Leisure

Be ‘Ginspired’ with Chesterfield’s newest independent retailer

A new independent drinks retailer, Ginspired, has opened in Chesterfield’s Market Hall, specialising in gin, rum, whisky and other spirits.

Ginspired will focus on high quality spirits with over 200 unique and interesting bottles to choose from, as well as a wide range of gift items for Christmas and other special occasions. In store tasting events will also be a regular occurrence and staff will be on hand to provide friendly helpful advice.

Co-Owners Matt and Darren have worked in the drinks industry for 10 years before using their passion and experience to open Ginspired, showcasing a fantastic collection of gin, rum, whisky, vodka, bourbon, liqueurs, mead, cognac and more.

Co-Owner Matt said: “Our name is taken from Chesterfield’s famous Crooked Spire and our passion for Gin. We hope Ginspired will compliment and support the already vibrant beer and gin scene, with some great pubs, bars and producers well established in Chesterfield.”

He added: “We strongly believe in supporting small independent local businesses and our primary focus will be on products from Derbyshire and the surrounding area where possible.”

Ginspired is now open within Chesterfield’s Market Hall.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Launch of Vicar Lane’s big screen

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is delighted to announce the launch of their brand-new big screen on Friday 6th December.

The new LED screen is located outdoors, on St. James’ Square and will be used throughout the year and during key seasonal events to create a much more animated focal point and a lively new meeting area for shoppers within the town, as well as being a key feature in free events run by Vicar Lane.

The launch event will begin at 11am, allowing time for visitors to arrive before the ribbon cutting and official switch-on of the screen at 11:30am.

Visitors will then be able to enjoy a series of screenings from new independent stores at Vicar Lane – Shop Indie and Rate Cute – as well as Let’s Go Peak District and Destination Chesterfield.

Between 1pm and 3pm customers will have the chance to enjoy a PIING social gaming event, while a local business networking event takes place in the store underneath the screen, with presentations from Alterx – owners of Vicar Lane – and a special guest speaker before the day comes to a close at 4pm. Local business people and those working in community groups or other local organisations can claim a free ticket here.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane, said, “We’re really excited about the launch of our big screen. It’s the first really visible change we’ve made to Vicar Lane in a long time and we hope it’s the start of great things to come, with lots of exciting events throughout the year.’’

The installation of the big screen is the first step in a list of improvements that Alterx, who bought the centre out of administration earlier in the year, plan to make to Vicar Lane having identified an opportunity to revitalise it. So, this event is a celebration of their plans coming to fruition and tangible evidence of the investments being made in Vicar Lane.

Find out more here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Vicar Lane Hosts a Calendar of Festive Fun

This Christmas, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is helping shoppers get in the spirit of the season with a whole heap of activities for them to enjoy.

With a different event every Saturday from 30th November until Christmas, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy!

On Saturday 30th November, customers can get their green fingers ready to craft their very own Christmas wreath in a festive workshop. The pro’s from Thanks A Bunch will be on hand to help them with their festive front door creation in these workshops starting at 10am, 12.30pm and 2:30pm. Numbers are strictly limited to 10 per session and cost just £15 a ticket, which includes hot refreshments and mince pies. Over 16’s only. Tickets can be purchased here.

On Saturday 30th November, the centre will also receive a visit from a really wild guest as a life-like polar bear patrols the centre and poses for Christmas selfies at intervals throughout the day from 10am – 4pm!

On Saturday 7th December, a team of professional ice sculptors will have customers transfixed as a unique piece of art emerges from the ice between 11am and 1pm. The Ice sculpture will be available for customers to view until 5pm.

On Saturday 14th December, customers can see Christmas family favourite ‘Elf’ on the big screen at the centre’s pop-up cinema, opposite F. Hinds in partnership with Bluebird North Events. Tickets are just £4 each, and can be purchased here.

On Saturday 21st December, families will have the opportunity to catch a screening of Christmas family movie ‘The Polar Express’ on the big screen at the pop-up cinema, opposite F. Hinds in partnership with Bluebird North Events. Tickets are just £4 each, and can be purchased here. 

On Saturdays 7th, 14th & 21st December customers are offered the chance to take the flap out of wrapping this festive season and visit ‘Shop Indie’ to have their gifts professionally wrapped.

Vicar Lane is also offering time-stretched shoppers a little relief from their frantic festive preparations with late night shopping on Thursday & Friday 12th & 13th and 19th & 20th December, plus Monday 23rd December.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We understand that shoppers expect a little more than just great stores on their shopping trip these days, so we wanted to offer an exciting experience on every visit this festive season. We look forward to welcoming families of Chesterfield and beyond throughout the Christmas period.’’

Earlier this week, Vicar Lane announced will be home to a brand new, dog-friendly, pop-up bar. The Cap and Whippet will serve up a thirst-quenching menu of beers and spirits, all produced at Derbyshire breweries and distilleries. Customers will also find a range of Christmas gifts to purchase and take home, it will be open from 29th November until Christmas Eve.

Find out more about Christmas at Vicar Lane here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Visiting

‘Give a Child a Smile’ this Christmas with Peak FM

Peak FM believe that no child should go without at Christmas. Their annual toy appeal campaign, ‘Give a Child a Smile’ is dedicated to collecting toy donations for under privileged children across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Multiple businesses have quickly signed up and volunteered to be official toy drop off points, these locations can be found here.

For the first time Peak FM have secured a pop up shop unit in Chesterfield Town Centre thanks to Pavements Shopping Centre’s help. The pop up is in the old Thomas Cook store at 57 Low Pavements and will be open Thurs – Sun to accept new and unwrapped toys for children ages 0-16 years.

Fast Signs Sheffield & Chesterfield heard about the campaign and kindly donated the window decals for the front of the building making the unit stand out to passers-by.

Sam Earnshaw, Station Director at Peak FM, said: “This is such a wonderful campaign and one that we whole heartedly support at the station. As we all start to get excited about Christmas and gear up for this special time of year it is so sad to think that some children in our local area, for lots of reasons, may go without. We are always staggered by the generosity of our listeners and these toy donations really do help to put a smile on the face of so many children.”

She added: “We work with a broad range of charities and children’s organisations to ensure that toys are distributed in time for Christmas and we are always keen to hear from as many organisations as possible to ensure our donations reach as many children as they can.”

New and unwrapped toys will be distributed to charities and registered children’s organisations in time for Christmas. Donations are being accepted until December 8th 2019 and local businesses and residents are encouraged to get involved.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Specsavers Chesterfield emphasises importance of eye tests following Diabetes Day

Specsavers Chesterfield is raising awareness of the importance of having regular eye tests following Diabetes Day on November 14.

Those suffering with diabetes are up to 20 times more likely to lose their sight than those without the condition. However, only one in five adults are aware that their optician can detect the signs through a regular eye test.

Dr Nigel Best, Clinical Spokesperson at Specsavers, said: “An estimated 1 million people in the UK are living with diabetes without even realising it – meaning they’re at huge risk of developing serious eye health complications and even sight loss.”

“Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health conditions today – fuelled by record levels of obesity, excessive sugar consumption and sedentary lifestyles. If we continue to turn a blind eye to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as a result, we can only expect to see the number of undiagnosed cases escalate.”

A complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy which can occur when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye. If left untreated it can cause blindness.

Dr Best adds: “At Specsavers, we offer digital retinal photography free of charge as part of a standard eye test for customers aged over 40. This takes a detailed picture of the back of your eye allowing the blood vessels to be monitored more closely – helping to detect any signs of diabetes that might be present.”

Allissa Charlesworth (below), Optometrist Director at Specsavers Chesterfield, said: “A trip to the optician can do so much more than check your vision. Less than half the time taken during an eye appointment involves testing sight – most of the time we are assessing the health of the eye itself, and signs of your wider health too.”

Allissa concludes: “We encourage everyone to get their eyes checked every two years. As well as a check of your vision, a routine sight test might just reveal a more serious sight-threatening or wider health condition.”

To find out more or book your next appointment head to the Specsavers store on Chesterfield’s Burlington Street or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/chesterfield, where you can currently avail of a free eye test, valid until 31st December 2019 (terms and conditions apply).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure

The Lily Pad celebrates refurbishment and extended Friday night opening hours

The Lily Pad Café and Restaurant, located on Soresby Street in Chesterfield, are celebrating an extensive refurbishment and exciting changes to their menu. They welcomed customers to enjoy the new Friday night dinner menu last week.

The refurbishment brings a new look, a new menu and new opening hours to this popular town-centre eatery which recently won the accolade of the Café / Tea Room of the Year at the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards 2019.

Head Chef and Manager, Ryan Purrington said: “It is wonderful to welcome our customers back through our doors and we are really pleased to be able to offer our new dinner menu on a Friday evening too. I hope everyone is as impressed with our new look as we are.”

“Our new menu includes some of the old favourites which we know people love us for, but we’ve also developed the menu to include some exciting new additions. We have a much more extensive selection for vegetarians and vegans too. There are a whole host of new features and food and drinks specials for people to try which we are really excited about.”

The Chesterfield College Group own the business and has invested in the refurbishment process. They work with the dedicated front of house and kitchen team at the Lily Pad to help them develop the business.

Jo Kershaw, Director of Business and Professional Services at Chesterfield College said: “The Lily Pad not only offers local diners an amazing choice of menu options, it also has a unique atmosphere which comes from the passion of the team. They work tirelessly to keep their customers happy. When we invested in this business we saw how the passion of this relatively young team created a popular eatery and how apprentices are supported to grow into key roles in the organisation.”

“We also saw the potential to support this town-centre business in its development. It has been a pleasure working with Ryan and his team over the last few months. I hope both new and existing customers will be as pleased with the results of the refurbishment as we are.”

The Lily Pad is now open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Sunday (closed all day Wednesdays) as well as now serving evening meals on Friday evenings.

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

Dog-friendly bar to open at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is excited to announce the opening of a brand new, dog-friendly, pop-up bar in the Centre, in the run up to Christmas.

The Cap and Whippet is the brainchild of the owner of local, award-winning bar ‘Brimming with Beer’ which is already a firm favourite with locals. Brimming with Beer was set up in the Summer of 2016 and this year was awarded ‘Chesterfield CAMRA Pub of the Season-Summer 2019’ as well as being entered into the Good Beer Guide.

The Cap and Whippet will serve up a thirst-quenching menu of beers and spirits, all produced at Derbyshire breweries and distilleries. Customers will also find a range of Christmas gifts to purchase and take home.

The Cap and Whippet is named after owner Ben’s Whippet called ‘Tan’ and her favourite flat cap. The bar will be open from 10am – 10pm (midnight at the weekend), 6 days a week from 29th November until Christmas Eve.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really excited to welcome The Cap and Whippet to Vicar Lane this festive season. The dog-friendly bar will offer a thirst-quenching drink to warm the cockles in the approach to Christmas, as well as providing a great venue for friends, colleagues and their dogs to enjoy after work drinks or a night out in Chesterfield.’’

Find out what else is happening at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre this festive season here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Winners of Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards 2019 announced

The winners of the Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards 2019 have been announced, with local company O’Connor & Co Removals named 2019 Business of the Year.

The awards ceremony took place at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel on Thursday 14th November and honoured the very best of trade and commerce in the area, as well as recognising the outstanding contribution of local business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Chesterfield’s Fairplay, a children’s charity that supports children and young people with disabilities and their families, was named Charity of the Year.

The Derbsyhire Times website states: “Our awards attract a wide range of entries from across all sectors from both small and larger organisations. But the winners all have one thing in common – they are truly excellent at what they do and have proved this by winning a Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Award.”

The headline sponsors for the Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards 2019 were Global Brands & Casa Hotels.

A full list of winners can be found below.

Winners

Innovation Award
Winner: Jane-Louise Photography UK
Shortlisted: UK Asbestos Training Association

Community Contribution
Winner: Men-Talk
Shortlisted: Move with Mumma, Bookworms

Customer Service Award
Winner: O’Connor & Co Removals Limited
Shortlisted: Casa Hotel, Dales and Peaks, Morley Hayes

Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Millie Walker – Auto Windscreens/ Markerstudy Group
Shortlisted: Carrie Price – KT Hair Academy for NJUK and Megan Thompson – Van Dyk by Wildes

Independent Retailer of the Year
Winner: Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield
Shortlisted: OhSoBoss, Timeless Life Casting & Keepsakes

Leisure and Lifestyle
Winner: Morley Hayes
Shortlisted: Casa Hotel, Matlock Farm Park and Peak Edge Hotel & Red Lion Pub and Restaurant

New Business of the Year
Winner: Edwards Employment Solutions
Shortlisted: Jane – Louise Photography UK, O’Connor & Co Removals Ltd, Timeless Life Casting & Keepsakes

Professional Services Award:
Winner: BHP
Shortlisted: Dales and Peaks, Mortgage 1st, Shorts

Small Business of the Year: 
Winner: Dales and Peaks
Shortlisted: Dawson Radford Solicitors, Moss Valley Fine Meats, Recruit 2 You Ltd, The Accountancy Recruitment Group

Excellence in Manufacturing
Winner: Moss Valley Fine Meats
Shortlisted: H D Sharman Limited

Charity of the Year
Winner: Fairplay
Shortlisted: Nenna Kind

Business Person of the Year:
Winner: Peter Botham – Shed Grounds Maintenance Ltd
Shortlisted: Jon Stones – Mortgage 1st and Tom Currey – Dales and Peaks

People Development Award
Winner: Banner Jones

Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Robert Banner, Banner Jones

2019 Business of the Year
Winner: O’Connor & Co Removals Ltd

Winners of this years Business Excellence Awards pictured. Picture: NDET-14-11-19-DTBusinessAwards-1

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing

Win a tasty Window at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is excited to continue their new competition that gives customers the chance to win a new prize every month.

‘Win the Window’ continues with a brand new competition starting on Thursday 14th November and running until Thursday 5th December. This month’s prize up for grabs is a tasty £20 voucher from Quoozies. The prize is displayed in the winning window, located opposite F. Hinds at Vicar Lane.

This competition follows the first which saw the popular Chesterfield shopping centre giving away a generous £30 F. Hinds gift card and the second which saw one lucky person winning a giant teddy from Holmes Amusements.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “‘Win the Window’ is all about giving customers something new and exciting to look forward to each month. We plan to give away a variety of fabulous prizes throughout the year, so there’s something for everyone.’’

For the chance to win the latest prize, customers should simply visit the Centre’s winning window opposite F. Hinds and follow the simple instructions, or comment on the official competition post on Facebook. Terms and conditions apply.

Vicar Lane with festive cheer from 11am until 3.30pm on Sunday 17th November for the Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On. Enjoy a live brass band filling the air with festive nostalgia, plus free festive face painting for the little ones to get you in the spirit of the season before the big switch on.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Mortgage 1st raise £1,648.94 for local charities

7 members of the Mortgage 1st team took part in this year’s Chesterfield Redbrik Half Marathon and Peak FM 5 Mile Run on 20th of October in support of two great local charities, Ashgate Hospicecare & Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Mortgage 1st encouraged their team to sign up earlier this year as part of the Pronto Paints Wellbeing challenge and kindly offered to pay all their entry fees. The majority of those who signed up weren’t already runners but fully committed to the challenge and began their training.

On the day, 6 members of the Mortgage 1st team ran the Peak FM 5 mile and all completed it within an hour or less. The 7th team member Ethan, ran the full half marathon in 2 hours exact.

As a team they raised a whopping £1,648.94 in donations which they have shared equally between the two charities, meaning they will receive just over £820 each.

Lisa Stones, Marketing Director at Mortgage 1st said: “When I asked around the office who wanted to take part I was delighted when 7 of our team said yes. They all did brilliantly with their training and it was great to hear how their health & fitness started to improve as a result.”

“On the day there was a large group for us from Mortgage 1st along with their friends and family all cheering them on, the atmosphere in Queens Park was great and we’re all already talking about next year’s event.”

More than 1,500 people registered for the event’s three elements – the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and Blachford UK Fun Run – with new course records also set by both the female and male Redbrik Half winners. Read more here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Fun for all the family at Chesterfield Christmas lights event

Chesterfield residents and visitors can enjoy the town’s annual Christmas lights-switch on, which offers fun for all the family.

Taking place on Sunday 17 November, the event will see children’s favourite Peter Rabbit  appearing in Rykneld Square outside Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre from noon to 12.30pm, 1pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 3.30pm.

There will be a market from noon in the market place with stalls offering some great Christmas gift ideas, games and fairground rides.

Many local shops will also be open on the day with a variety of Christmas gifts allowing people to shop local. Chesterfield Market Café in the Market Hall will also be open offering a hot drink and refreshments for visitors.

The stage show will get underway in New Square from 3.30pm with Peak FM providing the fun as presenters, including breakfast presenters Ricky and Becky, take to the stage.

There will also be opportunities for everyone to join in the fun with games and prize giveaways courtesy of Peak FM.

As well as a host of local acts, stars from Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre, will also perform on stage. They will be joined by Peter Rabbit for the big switch-on, which takes place at 4.45pm.

Alyson Barnes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Tourism, Museums and Events Manager, said: “The Christmas lights switch on event is one of the biggest in Chesterfield’s annual calendar of events attracting thousands of people each year. I would encourage families to come along to enjoy the day and also to shop local and support our market and local shops.”

Chesterfield residents can use their free parking pass to park at the following council-run 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

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to stand up comedy and from gigs to musical concerts.

Find out more about what’s coming up as part of Christmas in Chesterfield here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting