Leisure

From Kenya to Chesterfield: Charlie returns to defend half marathon title

19th October 2018

A Sheffield-based physiotherapist who ‘got the running bug’ after a half marathon in Kenya is up for the challenge of defending his Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon title when the event returns for its second outing this Sunday (21 October). Read our event guide including everything you need to know about the route, road closures and the event.

Totley Athletics Club’s Charlie Baker, who was born in Devon but moved to Sheffield three years ago, will join more than 1,400 others at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Last year’s Redbrik Half Marathon was Charlie’s first victory over the 13.1-mile distance – and though he would love to successfully defend his title, the physiotherapist is ‘fully expecting’ fast runners to turn out after the event’s huge growth over the past 12 months.

Charlie said: “I would love to win again and I’m up for the challenge, but I fully expect some faster runners to turn up.”

“I imagine a few will have seen the winning time from last year and fancy a bit of the glory so I’d be happy with a PB.”

“I’ve been getting out more on the fells after joining Totley AC this year, I’ve been running more miles a week than ever and my legs haven’t fallen off – so who knows!”

Charlie, who works for Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and was born and raised in Brixham, Devon, started running seriously while at Sheffield Hallam University. However, after a couple of years away from running, he was then invited by a friend to train in Kenya.

“I was more interested in football as a child but always liked cross country,” said Charlie.

“My dad enjoyed jogging and I went to support him after he ran a half marathon just months after a quadruple heart bypass.

“Chesterfield was my seventh half marathon, having run the Sheffield Half Marathon four times, plus the Torbay Half and Exeter Half Marathon.

“But I properly started getting the running bug when a friend of mine invited me to train out in Kenya and I ran the Lewa Safari Park Marathon. After surviving the half marathon and the lions, I’ve trained almost daily and fitting it in around my work whenever I can.

“I enjoyed Chesterfield mainly because I’ve never had a timing car and an encouraging steward in front of me, telling me I’m far out in the lead. There were enough twists and turns in the course to stop it getting monotonous and it was unique to run out on the A-road.

“My main memory of winning was a feeling of surprise because I never expected to win a half marathon. I half expected to trip up and twist my ankle on my way into Queens Park instead of crossing the line!”

Charlie will be hitting Chesterfield’s streets along with more than 1,400 runners this Sunday. To get involved with marshalling the event, which is set to become one of the region’s largest mass-participation events.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New retailer on the way to Chesterfield town centre

18th October 2018

The Entertainer has announced it will be opening a store in Chesterfield.

The ambitious toy retailer has a vision that every childhood should be filled with wonder and its mission is to be the best-loved toy shop.

The grand opening of The Entertainer’s Chesterfield store, which will be on Packers Row, is expected to take place on the 10th November at 9.00.

The opening day event is going to have character visits, live demos and lots of toys! There will also be a competition with the first twenty families through the door having the chance to pick a gift card at random where they could win up to £100.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said “It is great that The Entertainer will be opening a new store in Chesterfield.

“It joins Chesterfield’s existing mix of independent and high street retailers, bars, restaurants and historic market, which are key reasons why so many people, locally and nationally, visit the town each year.”

This latest investment follows the recent opening of Sorbo Lounge in the former Post Office and the redevelopment of the Co-op store, which will include a new Premier Inn.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield

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

Working together to achieve world-class results for Peak District & Derbyshire

12th October 2018

The overarching message to delegates at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference on Tuesday was that working together is vital to secure the future success and prosperity of the Peak District and Derbyshire together to continue to create a world-class destination and five-star visitor experience.

Keynote speaker, Television Presenter and Peak District and Derbyshire champion Julia Bradbury, tourist board Managing Director Jo Dilley and Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council all reinforced the rallying call as the visitor economy gears up for further success in the future.

Julia, the first-ever female President of The Camping and Caravanning Club told around 150 delegates that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire was listening to what businesses feel they need and responding to it.

“The key is communication, and working together in a collaborative effort is much more successful. When we lived in Sheffield and my family ran a fashion couture shop, we shared clients with local businesses – a win-win for all and very happy customers. Helping and working with and for each other is important. We shouldn’t always think of neighbours as competition.”

“Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire needs businesses to support it through membership. This doesn’t just allow it to bid for funding to deliver workshops and support. The more members it has, the more marketing campaigns it can deliver, both nationally and internationally, to raise the profile of the area and drive visitors here. As co-founders of The Outdoor Guide, my sister Gina and I are proud to be part of this.”

Jo Dilley emphasized the continuing need for close teamwork between the public and private sectors, the tourist board and its Patrons and members, the University of Derby, D2N2, Visit England and VisitBritain.

“By coming together, we are far more powerful,” she said. “Our mission is to make the Peak District and Derbyshire the destination of choice – regionally, nationally and globally.”

“We want to offer a world class experience, encouraging visitors to share and recommend the area as a great place to take a holiday. The visitor economy is currently in very robust shape, and we are confident that next year will be equally, if not more, successful.”

“The income we receive from our public and private partners through grants, patronage and membership is extremely important in our ongoing quest to secure other funding from sources such as the Discover England Fund and the European Development Fund. Since 2016, we have attracted an extra £2.5 million to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Councillor Barry Lewis underlined the key role that the visitor economy plays in Derbyshire County Council’s plans to drive economic growth for both residents and businesses.

“We recognise the fundamental role the tourist board plays in marketing tourism both domestically and internationally – but it is more than this. It is the focal point for business support to the visitor economy sector, and we are delighted to work alongside the team, always striving to help our businesses grow and offer even more excellent services and products to our visitors.”

Councillor Lewis welcomed the formation of the new Derbyshire Culture, Heritage and Tourism Board, chaired by former VisitEngland Chief Executive and Derbyshire-born James Berresford.

The Board has been created to maximise the economic potential of Derbyshire’s unique and distinctive cultural and environmental assets to create an exceptional and thriving destination where people can live, work, visit and invest.

Councillor Lewis also underscored the importance of strategic regional initiatives such as the Midlands Engine and a new East Midlands Strategic Alliance to keep the visitor economy at the heart of Government policy and investment.

The tourist board team also looked forward to its forthcoming Food & Drink Campaign, set to be launched next spring to promote the Peak District and Derbyshire’s diverse and delicious culinary offer, plus a new initiative to develop business tourism, also scheduled to launch in 2019.

This will focus on bringing in new business at traditionally quiet times of year and also midweek, tapping into the potential of the wellbeing and health market and capitalising on the area’s assets as an accessible place where people can work, rest and invest.

Pictured (left to right) are: Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Deputy Director Lindsay Rae; its Managing Director Jo Dilley; Councillor Barry Lewis, Television Presenter Julia Bradbury, tourist board Chairman Paul Jones and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd.

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

Marshals required for the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

11th October 2018

Charity partners of the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon are on the lookout for volunteers to get involved with this year’s event, which takes place on 21 October.

Marshals will help to play a key role in the success of the Half Marathon, which is set for a bumper year with more than 1,000 people having registered to take part. They will be stationed at various points around the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and Peak FM Five Mile Run routes, assisting and supporting participants, local residents and spectators.

Sue Mosley, who marshalled the 2017 event with her husband Martin to support main charity partner Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “I think most of us can only dream about running a marathon or even a half!

“So I’d urge people to do the next best thing and marshal this year. Not only will you be supporting the most amazing event for such good causes, but you will also witness the true grit and determination of the runners, along with amazing generosity of the general public.

“If you live close by to the route, then where possible you’re stationed not far from your home – to ensure that you can easily get to your marshal point.

“Last year, we were directing traffic with the best way to get round the road blocks, talking to the many dog walkers passing by and were totally blown away by the support of people who lived close by.

“We were offered tea, coffee, soup, biscuits, cake and plenty of toilet breaks, and once the runners started approaching, people appeared from everywhere to cheer them on, wave and shout much-needed support.

“We were truly inspired by all this so much so that we will definitely be doing it all again this year – please come and join us if you can spare a few hours!”

If you are aged 18 or older and are interested in volunteering at the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, contact the events team at Ashgate Hospicecare on 01246 233404 or email events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield Half Marathon Road Closures and Parking Restrictions announced

11th October 2018

This year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 21 October 2018, starting at 9.30am in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. All the Chesterfield Half Marathon road closures and parking restrictions have now been announced.

In accordance with traffic authority regulations for Derbyshire County Council, an order has been made prohibiting and restricting the use of certain roads and road junctions by vehicles in order to facilitate the safe holding of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

The event will require the closure of roads and road junctions, car parking restrictions as well as the suspension of a number of Traffic Regulation Orders between 04:00 until 16:00 on Sunday 21st October 2018.

Download a full list of Chesterfield Half Marathon Road Closures 2018 .

See the road traffic order for the event.

The organisers would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their support of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Chesterfield-based charity Ashgate Hospicecare and North Anston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice will be charity partners of the 2018 race following a hugely successful inaugural event in 2017, which raised more than £50,000 for good causes.

The 2018 event is bolstered by an additional five-mile challenge, which will take place in tandem with the Half Marathon along with a Fun Run in the park. There will also be a ‘Wellbeing Challenge’, a team entry event that will promote healthy living – details for which will be released in due course.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We were extremely pleased with the success of the inaugural Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon in 2018 and were only too happy to give our backing to the event again in 2018.

“The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon will help to put Chesterfield firmly on the UK running map – as well as support some fantastic charities.

“Events like this one help bring communities together and we’re really looking forward to seeing how the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon will develop in 2018.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Farm to Fork experience fuels food passion for college students

10th October 2018

Three of Chesterfield’s most promising young chefs have had their passion for food fuelled further by a Farm to Fork experience organised by Destination Chesterfield and Owen Taylor & Sons.

Chesterfield College Level 2 cookery students, Ashley Pienaar (18), Callum Taylor (18) and Kye Homiak (18) have all been shortlisted for the Young Chef of the Year Award in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Designed to give the promising young chefs an understanding of how the best of Derbyshire’s farming, butchery and culinary skills result in an outstanding dining experience, Ashley, Callum and Kye visited Owen Taylor’s factory butchery and the Red Tractor assured Butterley Top Farm in Ashover, before enjoying lunch at the Michelin-starred Fischer’s Baslow Hall hosted by head chef and owner, Rupert Rowley.

Carl Evans, Operations Manager at Owen Taylor & Sons, who accompanied the students, commented: “It was great to see Ashley, Callum and Kye so enthusiastic about every aspect of the Farm to Fork experience, asking a number of technical questions.

“We have taken a very hands-on role in our involvement with our sponsorship of the Young Chef of the Year category in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. We think it’s important that people working in kitchens understand what goes on behind the scenes and appreciate how food is produced.

“Good chefs have a thorough understanding of the food miles, welfare and traceability of the produce they use. We only source produce from Farm Assured sites and that is why we supply to top restaurants and chefs like Fischer’s Baslow Hall.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, praised Owen Taylor & Sons’ involvement in the 2018 Food and Drink Awards, saying: “The Farm to Fork experience embodies the key driver of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“When we established the awards six years ago, our primary aim was to link suppliers, restaurants, education providers and young people in order to raise awareness of the thriving sector in Chesterfield but also make them aware of the many opportunities available within it.”

The students will have to wait until Wednesday 31 October to learn who is the winner of the prestigious Young Chef of the Year award. The winners of all 15 categories will be announced by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who is hosting the glittering black-tie awards ceremony at Chesterfield College’s modern Heart Space Building.

Blu Bistro & Coffee House, Bottle & Thyme and Cocina at Casa Hotel all hoping to take the top title of Restaurant of the Year 2018. This year, the awards also sees the introduction of two new categories recognising the vital role apprentices and their employers play in Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

In addition to Owen Taylor & Sons, other supporters of the awards include: Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Winster Foods.

More information about Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure

Chesters shortlisted for ‘UK’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant’ award

5th October 2018

Chesters, based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, is among the 20 finalists shortlisted for the coveted Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award, as part of the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards.

The 20 shortlisted restaurants will now compete for a place in the final and the chance to take home the enviable title of the ‘UK’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant’. Judges will now make visits to each of the restaurants for mystery dining assessments, which will whittle down the shortlist to decide the placing of the Top 5 and the overall national winner.

Chrisoulla from Chesters told Destination Chesterfield: “It means everything to us. Here at Chesters, we all try so hard as a team to have an establishment to be proud of. It’s equally as important to win local awards, and we have been shortlisted in the Family Friendly Award at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards later this month.”

“This means so much to us because it makes us feel proud to be a part of Chesterfield and thank it’s great people. We will use this as an initial step, and with the backing of our town, we can try to win awards nationally and put Chesterfield on the map.”

Award sponsor Alan Pearce, Field Sales Manager at Goldensheaf, added: “This category rewards businesses committed to providing the highest standard of fish and chip dining experience, coupled what a drive to constantly improve standards and diversify their offering. We congratulate the 20 restaurants in reaching the semi-final and wish them the best of luck in the rest of the competition.”

The winner of the Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 31st anniversary ceremony in London on 24 January 2019.

The winners of the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards will be announced in a glittering awards ceremony Chesterfield College on the 31st October 2018. To see all finalists click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield in Bloom winners announced

28th September 2018

Alongside East Midlands in Bloom awards, where Chesterfield received the Overall Gold Award in the small city category for the third year running and received 6 awards in total, gardeners across the borough have also been celebrating after the winners of the Chesterfield in Bloom awards were announced at a separate ceremony at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa.

John Ramsey, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Principal Greenspaces Officer, said: “We would like to congratulate all the entrants to Chesterfield in Bloom, but particularly the winners.”

“The standard of entries was incredibly high and the efforts of everyone involved brought a real sense of colour to the area and of pride in the borough of Chesterfield.”

“A particular highlight this year was having the new categories for council house tenants. We were really pleased with the number of entries and the interest there was among tenants. It brought the awards to a new audience and increased awareness of the wider Chesterfield in Bloom project.”

The Chesterfield in Bloom committee is looking for new members to help build on this year’s success and deliver even more community projects during the next year.

Please see below for a list of winners, or click here for a detailed list of all winners and runners-up.

Chesterfield in Bloom Winners 2018

General competition

Best overall winner: Richard and Sharon Smithson, Newbold

Best front garden: Barry Lomas, Staveley

Best small back garden: Richard and Sharon Smithson, Newbold

Best large back garden: Lynne Gilbert, Tapton

Best container / hanging basket: Margaret and Stephen Wright, Rother

Best pub / restaurant: Britannia Pub, Brampton – John and Jody Wray

Allotment competition

Best small allotment plot: Nigel Masters, Rufford Close Allotments

Best large allotment plot: Colin Bloom, Hunloke Avenue Allotments

Best allotment site: Hunloke Avenue Allotments

Best market stall – section winners:

Simon Harding – Fruit and Veg

Mark Brookes – Plant

Shirley Carmedy – General trader

Lorraine Jukes – Freds Haberdashery

Best overall: Mark Brookes – Plant

Council tenant garden competition

Best front/back and side garden: Shirley Bradbury, Boythorpe

Best hanging basket/container garden: Evelina Lowe, New Whittington

Estate champion: Tony Hedley, Holmehall

Schools gardening competition

Fabulous flowers:

Staveley Junior School

Speedwell Infant School

Duckmanton Primary School

Calow C of E Primary School

Spire Infant School

Wonderful wildlife:

Speedwell Infant School

Calow C of E Primary School

Spire Infant School

Brimington Junior School

Radical recycling: Staveley Junior School

Wheelbarrow competition: Hasland Hall Community School

Painting competition:

Reception to Year 2 category – Seth Grass Smith, Hasland Infants School

Year 3 to year 6 category – Eve Anderson – Old Hall Junior School

Click here for a detailed list of all winners and runners-up

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Blooming fantastic Chesterfield achieves golden treble

27th September 2018

Gardeners in Chesterfield have proved they are not so much green fingered as gold fingered after the borough scooped six East Midlands in Bloom awards.

Chesterfield received the Overall Gold Award in the small city category for the third year running, with a score of 179 out of 200, compared to 173 points 12 months ago.

Residents, businesses and community projects in the borough picked up five further awards from the judges. The winners are:

Holme Hall Unite, who received a special award as the most inspirational project out of 105 projects in the East Midlands region, as well as a ‘thriving’ level 4 award in the It’s Your Neighbourhood programme. The scheme saw the community group work with Chesterfield Borough Council’s housing service and staff from Marks & Spencer to transform a piece of land within their community.
The Britannia Pub in Brampton, which got a gold award in the best pub/hotel category.
Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa in Brimington, which picked up a gold award in the Best Commercial Premises category.
Inspire Community Garden, off Ashgate Road, who received a judges’ award for their work to create a community gardening space.
Jane Land, from Walton, who received a gold award in the Frank Constable category for the quality of the front garden at her house.

The borough’s entry is coordinated by the Chesterfield in Bloom committee, which is managed by Chesterfield Borough Council but involves volunteers and community groups who give up their time to work on projects to keep the area’s streets and open spaces attractive places to live, work and visit.

In their overall remarks the judges – Richard Stephen, Caroline Pollard and Martha Woorsching – said: “There was evidence of the campaign going from strength to strength. We were given a real sense of the passion and dedication of all those involved. Well done Chesterfield.”

John Ramsey, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Principal Greenspaces Officer, said: “To achieve the gold East Midlands in Bloom award standard for the third year in a row is a real achievement for the borough.”

“A huge amount of hard work goes in to keeping the borough’s streets, parks and open spaces attractive places to be and this award recognises the efforts of Chesterfield Borough Council staff and the many community volunteers who work throughout the year to improve the quality of life for Chesterfield residents.”

“It is a real team effort as has been shown by the fact that so many projects in the borough have received gold awards in addition to the main one.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

New play area officially opens

20th September 2018

Fun times lie ahead for youngsters in Somersall following the official opening of a new £56,000 playground this weekend.

The playground has been installed following a joint project between Chesterfield Borough Council and the Friends of Somersall Park to improve the quality of play equipment for young people.

The playground includes:

Traditional and basket swings
Play climbing structures including slides
Talking tubes
Obstacle course type activities to climb

An official opening ceremony for the playground will be held in Somersall Park at 11am on Saturday 22nd September.

The work has been funded by £25,000 from a Viridor landfill tax credit, £23,000 from Chesterfield Borough Council and £10,000 grant from Tesco Bags of Help.

John Ramsey, Principal Greenspaces Officer for Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Over the last three years we have been working with the Friends of Somersall Park to secure funding for the new play space in Somersall Park.”

“It is really pleasing to see that hard work pay off and for a wide range of play equipment to be installed to improve the quality of the play area for children to enjoy.”

The Friends of Somersall Park group has already carried out a range of projects to improve the park experience for users. These include tree and bulb planting, litter picks and organising various events including an annual lantern parade and a play day during the school holidays.

Rebecca Robinson, chair of the Friends of Somersall Park, said: “We are delighted to have successfully delivered a new play at Somersall Park for our local community to enjoy. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure

Record visitor numbers boost Chesterfield economy

19th September 2018

New figures showing a record number of visitors to Chesterfield are providing a £175 million boost to the borough’s economy were announced this morning at the Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The industry figures show that in 2017, Chesterfield received 3.7 million visitors, an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2016. This compares with an average 1.3 per cent increase across the rest of Derbyshire.

The year also saw tourism contribute £175.21 million to the Chesterfield economy, a 6.9 per cent increase on 2016.

As a result, the visitor economy sector also supported 2,165 full-time equivalent jobs in Chesterfield, an increase of 4.8 per cent on 2016. This compares with a 2.5 per cent increase across Derbyshire.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “With the Peak District National Park on our doorstep, Chesterfield has long been a convenient place to visit but the fact we see so many people returning to visit us, shows we have a lot to offer in our own right.

“With attractions such as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the traditional open-air market, two theatres offering major shows and plays, Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House and Barrow Hill Roundhouse, it’s no wonder people choose to visit Chesterfield.

“This is great news for our local economy and we will continue to organise regular events to encourage people to visit the borough and, while they are here, take advantage of the many shops, cafés, restaurants and bars we have on offer here.

“I think it is easy to take what you have on your doorstep for granted but when I talk to visitors they are always very complimentary about Chesterfield and what it has to offer. These latest figures back that up and show how important tourism is to our economy.”

Chesterfield Borough Council organises regular events to attract visitors to the borough, such as the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket which brings in cricket fans from across the country. The next event is the 1940s market which takes place in the traditional open-air market place on Thursday 1 November.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield and events

Crooked Spire in Spring

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