About Chesterfield

Lottery cash set to help unearth mining history at Markham Vale

16th November 2017

A project which is set to unearth the untold stories of Markham Colliery has been given the green light thanks to £35,000 awarded from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to Derbyshire County Council.

Research into the lives of the thousands of local men who worked at the site between 1882 and 1993 will be carried out as part of ‘The Story Mine’ project and shared on a new website.

And residents will be invited to a number of events organised by the Markham Mining Memorial Community Working Group − which supported the grant application − to hear about the project’s latest discoveries.

The working group is made up of 25 members including former miners, local historians, representatives from schools in Derbyshire and relatives of those who worked at the site.

Markham Colliery has now been reclaimed by Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot Developments and is home to the Markham Vale regeneration scheme which is working to create 4,100 jobs for local people.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said:-

“We’re delighted to receive this grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help us unearth more of Markham’s mining history which we can share with future generations for years to come.

“Markham Colliery was at the heart of this area for a long time and lots of people including myself will have many memories of the site and the brave men that worked there.

“I’d like to thank the Markham Mining Memorial Community Working Group for all their fantastic work and the Heritage Lottery Fund and National Lottery players for making the project possible.”

Derbyshire County Council have already made great strides at Markham Vale to remember its mining history with the permanent ‘Walking Together’ memorial which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton in Chesterfield and the former pithead. It symbolises a miner’s journey to and from work and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in three accidents at the site in 1937, 1938 and 1973.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Award winning artist Linder Sterling takes up residency at Chatsworth

16th November 2017

The influential British artist Linder Sterling has been welcomed as the inaugural artist-in-residence at Chatsworth ahead of a major exhibition of her work next year.

Linder – who has just received the largest art prize in the UK – has exhibited internationally, and is one of only three artists to be the subject of a major touring retrospective, originating from the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville in Paris.

The work informed by her time at Chatsworth – the first ever artist residency at the stately home – is to be shown at Nottingham Contemporary (24 March—17 June 2018) as part of a wider exhibition and major retrospective titled The House of Fame. An exhibition of some of the pieces created from her residency will also be shown at Chatsworth (24 March-21 October 2018).

The announcement comes just after Linder received the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award which is intended to give artists the freedom to develop their creative ideas and to grow both personally and professionally.

Linder has worked with the photographic image for over four decades. She works with found photographs from the early 20th century to the present day, utilising the techniques of photomontage to create new imagery and new meanings distinct from her source material. Linder’s photomontages are often incorporated within other disciplines, including fashion, ballet, cosmetics, performance, film and interior design (see accompanying images).

During her residency, Linder will immerse herself in the life of the estate for six months, experiencing the landscape, changing seasons and everyday lives of those who live and work at Chatsworth. She will create a new image bank to provide a resource for future photo montages as a way of taking Chatsworth ‘out into the world’. Other ideas she is exploring include: producing an incense from the aromatic woods and plants on the estate; creating images on textiles in collaboration with fashion designers; recording oral histories, and using the everyday sounds of the house within musical compositions.

Linder said:-

“After my first month at Chatsworth, I’ve already learned how to turn back the hands of time, both literally and metaphorically. At the end of October, I turned the hands of the church clock backwards to mark the passing of British Summer Time. The hands of the church clock groaned, as if they knew that they were moving contra natura. I’ve also become adept at time travel, studying various treasures from the collection in order to steer my course through centuries past. Time here folds in upon itself, it’s a very heady sensation, one that’s hard to resist. The new works that I’m making in situ will mirror this and all of the above.”

The Duke of Devonshire said:-

“Chatsworth is pleased and proud to welcome the artist and musician Linder Sterling as our very first artist-in-residence. We are tremendously excited to invite Linder to interpret Chatsworth through her own particular lens as she seeks to create new ways to communicate and transport experience of her encounters beyond Chatsworth.”

Chatsworth will also be making a number of loans from its collection for the Nottingham Contemporary exhibition which forms part of the Grand Tour – supported by the Arts Council – bringing together cultural organisations across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Photoraphy by Emile Holba

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Redbrik runners raise vital funds for three local charities

15th November 2017

Employees from one of the region’s leading independent estate agency have raised more than £6,500 for three local charities.

Redbrik’s Mark Ross, Peter Lee, Michael Parry, Lindsey Holdsworth, Tracey Gurney, and Ross Bateman ran the 13.1-mile Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon to raise money for their three chosen charities of the year.

Official partners of the Chesterfield Half Marathon, Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in North Anston, near Rotherham, as well as The Children’s Hospital Charity in Sheffield are set to benefit from the funds.

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik, said:-

“As headline sponsors of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, we thought it was only fair that we show our support by running the marathon ourselves.

“We are all so proud of completing the half marathon and for raising such an incredible amount of money for three amazing charities – we have far surpassed our target and the donations keep rolling in.

“The donations and support on the day really spurred us on and there was such an overwhelming feeling of community among the racers and residents of Chesterfield that came out to support everyone, making the event a resounding success. Roll on next year!”

Redbrik has pledged support to the event with a five-year sponsorship agreement with race organisers MLS Contracts Ltd., the region’s largest major events company.

Beth Cole, Events Fundraiser from Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“’As the main charity partners for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, we were extremely humbled to have received so much support from people choosing to run the half marathon for Ashgate Hospicecare.

“It was a pleasure to work in partnership with Redbrik and spend time with them at their branch during the runner pack collections.

“We are thrilled that the money raised by Redbrik at the Half Marathon will be split between three worthy charities and the team at Redbrik should be very proud of their efforts!

“This money could pay for 16 sessions in our Day Hospice where patients can receive treatment, give their carers some respite, take part in activities and spend time with people in a similar situation to themselves. It is a service that is much loved by all those who attend, so thank you so much to Redbrik for allowing us to continue helping those who need us most.”

Ashgate Hospice provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. The hospice also provides a wide range of community-based care and support services to enable people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Bluebell Wood offers care and support to children with a shortened life expectancy, both in their own homes and in the hospice in North Anston. Every year, they aim to raise £4 million to keep the hospice running.

The money raised on behalf of The Children’s Hospital Charity buys life-saving equipment, funds vital research and treatment and helps to create a comfortable, engaging environment for patients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield unemployment figure falls

15th November 2017

The percentage of people out of work in the Chesterfield has fallen according to figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Figures for unemployment in Chesterfield stood at 1,270 down from 1,295 the previous month.

Unemployment in the East Midlands stood at 4.02% for the latest period, compared with a national figure of 4.3% – the same as last month and the lowest since records began in 1975. Last month, regional unemployment was 4.2%.

According to the ONS, 1,855 more people (2,236,663) were in work in the three months July to September than three months earlier (2,234,808).

The figures released this morning also show the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, was down in October compared with September.

Of the three counties and cities, only Derby showed a very small increase (ten) in the number of claimants month-on-month. Overall, the number of claimants fell by 645 across the three counties from 32,350 to 31,705.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“The changes this month are all relatively small, but the positive message is that the East Midlands continues to set the example with yet another monthly fall in the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants and a lower unemployment rate than the rest of the country.

“We would urge the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, in his Budget next week, to recognise the continued success of the East Midlands – which comes often despite Government policy rather than because of it – and not introduce any additional burdens or costs which could jeopardise what our businesses do.

“We would also remind him that this will be his penultimate Budget before the proposed EU-leaving date of 29 March 2019 and we need to see evidence that the Government is planning to ensure the continued competitiveness of UK plc post-Brexit.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Investment agreed for the Winding Wheel

14th November 2017

A £426,000 scheme to improve the customer experience at the Winding Wheel has been approved by councillors – in the year the venue celebrates its 30^th anniversary.

It will see:

An attractive new entrance area created to welcome customers, which will incorporate a combined café bar, information and ticket collection point, and ice cream and confectionary sales area. This will provide better facilities for customers before, during and after shows, and for people attending conferences and other functions.
New toilets installed on the ground floor
Wi-fi installed throughout the area

The investment will also help protect the historic grade two listed building and see an extension in to a former opticians shop next door to create part of the seating area for the café bar.

It will be paid for by the Theatre Restoration Levy, which is a charge added to ticket prices to provide a fund to improve customer facilities at the town’s theatres.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It is fitting that in the 30^th year since we took over the former cinema and turned it in to the Winding Wheel that we are once again investing in improving the building.

“It is vital that the Winding Wheel constantly improves its offer for customers so that it can compete against other venues in the region – whether that is people coming to shows, those attending conferences, or individuals or groups booking it for private functions.

“We know from customer feedback that there is a demand for improved bar and catering facilities in support of the Winding Wheel’s varied events programme. Opening the café bar will enable us to do this, as well as provide a space for conference visitors and shoppers to stop in for a drink and something to eat in a relaxing environment with wi-fi available.

“Thanks to the loyalty of our customers who have attended theatre shows over the past few years we have the funding in place to repay their faith in us by improving facilities and ensuring the Winding Wheel remains a modern and attractive venue to visit.”

The investment is part of a medium term plan to reduce the cost to tax payers of running the council’s two theatres – the Winding Wheel and the Pomegranate Theatre.

The combined running cost of both venues has already fallen by just under 50 per cent from £687,930 in 2011/12 to £345,850 by 2016/17.

Last year the Winding Wheel hosted 149 performances which were seen by 37,745 people. The building was also hired another 131 times for conferences, dinners, meetings, parties, weddings, religious services, a beer festival, blood donor sessions, dances, and fairs and exhibitions.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

New business opens at Penmore House

14th November 2017

Penmore House, Hasland is now the new home to Midlands Hair Clinic specialising in Scalp Micropigmentation, Teeth Whitening & Aesthetics Treatments.

With over 11 years experience in the barbering industry owner Casey Foster-Miles wanted to provide a service to men and women experiencing hairloss.

Based in heart of Derbyshire at the beautiful Georgian listed building, Penmore House, the team have worked within the barbering industry for over 10 years and have Harley street trained skilled technicians that know how to create the perfect style and hair transformation.

The treatment can be used during varying hair loss stages and can treat baldness, alopecia or thinning hair. The clinic is also stockists of the fantastic Naturawhite products helping to achieve a perfectly white smile within a one hour treatment.

On why he decided to invest his business in Chesterfield, owner Casey Foster-Miles said:-

“I moved to the area after meeting my partner Charlotte who is from the town. I have found the area to be a very busy and vibrant town and the ideal location to set up my new business.

“The setting of Penmore House also went very well with the idea of the business and is close enough to the M1 for clients commuting to the clinic.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

New sales manager bolsters Redbrik team

14th November 2017

North Derbyshire’s leading independent estate agent has boosted its sales team with the appointment of a new sales manager.

Natalie Watters, 30, has joined Redbrik’s Chesterfield office as a sales manager where she will serve as the direct point of contact for vendors who are selling their home.

Prior to her role at Redbrik, Natalie worked at Reeds Rains for three years where she gained valuable industry experience in negotiating.

Natalie has a varied work history and has previously been self-employed, helping companies with their staff training, and has experience in accounting.

Natalie said:-

“I’ve always wanted to work for Redbrik – I just love the way they operate, from their exceptional customer service to their fantastic marketing.

“I am delighted to be part of such a welcoming and dynamic team. I’m really looking forward to developing my skillset with the company and bringing in new vendors.”

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik, said:-

“Natalie has already proven to be an invaluable part of the Redbrik team, bringing with her plenty of experience, a willingness to grow and a great deal of local knowledge.

“As the company continues to go from strength to strength, we are delighted to be bringing in so many new people to strengthen the growing Redbrik family.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

A little bit of Quiet on a busy ward

14th November 2017

The finishing touches have been put on the last of twelve Quiet Rooms, meaning that Chesterfield Royal Hospital now have one available to every ward.

These rooms, paid for thanks to the generous donations given to the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charitable Funds, are designed to offer patients, relatives, carers and staff a place to go, away from the busy clinical environment, where they can talk in private, discuss complex elements of a patient’s care and take a moment to deal with difficult news.

Bridget O’Hagan is the Royal’s Deputy Director of Nursing and Patient Care, she said:-

“We decided to completely rethink the way we use and present our quiet rooms off the back of what was, essentially, a complaint. Relatives told us that the rooms that we had for this purpose were dark, badly furnished, people kept interrupting and they were basically not fit for purpose.

“When we looked more closely at the rooms we offered, we realised that we needed to do something about this for the benefit of everyone. We undertook an exercise to gather the views of patients, relatives, visitors and staff to find out what they would like to see in such a room and where we might improve the current facilities. We did this through and speaking to people face to face over a period of time and gathered responses.”

The Royal Hospital nursing teams worked with those involved in End of Life Care and Facilities to look at this feedback and decide on the next steps. The teams looked at similar rooms in other hospitals and hospices, researching different types of furniture, colours and pictures for the walls.

Jo Froud is the Trust’s Senior Matron for End of Life Care, she said:-

“We wanted to create an environment that is calming, relaxing and uplifting, with better lighting and basic facilities such as being able to make tea and coffee. We’ve provided sofas that can fold out to give overnight accommodation if required, along with new flooring, curtains and chrome plug sockets. Pictures of local landmarks, the countryside and improved lighting help to provide an atmosphere and appearance that is much more in keeping with somebody’s front room. So when we are having difficult conversations it is in an environment that doesn’t come across as clinical. It doesn’t feel like you’re on a ward.

“It’s opened up the rooms to new possibilities and we’ve made sure that we’ve taken account of Johns Campaign and The Carers’ Charter by ensuring that it is a space where carers can take a break and we’ve ensured that it is Dementia friendly. We can take patients there to give them time away from a clinical setting but be reassured that they’re still on a ward. We wanted to make sure that we got it right in terms of the environment and that it was functional, I think this space will be used extensively and it will be appreciated by all.”

Beverley Webster is Chair of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charitable Funds, she said:-

“The Charitable Funds Committee were delighted to support this project. Our ward staff are very sensitive to the challenges often faced by patients’ friends and family and clearly identified the need for dedicated Quiet Rooms. The whole team that were involved in preparing the bid for funding have put a great deal of thought and energy into gathering ideas from staff and planning the layout of the Quiet Rooms. The final result is a credit to all who have been involved and a fabulous example of what can be achieved thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

The Trust would like to thank the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charitable Funds Committee for providing the resources to allow these twelve Quiet Rooms to be developed. The room on the Durrant and Eastwood Spine was unveiled on Monday 6^th November and is the last of twelve rooms to be developed.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Stopfords take on new Apprentice Accountant

13th November 2017

Stopfords Chesterfield LLP welcome another employee to their ever-growing team as Bryony Miller joins Stopfords as an apprentice accountant.

Bryony said:-

‘‘I have been through university and found it wasn’t for me as I like to be in a work environment. I think the advantages of completing the apprenticeship is having a job and being in the work environment whilst studying.

“I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship in accounting due to the knowledge and experience I already had. I soon found 3AAA college. After an interview there, and a couple of assessments, I was put in touch with Martin Swain.

“After my interview at Stopfords LLP I waited three days to hear I was successful. I was ecstatic to have been offered the job and be able to start my apprenticeship in accounting.”

Stopfords is an experienced and trusted chartered accountants committed to helping businesses grow and increase in wealth. That’s been the firm’s focus since the practice was first formed. As well as helping the clients grow there is a definite focus on helping their staff grow.

The firm provides a full range of accountancy and taxation services, as well as a comprehensive range of extensive services including payroll, bookkeeping, business planning, software training and much more.

Bryony joins a highly skilled and experienced staff who are dedicated to the success of clients. The team includes qualified accountants, a specialist tax department, corporate finance advisors and a host of other experienced professionals.

Martin Swain, Partner at Stopfords, says:-

“The time was right to expand our team further. With our recent success in hiring Sophie and Josh in admin and marketing I thought it was the perfect time to hire a trainee accountant.

“I was delighted to meet with Bryony and impressed with her previous experience and knowledge. 3AAA were very helpful throughout the process.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Chesterfield lights up for Christmas

13th November 2017

Chesterfield is set to be bathed in Christmas glow yet again with the annual Christmas lights switch-on event.

The event takes place on Sunday 19 November with a special market taking place from noon offering entertainment, stalls, games and rides in the market place and New Square.

Youngsters can also meet one of their favourite characters as Chase from Paw Patrol makes appearances outside the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square, outside the Crooked Spire church at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

The stage show gets underway in New Square at 3.30pm with Peak FM presenters Cat and Ricky taking to the stage offering opportunities for the audience to join in the fun.

Stars from the Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre, will perform on stage and will perform the switch on at 4.45pm with Chesterfield’s mayor and Chase from Paw Patrol.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“Each year thousands of people come along to take part in Chesterfield’s Christmas lights event. It is a great opportunity for families to come together and get into the Christmas spirit.

“We organise the event as part of our commitment to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and to improve the quality of life for local people.”

Chesterfield residents can use their free parking disc to park for free in the following Chesterfield Borough Council off-street pay and display car parks:

Albion Road
Derbyshire Times
Devonshire Street
Durrant Road
Hollis Lane (excluding on-street bays)
Holywell Cross (The Donut)
Queens Park (North and South)
Spa Lane
Station Road
St Mary’s Gate
Theatre Lane.

Free coach parking is available by arrangement with Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre. For more information telephone 01246 345777/8.

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to stand up comedy. Find out more about Christmas in Chesterfield here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield College Group graduates celebrate their achievements

10th November 2017

Chesterfield College Group students and apprentices celebrated achieving university level qualifications today when they attended a graduation ceremony at Casa Hotel.

Family and friends joined the graduates at the celebration to congratulate the graduates along with representatives from awarding body universities including, Staffordshire University, Sheffield Hallam University and University of Derby.

The Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group, Julie Richards and Chair of the College Corporation, Frank Smith spoke at the event and were joined by the Headteacher of Parkside Community School, Kam Grewal-Joy who gave an inspirational speech about the importance of education and the choices it offers.

Almost 300 people graduated with a range of qualifications from Higher National Diplomas to degrees in a variety of subjects ranging from criminal justice to computing; engineering to education and human resources to health and fitness.

Julie Richards said:

“I want to congratulate all of our graduates on their fantastic achievements. Today I have heard many of them talk about how these qualifications are already making a difference to their employment prospects and how studying with us has opened new doors to help achieve ambitions and goals. It is wonderful to be able to be a part of their journey alongside employers and families whose support should not be underestimated. I am proud that the college group can offer people the choice to study to this level here in Chesterfield or through higher level apprenticeships across the country.”

Nicole Ball (33), from Darley Dale, graduated with a Foundation Degree in Psychology and Health she said:

“It feels amazing to be graduating today. It gives you a huge sense of achievement. I have absolutely loved the course and it has already helped me to start a new career working in mental health services. I was offered the job after doing a placement as part of the course so it really did open doors for me.”

Higher apprentice, Christian Walton (41), from Inkersall, has graduated today with a Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership. Christian said:

“It was definitely a steep learning curve at first, especially learning how to write more academically but the support and the tutors at college have been fantastic. I was actually promoted to Customer Service Manager a year ago thanks to the skills I’ve learned during my apprenticeship and I am exploring my options to progress on to a Level 6 qualification.”

Posted in About Chesterfield