Author: Dom Stevens

Al Fresco Afternoon Tea launched for summer at Chatsworth

6th August 2019

Indulge at Chatsworth this summer with an alfresco afternoon tea, on offer for the first time in the garden, as well as the classic luxurious afternoon tea experience in The Flying Childers served on beautiful Wedgwood teaware.

Afternoon tea at Chatsworth showcases the best of local produce, as well as the talents of its bakers who have created an array of delicious cakes and pastries, for the ultimate English experience.

‘Afternoon tea at the Maze’ is available from 26 July to 29 August and includes free parking and admission to the garden. Located under cover by the Maze, this outdoor afternoon tea is the perfect way to sit back and enjoy an indulgent treat and take in summer views of the historic 105 acre garden.

The menu includes hand cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream & Chatsworth jam and an array of sweet treats: individual Bakewell tart, summer fruit sherry trifle, elderflower delice topped with a gin jelly, raspberry and chocolate opera cake and a piña colada pavlova.

Alternatively, the luxurious afternoon tea experience in the The Flying Childers, located in the Stables, is served on Wedgwood teaware and is available to book every day between 11.30am and 4.30pm.

There’s even a special afternoon tea menu so little ones can join in the fun too. The afternoon tea platter designed especially for children starts with a stack of scrumptious jam, ham and cheese sandwiches followed by freshly baked scones piled high with clotted cream and jam and more.

To find out more, and book online, visit www.chatsworth.org/shopping-dining/afternoon-tea

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Apprentices set to be honoured at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

5th August 2019

Three outstanding apprentices working in the town’s food and drink sector are set to battle it out to claim the prestigious Apprentice of the Year title in the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards later this year.

Denny Pearson (24) from The Bulls Head, Donna McMahon (38) from Van Dyk and Stuart Mcardle (19) from The Tickled Trout are all in the running for the award which is sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council).

All shortlisted apprentices were nominated for the award by their employers.

The finalists will be recognised alongside over 30 businesses in the annual Food and Drink Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Commenting on being shortlisted, Denny Pearson (below left), a Level 2 Apprentice in Cooking and Food Preparation, said: “It feels great to be recognised for my hard work. It’s taken me by surprise to be honest, but I am really happy to make the final three.”

Having started as a pot-washer at The Bulls Head based in Holymoorside, Denny decided he wanted to kickstart his cooking career with an apprenticeship at the pub. He is hoping to progress further in the kitchen and, eventually, would like to become Head Chef.

Donna McMahon (below centre), who has recently completed a Level 3 apprenticeship in Business Administration, is using the apprenticeship route to further develop her career within the growing hospitality and conference venue, Van Dyk. She added: “I’m super excited to be put forward and shortlisted for this award and I’m really looking forward to the night. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to develop my skills at Van Dyk with this apprenticeship and look forward to seeing what other qualifications I might be able to complete in the future.”

As well as working as Personal Assistant to the Managing Director (Marc Wildes), organising his diary and attending meetings with him and on behalf of him, organising travel arrangements, Donna is also facilitating the hotel’s major extension work.

Delighted also to be shortlisted, Stuart Mcardle (below right), a Level 2 Apprentice Culinary Chef, who works mainly on pizzas, pastries and starters on a day-to-day basis in the Tickled Trout’s kitchen, said: “I’m really shocked to be shortlisted for this award, but it feels great to have my hard work recognised. I’ve always been interested in cooking so I’m happy to be progressing in my career. Hopefully, one day in the future, I can get the role of head chef!”

Alongside Denny, Donna and Stuart, three businesses have also been shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year title, sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group). The shortlisted businesses include:

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa
Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House
The Tickled Trout

Both the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year awards were introduced to the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards in 2017. The awards are designed to recognise and commend the valuable contribution both apprentices and their employers make to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene.

Celebrity chef, Brian Turner will announce the winners of the prestigious titles at a glittering awards ceremony being held at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 23 October.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Apprentices play a crucial role in the food and drink sector’s success. Recognising the hard work of apprentices and the support from apprentice employers is important to us and we’re delighted to be able to do that again at this year’s awards.”

Other supporters of the awards include Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Distinctive Magic, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Edge Events Management Ltd, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, Magnifica, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd), Shorts Chartered Accountants and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

For more information about the Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Six teddy bears with mum’s voice donated to hospice patient’s children

5th August 2019

Thanks to a kind donation to Ashgate Hospicecare, Susan Clarke, who is a patient at the hospice, has been able to give her six young children teddy bears customised with her voice inside which they will be able to cherish forever and remember their mum by.

The Supportive Care Team at Ashgate Hospicecare, a local hospice that covers the North Derbyshire area, have been working closely with Susan Clarke, 40, a Day Hospice patient who has also spent time on the ward, and her six children who are aged between 5 and 16 years old. The children have received counselling as well as art therapy from the team, which is 100 per cent funded through donations.

Susan, from Middlecroft, said, “I’m absolutely over the moon to be able to give my children such a special gift. They’ll be able to cuddle these bears when they feel sad, and it makes me feel better to know that they’ll always be able to be comforted by my voice.”

“Ashgate Hospicecare’s Supportive Care Team have been working really closely with each of my children and have helped us to talk about what’s happening to mummy. They’ve also helped me to prepare memory boxes for each of them. We’d discussed for a while how wonderful it would be to have teddy bears that I could record a special voice message in and I’m so pleased that we’ve finally been able to do it. The kids love them already!”

Sharon Herriot, Art Therapist at Ashgate Hospicecare said, “It is thanks to a kind donation that we’ve been able to go that extra mile for Susan and her children. We are supporting some of the children through group art therapy in school and the others through one to one counselling sessions. This support will be available as long as the children need it and offers them a safe space to think about their difficult feelings through play, art and talking.”

“When people think about the hospice, they often think of the ward and the Day Hospice, but they don’t always know about the support services that are also provided and are absolutely vital to families like Susan’s. We’re really grateful to people in the local community who supports us, through generous donations to the hospice, which enable us to offer these vital services completely free of charge.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

Pronto Paints celebrates thirty years of continuous coatings service

5th August 2019

August 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of Pronto Paints trading as a specialist industrial coatings manufacturer.

Terry Harris, the founder, spotted the opportunity for ‘one coat’ finishes and established the business in Chesterfield in 1989. It is part of the Pronto folklore that the very first customer orders were made in a barrel and stirred by hand with a chair leg.

Whilst they maintain a steadfast commitment to personal service, things have evolved significantly from recycling furniture for use on the shop floor. Notable milestones include becoming a limited company in 1994, relocating to a purpose built 20,000 sq. ft facility in 1998, increasing in size to 81,000 sq. ft across 2 sites in 2019 and three BCF Coatings Care award wins.

“Everything starts and ends with our customers” said David Beckford, Managing Director. “Some of our customers really have been with us from the beginning.”

In that time, they have also invested significant sums in new equipment to improve our processes, allowing us to increase our capacity to 36,000 litres a day. New products have been launched like ST1Ktop and opened entirely new markets, bringing superior technology and service to customers with exacting standards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Town unites to tackle Climate Emergency

3rd August 2019

More than 60 people attended Chesterfield’s first Climate Emergency People’s Assembly which took place on Sunday 21st July.

The day-long event gave those attending the opportunity to voice their concerns on climate change and work together to draw up strategies for taking positive steps as individuals and in communities towards a sustainable future.

The event was orchestrated by Clare Gage, a local mum and ceramicist, who through her membership of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) has been supported to bring people together to form a ‘Peoples Assembly’ and put action into the hands of individuals.

A group ranging in age from 8 to 80 came together for the day and included individuals new to community action, as well as members of local campaign groups. The activities were led by Martin Yarnit and Perry Walker from Talkshop, making sure that everyone has a voice in the matters that concern them. The morning session was used to tease out key issues and establish areas of interest. Groups focused on specific issues such as transport, food production, environmental education and holding to account politicians and corporate business, all to encourage people to adopt new practices to help lessen our impact on the planet.

Some attendees agreed to continue meeting to further develop action plans and a follow-up People’s Assembly meeting will be held in September.

Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Amanda Serjeant were in attendance, a reassuring sign for the attendees that local council and central government alike are recognising the concern from local people about the issues.

Clare said afterwards: “As the organiser of the People’s Assembly I found it fantastic to see so many people from our town gather together.”

“We tackled tricky questions about how we could make a difference in the face of the climate emergency. Difficult issues were discussed, and we looked for practical solutions.”

“I am proud of how respectful our community was of one another and pleased to see what progress can be made when we come together as a team. This is just the start. Our town can be a place where people are empowered to create positive change.”

Follow up activity will take place in September with a meeting arranged for 15th September at 11am. Find out more at www.facebook.com/createchangechesterfield

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

CT hire new staff to fill customer demands and drive growth strategy

1st August 2019

CT has appointed five new joiners to its team. CT now employs 50 staff and is looking to recruit further across the sales, marketing and service desk teams.

David Parsons has been working in the IT sector for over a decade, most recently in the role of Senior Field Engineer at a respected local MSP. David will be applying his technical knowledge and experience to design solutions for CT’s customers. David provides a wealth of knowledge to help support the account management team and is a great asset to our growing team.

Sarah Bright joins as a Sales Support Administrator. Having worked in sales support for almost 4 years, Sarah’s role is to provide support to the account managers and ensure that the project is finished to a high standard and the customer has received the best service.

Elle Patman, Beth Holmes and Emma Parker join the busy service desk team as Service Desk Engineers. Beth and Elle have previous experience as a Service Desk Analysts which included taking calls and logging tickets. Emma has worked as Service Desk Analyst and a Duty Team Leader (DTL). All add critical support to the desk ensuring excellent customer service.

Managing Director Ian Snow said: “This is an exciting new chapter of growth which includes constantly innovating and improving the way we deliver our services”.

“Having great people is critical to this success so we’re delighted to have such fantastic new talent join our exceptional team, providing customers with the support and advice needed to help them achieve their goals through the right IT processes and solutions.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Liam Pitchford will spearhead the England squad for the European Championships.

31st July 2019

The 26-year-old Chesterfield athlete, Liam Pitchford, currently No 15 in the world, will join fellow Rio Olympians Paul Drinkhall and Sam Walker, plus Tom Jarvis, in a strong England line-up.

England have been drawn against Belarus and Luxembourg in the first stage of the event, which is in Nantes from September 3-8.

England came through two qualifying stages to take their place among the 24 nations competing for top continental honours.

Liam Pitchford (Image courtesy of ITTF)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Avant Homes searching for local expertise to help deliver 173 new homes in Chesterfield

31st July 2019

Chesterfield-based housebuilder Avant Homes Central is searching for local contractors and tradespeople from around the region to help it deliver 173 homes on its exciting new development.

The developer is holding a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event from 10am-3pm on Friday 9 August at Chesterfield Borough Council, Town Hall , Rose Hill in Chesterfield, where interested businesses will be able to meet key decision makers and find out how they can tender to be involved in the construction of its Waterside Quarter development.

Initial earthworks are already underway on the £36m Waterside Quarter development, which is a key part of the £340m Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme on the edge of Chesterfield town centre.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, said: “We want to support Chesterfield businesses and create jobs for local people in the construction of our developments in the town. There are a wide range of opportunities for skilled tradespeople to help us build 173 homes and I’d encourage all local businesses to join us at this event and learn more about how they can tender for the numerous jobs available.”

Opportunities at Waterside Quarter include brickwork, scaffolding, roof tiling, windows, joinery, electrical installation, plumbing and heating, wall insulation, loft insulation, plastering, painting and decorating, wall tiling, mastic and sealants, cleaning, fencing, landscaping and more.

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the council’s key priorities is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, business and skills and training opportunities.

“This is an exciting project that will see 173 new homes built in the borough, so I would encourage any local business with an interest in being a part of this project to attend the Meet the Buyer event to find out what opportunities may be available for their workforce.

“In addition to the Meet the Buyer event, Avant Homes will also be hoping to employ apprentices on site to further support skills development in the town.”

Avant Homes Central is located at Holmewood Business Park on Chesterfield Road. Its development operations cover South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Poster – Meet the Buyer Event – Avant Homes Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Come along and enjoy a family fuelled day at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair this summer!

30th July 2019

On Saturday 10th August, Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair returns for a day which promises fun and laughter for the whole family.

The event, which will take place between 11am and 4pm, will take place on Ashgate Hospicecare’s meadow, will host a number of different stalls and entertainment throughout the day as well as food, a bar, live music and much more!

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare said: “The summer is finally here, and our amazing Summer Fair is returning this August.

We have several great entertainment acts at the event including a circus display as well as a host of stalls and games for the whole family to enjoy. Please come on down and enjoy yourselves all whilst raising vital funds for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.”

Last year was a massive success for the hospice and there were a number of great reviews about the event.

Anna Drake, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said: At the weekend at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair, my little boy brought two strawberry rocks painted by someone who uses the Day Hospice facilities at the Hospice. Ashgate cared for my Gran before she passed last year.

It’s a home from home and a place where people have the dignity they deserve. The staff work tremendously hard and nothing is too much trouble for both the patient and their family. We will always support Ashgate Hospicecare as a family as my Gran did for most of her life, never knowing she would need their help and support in her last few months.”

Entry price for the event is £2 with under 16’s free, all you have to do is turn up!

If you would like a pitch at this event please contact our Events Team by emailing events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or calling 01246 567250.

Posted in Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Open Air Cinema is back with a bang showing Bohemian Rhapsody and Mary Poppins Returns this summer!

30th July 2019

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that their Open Air Cinema is returning this summer with box office hits Bohemian Rhapsody and Mary Poppins Returns.

The events, which will take place from 7:30pm over two nights (Mary Poppins on Friday 9th August and Bohemian Rhapsody on Saturday 10th August), are one of the most successful events in the calendar year and will take place under the night sky on the hospice meadow.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has already bought tickets for this year’s Open Air Cinema showings. Because of your amazing support, we’re able to care for people across North Derbyshire who really need us the most.

“There are still tickets left for both showings, promising two great films for all the family to enjoy. There will also be a bar on the night with food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and hot chocolate available for purchase, so come down and enjoy an amazing night knowing that you will be helping to support those in need of hospice care.”

The event is kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota Chesterfield and the audio visuals will be provided by Urban Entertainment. Because of their amazing support, all donations received from tickets sales will go directly to the hospice.

Claire Fallaway, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said: “I can’t wait for this year’s Open Air Cinema. We came to Ashgate Hospicecare to watch The Greatest Showman here last year and it really was one of the best events we’ve ever been to.”

“The hospice is such an amazing place that supports the local community, so to be able to support them whilst having fun with friends and family really is a win-win. I promise it’s an event not to be missed!”

Parking is available across the road from Ashgate Hospicecare in Ash Green (S42 7JE). Disabled parking will be in Ashgate Hospicecare’s main car park. There is also a free park and ride service from DXC Technology, Manor Road, Brampton.

Check out ideas of more things to do in Chesterfield this year at www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Celebrating the best local produce

29th July 2019

There is an abundance of food producers in and around Chesterfield and nine businesses nominated by the public last week took part in the final of the Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Check out our latest blog from Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager.

There is a diverse range of food and drink available from suppliers and producers located within ten miles of Chesterfield. The produce available at this year’s final ranged from tea to gin, from pickles to sausages and from cakes to chocolate.

The Food Producer of the Year final allows producers to showcase their products to local businesses, as well as raising the profile of their businesses through being part of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

It is important to Destination Chesterfield to build links and be able to tell the story of these unique businesses as part of the work we do to promote Chesterfield.

It’s also a great opportunity to remind both businesses and local residents to shop local and trade local. There are plenty of opportunities to try and buy from these excellent businesses – from restaurants and bars, local markets, independent shops and directly from the producer’s premises or online.

There are lots of reasons why to support our local producers:-

It is good for the local economy! By spending money with local producers, who employ people who live in North Derbyshire, more will go back into the local economy than spending elsewhere;
The local produce we grow and make is part of the town’s distinctiveness and an important part of what visitors want to experience when they are on a short break or holiday;
These businesses help to raise the profile of the area as they grow and supply goods further afield;
Reducing the amount of food miles in your purchases will have a positive impact on the environment;
Most importantly it tastes amazing!

We will be announcing the three finalists of the Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year soon, but you can find out all about the businesses that took part in the judging below; please do go and try them out.

All Things Brownie Beautiful

From exceptionally rich dark chocolate, to farm sourced free range eggs and pan-simmered, salted caramel, All Things Brownie Beautiful is a prime example of ‘the proof is in the pudding!’ Its secret recipe brownie batter provides the base to over 30 flavours with many ingredients currently in season.

The popularity of its flavour combinations and the loyalty of its customers has allowed an increase in weekly production and sales now average at 1000 brownies per week. All Things Brownie Beautiful travels the country spreading a chocolate-y smile at food festivals, farmers markets and county shows, where the team speaks proudly about Chesterfield and their delight in living here.

Find out more and order brownies

Original Recipes Ltd

Original Recipes was founded in 2012 by Will and Alistair Sutherland – a father and son team with a real desire to introduce quality and unadulterated pâtés, terrines and potted meats into a market flooded with low-quality products.

After five successful years, Will and Alistair decided to enter the food service market – and Pro Chef was born. Since 2017, the main focus has been on producing terrine, pâté and parfait products for chefs. Pro Chef incorporates the company’s small batch, clean label, chef led ethos whilst providing chefs with peace of mind through consistent quality in each slice.

Find out more.

Liza Bakes

Liza Bakes creates delicious cakes, puddings, tarts and scones. The team makes premium, award-winning, authentic, artisan products using natural and where possible, locally sourced ingredients. Liza Bakes is proud to cater for customers with Gluten, Dairy, Nut or Egg intolerances as well as Vegetarian or Vegan preferences…so everyone can enjoy Liza Bakes Cakes!

Customers range from local farm shops to high street stores and coffee shops to pubs and restaurants.

Liza Bakes has won numerous ‘Great Taste’ awards over the last few years, including a prestigious 2 star award for its delicious Orange Polenta cake in 2017. It was also a finalist in the ‘British Baker’ awards ‘free from’ category last year for its Coffee and Walnut cake.

Find out more.

Moss Valley Fine Meats

Moss Valley Fine Meats produces pork, bacon, ham and sausages in its own butchery from pigs bred and reared on its farm in the beautiful Moss Valley. The family has farmed locally for a hundred years in farm buildings dating from the 9th, 14th and 16th centuries. It also grows around 200 acres of cereals and oilseeds, all of which go back trough the pigs.

The business is run by Karen and Stephen and their eldest son, Oliver, who works both on and off the farm.

Moss Valley Fine Meats supplies over 60% of the restaurants in the Sheffield / NE Derbyshire area.

Find out more.

Little Morton Farm

Little Morton Farm is a small family farm based in North Wingfield, Chesterfield, specialising in keeping pigs, pig arks and supplying chickens. Run by Tom Beckingham and his family, the main objective of Little Morton Farm is food production of the highest quality.

Find out more.

Cacoa Elora

A local producer working to raise the quality of the standard of chocolate, which is available to the consumer in north Derbyshire, using lower levels of sugar, sourcing cacao responsibly and raising awareness of the fine cacao which is grown and available.

The company is one of only 25 or so such producers in the UK, has received a Great Taste Award and is currently awaiting the result of the Academy of Chocolate Awards 2019.

Find out more!

The Crooked Pickle Co. was established in 2018 after realising that there was a distinct gap in the UK market for inventive and tasty pickled vegetables. Sure, you can find “pickles” such as chutney on every local market, but freshly-picked vegetables preserved in a pickling vinegar are hard to find. Supermarkets usually only offer the same old fare of pickled onions, gherkins and beetroot. Nothing wrong with that, but it’s been the same since 19-whenever.

Crooked Pickle is based in the shadow of Chesterfield’s famous Crooked Spire church and because all of its veg is hand-cut and not always straight, it thought there was really no better name!

Find out more.

Derbyshire Distillery was set up early in 2018. Its aim was simple: to produce fantastic gins, vodkas and liqueurs using the best local and international ingredients and fresh, cool Derbyshire water.

It uses a combination of traditional copper alembic stills alongside its state-of-the-art Genio Still to deliver beautifully crafted, small batch spirits.

Find out more.

Cup & Saucer is a small independent business, based in the heart of Derbyshire, just a stones throw away from the beautiful Peak District, which influences many of its products.

The business is passionate about good-quality tea, and provides customers with a variety of unique flavours.

Find out more.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Destination Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting