About Chesterfield

Perez joins new team ahead of Rockingham

Chesterfield’s young racing driver, Seb Perez has found a new home with Lincolnshire-based Rob Boston Racing in time for this weekend’s Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup at Rockingham.

JHR Developments, which was the leading team in the Championship, was suspended from all Ginetta competitions for the remainder of the 2017 season pending an investigation by the Yorkshire manufacturer.

Perez, who is tenth in the series, has been joined by his teammate, Nottinghamshire’s George Gamble. Along with six other drivers, the pair will retain their points from Derbyshire-based JHR Developments.

Looking forward to new challenges, Perez said: “After a crazy week, myself and teammate George will stick together as we join Rob Boston Racing. Now (it is) onwards and upwards to Rockingham this coming weekend.”

The race will be broadcast live on Sunday on ITV 4 as a support race to the popular British Touring Car Championship.

Perez

Images and editorial courtesy of Paul Horton Motorsport Photography.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Ernie Moss Day raises more than £3k

More than £3,000 has been raised so far for the Alzheimer’s Society and Team Ernie through fundraising efforts as part of last Saturday’s Ernie Moss Day.

The money has been raised from the sale of commemorative t-shirts and wristbands, together with a collection made on the day and a donation from Chesterfield FC following the sale of programmes and Brampton Brewery’s ‘Ernie 8’ ale.

The Moss family said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the club and staff for all their support and our wonderful helpers on the day.

“Also a massive thanks to the fans for their never-ending support and to everyone who made Ernie Moss Day an emotional, proud day to remember…and of course to the lads for a win!”

A second Ernie Moss Day was held to honour Chesterfield’s record goalscorer, who is suffering from a form of dementia.

The fund will continue to grow as t-shirts and wristbands are still on sale in the Club Superstore at the Proact Stadium.

Photo by Tina Jenner: Ernie Moss carries the match ball out before Chesterfield’s game against Port Vale, joined by daughters Sarah (left) and Nikki.

 

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

Chesterfield businesses invited to take part in graduate recruitment programme

Small to medium Chesterfield businesses are being invited to access expert help to attract, select, recruit and train graduates through a city region-wide funded scheme.

The Sheffield City Region RISE graduate recruitment programme is delivered in partnership with the SCR Growth Hub, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and the private sector.

It aims to connect growing businesses with ambitious graduates – and take the hassle out of recruitment. Local organisations that have been involved in the project to date include Chesterfield Champions Casa Hotel and Global Brands.

Kylie Cook, RISE Project Manager, said:-

“RISE has had a fantastic year so far, supporting more than 50 businesses to take on graduates across the region. We work with all sectors and disciplines, and are excited to hear from more SMEs who want to join the final round of 2017. From digital marketing to design engineering, there’s not many roles we haven’t helped to fill in the past.”

Business can participate in RISE, whether they want to appoint a graduate to a six month internship or a permanent post with a six-month probationary period. The only eligibility criteria is that they have less than 250 employees and are based in the Sheffield City Region.

The organisation must commit to an excellent induction, management support, salary and appraisal package. In return, they can access a fully-funded recruitment programme to help manage the process and ensure the best possible result for both employer and employee – plus there’s a £1,000 wage subsidy available.

To find out more about the RISE project click here. The deadline for applications to get involved is September 27th.

graduate

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Local community takes part in archaeological dig at Chesterfield Canal

Over 500 people from the local community joined the Chesterfield Canal Trust and a number of archaeologists to take part in the Last Cuckoo Project.

At the beginning of the year it was reported that the Chesterfield Canal Trust acquired funding from the Aviva Community Trust of £10,000 for the Last Cuckoo Project – an archaeological dig at Staveley – where it is believed that at least one Cuckoo boat, unique to the canal, could be found.

The dig, which took place over two weeks in August, unearthed a variety of material including pottery and bottles and – as expected – three boats, one which has been reported as almost certainly a Cuckoo.

The dig has received enormous community support. The funding for the project was made possible by the project gaining 9,500 votes in a public vote. The public support continued with over 500 places on the dig being snapped up by members of the community – including a number of local children.

To celebrate the findings, the Trust organised an open day, which was also well attended with over 300 people being given a guided tour of the trenches and the teams findings. The dig also gained regional coverage with a feature on BBC Look North.

As the project was an archaelogical dig and not a restoration project the findings where reburied. However the Canal Trust will be working hard to ensure that the findings are remembered.

Rod Auton, a representative from the Chesterfield Canal Trust, said:-

“There was never any possibility of lifting an incredibly fragile 70’ boat, then storing and preserving it, so everything was reburied at the end of the dig. When the restoration of the Canal reaches a certain point, they will be dug up again because there will be moorings on the site.

“However, part of the grant has been reserved to create an information board on the site, so that the whole event will be remembered in the time being.”

The Trust wishes to pay particular thanks to Mark Walker for his months of planning on the project, Elmet Archaeological Services – led by Christine Rawson – who had vast experience of community archaeology, T.C. Harrison/JCB who lent the Trust a mini-digger for the whole fortnight and Henry and Lorraine Day who allowed the Trust to use their field for camping, car parking and accommodation facilities.

Chesterfield Canal

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

New hashtag campaign to highlight the Peak District’s hidden gems

Social media users are being invited to share their stunning shots of what they think is unique and inspiring about the Peak District and Derbyshire in a new hashtag campaign aiming to spread the word about its most special and secret gems.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, is about to launch #UniqueDistrict in a bid to promote the essence and spirit of the area with the help of the expanding online community.

Lindsay Rae, the tourist board’s Deputy Director, said:-

“We’re asking people to post images of their favourite features of the Peak District and Derbyshire – everything from breathtaking landscapes and fabulous attractions to their favourite cafés and restaurants serving locally-sourced food and drink.

“We’re looking for special shots that inspire them and will inspire other people too – and they can feature any subject, as long as it captures what’s best and beautiful about the area.

“We know the Peak District and Derbyshire is full of hidden treasures, and this is a brilliant opportunity to share them across the growing on-line audience.

“We’ll be posting the best entries across our Instagram and Twitter accounts, and there’ll be quality prizes on offer in a series of competitions from September to the beginning of November.”

#UniqueDistrict will be launched on the tourist board’s Twitter feed – @vpdd – on Friday September 1 at 1pm, when a video outlining full details of how to enter and details of the first prize give-away will be released.

After that, people can tweet their images, using @vpdd and #UniqueDistrict, and their submissions will go forward as competition entries until November 1. #UniqueDistrict will then continue to run for another ten months to encourage even more people to join the online conversation.

The video will become the campaign’s ‘pinned’ tweet and will stay at the top of the @vpdd Twitter page throughout September. It will also be posted on the tourist board’s website at www.visitpeakdistrict.com.

Peak

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Working with education to improve employability of ‘leavers’

Companies are being asked to what extent they want to work with schools to improve employability of ‘leavers’.

The lack of basic skills demonstrated by ‘leavers’ but demanded by employers is a perennial complaint of recruiters.

But little has been done over the years to ensure young people have even the basic skills required by potential employees, including maths, English and the ability to communicate on the phone and solve simple problems.

In its Quarterly Economic Survey for the third quarter of 2017, East Midlands Chamber is asking firms about their experiences of trying to engage with schools for work experience, mentoring, work placements for pupils and teachers and more.

Launched today on the 21 August, the latest survey asks firms in what ways they would consider engaging with schools, from having staff who are school governors, to taking part in careers fairs, participating in classroom-based teaching activities, offering interview training and more.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at the Chamber, said:-

“Our survey results for the second quarter of 2017 revealed that two-thirds of firms wanted to recruit new workers but two-thirds of those companies struggled to find suitably skilled staff.

“This has been a problem identified by employers for surveys going back a long, long time. It has gained higher profile in recent years but we want to do is see if there has been any success in closing the skills gap and what levels of engagement employers feel they need to make sure youngsters leaving education have the skills they seek.”

To take part in the survey, visit http://bit.ly/2fYTN9c.

Chamber strategic partner bmi regional is offering two return flights from Birmingham to Nuremburg as a draw prize for completing the Q3 QES. The winners will be advised on 14 September and the tickets will be valid until 31 March.

Earlier this year, bmi regional created a new hub at Birmingham Airport, launching three new European routes from the UK’s second city to Graz, Gothenburg and Nuremberg, to provide improved connectivity to and from the East Midlands.

employability

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

60 apprenticeship vacancies available at Derbyshire County Council

Apprenticeships for more than 60 young people are on offer at Derbyshire County Council.

The vacancies are a great opportunity for anyone over 16, to start their careers with one of the largest employers in the county.

Derbyshire County Council has an excellent work-based training programme where individuals receive ongoing support to help them achieve an apprenticeship.

The apprenticeships are in:

  • health and social care − providing care for people in county council owned older people’s homes − 39 vacancies
  • adult care catering − helping to provide meals for people in county council owned older people’s homes − 16 vacancies
  • business administration − five vacancies.

Councillor Angelique Foster, Cabinet Member for Council Services at Derbyshire County Council, said:-

“Apprenticeships are a great way for a young person to get a start on the career ladder and I’m delighted that we have so many opportunities available.

“With an apprenticeship at the council you can earn while you learn, receive on-the-job training and gain a qualification that employers really value.

“By joining one of the county’s largest employers you’ll gain vital knowledge that will be valued by employers in all sectors. And by working with our experienced employers you will also gain valuable skills.”

There are also a number of Chesterfield based apprenticeships available across the town. For more information on apprenticeships in Chesterfield click here.

Derbyshire County Council will accept applications from anyone aged over 16, either school leavers or those looking to train in something new. Previous applicants need not apply. The closing date for applications is 10 September 2017.

Apprenticeships

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town

Ashgate Hospicecare raise a combined £18,437 at this year’s Summer Fair and Open Air Cinema

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that a combined total of £18,437 was raised at last weekend’s Summer Fair and Open Air Cinema.

Both events, which were based on Ashgate Hospicecare’s meadow, hosted over a thousand people throughout the day and raised vital funds for patients and their families across north Derbyshire.

Beth Cole, Events Assistant at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“We would like to thank everyone who came and supported the hospice over the weekend. It was amazing to see so many families enjoying themselves.”

Throughout the day, families enjoyed an array of activities including fairground rides, games, donkeys, craft stalls, food, a bar and live music as well as over a thousand-local people settling down and watching a screening of Grease later in the evening.

Jill Ashmore, from Chesterfield, said:-

“What a great night. Film brilliant, lovely atmosphere and the meteor display …. inspired. Next please.”

Stewart Oldham, Long standing car park volunteer, from Chesterfield, said:-

“From the volunteers on car park duty thanks for everyone’s cooperation and understanding what a great atmosphere and event. See you all next year.”

summer fair

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Award winning coffee shop reopens after relocation

Two time winner of the Café of the Year category in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards have reopened this weekend after a move to new premises.

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House, situated at Stephenson’s Place, have relocated down one floor of the building. The move downstairs provides the venue with more accessible accommodation, better views of the town and unique original Victorian features. This is the first phase of an extensive refurbishment of their premises on Stephenson Place.

Opening in 2014, the café have gone from strength to strength, now employing 14 people and 2 apprentices. It has also been nominated as Cafe of the Year in 3 consecutive Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards – winning twice in 2014-2016 – and also winner of the Best Customer Service award in Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2016.

In the last couple of years, Stephenson’s have introduced Afternoon Teas, acquired a license to sell alcohol and opened The Spire by Stephenson’s – also nominated in the Best Newcomer Category at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2017. The move downstairs highlights its desire to be ever expanding and provide a venue accessible to all customers.

Claire Wood, Owner of Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House, says:-

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Sam and I. We have retained the peaceful atmosphere our customers want, and will continue to serve our extensive menu including snacks, breakfasts, lunches, cakes, scones and much more, homemade from high quality ingredients and served by the friendly Stephensons Team.

“With so much investment taking place in Chesterfield Town Centre we feel privileged to be providing a service for the people of Chesterfield.”

Claire and Sam – her son – work very closely with their team of staff at both Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House and in their second Coffee Shop, The Spire by Stephenson’s at 3 St Marys Gate.

She says:-

“We aim to ensure all our customers receive a friendly welcome and enjoy excellent food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere in either Stephensons Tea and Coffee House or The Spire by Stephensons.”

Café

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Visitors welcome to Chesterfield Museum’s open day

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can join in a range of activities for the museum’s open weekend.

The popular attraction, owned and run by Chesterfield Borough Council, hosts the event on Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Monday 28 August.

Activities on offer include:

  • Creative crafts for children each day from 10am to 4pm
  • Behind the scenes tours at 1pm and 2.30pm each day – tours are free but must be booked in advance, call (01246) 345727 to book
  • Meet George Stephenson each day at 10am – find out more about the North East’s railway pioneer who made his home in Chesterfield
  • A talk by the Derbyshire Records Office on Friday 25 August at 11am
  • Spire stories at noon and 1.45pm on Saturday 26 and Monday 28 August

The current exhibition features the history of St Mary and All Saints’ Church – the ‘Crooked Spire’.

The church will be offering hour long tours of the tower on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 August at 2.30pm and Monday 28 August at 10.30am and 2.30pm.

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

“We’re proud to welcome thousands of visitors to Chesterfield Museum each year. The open weekend gives people the chance to look round and find out more about this popular attraction.

“There are activities suitable for all ages so it is a great opportunity for families to enjoy themselves together this bank holiday weekend.”

Visitors

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield College A Level students succeed in new style exams

The first Chesterfield College students to complete the newly reformed A Level syllabus have collected their results today and there was plenty to celebrate.

There was an increase in the number of students gaining the highest grades of A*, A and B compared to last year which is significantly above the national increase. The overall pass rate was 91% and six subjects gained 100% pass rates.

Science enthusiast and A* student, Beth Shouk, age 18 from Holmewood, was delighted with her results gaining 3 A* and 1 A grades in her chemistry, biology, sociology and psychology exams. Beth has applied for a job as a junior chemist and hopes to study for university-level qualifications after a gap year.  She said:

“It feels amazing. All the effort I put in has amounted to something. I was nervous because of all the changes in A Levels and grade boundaries but I am so happy with my results. I can choose from so many universities with these grades.”

Cameron Ashby, age 19 from Chesterfield, was thrilled with his A* in English literature, B in English Language and C in Philosophy which secured him a place at Sheffield Hallam University to study creative writing.

Lauren Hill, age 18 from Eckington, is off to University of Sheffield to study English and History with an A, two Bs and a C. Her goal is to become a secondary school teacher and she says that studying A Levels at college was the best thing she did.

Aisling Wragg, aged 18 from Chesterfield, secured a place at University of Derby to do a nursing degree and hopes to become a mental health nurse in the future. She came to collect her results with her family today who were all keen to celebrate with her.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group, said:-

“I would like to congratulate our A Level students who have received their results today. It is wonderful to see so many students with places at university or apprenticeship positions secured because of the hard work and commitment they have put into their studies so far. I wish everyone all the best for the future and I look forward to welcoming some students back in September to study in our University Centre.”

A Level

Posted in About Chesterfield

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