Leisure

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Open Air Cinema and Summer Fair cancelled due to forecasted severe weather conditions

8th August 2019

Ashgate Hospicecare is sad to announce that their Open Air Cinema and Summer Fair events, due to take place this weekend, have been cancelled due to forecasted severe weather conditions, specifically high winds.

The following events were due to take place on Ashgate Hospicecare’s meadow over the weekend as follows:

Friday 9th August 2019: Mary Poppins Returns, Open Air Cinema (7pm onwards)

Saturday 10th August 2019: Summer Fair (11am – 4pm). Please note, the Rainbow Ribbons ceremony which was scheduled to be held as part of the Summer Fair will no longer be taking place.

Saturday 10th August 2019: Bohemian Rhapsody, Open Air Cinema (7pm onwards)

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re extremely disappointed to have to cancel our Open Air Cinema and Summer Fair events this weekend. Both fundraising events raise vital funds for the hospice so having to cancel them is devastating.”

“The safety of our supporters, staff, volunteers and suppliers is our first priority. With the severe weather warnings in place, the potential risk is too severe for us to continue with these events at this time.”

“Following conversations with the main events sponsor, Vertu Toyota, we are now planning a ‘Movie Night-In’ over the weekend which we hope the people of North Derbyshire will embrace. Keep an eye on our social media channels for more information.”

If you have booked for the event this weekend and would like your donation refunding, please contact the Ashgate Hospicecare Fundraising Team on 01246 567250. If you have any further questions, please contact fundraising@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Supporting Chesterfield’s growth

8th August 2019

Read the latest blog of Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield.

August is upon us and we’re well into the summer holidays. If you’re looking to explore what our town has to offer you and your family, then this is the time to do it!

We have more festivals and events in and around the town centre than ever before. The shortlist for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards has also been released, offering a great starting point for the very best places to eat and drink.

It’s a great way to kickstart the summer holidays with the kids. What better way to entice them off their screens than with the promise of a tasty treat followed by a day of learning, disguised as fun and intrigue?

There’s a multitude of events going on in the area – from canal cruises, treasure hunts and miniature train rides to hands on history at Bolsover Castle, science roadshows and the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival. There is something to suit every taste (pun intended!).

As the events calendar has grown year on year, so has Chesterfield’s fortunes. I am delighted that we can, once again, turn the spotlight on the town in the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit. This year the theme is supporting communities through regeneration.

The increased footfall in the town centre and attendance at the many events is evidence that Chesterfield’s regeneration is successful.

More than £1bn of developments are on site and more are on the way. 2019 is the year that we are seeing spades in the ground on a number of much anticipated sites, like Northern Gateway, Elder Way and Chesterfield Waterside. All these sites are, in turn, creating employment opportunities.

There are now more jobs at Markham Vale that when it was a colliery. A record number of 2,236 people are currently employed at Markham Vale; that’s 200 more people than were employed at the former colliery site in its 1980s heyday. Proof that Chesterfield’s regeneration strategy is working.

And we have more success stories to look forward to. Avant Homes is to begin building 173 homes at Waterside later this year after receiving detailed planning permission. Pronto Industrial Paints Ltd have also acquired a new site that will treble their existing space.

Whether you’re a resident or business, it’s important that we come together as a community to support the town’s growth in order to safeguard our future success. Together we really do make a difference.

If you’re interested in the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield and finding out about how you can support it and get involved, then register here to attend the Chesterfield Investment Summit which takes place on 11 September at Casa Hotel.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Al Fresco Afternoon Tea launched for summer at Chatsworth

6th August 2019

Indulge at Chatsworth this summer with an alfresco afternoon tea, on offer for the first time in the garden, as well as the classic luxurious afternoon tea experience in The Flying Childers served on beautiful Wedgwood teaware.

Afternoon tea at Chatsworth showcases the best of local produce, as well as the talents of its bakers who have created an array of delicious cakes and pastries, for the ultimate English experience.

‘Afternoon tea at the Maze’ is available from 26 July to 29 August and includes free parking and admission to the garden. Located under cover by the Maze, this outdoor afternoon tea is the perfect way to sit back and enjoy an indulgent treat and take in summer views of the historic 105 acre garden.

The menu includes hand cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream & Chatsworth jam and an array of sweet treats: individual Bakewell tart, summer fruit sherry trifle, elderflower delice topped with a gin jelly, raspberry and chocolate opera cake and a piña colada pavlova.

Alternatively, the luxurious afternoon tea experience in the The Flying Childers, located in the Stables, is served on Wedgwood teaware and is available to book every day between 11.30am and 4.30pm.

There’s even a special afternoon tea menu so little ones can join in the fun too. The afternoon tea platter designed especially for children starts with a stack of scrumptious jam, ham and cheese sandwiches followed by freshly baked scones piled high with clotted cream and jam and more.

To find out more, and book online, visit www.chatsworth.org/shopping-dining/afternoon-tea

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Town unites to tackle Climate Emergency

3rd August 2019

More than 60 people attended Chesterfield’s first Climate Emergency People’s Assembly which took place on Sunday 21st July.

The day-long event gave those attending the opportunity to voice their concerns on climate change and work together to draw up strategies for taking positive steps as individuals and in communities towards a sustainable future.

The event was orchestrated by Clare Gage, a local mum and ceramicist, who through her membership of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) has been supported to bring people together to form a ‘Peoples Assembly’ and put action into the hands of individuals.

A group ranging in age from 8 to 80 came together for the day and included individuals new to community action, as well as members of local campaign groups. The activities were led by Martin Yarnit and Perry Walker from Talkshop, making sure that everyone has a voice in the matters that concern them. The morning session was used to tease out key issues and establish areas of interest. Groups focused on specific issues such as transport, food production, environmental education and holding to account politicians and corporate business, all to encourage people to adopt new practices to help lessen our impact on the planet.

Some attendees agreed to continue meeting to further develop action plans and a follow-up People’s Assembly meeting will be held in September.

Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Amanda Serjeant were in attendance, a reassuring sign for the attendees that local council and central government alike are recognising the concern from local people about the issues.

Clare said afterwards: “As the organiser of the People’s Assembly I found it fantastic to see so many people from our town gather together.”

“We tackled tricky questions about how we could make a difference in the face of the climate emergency. Difficult issues were discussed, and we looked for practical solutions.”

“I am proud of how respectful our community was of one another and pleased to see what progress can be made when we come together as a team. This is just the start. Our town can be a place where people are empowered to create positive change.”

Follow up activity will take place in September with a meeting arranged for 15th September at 11am. Find out more at www.facebook.com/createchangechesterfield

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

Liam Pitchford will spearhead the England squad for the European Championships.

31st July 2019

The 26-year-old Chesterfield athlete, Liam Pitchford, currently No 15 in the world, will join fellow Rio Olympians Paul Drinkhall and Sam Walker, plus Tom Jarvis, in a strong England line-up.

England have been drawn against Belarus and Luxembourg in the first stage of the event, which is in Nantes from September 3-8.

England came through two qualifying stages to take their place among the 24 nations competing for top continental honours.

Liam Pitchford (Image courtesy of ITTF)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Come along and enjoy a family fuelled day at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair this summer!

30th July 2019

On Saturday 10th August, Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair returns for a day which promises fun and laughter for the whole family.

The event, which will take place between 11am and 4pm, will take place on Ashgate Hospicecare’s meadow, will host a number of different stalls and entertainment throughout the day as well as food, a bar, live music and much more!

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare said: “The summer is finally here, and our amazing Summer Fair is returning this August.

We have several great entertainment acts at the event including a circus display as well as a host of stalls and games for the whole family to enjoy. Please come on down and enjoy yourselves all whilst raising vital funds for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.”

Last year was a massive success for the hospice and there were a number of great reviews about the event.

Anna Drake, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said: At the weekend at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair, my little boy brought two strawberry rocks painted by someone who uses the Day Hospice facilities at the Hospice. Ashgate cared for my Gran before she passed last year.

It’s a home from home and a place where people have the dignity they deserve. The staff work tremendously hard and nothing is too much trouble for both the patient and their family. We will always support Ashgate Hospicecare as a family as my Gran did for most of her life, never knowing she would need their help and support in her last few months.”

Entry price for the event is £2 with under 16’s free, all you have to do is turn up!

If you would like a pitch at this event please contact our Events Team by emailing events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or calling 01246 567250.

Posted in Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Open Air Cinema is back with a bang showing Bohemian Rhapsody and Mary Poppins Returns this summer!

30th July 2019

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that their Open Air Cinema is returning this summer with box office hits Bohemian Rhapsody and Mary Poppins Returns.

The events, which will take place from 7:30pm over two nights (Mary Poppins on Friday 9th August and Bohemian Rhapsody on Saturday 10th August), are one of the most successful events in the calendar year and will take place under the night sky on the hospice meadow.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has already bought tickets for this year’s Open Air Cinema showings. Because of your amazing support, we’re able to care for people across North Derbyshire who really need us the most.

“There are still tickets left for both showings, promising two great films for all the family to enjoy. There will also be a bar on the night with food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and hot chocolate available for purchase, so come down and enjoy an amazing night knowing that you will be helping to support those in need of hospice care.”

The event is kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota Chesterfield and the audio visuals will be provided by Urban Entertainment. Because of their amazing support, all donations received from tickets sales will go directly to the hospice.

Claire Fallaway, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said: “I can’t wait for this year’s Open Air Cinema. We came to Ashgate Hospicecare to watch The Greatest Showman here last year and it really was one of the best events we’ve ever been to.”

“The hospice is such an amazing place that supports the local community, so to be able to support them whilst having fun with friends and family really is a win-win. I promise it’s an event not to be missed!”

Parking is available across the road from Ashgate Hospicecare in Ash Green (S42 7JE). Disabled parking will be in Ashgate Hospicecare’s main car park. There is also a free park and ride service from DXC Technology, Manor Road, Brampton.

Check out ideas of more things to do in Chesterfield this year at www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Life’s a Beach at Vicar Lane

26th July 2019

Summer may mean sun, sea and sand for some, but for the many that are not going to make it to the coast to feel the sand between their toes this summer, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has got the perfect solution.

Once again, the centre will be making their very own beach, so that customers can come and enjoy some seaside fun – with 20% of all proceeds going to charity.

From 7th – 17th August 2019, customers are invited to kit the kids out with a bucket and spade and sink their toes into the centre’s giant sandpit, while the little ones create the monster of all sandcastles. There will be the chance to treat them to a ride on the teacups, challenge them to a game of hook-a-duck and spoil them with mouth-watering sweet treats – because we all do like to be beside the seaside!

Ashgate Hospicecare is Vicar Lane’s chosen charity this summer and 20% of all proceeds of your summer fun at the Vicar Lane beach, will go towards helping those affected by life-limiting illness, to live a more comfortable life through hospice care and a range of therapy and support services.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “It can be quite a challenge for parents and carers of young children, to keep them entertained for the entire 6 week break, so we wanted to provide something to give them a little helping hand with the added bonus of giving a little something to such a worthwhile cause.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Reserved Matters planning approval granted for office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside

25th July 2019

Only weeks after the green light was given for the construction of 173 new homes at Chesterfield Waterside, permission has been granted to deliver 32,000 sq ft of high quality, grade ‘A’ office accommodation together with ground floor retail space of 5,286 sq ft at the £340million development.

Chesterfield Borough Council has granted reserved matters approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the seven-storey office building which represents the first step in delivering Phase 1 of the Basin Square neighbourhood at Chesterfield Waterside.

Designed by Bond Bryan Architects, the new office building is the first grade A office building to be delivered in Chesterfield for some time and will provide much needed ‘grade A’ office accommodation for the towns businesses. The sites location adjacent to Chesterfield town centre will enable occupiers to benefit from the full range of services that the Town can offer. The site is also situated adjacent to Chesterfield train station and benefits from excellent access to the A61, providing an attractive location to businesses throughout the region.

Developer of the Waterside site, Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc, is already engaged in commercial negotiations with occupiers for the majority of the space within the new building.

When complete, the first phase of the £75m Basin Square neighbourhood will also see the delivery of residential apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a high quality public realm area overlooking the newly constructed canal basin. Bolsterstone reports significant interest from both investors and occupiers in all aspects of Phase 1 of Basin Square and hopes to be in a position to make further exciting announcements shortly.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of the Bolsterstone Group Plc, commented: “I am delighted that Chesterfield Waterside continues to move forward apace. The granting of reserved matters planning approval for the office building at Basin Square is another major milestone for the development and also Chesterfield’s business community, as the local property market is currently lacking in the supply of high quality, large floorplate office space. It is an exciting stage in the development’s timeline.”

Welcoming the news, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “Chesterfield Waterside is a substantial development for the borough with business, retail and resident elements.”

“I’m really pleased to see the development move a step forward with the reserved matters approved for the high-quality office accommodation at Basin Square and look forward to work beginning on site.”

“With its central location and excellent transport links, Chesterfield is a great location for business and we have a proven track record of growing local businesses and for existing businesses locating here and this will complement the current business accommodation in the borough.”

The scheme is making significant progress in 2019 with Avant Homes beginning the construction of 173 two, three and four-bedroom homes at the site. Named Waterside Quarter, Avant Homes’ £36 million development will form part of The Park character area of Chesterfield Waterside and will be the company’s largest site in the Chesterfield area to date.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

For further information about office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside visit www.chesterfieldwaterside.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

College students battle it out to be named Chesterfield’s Young Chef of the Year for 2019

25th July 2019

Three Chesterfield College students are in the running for the prestigious 2019 Young Chef of the Year Award, following a Master Chef style competition judged by food industry professionals.

Part of the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, the award, which is sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons, recognises Chesterfield College’s most promising Level 2 Cookery student.

In a specially organised cook-off, Jake Parkin (18) from Swanwick, Sophia Johnson (18) from Dronfield and Callum Fitzpatrick (18) from Bramley Vale, each prepared a two course meal for judges Chris Mapp owner of the Tickled Trout, Andrew Wilson, Head Chef at Casa Hotel and Richard Taylor, Managing Director of Owen Taylor & Sons.

Jake’s seasonal menu included duck breast with celeriac puree, fondant potato and a five spice jus followed by fresh strawberry cheesecake, sorbet, strawberry salad and Swiss meringue.

Commenting on the competition, Jake said: “I started cooking at around five years old with my grandma – making cakes and doing some other baking. I quickly learned I had a passion for it and I know it’s something I definitely want to pursue. Who knows, maybe one day I could be the next Gordon Ramsey!”

Sophia chose to cook lamb rack and croquette, pickled courgetti, mint salsa verde and confit potatoes followed by hedgerow chocolate brownie, crumble, Italian meringue and yoghurt sauce.

Sophia commented on the cook-off: “I felt really pleased with how it went, I’d done plenty of practice runs so felt really prepared and calm. The timings went really well so I had time to think about the presentation. Being a finalist is an exciting achievement and my aim was just that the food I served on the day was a success – and it was!”

Callum prepared roast duck with celeriac, peach, duck spring roll and a red wine jus followed by vanilla poached Asian pear with caramel and cinnamon biscuit for the judges.

He added: “I was surprised to be a finalist but it is really exciting and just goes to show that hard work pays off. I did a lot of online research in preparation for my menu and decided to cook duck and pear as these were things I’d never used before. I absolutely loved plating up the dishes as it is so good seeing the creation come together.”

Commenting on Jake, Sophia and Callum’s performance, Andrew Wilson, Head Chef at Casa Hotel enthused: “All three young chefs were competent in presentation and dealt well with the pressure of cooking two dishes from scratch whilst being observed and questioned about the dishes they were preparing. They had all obviously researched, planned and practised to be able to achieve the high standard of cooking that they presented to the judges.”

Richard Taylor, Managing Director of Owen Taylor & Sons,added: “It was a very good effort from all three students today. The food was delivered with acceptable presentation, but one shone and I look forward to seeing that person on the awards night.”

Fellow judge Chris Mapp said: “The students worked really hard and produced some well-presented, nice food. You could tell that a lot of thought went into the dishes with how they’d pieced them together, which is great for people of such a young age.”

Ian Matthews, Hospitality and Catering Tutor at Chesterfield College, commented: “I am actually incredibly proud of all of the students, to be doing what they have just done, under pressure at Level 2 is extremely impressive. The balance and composition of the dishes were just fantastic. It’s been an amazing experience for them and all of these experiences of a real working environment, including our Taste Restaurant, will help them to stand out to future employers.”

Following the cook-off, the winner of the 2019 Young Chef of the Year Award will be announced by celebrity chef, Brian Turner at the glittering Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards which is organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College and will be held at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 23 October.

A former winner of the prestigious Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year title includes James Greatorex, who went on to work in Michelin-starred restaurants, The Fat Duck and L’Ortolan.

In addition to Owen Taylor & Sons, other supporters of the awards include Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council), Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Distinctive Magic, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Edge Events Management Ltd, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), Magnifica, MSE Hiller, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd), Shorts Chartered Accountants and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Chesterfield Young Chef finalists 2019 pictured below (L-R) Jake Parkin, Sophia Johnson, Callum Fitzpatrick.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Five Chesterfield parks keep their Green Flags

19th July 2019

Five of Chesterfield’s parks maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council have once again received Green Flag awards.

The parks and open spaces, maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, received the recognition from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy after inspections held last month.

The Green Flags were awarded to:

Eastwood Park, Hasland
Holmebrook Valley Park
Poolsbrook Country Park
Queen’s Park
The grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Brimington, which are maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee, which consists of Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m really proud of the quality of the parks and open spaces we have here in Chesterfield.”

“They are appreciated by our residents and visitors and are a credit to the staff and volunteers who work hard year-round to maintain them to the highest standards which have once again been recognised by the Green Flag award.”

This international award is a sign to the public that the green spaces space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

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