Author: Tara Underhill

World-renowned landscape designer Capability Brown inspires Florabundance

15th June 2016

The legacy of world-renowned landscape designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown is the inspiration behind this year’s Florabundance festival at Chatsworth, taking place from 24-28 June.

Leading floral designer Jonathan Moseley is set to showcase extravagant and colourful displays featuring British flowers, herbs and fragrances celebrating the tercentenary of the iconic garden designer.

‘Capability’ Brown transformed the parkland at Chatsworth in 1760 designed out of what was then working farmland – a challenge for the great designer who often talked of a garden’s ‘capabilities’ which earned him his well-known nickname. He continues to be hugely influential to landscape gardeners and architects across the world to this day.

This year’s Florabundance will see Chatsworth transformed with colourful displays of British grown flowers, fragrances and herbs and unusual exotics inspired by the current exhibition ‘The Grand Tour’. Each room will be bursting with foliage and colour and will have its own distinct features, with the Chapel drawing inspiration from Damien Hirst’s Saint Bartholomew, Exquisite Pain. Local growers from Derbyshire and Yorkshire will provide assistance in setting up the displays.

The house will be dressed with large floral sculptural installations in both classic and contemporary styles using a combination of foliage specially gathered from the Chatsworth Estate.

The Sculpture Gallery is always one of the highlights of the event and will feature a collection of naturalistic displays influenced by the Chatsworth gardens and wider Capability Brown landscape.

Jonathan Moseley will be hosting a series of demonstrations and a workshop during the exhibition where visitors will be shown how to create inspirational designs using British flowers and receive top gardening tips from the renowned designer.

Florabundance takes place at Chatsworth from 24-28 June. For more information search online for Florabundance Festival.

(Image below shows leading floral designer Jonathan Moseley).

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

Community choir to perform at West Studios

15th June 2016

Chesterfield’s community choir Qdos is set to showcase some of its best songs this week in a free performance taking place on Thursday 16th June at West Studios on Sheffield Road.

Set up in March 2015 by Qdos Creates – a local arts charity, which deliver projects, performances and workshops for children and adults locally and nationally – the choir includes members of all ages.

Anjie Taylor, Co Founder and Artistic Director of Qdos Creates comments: “There will be no written music or any instruments – just the natural voice and lots of lovely harmony lead by Andrea Small, a natural voice practitioner. We look forward to seeing lots of people at our performance!”

Community choir Qdos will perform at West Studios, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield on Thursday 16 June at 11.15am and everyone is welcome to attend. The performance is free of charge and refreshments will be available to buy.

The group is currently looking for a local sponsor or further funding so the choir can continue. If you are able to help with this or would like to join the choir please email anjie@qdoscreates.com or call 01226 242905.

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

Chatsworth announces full programme for Art Out Loud

14th June 2016

World-renowned artists, Jenny Saville and Maggi Hambling, the legendary historian, diarist and curator Sir Roy Strong, and the potter and designer Emma Bridgewater are all set to join the programme for this year’s Chatsworth Festival – Art Out Loud.

The group – along with 20 other artists, curators and writers – will transform Chatsworth into Britain’s most exciting destination for art lovers over three days this September.

Now in its second year, Art Out Loud offers an insight into the work, inspirations and opinions of the art world’s leading names.

Key themes to be explored at this year’s festival include: an examination of the artist’s process (Jenny Saville, Maggi Hambling); how East meets West in art (artist Edmund de Waal and author Peter Frankopan); the importance of design in buildings and objects – and what we should do with historic buildings (Deyan Sudjic, Amanda Levete, Anna Keay) and the role of the curator in bringing art to life (Julia Peyton-Jones, Sir Roy Strong, Nick Cullinan, Per Rumberg).

(Image below, clockwise from left: Art Out Loud speakers Sir Roy Strong; Maggi Hambling; Emma Bridgewater; Jenny Saville.)

The festival will also examine the ways in which art and culture are thriving in the north of England. Maria Balshaw, Director of Manchester’s Whitworth Gallery, explains why it’s ‘Not so Grim Up North’ and husband and wife team Emma Bridgewater and Matthew Rice discuss their flourishing Stoke-on-Trent ceramics business.

The Devonshire collection and current exhibitions will feature prominently (Duke of Devonshire, Hugo Vickers) and, as Chatsworth celebrates the tercentenary of the birth of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, there is also a particular emphasis on the art of garden design and on landscapes (Dan Pearson, Simon Thurley and Jonathan Warrender). Please see below for further details.

As well as a stimulating programme of talks, this year’s festival will include: a special exhibition to mark 25 years of the local Peak District Artisans collective; A Gift for Eleonora, a performance piece in Chatsworth’s Victorian Theatre devised by two arts academics from the University of Derby; and the introduction of festival events for children.

Martin Brown, illustrator of the Horrible Histories series of books, will be a major attraction for younger attendees. With a focus on the art of cartooning, his Sunday morning show promises to show everyone that they can draw – and have fun along the way.

(Image below left to right: The Duke of Devonshire; Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown.)

Art Out Loud is working in partnership with The Serpentine Galleries to hold Build your own Pavilion workshops for children aged 8-14, a new educational element for this year’s festival. The ‘ed tech’ company Kidesign will host a Saturday workshop for children to design and make their own model pavilions for submission to the national competition. Entry to this session is free of charge, but is subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Local schools will be invited to attend a design and build workshop on Friday 23 September, and older pupils will join Jenny Saville’s talk ‘Beyond the Human Body’ on the same day.

The Duke of Devonshire commented: “After the success of last year’s inaugural Art Out Loud, we are thrilled to announce the programme for this year’s festival, where we will hear from artists, curators and writers who share a passion for art. We hope all attendees, whether new or returning, young or old, will enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our home at Chatsworth and will leave us feeling inspired”.

Art Out Loud takes place from 23rd – 25th September across two venues at Chatsworth – the magical setting of the South Lawn and in the historic Theatre. The Build Your Own Pavilion workshop will be held in The Stickyard, Chatsworth’s outdoor education centre.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Town centre fun to welcome Aviva Women’s Tour

14th June 2016

Residents and visitors can take part in a host of events in Chesterfield’s town centre this Friday 17th June to celebrate the arrival of the world’s top women cyclists competing in stage 3 of the Aviva Women’s Tour.

Coordinated by Chesterfield Borough Council, events at Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill will include:

• A Workplace Challenge event, allowing companies and individuals to hop on stationary bikes to see who can pedal the furthest (time slots available between 8.30am and 1pm);
• A cycling promotional area open from 10am to 3pm
• A display of disability bikes by Wheely Fun Wheels from 11am to 3pm with the chance to have a go from noon to 1pm;
• A display by a unicycle display team from 11.30am to noon.

Events in and around the market place include:
• Students from Chesterfield College presenting spin bikes and advice on activities for women from Active Chesterfield in New Square from 9.30am to 3pm;
• A chance to have a go on kids’ balance bikes outside the Market Hall from 10.30am to 1pm.

There will also be displays by a unicycle display team at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre from 12.45pm to 1.45pm and 2.15pm to 2.45pm.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “It is a great honour for Chesterfield to welcome the world’s top cyclists as the Aviva Women’s Tour takes place in the town.

“As well as seeing the thrilling finish of the race in the market place, we have a packed programme of fun events for all ages to take part and learn more about cycling and fitness in the market place, Vicar Lane and outside the Town Hall – I’d encourage everyone to come along and join in.”

The Aviva Women’s Tour will enter the town centre by Saltergate, Soresby Street, Rose Hill, West Bars and Low Pavement before finishing in the market place between 1.30pm and 2.30pm where the podium presentation will take place.

This event will be attended by local schools who will take part in guided cycle rides and by the Eroica Britannia cycle team.

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

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

Still time to enter Chesterfield in Bloom competition

13th June 2016

Time is running out to enter this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition which closes on Friday 24th June.

Run by Chesterfield Borough Council, there are a total of ten categories open for entry this year, from Best blooming pub or restaurant sponsored by Weightron Bilanciai to Best kept allotment site sponsored by Chesterfield Markets.

Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony this September and some of the entrants may also be visited by the East Midlands in Bloom judges next month as part of their tour of the borough.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Last year, we had more than 100 entries to the Chesterfield in Bloom competition and the standard of them is always very high.

“Chesterfield in Bloom is not just about growing pretty flowers; people with well-kept landscaping can enter – and if you don’t have a garden, you can enter the best kept hanging basket category. There really is something for everyone and I encourage people to take part.”

This year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition closes on Friday 24 June. For more information, download an entry form using the link below or contact john.ramsey@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Chesterfield in Bloom competition 2016 entry form.

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

Euro 2016 set to boost Derbyshire economy

9th June 2016

The Derbyshire economy could be boosted by as much as £32.7m during this summer’s Euro 2016 football championships, according to new figures.

East Midlands Chamber* has analysed national data which predicts that the UK economy will benefit by up to £2.5bn in additional spending by consumers during the tournament – a similar level to that seen during the 2014 World Cup.

The figures predict that thirsty football fans across Derbyshire will drink more than £768,000 worth of beer during the course of the tournament, while those in Derbyshire who fancy a flutter will gamble around £6.5m on the outcome of games.

There is a downside, however. A separate study** found that the Derbyshire economy could take a -£2.6m hit as a result of lost productivity when England play Wales at 2pm on 16 June, as employees ‘throw a sickie’, take the afternoon off or spend working time browsing news and social media sites to keep tabs on the score.

Lucy Robinson, the Chamber’s Director of Resources, said: “We know that many people in the East Midlands are fanatical about football and this is set to translate into an economic boost for the region as fans shell out on the latest gadgets, merchandise and food and drink in preparation for and during the tournament.

“However, businesses may need to apply a bit of common sense if they have staff who want to watch the big games, to avoid a spike in unauthorised absence and the problems that come with it.

“A little flexibility on both sides, such as allowing staff to watch the games – subject to TV Licensing rules if on company premises – and then make up any lost working time at a later date, would go a long way to resolving any such issues.

“It’s important, however, to be fair and consistent if you allow staff flexibility during Euro 2016. For example, you may have staff of different nationalities who might want to watch their own countries in the same way that England fans will.

“And it’s not just about football, the same could apply to workers wanting to take time out to watch Wimbledon or the Rio Olympics, or attend music festivals or other social events. The key message is that if you apply a rule for one person, then it should be extended to all.”

* (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).
** England’s Euro clash with Wales could cost economy over £200m – Manchester Evening News 3rd June.

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

Support local business growth by sharing your views

9th June 2016

Time is running out to to influence local, regional and national government and decision makers by completing the Sheffield City Region Quarterly Economic Survey – due to close on Monday 13th June 2016.

Sir. Nigel Knowles, Chair of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership comments: “We need your views so we can champion what will help your business now and tomorrow.

“Shaping policy, ensuring that businesses can compete domestically, globally and securing prosperity and a good return for the local community are core to our mandate. I am convinced that hard data, contemporary commentary, case studies and testimonials should influence strategy and inform the Sheffield City Region’s approach to local, regional and national decision makers and foreign direct investors.

“The Quarterly Economic Survey is vital in shaping our policy and support for local businesses – it takes only minutes to complete and will be time well invested.

“I strongly encourage firms in the Sheffield City Region to get online, take the survey, share their feedback on important issues affecting their business and then track how we get things done and help address their needs from improved broadband connectivity, diluting skills shortages to enhancing international trade relations. If we know the challenges, issues and opportunities, we can work as partners to deliver and be accountable for doing so.”

The Chairman confirmed that the survey results will be used by the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Local Enterprise Partnership and the chambers in Barnsley and Rotherham, Doncaster, the East Midlands, and Sheffield to: help set the mandate for their work, provide the right business services, and to lobby local, regional and national Government and decision-makers on issues affecting business.

The SCR quarterly economic survey is sponsored by RBS South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire and the results are fed into the national Quarterly Economic Survey, run by the British Chambers. The survey acts as an economic indicator and is used by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee as a key benchmark when setting interest rates.

The Sheffield City Region Quarter 2 Economic Survey is open until Monday 13th June and can be completed online at www.screconomy.org.uk.

Posted in Business

Tokyo target for Chesterfield boxing star Jade Ashmore

8th June 2016

Chesterfield boxing star Jade Ashmore starts her bid for the 2020 Olympics this weekend when she begins her Great Britain assessment.

Supported by the ICON bursary programme, Jade, 18, from Heath, is due to undergo ‘three to four’ trials in a bid to earn a place on the podium potential squad.

This follows her success in winning silver at the British Championships last weekend, leaving her now ranked second in Britain in the 51kg category.

Jade made it through to the final of the event at Dunfermline’s Alhambra Theatre, Scotland, but lost out to Wales’ Lynsey Holloway.

“I felt I boxed well and kept to my tactics,” she said. “I thought I’d got the bout, only for the decision to go in Lynsey’s favour, but I’m not too disheartened.

“I only started my senior career in January and I’ve only had six bouts as a senior and I am developing with every bout.

“I never look out of place in the ring and it just shows that I am up to the standards of some of the world-class boxers I’ve faced.”

Jade qualified for the British Championships thanks to her performances at the English National Championships.

Having won her semi-final unanimously, she lost out to vastly-experienced world silver medallist Lisa Whiteside in the final.

As Whiteside went on to box in the World Championships at 54kg, Jade was asked to fight in the Brits at 51kg.

Jade added: “I am pleased with the way I have boxed in my first year as a senior.

“When I faced Lisa, I knew I had my work cut out as I’d only had four previous senior bouts and she has had over 100 senior bouts at an elite international level.

“I showed skill and determination but narrowly missing out on that gold, putting up a good performance against a seasoned boxer.”

After the GB trial this weekend, Jade will box for the English title belt on June 19.

The ICON programme supporting Jade gives 127 athletes from across the county financial support, a free leisure pass in their area and valuable PR exposure during 2015-16. For more information search online for ICON Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

International trade and investment on the agenda for Sheffield City Region

7th June 2016

Business leaders from across the Sheffield City Region (SCR) are preparing to attend the world’s largest business festival – the International Festival for Business (IFB 2016), taking place in Liverpool from 13 June to 1 July.

Participants from across the region will have the opportunity to meet with business leaders from across the UK and around the world to discuss the many valuable trade and investment opportunities that the SCR has to offer.

The IFB 2016, which is free of charge to participants, will comprise over 75 events, 85 international delegations, and 40,000 delegates (including 10,000 international visitors). The festival, taking place at Liverpool’s purpose-built Exhibition Centre, is an excellent opportunity for UK businesses motivated to grow or trade overseas, and for international companies that want to expand in Britain.

The SCR is committed to supporting IFB 2016 as part of its broader objectives to support the region’s businesses in their internationalisation strategies, and to increase the amount of foreign direct investment into the SCR. The region is recognised for its reliability and its ability to deliver; it has built innumerable global business partnerships driven by an innovative and straightforward approach.

The SCR LEP welcomes meetings with businesses across all sectors during the event. Opportunities for SCR-based business at the IFB 2016 include:

• Three weeks of cutting-edge events, speakers, conferences, seminars and showcases;
• A chance to join the IFB 2016 Business Club for match-making appointments allowing participants to access business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world to explore ideas, network and build partnerships;
• Access to Meet-the-Expert seminars and workshops designed for SMEs with growth and export ambitions;
• Meet your Future Deal, the world’s biggest ‘Meet-the-Buyer’ event with free, one-to-one meetings with buyers, suppliers and investors;
• Meet your Specialist Advisor: free one-to-one appointments with leading industry experts offering bespoke advice
• Live export opportunities;
• Available funding streams for eligible SMEs.

Sir Nigel Knowles, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership said:“The International Festival for Business is a globally significant business festival which the Sheffield City Region is excited to be supporting. We look forward to showcasing to international business leaders all that the Sheffield City Region has to offer – our no-nonsense approach to business and our highly-efficient regulatory systems make the SCR an incredibly attractive place to do business in the UK, and it is time to promote these qualities to the global business community. I hope to see many of the SCR’s business leaders and entrepreneurs at this event – the SCR is standing by to help you and your business make the most of this excellent opportunity.”

William Beckett, Chairman of the International Trade Forum and Export Private Sector Lead for the Local Enterprise Partnership stated: “We are delighted to work in partnership with the Sheffield City Region to support IFB 2016 in Liverpool. The Festival offers numerous valuable opportunities for companies to increase their international activities across various sectors of the global marketplace.”

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Take on a static bike challenge for Aviva Women’s Tour

7th June 2016

Chesterfield businesses are invited to enter an Aviva Women’s Tour-themed Workplace Cycling Challenge – for the chance to win three months’ membership at Queen’s Park Sports Centre and a cycling jersey.

Teams will complete in a static bike challenge in front of Chesterfield Town Hall between 8.30am and 1pm on Friday June 17th as a prelude to the Stage Three finish of the Aviva Women’s Tour.

Each team member will complete the equivalent of 250 metres (equal to one velodrome lap) as quick as they can and the team’s times will be combined to give a result.

Teams are to be made up of four people, but a workplace can book in as many teams as they like and the event will be managed by fully-trained staff.

If you are interested, but not able to get together a team of four in your business, please register your interest so you can be paired with other workplaces in the same position.

Three slots for teams will be available for every 20 minutes throughout the event and you can find out more or reserve your place by emailing cathy.hinde@Chesterfield.gov.uk

Stage Three of the Women’s Tour takes place exclusively in Derbyshire, starting in Ashbourne and finishing in Chesterfield, taking in the likes of Buxton (sprint venue), Chelmorton, Flagg, Monyash, Youlgreave, Alport (Queen of the Mountains venue), Winster, Darley Dale (sprint venue), Matlock (Queen of the Mountains venue), Beeley, Chatsworth and Baslow.

Bringing the Aviva Women’s Tour to Derbyshire is part of the long-term push to make Derbyshire the most connected an integrated county for cycling in England by 2030, as outlined in the Derbyshire Cycling Plan.

The county wants to be recognised as a world class cycling destination for all, with more people of all ages and abilities on two wheels on a regular basis for leisure, active travel, commuting and sport.

Find out more about the Women’s Tour Stage 3 finish in Chesterfield where there will be a full day of entertainment and activities.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer

Chesterfield Rotary makes history

6th June 2016

Chesterfield Rotary has seen the largest expansion for 36 years following the launch of a new group designed to give young professionals an opportunity to give something back to the local community.

The first ten founder members of the Rotary Satellite Club of Chesterfield (Central) were inducted into Rotary International by Chesterfield Rotary president Ian Gaunt at the club’s latest monthly meeting held at The Manor at Brampton on Wed 25 May 2016. A further four founder members are to be inducted this month.

Chairman and Independant Financial Advisor of the group, Peter Blant said: “My aim as chairman is to get the group established and set the foundations for this group to prosper in the future.

“I have always been a strong supporter of the Rotary movement but have not been able to commit the time during normal working hours. The new group has been designed to cater for people who work and may struggle to commit to a weekly lunchtime meeting so we intend meeting monthly on the last Wednesday of the month at 5.30pm so that people can attend on their way home from work.

“The meetings are very upbeat with lots of energy and good ideas being shared. It has been a great way to make new friends and contacts from the local business community.

“Our main objective is to support local causes in our community and make a difference whilst having fun in doing it. This week we will be providing stewards for the Chesterfield Rotary organised Eckington Classic Car & Bike Show being held at Renishaw Hall in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity.”

Also attending the historic induction ceremony were representatives from Rotary Distirct 1220, and members of the Chesterfield club, who welcomed the new Rotarians into the worldwide movement of Rotary International and wish the new club well.

The last significant expansion of Rotary in Chesterfield was in 1980 when the Chesterfield Rotary Club was instrumental in setting up the Rotary Club of Chesterfield Scarsdale.

For more information about the Rotary Satellite Club of Chesterfield (Central) contact its secretary
John.nettleship@brmlaw.co.uk or ring 01246 555111.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business