Author: Tara Underhill

Businesses unite to support health and social care workers across Chesterfield and Derbyshire

6th April 2020

Four local businesses have teamed up to manufacture and deliver free protective visors to health and social care workers.

Production has begun by Inkersall manufacturer, Hutchinson’s PVC Solutions Ltd.

An additional assembly line has also been created at One to One Support Services in Hasland. With the support of the training academy’s office workers and tutors, it is hoped that 1,000 units will have been completed and delivered by the end of the week.

Melanie Ulyatt, MD of One to One Support services comments: “It is paramount that we all work together. Keeping people safe in the community and keeping our essential workers as safe as possible is key to saving lives during this crisis.

“I am keen to promote this widely to ensure these reach those front line people that need it urgently”.

Local firms, Peak 4×4 Response and Autosupplies Chesterfield Limited are two of the businesses, which have volunteered to deliver the visors to local health and social workers.

A collection option is also available to those who are able to do so safely, following current Government guidelines.

Heath and social care providers in need of visors can register their interest at https://form.jotform.com/200912491635049

Hutchinson’s PVC Solutions Ltd has so far utilised materials usually designated for its PVC industrial and personal use products. Businesses that are able to donate materials (ideally Clearplas PVC 50 and 1’ self-adhesive hook and loop Velcro) are urged to contact the Visor Distribution Chesterfield team via Facebook.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home

Volunteers available to support local community

1st April 2020

A training provider has pledged to support communities in Chesterfield in a bid to repay the hard work and loyalty the business has seen from local people.

The team at Juniper Training in Chesterfield is open to suggestions for a variety of volunteering activities, from helping at local food banks, shops or distribution centres to manning telephone support lines for isolated and/or vulnerable people.

Aaron Squires, Lead Practitioner said “It is important that our local communities and residents, especially those that are vulnerable and/or isolated are assisted and supported during this unprecedented time.

“We continue to see organisations; volunteering groups and community groups put their own health on the line and work extremely hard to ensure they meet current demands. We understand the pressure involved in meeting these demands and would like to provide a little balance and alleviate a little pressure by offering an extra pair of hands!”

Juniper Training, Chesterfield supports local 16-18-year olds to develop their skills, knowledge and behaviours through a variety of educational pathways including apprenticeships, traineeships and study programmes.

Organisations seeking volunteers to support with activities, which adhere to government guidelines and social distancing requirements, should contact Chris Hull at Juniper training on 07712676373

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Home, Manufacturing

Chesterfield manufacturer shifts production to bespoke face shields

1st April 2020

In less than three days, Chesterfield manufacturer, Specialised Canvas has designed, prototyped and produced a new face guard to support front line medical staff. The company’s prompt response came following a request from a care home.

Specialised Canvas, which has a 25,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Staveley, Derbyshire, has a track record of producing other products for the healthcare sector, including isolators, but it is the first time it has created face shields.

Despite having closed its doors on Wednesday 25^th March following the lockdown announcement, the company had designed, prototyped and delivered the face shields to the client by the Friday afternoon, having only received the enquiry on the Thursday.

Sam Bramah, Director at Specialised Canvas said: “We’ve gone from closing our doors last week and not knowing when we might open them again, to manufacturing an entirely new product into a new market in a matter of days, which really is testament to the great team we have working here. Thanks to our facilities, infrastructure and skilled team we are fortunate to be in a position to support the nation’s key workers in these unprecedented times and play our small part in the ongoing battle.”

Specialised Canvas has created plans to produce up to a 1,000 units a day, whilst practising social distancing and adhering to all government guidelines. Orders are already being distributed to care homes, social workers, nurses, GPs and supermarkets.

For further information please contact sales@flexiplastics.co.uk or 01246 472 949.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Try something new this January

31st December 2019

Have you decided on your New Year’s resolution?

Choosing one, which you will be able to keep for longer than a few weeks, can be really challenging. But committing to try a few new experiences is something everyone can achieve, as well as having a lot of fun.

We’ve selected five ideas from Chesterfield businesses. Why not give them a go with your family, friends or colleagues?

1. Learn a new skill

If you enjoy getting creative, you may be inspired by Chesterfield College’s £15 taster courses in silversmithing or ceramics? These are a great way to try out a new hobby and if you enjoy the taster you can sign up for a six week course to perfect your skills.

Find out more about the Ceramics taster.
Find out more about the Silversmithing taster.

Or why not try your hand at gin making? Love Brewing on Chatsworth Road runs gin experiences every Friday and Saturday evening to get you started with your own bespoke flavours, including a 200ml bottle of your creation to take home (per pair).

Find out more about the Make Your Own Gin Experience.

2. Experience new local events

You may be feeling blue now the festivities are over, but now is a great time to plan your diary for 2020. There are plenty of exciting new events to look forward to as well as the return of many popular favourites.

Extreme Bike Battle
Chesterfield Autojumble Market
Make Your Own Gin Experience
Brampton Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting
Sporting Dinner: An Evening with Paul Merson and Phil Thompson at Casa Hotel

Click here to find more local events updated throughout the year.

3. Support local businesses

How often do you shop locally? Are there small changes you could make to help boost the local economy?

S40 Local Magazine is supporting #FiverFest from 15th to 29th February and is spreading the message that if every adult in Chesterfield spends £5 per week in local independent shops rather than online or in supermarkets, we will boost our local economy by £20.4M per year.

Click here for details of many local businesses from solicitors to shops.

4. Become a volunteer

Have you thought about becoming a volunteer? It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and give something back to the local community. These are just a few of the many valuable opportunities locally:-

If you’re a local employer, could you donate your time to support young people in Chesterfield with mock interviews or work experience? Click here for more information online.

If you’d like to support the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, you could become a volunteer fundraiser. Some of the past fundraising activities have helped cancer and dementia patients with art therapy and activities, refurbished medical rooms and enabled the hospital to purchase new rehabilitation equipment. For more information click here.

At Citizens Advice Chesterfield there are a variety of roles to choose from: including adviser, telephone adviser, receptionist, trustee, campaigner, ambassador and fundraiser. Full training is given and you’d be part of a friendly group of volunteers. Click here for more information online or contact Linda Moore, Chair of the trustee board and a key fundraiser.

Perfect for people who love where they live, Chesterfield Visitor Centre and Museum are always looking for new volunteers. Click here to find out more.

Find more local charities here.

(Photo shows local builder, Avant Homes supporting local charity, Fairplay).

5. Taste local produce

You can add some colour to the dark January days with this new sparkling water from Chesterfield’s Franklin & Sons. Bursting with real, zesty fruit, the new range of Sister’s Soda is available in three unique combinations. The Sister’s Soda range has three unique flavours including Guava & Lime, Pomegranate & Hibiscus and Pineapple & Cardamom and is available in pubs and bars across Chesterfield as well as supermarkets. Click here for more information online.

Or have you tried the delicious gluten free Coffee and Walnut cake from Liza Bakes? A finalist at the national British Baker Awards in the gluten free category, the popular treat has a rich coffee flavour and nutty texture and you would never guess it’s gluten free! Available in a selection of cafes across Chesterfield or or click here to see more online.

For more information about local producers click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Destination Chesterfield

New Saltergate car park on schedule

29th November 2018

Saltergate’s new multi-storey car park has been confirmed as on track for its planned opening in late spring 2019.

Owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, the new car park will serve shoppers, commuters and people staying at the new Premier Inn hotel at the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

With 530 spaces, the car park will be open 24 hours and have wider spaces and more disabled spaces than the previous car park, which was demolished earlier this year. It will also have six electric vehicle charging points, with the option to add a further ten.

Access to the car park will be controlled by automated speed gates at vehicle entrance and exits, while people will only be able to come through pedestrian entrances by using their parking ticket. Councillor Terry Gilby, the council’s cabinet member for economic growth, says:-

“It’s good to see the progress that is being made on the new Saltergate car park.

“One of our key priorities is to grow the local economy and this new car park will offer much improved facilities for shoppers and commuters travelling into Chesterfield and I hope will encourage people to come into the town centre.”

As part of the construction process, a temporary road closure will be required on the eastbound side of Saltergate from the junction with Rose Hill East to the Holywell Cross (Donut) roundabout to enable a crane to lift the key car park parts in to place. Traffic will still be able to travel westbound from the roundabout down Saltergate and there will also be access to the businesses along Saltergate.

A road closure order will be in place between 14 January and 28 February, although it is hoped the work can be completed earlier than this if the weather is not bad.

A temporary one way diversion will be in place taking drivers from Saltergate, down Rose Hill East by the side of Chesterfield Town Hall, on to Rose Hill, Knifesmithgate and Cavendish Street before returning to Saltergate.

The new car park is part of the Northern Gateway development which will see the opening of the new Premier Inn Hotel and improvements on Knifesmithgate and Elder Way. A planning application has also been submitted to build an enterprise centre on part of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park. This will offer extra space for start-up and existing small and medium-sized businesses, which is particularly needed as the current innovation centres at Dunston and Tapton Park are almost running at capacity.

In each of these projects, the council has used local labour clauses meaning that, where possible, local businesses have been in the construction process, and in supplying materials.

In total, the Northern Gateway scheme is due to create around 500 new jobs. For more information visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/northern-gateway/.

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

Top restaurant revealed at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

1st November 2018

Less than two years after opening, Bottle and Thyme has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the town’s 2018 Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Based on Knifesmithgate in Chesterfield town centre, Bottle and Thyme was one of 13 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals to scoop an accolade across 15 categories.

Now in its sixth year, the awards ceremony recognises the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector. Once again held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building, the awards ceremony was hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who explained: “I was delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Since opening in December 2016, Bottle and Thyme has made a big impression on the town’s food and drink scene. Last year, it took home the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service, in the 2017 Food and Drink Awards.

Hannah Grainger, Owner of Bottle and Thyme said: “It feels incredible to win Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year. We were so happy to win the two awards last year and, this year, we are ecstatic to win this – it means so much. We try to use as many local suppliers as we can and always try and make our menu seasonal to change it up; keeping things exciting.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Once again the awards have been a tremendous success and reflection of a thriving sector in Chesterfield. The awards – in terms of nominations, businesses and guests, increase year on year, and 2018 was no exception. They epitomise everything that is great about the Chesterfield hospitality scene – great food, drink and partnerships between both the business community and education sector.”

This year, the awards saw the introduction of two new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year, recognising the contribution that apprenticeships make to the hospitality industry.

Corey Elliott, an apprentice chef at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant was named as the Apprentice of the Year, while Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House was named as the Apprentice Employer of the Year. Stephenson’s’ owners, Claire and Sam Wood had cause for double celebration on the night after being named as the Café/Tea Room of the Year.

Chatsworth Road-based Junction Bar was also a double winner on the night scooping the awards for Pub/Bar of the Year and Best Customer Service.

More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are also a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students, who prepared and served a two-course menu at the event.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “I am delighted that the role of apprenticeships in the industry was celebrated for the first time this year, alongside the achievements of the Young Chef of the Year finalists.

“We are training the next generation of catering and hospitality experts both in our classrooms and working with employers through apprenticeships, so it is fantastic to be able to inspire them by helping to showcase successful businesses in the sector.

“I am very proud of our catering and hospitality staff and students who have worked hard to prepare and serve an amazing meal for guests, which highlights the quality of their work and their professional approach.”

Lesley Waters added: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

To see all of the winners of the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Supporters of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Juxta-Post Media, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Reflections, Steve Faulkner and Winster Foods.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

More events coming to town after success of Chesterfield Wheel

8th March 2018

Further high-profile events are being planned by Chesterfield Borough Council following the success of the Chesterfield Wheel.

The popular 60-metre ride, which will be open until Mother’s Day on Sunday March 11, has attracted thousands of people to the town and a number of businesses have reported a welcomed increase in footfall and trade.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of the council said:

“The Chesterfield Wheel is a recent example of where we have been able to deliver something special for the town at no cost to taxpayers while providing a real boost to the town’s shops and market traders. This is in addition to the successful artisan market and big town centre events, such as the Medieval Fun Day, which attract large crowds throughout the year. We are always looking to add to the town centre events calendar and would welcome any business or company with ideas to come and talk to us.”

“One big new event will see us work with an external company to deliver the first Street Food and Grooves Festival in the town centre, between May 11 and 13. This will see a wide mix of hot and cold food stalls from around the world, alongside live stage music. This will be another significant draw for both residents and visitors alike.”

“Another example is the series of events being held in November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, where we are working with a range of community and voluntary groups. The wide-ranging events will include a ‘poppy fall’ being created down both sides of the town hall entrance.”

Dom Stevens, manager of the town’s marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield, added:

“The big wheel has proved a great draw for the town centre, bringing in both new visitors and encouraging people to return to the town who may not have been in recent months. We know that events bring people into the town and the wheel is no exception.”

“There are further events planned for the town throughout the year which, I hope, people will embrace in the same way they have the wheel and show their support through increased footfall into the town which will benefit the many great businesses based there.

The Chesterfield Observation Wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group Events and will operate daily until Sunday 11 March. For ticket prices including online discounts and booking information please click here.

The Street Food and Grooves Festival is organised by Chesterfield-based Edge Events and takes place in New Square from Friday May 11 until Sunday May 13.

A range of events are planned between October 11 and November 11 to mark the anniversary of the First World War.

The Chesterfield Artisan Market takes place on the last Sunday of each month.

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

New format for the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards

15th February 2018

The 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards has stepped up a gear.

For the first time, the popular awards will be hosted as a glittering black-tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel. In previous years the awards have been presented at an afternoon tea.

Up to 200 store owners, retail workers and key figures from the business community are expected to attend the ceremony which is now in its fifth year.

Businesses can also take part in the prestigious event by sponsoring one of the 15 categories. New to this year’s ceremony will be the chance to commend the work of apprentice retail workers and employers of apprentices in the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year categories.

Commenting on the change of format, Dom Stevens Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “Becoming a sponsor is an excellent opportunity to get involved with the town’s developing retail scene.

“The awards have grown more popular year on year and the clear message is that local businesses are keen for Destination Chesterfield to further promote the quality and diversity of retailers across the town to attract further inward investment.

“With so many developments underway and so many new retailers arriving in Chesterfield, now is an excellent time to raise the profile of the Chesterfield Retail Awards further and we are pleased to be able to host the fifth event as a black tie ceremony.”

Supporters of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards so far include: Apprentice Town, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Jumble Creative Design, Peak FM, Temple Safety and The Pavements Shopping Centre.

Information about the various sponsorship packages are available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Annual Celebrate Chesterfield event to announce future plans for town

7th February 2018

The latest developments for Chesterfield’s £320million Waterside scheme will be unveiled at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Thursday 22 March 2018.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Plc, the company behind the scheme, will reveal at the free business breakfast event how the ambitious regeneration project – one of the largest in the UK – will take a major step forward this year.

The programme aims to create a thriving new community with homes, offices, shops, bars and restaurants surrounding a new canal basin.

Peter will also be joined by Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who will update on the progress the town is making as a whole.

Celebrate Chesterfield, now in its sixth year and organised by Destination Chesterfield, is one of the biggest business events in the region. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend at the Winding Wheel this year.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “We are a town on the up and we have a lot to be proud of. Celebrate Chesterfield is a fantastic opportunity for the local business community to come together and toast achievements from the past 12 months and look forward to what is coming up during 2018 and beyond.

“Last year’s event was a complete sell-out and we expect this year to be even more successful.”

Delegates can listen to case studies from growing local businesses, hear updates on some of the exciting plans in store for the town and will have the opportunity to quiz some of the town’s business leaders.

The University of Derby is this year’s headline sponsor with Central Technology and Markham Vale as associate sponsors.

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, College of Health and Social Care, said: “The University of Derby is proud to sponsor the Celebrate Chesterfield event once again in 2018.

“We remain committed to making a difference to Chesterfield and its population, growing our involvement in social and community projects to promote health and wellbeing. We have seen a significant increase in students at our Chesterfield Campus, particularly in adult and mental health nursing, giving more local people the opportunity to progress their careers. It is a joy to see the old girls’ school which has been restored sympathetically, but with state-of-the-art facilities, thriving as a vibrant educational centre of excellence. We are seeing occupation of our incubation space, and we are committed to supporting local businesses through innovation and creativity in areas such as health technology and product development, as well as working together to develop higher, degree and masters level apprenticeships.”

Richard Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Central Technology, added: “Supporting Destination Chesterfield is of huge importance to us. Having been established and working in Chesterfield, with year on year growth for over 15 years, we seek to employ local talent and work with local mid-market organisations that require IT support and critical data and security protection.

“2018 is a big year for Central Technology as we move to a fully fitted 11,000 sq ft office later this spring to accommodate our growth and provide more opportunities for jobs in the area.

“With a key focus on staff training and development, we will have dedicated training facilities and test labs for technical learning time. By attracting excellent technicians and developing our local apprenticeship scheme, we will be able to continue to provide the excellent service our customers expect.

“The event is a great opportunity for us to meet and work with like-minded mid-market organisations that are keen to grow business in Chesterfield and make it a great location to both work and live.”

Destination Chesterfield was launched in 2010 to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.

Over the past eight years it has brought together the business community as Chesterfield Champions to market the town, drive investment and bring it to the attention of national investors.

Celebrate Chesterfield is part of its campaign to make the town a “modern destination.” Tickets for the breakfast event, which is being held from 7.30am to 11am, are available to book now. Limited exhibition spaces for businesses to showcase their work are also available.

To book your ticket at the event, or reserve exhibition space, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Bookings open for Chesterfield Observation Wheel

7th February 2018

Online bookings are now being taken for rides on the Chesterfield Observation Wheel ahead of its opening at the weekend.

The 60 metre high observation wheel has 40 gondolas which will give visitors stunning views of Chesterfield and the countryside of surrounding areas. Each ride lasts for 13 minutes and involves two cycles of the wheel.

The wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group Events and will operate daily from Saturday 10 February until Sunday 11 March.

For ticket prices including online discounts and booking information please click here.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Since the construction of the wheel began this week it has created a real stir in the town. It is already a landmark you can see for miles around.

“It is a real coup to get this ride in Chesterfield because it normally operates from big city sites.

“We are already getting really positive comments from the businesses and traders in the area who say that even during the construction they have had more customers who have been drawn in by the sight of it being built. Once the ride opens we are sure it will prove a real boost to the economy and a welcome attraction for visitors.”

James Mellors Junior, director of the Mellors Group, said: “This is our first time in Chesterfield and we are really excited to bring this wheel here. We are sure that residents and visitors will come out in large numbers to enjoy the experience.

“The 360 degree views that you can see from the top of the wheel are something special that have to be seen to be believed.

“We are even planning a special treat on Valentine’s Day when the wheel will be lit up with a red heart and lights.”

The company has installed the wheel to meet all safety standards.

James added: “This is a £5 million ride that we have been operating in some of the biggest tourist attractions in the UK and abroad since 2009, including Hyde Park for the royal wedding celebrations and the annual winter wonderland. It has been in Liverpool for the Liverpool One shopping centre opening, in London for the Olympic Games celebrations, in Leeds and in Zurich. In addition to rides like this we operate Fantasy Island at Skegness and in Dubai.

“At every site we go to our safety record is impeccable and the same team has been involved in installing the wheel in Chesterfield as has done it at all those sites.

“The wheel sits on heavy duty sleepers because that is the most suitable material to support the weight of the wheel for a cobbled area like in Chesterfield.

“Before the ride opens it has to undergo stringent safety checks and we also carry out a full range of safety checks every day before any passengers get on.”

Councillor Steve Brunt added: “Mellors Group is the biggest name in the UK outdoor attractions industry and as you would expect for a company of their stature they have carried out all the required health and safety checks, completed all the paperwork and put everything in place to ensure public safety so that everyone can just enjoy the experience.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Local runner wins Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

26th October 2017

A local runner has become the first person to cross the finish line at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon – and was one of a number from the region to triumph in the race.

Charlie Baker, a member of Hallamshire Harriers running club, crossed the line with an impressive time of 1:18:52. Runner-up, John Sanderson from North Derbyshire RC clocked a time of 1:21:08, followed by Marcus Nicholson in third with a time of 1:22:33.

When accepting his trophy, Charlie said: “I’m feeling very pleased with myself, the most difficult part was one of the hills towards the end, and constantly running into the wind, but I’m very happy to have completed it and to cross the finish line in first place.”

Ashleigh Barron from the Steel City Striders was the first female to cross the line with a remarkable time of 1:30:15, followed by, Sheffield based TeamGB Duathlon and Triathlon athlete, Fiona Kesteven, who ran in 1:31:22. Deborah Lock rounded off the top three females running in a time of 1:31:33.

Ashleigh explained how she got through the miles: “I just kept having a word with myself, saying to keep going, that I have put all this hard work in and not to give up, I’m out in the storm, just go for it.”

Just under 1,000 people took to the streets of Chesterfield last weekend to take part in the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and the Peak FM Fun Run to raise money for their chosen charity.

The half marathon course started in Queen’s Park, went through the town centre visiting Hasland, then returned to Chesterfield via Brampton and Ashgate before returning to Queen’s Park.

The race was held in aid of local and regional worthy causes, primarily supporting event charity partners – Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and North Aston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice.

Local estate agency, Redbrik, was the headline sponsor for the 2017 event as part of the new five-year partnership deal.

John Timms, Events Director at MLS Contract Ltd, organiser of the event, said: “We were thrilled with the turnout of the event despite the traditional British weather.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our entrants for taking part and completing the race in such difficult circumstances.

“I would also like to thank all those who were affected by any road disruptions across Chesterfield for their good will and co-operation throughout the day. We must thank the 200 volunteers who helped marshal the course and gave up their valuable time to ensure a successful event”.

“This event will have enabled our hospices to do more work for those most in need in our local communities and all our partners wanted to support this.”

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik Estate Agency, who also took part in the event himself, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with such a successful event – The turnout was tremendous considering the wind.

“It’s been great to really get behind such a brilliant occasion and to be the main sponsors of the event – it made us so proud to see the participants and the huge crowds that turned up to cheer on the runners, it felt like the whole town came together.”

The event also held a successful family-friendly 2.5km Peak FM Fun Run which ran tandem to the main event.

Main charity partner Ashgate Hospicecare provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice looks after children and young adults with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions across North Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting