Author: Dom Stevens

CBeebies ‘Waffle’ Star Joins Chesterfield Panto

Chesterfield Theatres have announced that star of CBeebies Waffle the Wonder Dog,  Andrea Valls, will join the cast of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020.

Instantly recognisable to youngsters (and their parents) as ‘Mum’ Jess, in CBeebies heart-warming family comedy show Waffle the Wonder Dog, Andrea will make her pantomime debut this Christmas as Princess Jess.

Andrea has enjoyed great success with BAFTA-nominated Waffle the Wonder Dog which first hit TV screens in Spring 2018. The critically acclaimed show, now in its third series, is broadcast in 30 countries worldwide and has been viewed by over 24 million people on BBC IPlayer alone. The programme which features the talking wonder dog Waffle, voiced by the aptly named Rufus Hound, and which focuses on the newly blended Brooklyn-Bell family was an instant favourite with viewers and critics alike, praised for its sensitive and humorous handling of the everyday issues that affect young children, helping viewers to understand and cope with confusing emotions.

Away from ‘Waffle’ Andrea, who trained at East 15 Acting School, has starred in Jack & Dean of All Trades alongside Jessica Hynes, Valentine’s Night for Sky Arts and is currently writing and developing a digital sketch series.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “With her natural warmth, charm and energy not to mention a fantastic singing voice, Andrea is the perfect choice for our vivacious Princess Jess and if she can handle a talking dog I’m sure our Giant will be no match for her!”

Andrea joins the previously announced star of pop supergroup Steps, Lee Latchford-Evans, who takes the title role of Jack in this year’s spectacular production. Filled to the brim with toe-tapping pop songs, high energy dance routines, laugh-out-loud comedy and breathtaking special effects along with all the well-loved pantomime traditions and plenty of chances to join in the fun, Jack and the Beanstalk has something for all the family this Christmas.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

New forum unites Chesterfield’s food and drink sector

Skills, recruitment and marketing were top of the agenda for the brand-new Chesterfield Food and Drink Forum, which has been launched by Destination Chesterfield.

The new forum builds on the continued success of the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards and is designed to further raise the profile of the town’s thriving food and drink sector.

Open to Chesterfield Champions, the group will meet twice a year and has been established to encourage a closer working relationship between businesses operating within the sector.

It aims to support business growth by providing access to training and development and signposting to local business advisers.  It is also hoped the group will spark new marketing ideas to further boost the sector and encourage the whole town to get involved.

Hospitality and tourism is the UK’s fourth-largest industry, supporting 4.49 million jobs and generating one tenth of the country’s economic wealth. Chesterfield is no exception. The thriving sector is growing year-on-year with recent developments including the arrival of Deliveroo in Chesterfield in May, the creation of new food and drink units in the former Co-Op building on Elder Way and the redevelopment of the outdoor space at Vicar Lane.

The inaugural event was held at The Crafty Dog on Chatsworth Road and was attended by representatives from The Crafty Dog, Casa Hotel, Brampton Brewery, Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House, R P Davidson Cheese Factor and Salute. It was chaired by Laura Ashby and Richard Alsop from Edge Events, the company behind the Chesterfield Food Festival and Street Food and Grooves Festival and included information for local producers from the Food and Drink Forum Ltd.

Richard Alsop explained: “As Laura and I work with businesses across the food and drink sector providing an event platform for them to deliver their products, as chairs of the forum, we are not only able to be objective, but also understand what matters to the individuals and businesses operating within the sector.

“The first forum went really well and feedback from the attendees was excellent. It has provided us with a great platform to build on. Now, it’s about increasing numbers, connecting people and ensuring we add value to all those who get involved.”

Future plans for the forums include guest speakers from local cookery schools, marketing support including websites and social media and attendance from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Chesterfield’s food and drink scene is thriving as evidenced by the annual Food and Drink Awards which has grown year on year since its launch in 2013. Launching the forum was the next step in bringing together the many individuals and businesses that operate in the sector. The forum will enable them to work together to make the most of opportunities and also collectively find solutions for industry issues such as skills shortages. As the inaugural forum evidenced, together Chesterfield’s food and drink sector is definitely stronger.”

The next Chesterfield Food and Drink Forum will be held at The Tickled Trout on Wednesday 6 November.

If you are a business operating with Chesterfield’s food and drink sector and would like to attend the next meeting, please contact Tara Underhill on 01246 207207 or email tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk.

To find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/champions.

Chesterfield Food and Drink Forum

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure

Former Post Office sold for residential development

FHP is pleased to announce the sale of the first and second floors of the old Post Office, Chesterfield to Balmoral Investment & Development Limited.

Following the refurbishment and letting of the ground floor to Loungers by PDR Construction, the upper floors were marketed with the benefit of a planning consent to convert the upper parts into 10 high quality apartments.

Phil Daniels at FHP commented “There is still an appetite for small scale town centre living and this property’s excellent location on the historic Market Square appealed to the purchaser for their rental model. We are currently advising a number of clients on former office properties suitable for residential development, with this market continuing to remain buoyant”.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “There are already a number of residential developments already underway in the town centre and the Old Post Office will further add to this. Town centre living is a key component to creating a modern town centre which has a thriving daytime and evening economy – which are both important to the town’s fortunes.”

Work will commence shortly on site for a scheme aimed at the rentals market.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Markham miners memorial unveiling marks halfway point

Eight new life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of a memorial to miners who lost their lives at Markham Colliery marking the halfway point in the project.

There are now 53 figures as part of the award-winning ‘Walking Together’ memorial – led by us – which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton in Chesterfield and the former pithead.

Each figure is part of a walking trail which symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in three accidents at the site.

On 21 January 1937 an underground explosion claimed the lives of nine men and in 1938, 79 miners lost their lives and 40 were seriously injured in a second explosion.

Eighteen miners died and 11 others suffered serious injury in the third disaster at the colliery when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying them to the coalface failed on 30 July, 1973.

The former colliery site has now been reclaimed by us and Henry Boot Developments and is home to the Markham Vale regeneration scheme which is working to create 4,100 jobs for local people.

Derbyshire County Council, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration Councillor Tony King said: “It was a special and emotional day remembering the brave men that lost their lives in the three disasters at Markham Colliery.

“We are delighted that we have now commemorated 53 out of the 106 men with a life-size figure and have reached the halfway point in this important project.

“If you’d like to take part and support the project by sponsoring a figure please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”

Each figure carries a tag with the name of one of the miners, along with their age and job role.

These most recent additions have been dedicated to:

  • Colin Gee-Pemberton, 30, Belt-hand
  • George Davison, 51, Contractor
  • Harry Taylor, 32, Belt Erector
  • James Allen, 25, Contractor
  • John Henry Bradford, 46, Ripper
  • Lawrence Jacklin, 28, Contractor
  • Leonard Keller, 26, Belt Turner
  • Stanley Lodge, 40, Belt erector

Relatives of the miners commemorated at the unveiling also attended the event to pay tribute.

The latest figures have been sponsored by:

  • Sutton-cum-Duckmanton Parish Council
  • Rex Procter and Partners and RPP Management Ltd
  • DLA Piper UK LLP
  • Burkitt and Foulkes families
  • Ian Whibberley
  • NT Killingley Ltd
  • Derbyshire County Council and through public donations

The Walking Together memorial has been designed by Cheshire-based artist Stephen Broadbent.

The memorial won the award for best volunteer project and the Markham Vale Heritage Group was also highly commended recognising the involvement of young people in heritage with its Story Mine project at this year’s Derbyshire Heritage Awards.

Markham miners memorial unveiling marks halfway point

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Discover the top 50 most profitable SMEs in North Derbyshire

BHP Accountants recently released their Top 50 survey of the most profitable SMEs in North Derbyshire. The report published in conjunction with the Derbyshire Times showcases many of the region’s most successful businesses, that all contribute hugely to the local economy.

Download the Top 50 SMEs in North Derbyshire

Dominic Staniforth, Partner at BHP Accountants said “Confidence in the region has been further bolstered by several-large scale leisure and retail redevelopments which are creating opportunities for employment and supporting the visitor economy. Of particular note are the Elder Way development, Peak Resort and Chesterfield Waterside, as a £320m scheme, is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.”

“This year’s Top 50 makes for optimistic reading.  SME’s aren’t being put off by uncertainty and they’re not content to sit tight. They’re maintaining momentum – continuing to push forward and remaining positive about the future.”

Find out more about support to grow your business in Chesterfield

Dunston Innovation Centre-Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Historic Pub Tour launched in Chesterfield

A new attraction launches in Chesterfield at the end of June. The Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour features 8 of the town centre public houses and the town’s historic sites along the way.

Taking place every Saturday from 12:00 noon, at the Pig And Pump on St Mary’s Gate, (formerly the White Swan), this walking tour takes 4 hours.    

Launching on the 29th of June and running until the end of August, the tour costs just £5 per person, which can be paid in cash to the tour guide on the day as booking is not required.

“I am hoping to attract visitors from far and wide”, said the Tour’s Creator, Shaun Stevenson. “There is a great deal of interesting history behind many of the pubs in Chesterfield, and I want this Tour to be both enlightening and fun”.

A guidebook, which contains much of the historical information, directions and also an observational quiz, is currently being put together, with the help of local historian, Janet Murphy. The guidebook will be available to purchase from the Tourist Information Centre, and at each of the venues from August.

Shaun is hoping to attract local people interested in the history of Chesterfield through the summer and is also marketing the tour to coach companies.

Pig and Pump

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Discovery of items from the 14th century prompts further archaeological work on the Donut

Archaeological works will re-commence today on part of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park in Chesterfield following finds made earlier in the year.

The works will take place for at least four weeks.

In recent excavations at the car park, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, archaeologists from ArcHeritage, dug four trial trenches.

In these trenches, they uncovered well preserved archaeological remains of the buildings which occupied the site from the late 18th century onwards.

Earlier deposits were also found in three of the four trenches with pottery dating from as early as the 14th century recovered.

There is potential of a deeper layer of remains being present that could represent even earlier occupation and activity on the site.

The limited size of the trial trenches prevented a more detailed investigation taking place at the time.

The new dig will help to characterise these earlier deposits and ensure the site is fully assessed and documented before work begins on the construction of Chesterfield Borough Council’s new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth said: “These investigations are required to satisfy a planning condition as part of the approval for the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

“They also represent a unique opportunity to find out more about the history of this important town centre site”.

The works will cover the entire footprint of the proposed building.  The excavation area and spoil storage area will be fenced and secured.

The rest of the car park will remain open with vehicle entry and exit points continuing to operate as normal.

Glyn Davies, ArcHeritage, Regional Manager said “Archeritage is pleased to be teaming up with Chesterfield Borough Council once again on this site.

“The proposed works will greatly improve understanding of the history of this site located along Saltergate, which itself was the principal route used by the Cheshire to Chesterfield salt trade from at least the 12th Century.

“We will be employing a team of five archaeologists over four weeks on the site.  The aim will be to submit our findings soon after completing these works”.

Councillor Gilby added: “Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to town centre users, although the remainder of the car park will continue to operate, drivers failing to find a space can be accommodated in the council’s other surface car parks in the town centre.”

A list of car parks is available on the council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/parking.

Discovery of items from the 14th century prompts further archaeological work on the Donut

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield Royal Hospital announces new Chief Executive

With 4000 staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, it’s North Derbyshire’s  largest employer – and serves more than 400,000 people living in our local communities and beyond.

Recently awarded GOOD ratings by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – for the hospital and both of its Royal Primary Care Practices, the Trust is well-respected for its performance against national standards, including emergency department waits, timescales for cancer treatments and waiting times for routine operations. It is also recognised for its approach to staff-led improvement and engagement, which resulted in a 71% return rate in the 2018 national staff survey – second highest in the country for an acute hospital.

The Trust has been on a considerable improvement journey over the last three years and from September 2 2019 will have a new Chief Executive to take it one step closer to realising its ambition of achieving an outstanding rating.

The role has been offered to Angie Smithson, currently a Deputy Chief Executive/Chief Operating Officer (COO) who has been based in Liverpool since 2014.

She has more than 30 years of NHS experience, starting her career in nursing and midwifery in 1986, before moving into a range of leadership positions.

Since 2017, she has combined her COO role with the responsibilities of Integration Director, leading a complex and challenging merger to combine Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust with the Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Commenting on her appointment Angie says: “I am so pleased to be offered the Chief Executive leadership role at Chesterfield Royal. I’m excited at the prospect of taking on the scale of this opportunity and really look forward to working with everyone. I am passionate about ensuring the delivery of exceptional care for patients and I have also been part of engaging and leading staff through challenging changes that have helped to ensure sustainable services, at the same time as realising enhanced patient experience and a host of other improvements. ”

The Trust’s Chair, Dr Helen Phillips comments: “It’s a thrilling time for a new Chief Executive to join us and I am certain that Angie will direct the Trust in our continued ambition to achieve ‘outstanding’ both for the care we give to all our patients and for the workplace we provide to all our staff. I believe that Angie’s track-record of realising large scale change in health services is an asset. As Chief Executive, her leadership will be crucial to build on our Leading the Chesterfield Way approach, where our values and principles around staff engagement and staff-led improvement have already started to make a difference.

The new Chief Executive ‘s appointment will need to be ratified by the Trust’s Council of Governors in June 2019 – and Angie’s expected start date is the beginning of September. She will replace Simon Morritt, who joined the Trust in 2017 and will be moving on to the Chief Executive role at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Banner Jones Solicitors appoints three new directors amidst continued growth

Leading law firm Banner Jones Solicitors has today announced the further expansion of its senior management team with a raft of Director promotions.

Spanning the firm’s employment law and dispute resolution departments, the move sees Head of Employment Law, Katie Ash, and Head of Dispute Resolution, Rob Stubbs, being appointed as Shareholding Directors, and Lee Foster, Dispute Resolution Solicitor, receiving a promotion to Director.

Taking on their new positions will see Shareholding Directors, Katie and Rob, sit on the strategic decision-making board at Banner Jones.

The move comes amidst continued growth for the firm which employs more than 120 staff across its South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire offices; specialising in a wide spectrum of legal advice for businesses and individuals – including employment law, family law, dispute resolution and conveyancing.

Katie advises on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law, including claims for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and discrimination. With particular expertise in TUPE, she has advised on complex situations for local and national organisations.

Rob joined Banner Jones in 2004 and was promoted to Director in 2012, he specialises in all aspects of Dispute Resolution, including commercial disputes, Wills and Estate disputes and professional negligence.

After qualifying in 2002, Lee has practiced across the Derbyshire country and joined Banner Jones in 2015. Lee has a wealth of experience in commercial litigation, Wills and Estate disputes and contractual disputes.

Commenting on the appointments, Executive Director at Banner Jones, Chris Sellars said: “I would like to congratulate Katie, Rob and Lee on their promotions which acknowledge the hard work, dedication and invaluable contribution that these individuals have made to the practice.”

“Here at Banner Jones, we are committed to investing in our staff and providing them with opportunities to develop their career within the firm.”

“In addition to our new appointments, we are continually on the lookout for passionate, skilled individuals at all levels and this recruitment drive is indicative of client demand for our expert, no-nonsense legal services and our ambitions to grow the practice further.”

Banner Jones, operating from its offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield, Mansfield and Nottingham, was recognised in the Legal 500 for the sixth year in a row, with its Family Law team celebrating a move up the ranks to Tier 2, and the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team maintaining their Tier 2 ranking.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield Museum wins award for the Trench Experience

Chesterfield Museum has won an award for its interactive display which commemorated the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The Trench Experience Exhibition, which ran from 12 October to 19 January at the popular Chesterfield Borough Council run attraction on St Mary’s Gate, received the award for enterprise and innovation at the recent Derbyshire Heritage Awards.

The awards, run by the Derbyshire Museums and Heritage Forum, celebrate the work taking place in museums and heritage organisations across the county.

Part of the museum’s art gallery was transformed into a section of a trench like those on the Western Front in France and Belgium from 1914 to 1918. Sights, sounds and smells were included to give visitors a good idea of a soldier’s life during the conflict.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “I am extremely proud of the hard work carried out by staff and volunteers at the museum to make this possible. It is great to see them recognised by the county for their innovative approach to marking the First World War.”

The exhibition was supported by many local organisations and was funded by Chesterfield Borough Council, a £1,500 grant from Museum Development East Midlands and donations from the many visitors to the Museum over the year.

The Trench Experience exhibition was extremely popular with both local people and visitors. The museum saw a 36 per cent increase in visitors while the exhibition was on show.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. For information on the current exhibitions, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

The Trench Experience

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Vicar Lane reveals community hero in their midst

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is proud to reveal the identity of an as yet, unsung hero who has been working under the cover of darkness to help local charities over the last 18 years.

Ken Harper is the centre’s Night Security Officer and, while undertaking his duties and nightly patrols of the centre, he collects the small denominations of change discarded by shoppers throughout the day, collecting them up to make a monthly donation to charity. Over the past 18 years Ken has donated this ‘loose change’ to charities including Hospices and St. John Ambulance and, most recently to Cancer Research and McMillan Cancer Support.

Each year, for the least 18 years, Ken has collected between £150-£190, donating over £1,000 in total to a variety of local charities, proudly pinning the monthly paying-in slip on the team notice board for all to see.

To explain, Ken says, “I thought this was a good way of helping these charities out. Not only do I collect the coins that have been discarded, but I also receive change that has been saved by the on-site cleaning, security and management teams, who bring it in and add it to the pot – it’s a real team effort. The charities I donate to are worthy causes that are dear to my heart.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said: “For one individual to demonstrate such community spirit over all these years is incredible. Ken is an inspiration to the Vicar Lane team and wider community and we’re proud to have him as a long standing member of our team.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting