at Chesterfield FC’s Proact Stadium.

Legendary Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones, who was supported by Andrew Cole and Toploader, attracted a crowd of 12,253 on Saturday night while Party at the Proact the following day was attended by 5,495 people.

Sir Tom Jones belted out a string of his hits from over the decades in a set lasting around 90 minutes.  Celebrating his 74th birthday on the day of the concert, he told the audience that being on stage singing was the best way to mark the occasion.

Party at the Proact was opened by Tich at around 4.30pm on Sunday and featured superb performances from Ms Dynamite, Union J, Katy B, Lawson and Labrinth before headline act Tinie Tempah closed the show.

Spireites Chairman Dave Allen was delighted to hear such positive feedback from those who attended the shows.  He said: “I thought Tom Jones was outstanding and the fans clearly enjoyed his performance. The mainly younger audience at Party at the Proact were also thoroughly entertained for over five and a half hours.

“Many people have praised the organisation of both events – including the conference and banqueting side – and commented on the great acoustics.  Following on from the success of the Elton John concert two years ago, the Proact is establishing a reputation as being a superb venue for live music featuring some top acts.”

Photograph courtesy of Jamie Whitehouse.

Source:Chesterfield Football Club

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Duke of Devonshire officially opens Chesterfield Market Hall

Chesterfield Market Hall has been officially re-opened by the Duke of Devonshire.

The market hall underwent a £4.3 million redevelopment last year and traders returned in October.

The main retail hall was opened up and transformed by the installation of a glazed atrium above first floor level providing natural light and the 1970s extension on New Square was redesigned to be more in keeping with the original market hall.

In addition to providing a modern and colourful shopping mall downstairs there are 20 offices on the first and second floors, alongside the historic Assembly Rooms, which were also refurbished.

The project was paid for by £2.1 million of grants from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Heritage Lottery and the Derbyshire Economic Partnership, with the remaining cost being met by Chesterfield Borough Council.

As he unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening, the Duke of Devonshire, said: “What a tremendous achievement to manage the market hall in a commercial way but in the interests of everyone who lives and works in Chesterfield.

“It’s the beating heart of this great town – and means that Chesterfield will have even more appeal to visitors. Jobs have been created and it is something to be very proud of.”

Councillor John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I am proud that at a time of cuts, when many councils have been forced to scale down their markets, we have been able to invest in the market hall and the independent traders who have a key role to play in the success of Chesterfield.”

Around half of the £4.3 million cost was spent on refurbishing the historic Assembly Rooms on the first floor of the market hall building and creating a suite of around 20 offices on the first and second floors.

The market hall has 43 retail units, of which 91 per cent have already been let.  Many of the previous stall holders in the market hall have returned, along with some new businesses.

The original market hall offices have been updated and all nine of these have been let. The new studio offices on the first floor have also all been let.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “One of the businesses I have spoken to today has taken on 16 people since moving here. Success stories like that can only be good for the town.”

Photo caption: The Duke of Devonshire (right) with Chesterfield Borough Council leader, Councillor John Burrows, and the plaque to mark the official reopening of Chesterfield Market Hall.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Your town needs you! The call goes out for more Chesterfield Ambassadors

Chesterfield is on the hunt for more ambassadors to help promote the town and provide a warm welcome to visitors to the town.

The Chesterfield Ambassadors scheme was established by Destination Chesterfield more than two years ago. Since then it has recruited nearly 150 volunteer residents and front line staff, including taxi drivers, bank workers, sales assistants, council staff and members of the town’s thriving food and drink sector. Together they ensure visitors to the town leave with a positive impression of Chesterfield.

Becoming a Chesterfield Ambassador is simple and involves attending a free two-hour workshop on Thursday 22nd May to learn all about the town and its regeneration plans.

John Burrows, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “The Chesterfield Ambassadors Scheme plays an important role in the continuing growth and success of Chesterfield. Every visitor to our town could be a potential investor, new resident or employee and it’s important that they receive the very best first impression. We want them to return and recommend Chesterfield to their friends, relatives and colleagues.

“Anyone who cares about the future of Chesterfield will find the Ambassador role very rewarding and we’d love them to get in touch and become one of the town’s promoters.”

To reserve your place please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/ambassadors

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Route confirmed for Chesterfield Marathon

Organisers have officially confirmed the 26-mile route for the Chesterfield Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, September 14, in aid of children’s charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK, along with other local charities and good causes.

The Chesterfield Marathon, which is set to be one Chesterfield’s biggest mass participation events in more than 30 years, will begin and finish at Queen’s Park in the town centre, while taking in most of Chesterfield and surrounding area.

Runners will head through the town centre onto the A617, before looping around Williamthorpe Ponds on to the B6039, towards the A632 and then the A61 heading for The Casa Hotel towards Sheffield Road where the half marathon will finish.

From there the route heads towards Whittington Moor and near to Cobnar Wood before turning around towards Newbold and the B6150, through Ashgate onto the Old Road and back into Queens Park.

Runners can take part in a full marathon, half marathon and a relay race, where four competitors take a share of the course.  There will also be a fun run for parents, children and anyone wanting to take part in shorter distances up to two miles around the town centre. Fancy dress is welcome!

More than 1,000 people are expected to take part with entries now open for all events.

In addition to the running events there will be a fun fair, Blackpool Children’s Circus, human statues, children’s entertainers and street entertainment, plus market stalls, food and beer tents, live music and a firework display in Queen’s Park for all members of the public to enjoy.

Mike Hyman from Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK is one of the race founders. He said:

“We want the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon to be open to all ages and abilities. This is why we have arranged a series of races at varying distances to accommodate as many people as possible.

“The event will stimulate the economy in Chesterfield and will be an annual event where we are able to generate the foundations to support the growth of Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK – helping more children and their families plus local charities and good causes.”

Chesterfield based children’s cancer charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK was founded by Mike and June Hyman.  The charity has helped more than 65 families in three years, specialising in securing Proton Therapy treatment for children with different forms of cancer and at the same time helping and funding living and accommodation for patients who receive government funding for their treatment.

Proton Therapy is currently unavailable in the UK, but plans are now in place to establish new facilities in London and Manchester within the next six years to provide the treatment.

Sponsors and supporters of the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon 2014 include Utopia Tableware, Casa Hotel, Natwest, BRM Solicitors, Stopfords Accountants, Spire Marquees, Forever Living, Peak FM, Modiri Chartered Accountants, Caldic, One Health Sharks, Red Butterfly, Klasse Spa, Holywell Healthcare, MLS, Traffic Management Services (Retford) Limited and MK.

Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Police, Destination Chesterfieldand Derbyshire and Nottingham Chamber of Commerce have all given the race their backing.

To sign-up for the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon visitwww.chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk.

Follow the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon on Twitter @CDMarathon2014 and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ChesterfieldDerbyshireMarathon.

(Pictured (left to right): Andrea Hooley from Chesterfield Marathon, Alison Bridge of MLS and Bill Wilson, June Hyman and Mike Hyman from Chesterfield Marathon.)

Source:On behalf of Kids ‘N’ Cancer by HR Media Ltd

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield Market Hall is UK’s best

The new market hall run by Chesterfield Borough Council has been officially named as the UK’s best small indoor market.

The market hall re-opened to customers in October last year following a year-long £4 million refurbishment which saw it transformed into a modern shopping area.

The cost of the redevelopment also included refurbishing the historic exterior and the Assembly Rooms, while creating a suite of offices for businesses on the upper floors.

Since re-opening market traders have reported doing good business and the offices will shortly be fully occupied. The council is also actively marketing promotional and retail space at the heart of the retail area near the cafe.

Now the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) has voted the market hall as the UK’s top small indoor market.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “This is great news for the town as the market hall is one of the iconic buildings in Chesterfield and a key part of our history.

“To secure its long-term future we needed to move with the times. The redevelopment enabled us to deliver the modern, light facilities today’s shoppers want and expect.

“At the same time we were able to keep and restore the historic core of the building, including the beautiful Assembly Rooms on the first floor which not all users may have seen yet.

“By adding offices for start-up and small businesses on the upper floors we have also increased the income being generated by the building while playing a part in creating new jobs and developing the local economy.”

The cost of the project was paid for by £2.1 million of grants from the European Regional Development Fund and the National Lottery, with the remainder coming from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Paul Hind, president of the Chesterfield branch of the National Market Traders’ Federation, said: “The traders have found the new market hall good. It is lighter and the public use it more often.

“The council has taken an old Victorian building and made it fit for purpose as a modern shopping area.”

The redevelopment project was overseen by the council’s asset management partner Kier under the Public Private Partnership with arvato.

Matt Sorby, head of Kier in Chesterfield, said: “Since opening the market hall has proved really successful with occupancy rates above predicted levels and traders reporting good business.

“Having a successful market hall is an important part of attracting both residents and visitors into Chesterfield to shop.”

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The town has had an amazing start to the New Year with two awards under our belt recognising the hard work of so many people working together to make Chesterfield a come-to destination. The latest accolade for the market hall further cements our position as a contemporary and thriving town centre, earning us national recognition.“

The Assembly Rooms in the market hall are available for hire by the public, community groups or businesses. Further details can be seen athttp://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Chesterfield-Venue-Hire-1014.html

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting