Author: Dom Stevens

Archbishop of Canterbury visits Chesterfield

22nd June 2016

The Archbishop of Canterbury visited Chesterfield on the 22nd June as part of his tour of Derbyshire. This was Justin Welby’s first visit to the town since being appointed the Church of England’s most senior clergyman.

The Archbishop spoke at a business networking event at St Thomas’ Centre in Brampton, Chesterfield. His talk focused on the challenges facing businesses in the current economic climate and spoke of the need for businesses to be deeply embedded into the community. This was followed by a question and answer session which discussed credit unions, volunteering, the business management of the Church of England and the role business owners have in shaping culture throughout their companies.

During his tour of Chesterfield he also visited Chesterfield’s iconic crooked spire church where pupils from William Gilbert School, in Duffield, led a showcase of work on collective worship, in front of an audience of hundreds of local youngsters and the Archbishop.

Addressing the children, the Archbishop encouraged them to use the skills a church education offers to think for themselves and act for others. He continued: “It is obviously true that good schools help produce an educated workforce. But the Christian vision is a far greater one; it is about setting a framework for children as they learn, which enables them to be confident when faced with the vast challenges that our rapidly changing culture brings to us.”

Chesterfield Parish Church’s vicar, Revd Patrick Coleman, said “I am delighted to be able to welcome my church’s leader to the town’s most recognisable landmark.”

Bishop of Derby, Alastair Redfern said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury on his first pastoral visit to the East Midlands. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the important work being carried out across Derbyshire as we look to face the challenges together. We hope his visit will inspire many more to get involved in making our communities stronger whether through their church, workplace, social group, school or college.”

The Archbishop carries out two to three pastoral visits to dioceses a year, where he has a chance to witness the mission and ministry going on and to encourage them in their work.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield College inspires town to cycle at Aviva Women’s Tour

22nd June 2016

Chesterfield College students supported Chesterfield Borough Council’s role in the Aviva Women’s Tour of Britain cycling event last week, by helping school children, and members of the public, to get involved and get pedalling.

Students who are currently studying Public Service were involved in marshalling the event route and helping to run the schools event, where children got to ride part of the route and have a go on balance bikes in the market square. The students put their skills to the test to help with managing the crowds and ensuring the safety of spectators and riders.

Sports students and staff challenged members of the public in New Square, in the town centre, to see how far they could cycle in 2 minutes using a spinning bike. They were also on hand to encourage and advise women to take part in sporting activities, as well as carrying out fitness testing.

Stuart Allen, Director of Learning from Health, Wellbeing and Society, said:-

“This kind of high profile sporting event really brings communities together and inspires people to take part in sport. We’re delighted the college has been invited to play a role to help make it happen and to show how the people of Chesterfield can improve their health, fitness and wellbeing. Our students did a fantastic job at sharing their skills and expertise with people, young and old, in order to help them improve their health and fitness.

“I want to thank staff and students from our public services and sport courses for working so hard to make our involvement in the Aviva Women’s Tour so successful.”

Sports students from Chesterfield College encouraging members of the public to take part in a cycling challenge at the Aviva Women’s Tour event

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Uncategorised

Colleges collaborate to enhance further education provision

22nd June 2016

It has been announced that Chesterfield College will be forming key collaborations to improve the way learners and employers can access apprenticeship and further education provision, following a review of further education provision in the Sheffield City Region to meet the Government’s aims of creating resilient and efficient further education provision.

The report, produced at the end of the review, recommends that over the next 12 months Chesterfield College forms an apprenticeship company with other colleges in the region, including Barnsley College, Dearne Valley College, Sheffield College and the Rotherham and North Nottinghamshire College group. The apprenticeship company will make it easier for learners and employers to find and access apprenticeships, as well as reduce the costs of developing and marketing the apprenticeship offer for individual colleges.

The report also highlights that Chesterfield College is working on a new strategic partnership with a college outside the Sheffield City Region. Chesterfield College and Derby College are exploring opportunities for working in partnership to improve further education services for students, employers and local communities.

The aim of both colleges is to provide robust and locally responsive further education provision that will help to develop a highly skilled workforce for the region and improve employment prospects for young people and adults. Options are being explored that will strengthen the work of both colleges for the benefit of their communities.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College, said:-

“We are looking forward to working with colleges in the Sheffield City Region to grow apprenticeships and create a robust system that makes it easier for everyone to use apprenticeships to get the skills they need. Our plans to work with Derby College were born because both colleges share the same ethos, drive and quality approach to ensure we are developing a skilled workforce, so it makes sense to make the most of our strengths and geographical location by working together.

“Plans are in the early stages but the vision is to share our expertise to improve our offer to students and employers. Any partnership would look to improve and grow services that meet the priorities of our area. I look forward to working with the team at Derby College to develop the strategies.”

Mandie Stravino, Chief Executive at Derby College, added:-

“I am confident that much can be achieved through working together. Our focus will always be on ensuring we play our part in positively impacting on the prosperity of the communities we serve.”

Details of the strategic partnership are currently being developed and further details will be announced following the next area review, which includes colleges in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire region, planned to start in November.

Chesterfield College

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing, Uncategorised

VK to support pride festivals across the UK this summer

21st June 2016

Chesterfield drinks firm Global Brands is set to wow festival goers with its VK brand this summer after sponsoring a total of nine events across the UK.

VK will support festivals in Portsmouth, Bristol, Hull, Oldham, Brighton, Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow and Stoke – and will command an entire area at each event for revellers to enjoy.

Pride festivities include marches, parties and other events which celebrate individuality, freedom and acceptance. The events showcase a range of colours, which Global Brands believes matches up perfectly with VK flavours – blue, strawberry & lime, orange & passion fruit, black cherry, tropical fruits, apple & mango and ice.

At each event attendees will enter the VK area and be greeted with the opportunity to ‘VK themselves’ with colourful paint, glitter and sequins. The VK bus will be serving every flavour alongside 6ft tall letters where everyone will be encouraged to mark their hand print with UV paint.

A photo booth will also be on site to snap memories, which will then be available to post through personal social media accounts, as VK is dedicated to social output, using engaging content to connect with consumers.

During the weeks of pride, VK has also partnered with Gaydio, the UK’s first LGBT FM radio service, to launch an 8-week-long competition in support of the events.

The competition will give away 8 separate VK party packs to listeners who can enter online via the website or app. The partnership is a fantastic way to promote pride and raise awareness of the collaboration and will be supported with a social media campaign.

Simon Green, Marketing Director, Global Brands said:-

“The partnership with pride festivals symbolises VK’s brand promise to always bring excitement, refreshment and fun to the party. We are excited to be supporting the festivals for the second year running and look forward to more unforgettable events.”

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Celebrating success at Chesterfield College

21st June 2016

A ceremony has been held at Chesterfield College to recognise students, apprentices and employers for their hard work over the past academic year.

Awards were presented to recognise a range of academic and personal achievements including commitment to learning, outstanding achievements and investment in workplace training.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said:-

“Our students and apprentices are all at different stages in their lives and have different aims and goals, but one thing they do have in common is their passion for learning and self-improvement and that is really something worth celebrating.

“Our awards tonight recognise those people and organisations who stand out as going the extra mile to make the difference on their own educational journeys or to influence others. It’s a really inspirational evening.”

Childcare student, Megan Talbot, aged 20 from Chesterfield, claimed the title of Student of the Year. Her tutors nominated her in recognition of resilience and dedication she has shown despite a difficult start and juggling the demands of studying whilst looking after a young child.

Tarmac Driveways, in Chesterfield, won the Employer of the Year award for their commitment to apprenticeships and the quality of the training and extracurricular development that they offer their engineering apprentices.

The Apprentice of the Year award was presented to Megan Cameron, aged 19 from Eckington. Despite a variety of personal issues, Megan has overcome many barriers to achieve her Level 2 apprenticeship – always with an overwhelming positive attitude, making the most of the support on offer to her through all levels of her traineeship and apprenticeship, showing an unbelievable commitment to achieving her dream of becoming a qualified childcare worker.

Other winners on the night included:

• Jasmin Senior, Health and Social Care student – Commitment to Learning Award
• Amy Sharpe, Sixth form student – Improvement Award
• Cheryl Booth, Beauty student – Inspirational Learner Award
• Natalie King, Hospitality Student – Outstanding Achievement Award
• Harrison Davies, Foundation Studies student – Foundation Studies Student of the Year
• Michael Davison, Access to Higher Education student – Adult Student of the Year
• Cuan Whitworth, BSc (Hons) Information Technology Student – Higher Education Student of the Year
• Slack & Parr Ltd – Investment in Workplace Training

Student of the Year, Megan Talbot with the Gill Parkes, Assistant Principal, Classroom-Based Learning of Chesterfield College and Jo Addy, Director of Time and Beauty Spa who was guest speaker.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Manufacturing, Uncategorised

Lizzie Armitstead takes stage win and Aviva Yellow Jersey in Derbyshire

17th June 2016

Lizzie Armitstead powered to an emotional victory in Chesterfield at the end of the third stage of the Aviva Women’s Tour, outsprinting a trio of breakaway companions to move into the Aviva Yellow Jersey of race leader with two stages remaining.

See pictures from the finish in Chesterfield

The reigning World Road Race Champion crossed the line pointing to the sky, dedicating her win in Derbyshire to the memory of Jo Cox, the Birstall MP who was murdered yesterday.

Armitstead crossed the line clear of second placed Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio to now enjoy a five second lead over the Cervelo Bigla rider on the Aviva General Classification, with overnight leader Marianne Vos leading the bunch in for fifth, 36-seconds down.

The Boels Dolmans rider had led Moolman-Pasio and Wiggle HIGH5’s Elisa Longo Borghini across to the day’s breakaway group, catching the group of 11-riders shortly after the Strava Queen of the Mountains climb of Bank Road in Matlock.

Those eleven, who went clear after the feed zone and around 47-kilometres of racing, included the likes of Hannah Barnes, Chantal Blaak and Australian national champion Amanda Spratt, who went on to finish fourth.

While the break were working well together, they were powerless to stop the pursuit of Armitstead, Moolman-Pasio and Longo Borghini, with the trio making the junction after the summit of Bank Road having gone clear on the flatter valley roads following the Chain Reaction Cycles Sprint at Darley Dale.

Having missed the move, Vos and her Rabo Liv team chased hard, but with around 15-kilometres to go Armitstead attacked again, at first joined by just Moolman-Pasio before Longo Borghini and Spratt also made the junction.

The quartet worked well to hold off the chasing Rabo Liv, whose pursuit saw the remnants of the breakaway caught, allowing them to contest the finish in Chesterfield’s Market Place, with Armitstead leading out the sprint to take victory, her second ever stage win in the Aviva Women’ Tour.

Behind Vos outsprinted Armitstead’s Boels Dolmans teammate Amalie Dideriksen for fifth, ahead of Leah Kirchmann and Giorgia Bronzini.

In addition to the Aviva Yellow Jersey and a five second lead overall, Armitstead also retained the Adnams Best British Rider Jersey, with Dani King her nearest challenger in that competition, 47-seconds back in 15th overall.

Despite losing yellow Marianne Vos retains the Chain Reaction Cycles Points Jersey, 11-points clear of Stage One winner Christine Majerus, with Vos’ compatriot Floortje Maackaij holding a 34-second lead in the Best Young Rider classification presented by Stoke-on-Trent, European City of Sport.

Having been in the day’s 11-rider move, Katie Hall led the race across both Strava Queen of the Mountains climbs at Winster and Matlock to take a 14-point lead over Ilona Hoeksma.

Highlights of Stage Three will be shown on ITV4 at 23:00 on Friday 17 June, with a repeat on Saturday morning at 08:55. The programme will also be available on demand via the ITV Hub catch-up service for 30-days.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Get ready for a weekend of cycling in Derbyshire

15th June 2016

Derbyshire is gearing up for a weekend of cycling action with the Aviva Women’s Tour on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June, and vintage cycling festival Eroica Britannia in Bakewell on 17 to 19 June.

The Aviva Women’s Tour will race through the county from Ashbourne to Chesterfield, travelling through Buxton, Chatsworth, Youlgreave and Matlock, on Friday 17 June.

Cycling fans in the county will also have the chance to catch the action for a second time a day later on Stage Four, which will also pass through South Derbyshire on its way from Nottingham to Stoke-on-Trent.

The Ashbourne to Chesterfield stage falls on the same weekend as the popular Eroica Britannia family festival in Bakewell, just a short ride from the route. The festival offers fun for all the family with three days of live music, entertainment, acres of shopping, the World’s biggest Bike Jumble and food festival.

Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor John Owen, said: “The weekend promises to be a fantastic opportunity for the county. There’s the Aviva Women’s Tour where you can watch a top class international sporting event for free.

“And then we welcome thousands of cyclists on vintage bikes to take part in Eroica Britannia. This prestigious event will boost the county’s economy as many of the riders come from outside the county, as well as offering a great day out for local people.

British Cycling rider Jessie Walker said: “I’m delighted to be riding in the Aviva Women’s Tour. I’m very familiar with the Derbyshire hills as I’m from Sheffield and have been cycling in the county for many years.

“I competed in the inaugural Women’s Tour in 2014 and was overwhelmed by the support out on the roads. It really gives the race an amazing buzz, making it an extra special race on the calendar.”

Find out more about the Stage three finish in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield architects named as one of the best in the UK

13th June 2016

Local practice WCEC Architects has been named a top UK architectural practice, according to the AJ100, an industry survey compiled by leading publication Architects Journal.

Alex Wall, Managing Director of WCEC Architects, said: “This has been another positive and progressive year for WCEC with a record high turnover achieved at the end of last year. Our success is enabling us to invest and strategically position ourselves in new and growth market sectors to further ensure our long-term sustainability.”
“As well as consolidating our reputation in traditional sectors such as retail, the last year has seen WCEC further its status as a trusted designer of major urban residential, student living and mixed use schemes across the UK.”

“Our participation in high-profile projects, such as Middlewood Locks in Salford, is testament to WCEC’s growing reputation as a major force in UK architecture.”
The Architects Journal has surveyed UK practices for its definitive AJ100 rankings since 1995, offering insight into the sector’s performance and gauging the industry’s optimism for the year ahead. The Gala dinner and awards dinner took place on the 8th June at the Tower of London where the top architects and award winners were announced.

Posted in Business

Worldwide media coverage for Aviva Women’s Tour

13th June 2016

ITV4 will screen daily highlights of the Aviva Women’s Tour with presenter Ned Boulting being joined by double European Cyclo Cross Champion Helen Wyman, who has raced in the past two editions of the leading race. You can watch Stage 3 highlights as the event passes through the Peak District before it finishes in Chesterfield on ITV4 on Friday 17 June, 23:00 and Saturday 18 June at 12:00.

The multiple British Champion who raced in the 2014 and 2015 Women’s Tours for Matrix Fitness will step in front of the cameras alongside the familiar face of Ned Boulting, who has hosted both editions of the race.

“I’m excited to returning to the Aviva Women’s Tour this year, and to be working alongside Ned will be a fantastic insight into another side of cycling,” said Helen Wyman.

“Having been to the first two editions of the tour as a rider, I’m thrilled to be going back to the world’s leading women’s race and helping to bring the excitement and action into people’s homes.”

A one-hour highlights programme will be broadcast each evening on ITV4, with a repeat the following morning on the same channel. All five programmes will also be available on demand for 30 days via the ITV Hub catch-up service.

Action from the race will also be broadcast worldwide with over 10 channels around the world having so far committed to broadcasting the highlights, including in Australia (Fox), France (L’Equipe) and the USA (NBC Sports).

Joining Hugh Porter MBE in the commentary box will be leading women’s cycling journalist and expert analysist Sarah Connolly.

“The Aviva Women’s Tour is such a brilliant, exciting course and there are so many incredible personalities who are guaranteed to make the racing explosive and exhilarating. I’m really excited to have the chance to share everything I love about the race with the audience”, said Connolly.

Find out all the details for the Stage 3 finish in Chesterfield including family entertainment, road closures and parking information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Next phase of development underway at Spire Walk

9th June 2016

Henry Boot Developments have started work on the site infrastructure for the next phase of development at Spire Walk. Once this phase is complete, the site will be handed over to Perrys Motor Group who will construct their new dealership facility.

Chesterfield Borough Council granted planning consent to Henry Boot Developments Limited to develop a new car dealership facility earlier in the year.

Fronting the A61, Spire Walk is situated on the former Donkin Valve Works site and includes a range of mixed uses, including retail, a new Community Fire station for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and office buildings. The car dealership is the final piece of the jigsaw and concludes the redevelopment of the former Valve Works.

Justin Sheldon, Senior Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments, who is responsible for the site commented: – “The success in obtaining planning permission for this development is the result of hard work by our professional team. It will be great to see this gateway site completed as Spire Walk is the first, highly prominent, development that is seen when travelling from the M1 to Chesterfield.”

In addition, Henry Boot Developments will also install lighting and CCTV around the skate park area close to the site together with other improvements to footpaths which link the site to the town centre.

Posted in Business, Development

Plans submitted to revitalise Chesterfield’s old Post Office

8th June 2016

Plans have been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council to turn former grade 2 listed Post Office into residential apartments and new commercial space.

Working alongside national developers, Telereal Trillium, local architects WCEC have submitted plans to build 7 luxury apartments across the first and second floor whilst plans for the ground floor will include a large commercial unit with a rear communal courtyard.

A dual planning application for listed building consent and planning permission with change of use will soon be under consideration by the council. The team have been working closely with Telereal Trillium, heritage / conservation planners, Trigpoint and agents FHP to ensure the scheme enhances the buildings original features, sustains a commercially viable development and meets with the current residential housing market specification in order to further improve the town’s historic market square.

Nick Fenton, Associate Director at WCEC Architects commented ‘We are privileged to be working with Telereal Trillium on such a fantastic local scheme. Following recent redevelopment of the town and future plans to regenerate the surrounding areas through schemes such as Chesterfield Waterside and the Northern Gateway we feel proposed plans for the landmark will contribute perfectly and revive a beautiful building that has been partially vacant for a number of years’.

If approved the scheme will be a further example of WCEC’s contributions to the local market town following successful work with the council on plans for future development of Chesterfield through a revised masterplan.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development