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Chesterfield’s RA Information Systems celebrates 35 years of success

RA Information Systems, a software company and IT provider based in Chesterfield, has announced its 35th Anniversary in business.

Over its 35 years, the company has grown from a small start-up to a well-known, nationally and worldwide recognised firm. Right from its inception in 1988, RA has been offering bespoke software services to a variety of customers in the UK.

The company has experienced a substantial growth since its inception and rapidly expanded into the supply of complete IT systems and services to corporate users, laying the foundations for the company it is today.

RA Information Systems has successfully implemented many fully managed service contracts, including Shared Internet Infrastructure design, high-capacity, fast and secure data connections, hosted and on-premises VoIP telephony solutions, data security and on-going support. RA Information Systems has also been successful in the development and implementation of their specialised enterprise software packages for over 30 years.

In addition, RA Information Systems has become a market leader in the UK tree management software arena. Primarily used by local authorities, such as county, city and borough councils and their contractors, it is also used by other large-scale tree managers including housing associations, universities, water companies, zoos and large independent consultancies.

In 2000 RA Information Systems expanded their software services creating a software for the business centre industry and innovation lead sector.

Over the years, its clarity code software has evolved into a powerful solution to streamline the management of combined spaces and laboratory units. It is widely used by laboratory, workshop and office space providers, science, research and innovation-led companies, flexible office and managed workspace providers and event venues.

Annette Dabbs, Company Director at RA Information Systems, commented: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, especially in such a competitive market place. We’re pleased to have become a part of the UK business community and have had the pleasure of working with and meeting many professionals over the years and look forward to continuing to build on these strong relationships in the future.

“It was great to celebrate our 35th Anniversary with our employees and friends this May and we’ll continue celebrating it throughout the year with more events to come.”

RA Information Systems supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

RA Information Systems land

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Redbrik Estate Agents reports almost 200% increase in Google searches for Chesterfield homes

A Chesterfield estate agent says recent investment in the town is attracting more people to live here.

Data revealed by Redbrik, based on Glumangate in the town centre shows that Google searches for homes in the town have rocketed by 196% over the last year.

The figures come shortly after Chesterfield was named the 2nd best place in the UK to raise a family, thanks to its affordability, access to green spaces and a range of highly-rated schools and education facilities.

Redbrik’s data also shows that a number of people are looking for a move away from the larger cities. It shows more than 200 people in the Sheffield area have begun their search for a move to Chesterfield recently.

Jessica Risorto, Director at Redbrik, said: “It’s great to see so much interest in Chesterfield at the moment and so many people looking to move there as there is so much going on.

“Lots of young people choose to continue living in the city after they finish university as they don’t want to give up their exciting lifestyle, but more people are now realising that moving slightly further away doesn’t mean they have to give up on all the benefits of city living.

“In fact, they can have all those benefits with the advantage of the beautiful Peak District on their doorstep and more square footage for their money.”

Chesterfield will play host to several new events and activities this summer, such as the renowned Peddler Market and the first ever Chesterfield Children’s Festival.

On top of that, the independent food, drink and leisure offer in Chesterfield Town Centre, Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor provides people with great options for socialising and spending their free time.

Pubs and bars dirty habit 873x466

Chesterfield is also well connected, with the beautiful Peak District sat on the western edge of the town, and great connectivity to major cities such as Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby, Manchester and Leeds. Chesterfield residents can also reach London within two hours by train.

Jessica added: “It’s amazing to see so much investment in Chesterfield and so many new offerings which are making a real difference in attracting people to the town – and bringing a slice of the city to the area. Coupled with recently being named one of the best places to raise a family in the country, Chesterfield is well and truly on the map!”

Redbrik supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Stanedge Golf Club owner awarded PGA Advanced Fellow Professional status

The owner of a picturesque golf club nestled on the outskirts of Chesterfield has been awarded a prestigious status by the world’s leading golf association.

Fame Tate, owner of Stanedge Golf Club says she is ‘elated’ and ‘honoured’ after being awarded PGA Advanced Fellow Professional status, which she successfully gained after submitting her PGA Excel application.

PGA Excel is the Association’s dedicated assessment framework, enabling members to demonstrate their impact, achievements and value to employers, golfers and the wider industry.

This is the latest in a highly successful career for Fame, who previously represented both England and Great Britain & Ireland as an amateur. She also played on the Ladies European Tour for six years, before launching a coaching business and eventually taking over the reigns at Stanedge.

Fame explained: “When the news came through, I was absolutely over the moon – it certainly put a smile on my face.”

“For me both personal and professional development are extremely important – every step of the way I’ve always endeavoured to develop my own skill set and knowledge, with a focus on specialist knowledge, business management and golf growth and development which of course appear heavily within the value blocks of PGA Excel.”

Founded in 1931, Stanedge Golf Club is located on the outskirts of Chesterfield, providing idyllic views stretching over four counties.

The golf course is a beautiful moorland/parkland course suitable for all levels of ability, offering an engaging, challenging and varied test of golf.

Fame added: “In terms of the business, I’m continually looking at areas where we do really well, or areas for improvement, but with this, I felt it provided a vital insight into myself within my overall career and enabled me to look at areas both personally and professionally where I have done well, and areas that I’d like to focus on in the future.

Stanedge Golf Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Fame stanedge golf club

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Work begins on new Chesterfield cycle route

Work to put in a cycle lane along Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield will start today (24 May 2023)

Preparatory work will take place until 3 June 2023, and then on 12 and 13 June 2023, before continuing from 19 June 2023. Traffic lights will be needed along the road for most of the time workers are on site, but they will be monitored so that delays are minimised as much as possible.

From 19 June 2023 work will start at the west end of the scheme and move towards the town centre, with work directly outside Brookfield Community School being carried out during the school summer holidays.

The work will be undertaken in coordination with planned surface dressing which will be around 21 June 2023, depending on the weather.

Chatsworth Road is towards the western end of the new cycle and walking route which will take people into the town centre, past the train station and on towards Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “The new walking and cycling route, once completed, will give a real alternative to taking the car for short journeys across Chesterfield, which is for the benefit of everyone who lives, works or visits the town. Fewer car journeys will bring health benefits to the whole town including cleaner air.”

The government has awarded Derbyshire County Council £1.68 million to create the new route. Further work will take place later this year.

The market town of Chesterfield has an excellent network of cycle routes and is perfectly located as a base for a cycling holiday to explore the Peak District and Derbyshire. Here are some suggestions to help plan your next two wheeled adventure.

Find out more about the facilities available for cyclists in the area here.

We caught up with Paul Chapman, Owner of the local lifestyle magazine and website, S40 Local, who loves cycling, to tell us more and share one of his favourite routes. Read more from Paul.

 

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Chesterfield manufacturer Robinson creates wedding cake boxes for Betty’s

Robinson Paperbox Packaging has been chosen by iconic bakery Betty’s of Harrogate to produce an elegant range of wedding cake boxes.

The boxes have been designed to protect the cakes, which are manufactured at the Betty’s bakery in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Ranging in size from 8 inch to 16 inches in diameter, the packaging had to be strong and robust, so Robinson produced a litho laminated corrugated box and lid. The boxes are finished with an elegant, foiled logo on the lid.

Claire Louise Armitt, packaging technologist for Betty’s says: “It was great to finally get this project over the line, changing the logo from a printed black one to gold foiled has really lifted the packaging for these boxes that contain highly decorated wedding cakes.”

Robinson are involved in several other projects for Betty’s in both confectionery and bakery-based products.

Jon Walker, New Business Development Manager for Robinson commented: “Securing work with this high-profile customer is great for our business and shows exactly why BRC accreditation is so important”.

Robinson were recently awarded FSC certification for its Paperbox division.

FSC certification ensures that all products produced at Paperbox are sustainable. FSC-managed forests help provide clean air and water by restricting hazardous chemicals and following strict harvesting and forestry practices. Their work also helps ensure a diversity of animals, trees and plants as well as providing safe working conditions for everyone involved.

This further demonstrates the investment that the company is making in its Paperbox business, following a significant investment in its new SATE box-making machine in Chesterfield, with improved quality and a reduced carbon footprint that allows customers to avoid long, complex supply chains from Asia.

The company partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating widely recyclable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material.

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield FC honours community heroes with glittering awards ceremony

The Technique Stadium witnessed a night of high emotion off the pitch recently, at the Chesterfield FC Community Awards.

The event, which was sponsored by KranLee Logistics, saw 13 awards handed out to reccognise outstanding individual acts of kindness and bravery from people in our local area.

The club’s marketing manager, Bridget Ball, said: “It was a truly humbling experience to listen to the stories told on the night about the award winners by those who had nominated them.

“I would like to congratulate the award winners and thank all the companies and organisations who supported the event.”

Hosted by Becky Measures and Simon Morykin, the event also featured live music from Russell Shaun and Amber Holmes.

  • Community Award, sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors, won by Dan Walker.
  • Carer of the Year award, sponsored by WS Sherburns LGV, won by Lillie Evans.
  • Neighbour of the Year award, sponsored by PK Group, won by Dan & Lauren Harley.
  • Act of Kindness award, sponsored by Elite Contract Clean, won by Rebecca Smith.
  • Above & Beyond award, sponsored by Ideal Flooring, won by Gary Topley,
  • Sporting Achievement award, sponsored by Leengate Valves, won by Amy Calpin.
  • Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by Bridge Inn Blues Away Travel, won by Clare Black.
  • Young Person of Courage, sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, won by Anya Willerton.
  • Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by Netcoms IT, won by Patricia Willerton.
  • Adult Bravery award, sponsored by FabworX, won by Ruth Haslam.
  • Local Hero award, sponsored by Kimberley Caravans, won by Craig Collins.
  • Green Champion of the Year award, sponsored by Penny Hydraulics, won by Samuel Morris.
  • Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by KranLee Logistics, won by Martyn Rhodes.

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield FC Community-Awards

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Chesterfield has all the ingredients you need for the perfect picnic in the sun

It goes without saying you’ll be taking advantage of the glorious summer sunshine by visiting Chesterfield’s wonderful outdoor spaces. But of course, no day out is complete without the perfect picnic!

There are so many great producers in Chesterfield ready to provide you with everything you need, whatever the occasion!

So why not sit back and relax, while letting these fabulous local businesses take care of all the hard work for you?

Find out more about all the great activities you could be getting up to in the local area this summer by checking out our Summer In Chesterfield page!

Don’t forget to share the love on social media by telling us what you’ve been up to, using #SummerInChesterfield and #LoveChesterfield!

Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

Chatsworth farm shop picnic

 

 

Enjoy a taste of Derbyshire luxury, with Chatsworth’s delicious chocolates, buttery biscuits, and moreish cakes.

A range of delicious sweet preserves are available too, including vintage dark orange marmalade!

Prices start at £3.99

Purchase online at: https://shop.chatsworth.org/pages/estate-farm-shop

Dronfield Wine World

dronfield wine world picnic 873

This independent store can put together a delicious picnic in the park for wine lovers everywhere!

Enjoy a gourmet sharing hamper with red wine, chocolate cakes, cheese, crackers, dry roasted nuts, Yorkshire Salami, and chutney.

Prices start at £44.99

Purchase online at https://dronfieldwineworld.com/39-hampers

Brampton Brewery

Brampton Brewery

Of course, you’re going to need something to wash down all that great local produce!

If you’re fancying a cold one while chilling out in the great outdoors, Brampton Brewery has a fantastic range of award-winning beers to suit all tastes.

Find out more at: https://www.bramptonbrewery.co.uk/

Cheese Factor

Cheese Factor

This shop on the side of Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall has traded in town for more than 60 years now, with owner Simon Davidson and his team supplying everything a cheese lover could ever want!

Alongside more than 130 cheeses to pick from, the store also sells delicious sandwiches which are really popular with visitors – perfect to pop into your picnic basket for your summer day out.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not grab a cheeseboard with some of the delicious chutneys that the shop also supplies?

Find out more at: http://cheese-factor.co.uk/index.html

Northern Tea Merchants

Northern Tea Merchants picnic

If you’re partial to a cuppa and like to take a big flask of tea or coffee on your adventures, look no further than Northern Tea Merchants.

And the best news of all is, they’re based right on our doorstep! Visit them on Chatsworth Road or order online and check out their huge range of flavours.

You may be surprised to find that you can also purchase a range of sweet treats, including delicious gourmet chocolate pizza slices, or their signature almonds coated in chocolate and dusted with cocoa.

Find out more: https://www.northern-tea.com/

Dronfield Hall Barn

Dronfield Hall Barn

Dronfield Hall Barn’s coffee shop serves a range of tasty scones and a wide variety of drinks. Not to mention daily specials, which can all be enjoyed in the coffee shop or to take away.  The barn also offers tasty picnic boxes and sharing platters too.

You could even enjoy your picnic in the picturesque setting of the Barn’s beautiful gardens.

  • Prices vary

Find out more: https://dronfieldhallbarn.org/coffee-shop/

Franklin & Sons

Global Brands

If you’re looking for something to refresh yourself on your summer picnic, Global Bands’ Franklin & Sons range has you covered.

A range of flavoured soft drinks are available, including pressed raspberry lemonade, hedgerow elderflower lemonade, and Bartender Brand Awards 2023 winner, brewed ginger beer.

If you’re looking for a new summer tipple, Franklin & Sons’ wide variety of tonics and sodas harmoniously pair with all spirits, to create a unique twist on your summer favourite.

Why not try the award-winning Pineapple & Almond Soda with Rums, Whiskies, Vermouths, and Vodkas?

  • 200ml x 24 – Franklin & Sons Soft Drinks – £20.00
  • 200ml x 24 – Franklin & Sons Sodas & Tonics – £20.00

Find out more: https://franklinandsons.co.uk/products/

Qoozies

Qoozies picnic

Load up your picnic bag with a unique burger from Qoozies, based at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre! Featuring two housemade spinach and egg fritters, sandwiching a wide choice of fillings.

Options include chicken, green pesto and mozzarella, to halloumi, mango chutney and lettuce. Bringing pizazz to your picnic, these burgers are served with a choice of sweet potato hash brown or a side salad.

  • Prices start at £4.35

Purchase the product via City Grab and other online food delivery websites

Hogg Norton

hogg norton

Add some fruity flavour to your picnic, with Hogg Norton’s fruit liqueurs.

The Chesterfield-based producer is passionate about its products, which can be enjoyed on their own, over ice, or with lemonade, tonic, or soda!

Hogg Norton’s products are versatile, as they can also be added to champagne and prosecco, or used to flavour gin, vodka, whisky, rum, and cocktails.

  • Priced between £5 and £28

Find out more and purchase at www.hoggnorton.com (use the code CC10 for 10% off!)

Outdoor Picnic Chesterfield Queen's Park

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Chesterfield’s Pinewood Property Estates receives prestigious ‘Standard of Excellence’ for fifth year running

A Chesterfield Estate agency has once again been recognised as one of the best in the UK, achieving the prestigious ESTAS ‘Standard of Excellence’ for the fifth year in a row.

Pinewood Property Estates has recieved the accolade based on the service ratings they achieved via customer reviews, submitted to the ESTAS review platform.

The reviews have been completed at the end of the moving experience, and ESTAS monitors service ratings over a 12 month period. It gives a highly accurate overview of the standard of service that has been delivered to customers.

The ESTAS ‘Standard of Excellence’ provides a kitemark, demonstrating the consistent service performance of every firm that has been shortlisted in 2023.

The ESTAS Awards honour the best agents, conveyancers and mortgage brokers in the UK. The awards are powered by the ESTAS online customer review platform, which enables property professionals to demonstrate the customer service standards they deliver for their clients.

ESTAS strict verification process ensures reviews are genuine. This year’s shortlist has been calculated following the evaluation of 300,000 customer review ratings.

The regional and national winners will be announced in October at the prestigious annual ESTAS ceremony held in London.  The awards will be presented by the UK’s favourite property expert Phil Spencer in front of 1,200 of the UK’s top property professionals.

Spencer said: “The ESTAS Awards are based on real feedback, from real clients experiencing real service so they provide genuine proof of the service levels that a firm is delivering to clients. Now more than ever, high quality customer service is crucial if home movers are going to realise their dream of getting the property they set their hearts on.”

Simon Brown, founder of ESTAS says: “At ESTAS we’re creating a community for best practice property professionals who all share a passion for delivering great service and a belief that service really does matter.”

Pinewood Managing Director, Stacey Davies-Bowler said “Once again we find ourselves shortlisted for these prestigious awards for the 5th year running, I have to pinch myself each time this happens and each time we come away with silverware. It makes me so proud that the team continue year on year to offer exceptional customer service to all our clients. Long may this continue.”

Chesterfield offers a fantastic quality of life for residents, with affordable homes and access to good schools. Read more about how our town was ranked 2nd in a list of places to raise a family the UK. 

Pinewood Property Estates supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Art Trail Walking Routes

Chesterfield is full of hidden gems when it comes to artwork and culture, some of which you may never have noticed before. Explore the culture of Chesterfield by foot and discover the unique artworks around the town with our Chesterfield Art Trail walking routes.

To find out more about the artwork featured in these routes, visit the Chesterfield Art Trail map by clicking here.

Queen’s Park to Chatsworth Road

Starting off in the picturesque Queen’s Park you will find the first piece of artwork, a stunning metal sculpture commemorating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee which was unveiled in 2013 by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William Tucker. Did you know? Queen’s Park was opened in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

Diamond Queen's Park

Whilst in the park you can enjoy a visit to the café, have a ride on the miniature railway around the lake and let the children have a play on the park.

Next stop is the Boundary Railings outside Rowland Hill House.

Boundary Fence Rowland House 2

This area was once home to potteries, mills, an iron and chemical works, and a colliery, all of which were served by the Brampton railway branch line. Designed by artists, Denis O’Connor, and Adam Walkden, six panels depict scenes of industry or industrial manufacturing. Can you spot the colliery headgear, chimneys, a miner, a smith at his anvil, a steam train, and items of pottery? The other panels include horse racing, fishing, and pigs routing under a tree, referring to the local communal open space in the town centre known as New Square.

A short walk away, you will find more Boundary Fence and Gates which were also designed by artist Denis O’Connor.

Boundary Railings Robinson

The artist designed nine pictorial panels representing the story of international, paper, and plastic packaging manufacturer, Robinson and Sons.

Moving onto Chatsworth Road, home to a range of independent shops and food and drink outlets, you will spot some unique artwork on the buildings.

Chatsworth Road Artwork

Why not have a gander in the shops or take a break in one of the pubs or cafes?

As you make your way down Chatsworth Road browsing the shops, you will spot a number of other artworks. The next sculpture being The Orienteer, situated directly next to Nonnas.

The Orienteer

The sculpture is by Stuart Marsh, a Derbyshire-based artist living near Matlock, who specialises in sculptures inspired by the landscape of the Peak District. The four main pieces of rock are worked to represent natural standing stones common in Derbyshire hills.

At Wheatbridge Retail Park you will find a clock sitting high on the red brick tower designed by David Davidson and Darren Richardson.

Wheatbridge clock

The circular clock face has curving hands, one of which is ‘hand-sculpted’ in aluminium, in a shape that echoes the famous twisted spire of St Mary’s Church.

Near the junction of Chatsworth Road and Foljambe Road, the Entrance Arch marks the route of the cycle path through the site, which links the town centre with Holmebrook Valley Park to the north-west.

Entrance Arch Chatsworth Road

Heading back towards the town centre, you will spot Barbara Hepworth’s Curved Reclining Form (Rosewall).

Rosewall Hepworth

This sculpture has an interesting story and has become an important part of the town’s heritage. Within the next few years, Rosewall will be moved to the Waterside development, where it will once again be observed across water as Hepworth had always intended.

One of the largest and most impressive works of public art in Chesterfield is Angela Conner’s sculpture Poise (Wind Sculpture).

Poise Wind Sculpture

If you look closely, you will notice the disc is divided into six segments so that when it’s outside and the wind blows,  the segments are free to move gently backwards and forwards.

Chesterfield Town Centre

Starting at the top of town on Saltergate, you will find Saltergate Miners Statues which were built in 1915.

saltergate man

As you head back to the town centre, you will pass Chesterfield Town Hall situated on Rose Hill. Did you know? The building was opened by the Duchess of Devonshire (the present Duke’s grandmother) on 6th April 1938.

Town Hall

Located in the heart of the town centre is The Yards, full of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Yards is the home to a falcon and a puppy which were installed as part of the Chesterfield Cultural Renaissance project.  A great photo opportunity for children!

The Puppy angle

Head towards Vicar Lane where you will find lots of shopping opportunities with high-street and independent shops. When it’s time to refuel, you can head to Qoozies, Vintage Tea Rooms or Pizza Pi for a drink or a bite to eat.

See if you can spot the Good Guys and the Bad Guys wall sculptures hidden on buildings.

Vicar Lane

Chesterfield’s best-known landmark, Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints also known as ‘The Crooked Spire’, is well worth a visit. The spire stands 228 feet high and twists 9 feet 6 inches from its original centre. Visitors are welcome inside to tour the tower and appreciate the stained glass, carved alter pieces and elegant archways.

Crooked Spire

 

Another building which is worth seeing, is the Winding Wheel Theatre which has gained Grade II listed building status. The building hosts a diverse programme of events including West End musicals, stand-up comedy, music concerts and lectures.

Winding-Wheel

 

Chesterfield Railway Station to Derby Road

Beginning at Chesterfield Railway Station, you will find the statue of George Stephenson also known as ‘Father of Railways’. Did you know? George lived the last ten years of his life at Tapton House and is buried inside Chesterfield’s Holy Trinity Church.

George Stephenson Statue

Behind the Railway Station, is an interesting looking piece of artwork – the Mollusc, known locally as ‘The Snail’.

Mollusc

Enjoy a walk down Spital Lane, to find the Solidarity figurative sculpture. Showing four figures – three female and one male – standing closely together with their arms around one another’s shoulders, expressing friendship and mutual support.

Solidarity Statue

Whilst near Derby Road, pop into Birdcage for a slice of cake or a drink.

Heading back towards town, you will pass the Cineworld multiplex where there are two contemporary artworks to discover: a large stained-glass window in the foyer and fourteen small bronze tiles set into the entrance paving outside. The tiles depict ‘historic moments in the cinema’ including memorable scenes from Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and Spielberg’s Jurassic Park.

Bronze Tiles Chesterfield Cinema

On Horns Bridge Roundabout, is the Growth Sculpture which signified the confidence and continuous growth of the town. The wheel design in the ground represents the town’s many industries and the twists upwards at the centre to form an emerging flower.

Growth Sculpture day

Near, Ravenside Retail Park is Hipper or Riverstone described as an abstract stone sculpture set on the theme of the River Hipper to mark the course of the old river.

Hipper

Finally, the Infinity sculpture outside Chesterfield Coach Station was designed by apprentices at Franke Sissons’ who worked with pupils from Parkside School to develop the design for the sculpture. It comprises three cube frames within each other, features icons that the students felt were representative of Chesterfield today: Nature, Manufacturing, and Community.

Infinity

This is only a small selection of more than 70 new art schemes that have been created since 1994, you can find out more about other artworks in the town on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/chesterfield-art-trail

Looking to explore more of Chesterfield on foot? Visit our guide to the great outdoor in Chesterfield or check out the Staveley walking trail.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

‘Broker of the year’ award for Chesterfield’s Mortgage 1st

A Chesterfield-based mortgage broker is celebrating after winning a prestigious industry award.

The team at Mortgage 1st were delighted when they found out earlier in the year that they had reached the final 5 in the Broker Firm of the Year (11-50 employees) category in the 2023 Financial Reporter Awards.

Directors Jon & Lisa Stones, along with Head of Growth Paul Lewis were invited to attend the awards ceremony on the 11th of May at Alexandra Palace in London where Mortgage 1st were announced as the winner.

Mortgage 1st were described by the judges as “ones to watch in the future, brilliant growth and market engagement”.

The Financial Reporter Awards aims to recognise and support a changing industry by promoting good practice and excellent service.

Operations Director Lisa Stones said: “we are absolutely over the moon to have won and for our team to be recognised with this industry award. To reach the finals or shortlist in a national award is amazing enough but to then go on and win is an incredible feeling and testament to team.”

And the good news doesn’t end there for the Mortgage 1st team, who are also shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Mortgage Broker (8-50 advisers) category in this year’s Mortgage Strategy Awards.

The prestigious awards ceremony is taking place on the 25th of May in London where the winners will be announced.

And they say things come in 3’s… Managing Director Jon Stones has also just been announced as a finalist and down to the final 3 in the British Mortgage Awards in the Business Leader: Broker (11-50 advisers) category.

Find out more about the company at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/our-champions/mortgage-1st/

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Mortgage 1st - Broker Firm of the Year 873

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Chesterfield Borough Council announces new cabinet and mayor

Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, Councillor Tricia Gilby has named her Cabinet following the local elections on 4 May.

Cabinet is responsible for making decisions on all matters except for the council’s regulatory functions and policy and budget setting, which is carried out by Full Council.

Most Cabinet Members have responsibility for a specific area of the council’s work, Cabinet Members with portfolios include:

  • Councillor Tricia Gilby: Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth
  • Councillor Amanda Serjeant: Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management
  • Councillor Martin Stone: Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning, and Environment
  • Councillor Kate Sarvent: Cabinet Member Town Centres and Visitor Economy
  • Councillor Jonathan Davies: Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
  • Councillor Jean Innes: Cabinet Member for Housing
  • Councillor Judy Staton: Cabinet Member for Governance
  • Councillor Gavin Baldouf-Good: Cabinet Member for Customers and Business Transformation

Cabinet will also be attended by Councillor Paul Holmes, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, which is the largest minority group on the council.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader said: “I am pleased to welcome some new faces to cabinet following the recent local elections – the new cabinet line-up recognises the skills and abilities of our members.

“Over the next four years, we will continue with our plan to make to make Chesterfield a thriving borough, to improve the quality of life for local people and to build a resilient council.”

Meanwhile, Chesterfield’s latest Mayor is set to be sworn in – with celebrations to take place at the Civic Parade on Saturday, 20 May.

Councillor Mick Brady is set to begin his term of office as Chesterfield’s 382nd Mayor, taking over the position as the borough’s civic head for the coming year.

Cllr Brady is due to be sworn in at Chesterfield Borough Council’s Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday 17 May.

Cllr Suzie Perkins is due to take up the role of Mayoress, and Councillor Jenny Flood will be Deputy Mayor supported by Heather Miles as the Deputy Mayoress for the coming civic year.

On the following Saturday (20 May) Chesterfield residents are invited to come and celebrate Chesterfield’s new Mayor at the annual Civic Parade which will take place in the town centre.

Councillor Brady said: “Representing the people of the borough in the role of Mayor is a special honour and I am extremely proud to take up office for the coming year. I hope to meet as many residents as possible over the coming year, while raising much-needed funds for two very deserving local charities.”

Councillor Brady replaces Councillor Tony Rogers and his wife Sharon who served as mayor and mayoress for the 2022 to 2023 civic year.

The Civic Parade is an opportunity to celebrate the new Mayor. The parade will leave from the Town Hall on Rose Hill at 10.40am and will head through the town centre to the Church of St Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire) where there will be a service at 11am.  At noon the parade will return to the Town Hall.

There will be several dignitaries from across Derbyshire in attendance at the parade, along with Freemen, Aldermen, and former Mayors of Chesterfield, and organisations such as the Royal British Legion.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the parade and church service, with seats being allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Cllr Mick Brady and Cllr Suzie Perkins

 

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