Leisure

Ashgate Road land earmarked for housing development

29th June 2015

A 1.5 acre site at Ashgate Road is being put up for sale by Chesterfield Borough Council to be turned into a housing development.

The land, which has been designated for houses since the mid-1990s, consists of a large car park and buildings.

The council has a requirement to build 380 new homes each year and currently has a backlog of 800 homes to be built in addition to these.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The land at Ashgate Road has been identified for housing development for nearly 20 years and was only ever intended to be used as a car park on an interim basis until the land was sold for development.

“We have a range of parking options available around the town with spare capacity to suit regular commuters who want to park near the town centre.

“It will be at least six to nine months before the car park is sold and until that time Ashgate Road will continue to operate as a car park. Users will be given plenty of notice before it is closed and made aware of alternative car parking arrangements.”

The council will use the period before the sale to look at whether it is possible to have a £1 a day car park site in the town centre area.

Monthly parking savers are also available for £20 per month at the West Street or Queen’s Park Annexe car parks, equivalent to £2 each day.

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

Tripadvisor accolade for Chesterfield Museum

29th June 2015

Chesterfield Museum has received a Certificate of Excellence award from online review site, tripadvisor.

Owned and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council, the popular attraction on St Mary’s Gate, was given a certificate of excellence after receiving positive reviews from visitors.

The museum has a loyal fan base with more than 800 adults and children going along to its recent Lego Day event which saw children colouring Lego figurines, decorating Lego biscuits as well as making creations from Lego.

The current Down the Track exhibition, which runs until 18 July and showcases Chesterfield’s railway history, has also proved popular with thousands of people looking it up on social media.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Museum proves to be a popular attraction with visitors old and young and this award is proof of this.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come along, enjoyed themselves and left positive feedback.”

The museum is also encouraging visitors to show why they enjoy coming to the attraction as part of the I Love Museums campaign led by the National Museum Directors’ Council.

People can visit the I Love Museums website at www.ilovemuseums.com where they can say why their local museum means so much to them as well as share photos showing their love of museums.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

(Image shows Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence.)

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

Free admission to Chesterfield Festival of Cricket prelude

26th June 2015

Visitors have a rare opportunity to enjoy first class cricket for free at picturesque Queen’s Park on Wednesday evening when Chesterfield are set to challenge Derbyshire in a Twenty20 game.

The event, which takes place on Wednesday 1st July is a prelude to the much-awaited Autoworld XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket which starts with a NatWest T20 Blast game against Northants four days later.

Starting at 6.00pm, the game is sponsored by Brampton Brewery who will be selling their award-winning real ale alongside other light refreshments and a barbecue.

On the evening Derbyshire intend playing their full T20 team and with Graeme Welch wanting a strong challenge the Chesterfield team is packed with some outstanding players from the Derbyshire leagues.

Kevin Dean captains the side and will be supported by Chesterfield coach Chris Marples. Overseas players down to play are Australian test bowler Michael Beer (Swarkestone) and fellow countryman Josh Clarke (Ockbrook), South Africans Jurie Snyman (Denby) and Ryan Cartwright (Eckington) and Josh Savage (Cutthorpe) as well as New Zealand’s Graeme Tryon (Spondon).

Chesterfield hope to have two players in the side with Canadian Nitish Kumar and Worcestershire’s Ross Whiteley depending on, respectively, commitments to the ICC World T20 Cup and a Championship game at Trent Bridge.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Ibbotson’s wins top award at 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

25th June 2015

One of Chesterfield’s oldest businesses, Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, has been crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2015 Retail Awards (24 June 2015), organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Learning Unlimited.

Established in 1945 Ibbotson’s is, this year, celebrating its 70^th year of trading. As well as being a regular sight on the market it has recently diversified into online ordering which has widened its customer base by bringing Chesterfield’s market to those who are unable to come into town or are at work during opening hours.

As well as Retailer of the Year, Ibbotson’s also scooped the title of Market Trader of the Year at the annual awards. Owner Nick Ibbotson said: ““I can’t believe that we have won two awards and it is particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award. It’s amazing to have beaten all the big stores and other independent retailers. We’re just a little fruit and veg stall that’s been in the centre of Chesterfield for more than 70 years. It’s been a long time coming.”

Ibbotson’s was one of 13 winners of a total of 16 awards recognising the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town. Other multiple award winners include Adorn Jewellers and Debenhams who each triumphed in two categories.

This year’s awards received more than 600 nominations for businesses from the public resulting in 32 finalists, of which 20 were first time finalists. Six businesses returned to defend their crowns from last year’s event including Pelican Cycles, which successfully retained its titles of Leisure Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year

Held at the Winding Wheel, the sell-out ceremony was hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo James Summers and Becky Measures.

The winners were selected from 36 finalists, competing for the title of the very best in their respective categories.

Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Cabinet Member for the Town Centre and Visitor Economy, Amanda Serjeant, said: “Across Chesterfield we are privileged to have a great range of independent stores in the Shambles and the Yards in the Town Centre, along Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor as well as our market and popular high street stores. It is this mix of retailers that makes our town so popular and keeps shoppers, both locally and further afield, coming back for more.

“Chesterfield is envied nationally for its retail success. While other town and city centres are struggling, ours is thriving and it’s no wonder seeing the passion, innovation and customer service so many of the town’s retailers are delivering on a daily basis. The Retail Awards recognised and celebrated the efforts and success of retailers across the town.”

Other supporters of the awards included eBusiness Works, Derbyshire Times and Peak FM.

Find out more about the winners of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield prepares to compete in Derbyshire School Games Event

24th June 2015

Around 1,000 children across Derbyshire, including a number from schools in Chesterfield are on their marks for the Derbyshire School Games Event – an exciting and fully-inclusive national competition designed to motivate and enthuse young people to take part in more competitive school sport.

The Derbyshire event, which takes place at Trent College, in Long Eaton will see London 2012 Olympic athlete Eilish McColgan in attendance to give inspiration to youngsters, who have qualified for this stage through excellent performances in District or School Sport Partnership Level Two competitions.

Her appearance has been made possible by Sporting Champions, a Sport England initiative that brings world-class athletes face-to-face with young people and young adults.

“I was lucky enough to represent Great Britain in my sport of athletics through lots of hard work and dedication,” said McColgan.

“At the Sainsbury’s Derbyshire School Games I will be hoping to see the Olympic and Paralympic stars of the future with so many talented youngsters in action, but, most importantly, it will be great to see young competitors having fun, making friends and giving their best.”

At a local level, the Sainsbury’s School Games are delivered by schools, School Games organisers, clubs, the ten School Sport Partnerships across Derbyshire, Derbyshire Sport and other local partners.

James Gregory, Director of Operations at hosts Trent College, said: “We have a proud history of sports participation at the school and are delighted to be able to welcome youngsters from across the county back to our facilities, after first hosting the event in 2013.

“Whatever their age or ability, it will be great to see young people getting enjoyment out of physical activity, which will hopefully become a positive habit in their lives as they grow into adulthood.”

The event will be compered by Jim Fearn from Derbyshire Dales District Council and you can Tweet your pictures and updates to #DSGE2015.

Schools in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire which have qualified to date (some schools are still involved in qualifying competitions):

Netherthorpe School (Staveley);
Springwell Community College (Staveley);
Old Hall Junior School (Chesterfield);
Newbold CofE VA Primary School (Chesterfield);
Mary Swanwick Community Primary School (Old Whittington);
Newbold Community School (Chesterfield);
Eckington School, Tupton Hall School, Deer Park Primary School (Wingerworth).

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

Celebrating success at Chesterfield College

24th June 2015

An awards ceremony has been held at Chesterfield College to recognise students, apprentices and employers for their hard work over the past academic year.

Performing arts student Matthew Parker, was the winner of Student of the Year category after showing a huge commitment to developing his skills and those of others. He leaves the college this summer and will continue his studies in a highly sought after drama school in September.

The Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Tayub Khan who has shown a real commitment to learning and proven his ability to make a big impact at work where he has been instrumental in a project that has seen fantastic efficiency savings.

Derbyshire County Council was recognised for its contribution to raising skill levels and employability through its ambitious apprenticeship programme.

Congratulating award winners at the ceremony was Liz Barnes, Deputy Vice Chancellor from Sheffield Hallam University. Liz expressed her passion for education and training during her speech at the event by sharing stories of her own career journey and how education has shaped her life and opened up different opportunities.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said: “These awards recognise and celebrate the impact learning can bring to individuals and to businesses.

“Congratulations to the winners and all those shortlisted for an award. The standard of entry was very high this year and it was difficult for the judges to make the final decision with such inspiring stories to choose from.”

Frank Smith OBE, Chair of Chesterfield College Corporation said: “It is wonderful to be able to recognise learners for their achievements at events like this.

“Exam results are a great measure of success but there are so many other ways to measure the impact of learning and education. The people here tonight deserve the recognition and I am proud to be a part of it. ”

The full list of winners include:

Imogen Clark – Pre-16 Award
Gurdev Kaur – Commitment to Learning
Robert Watson – Adult Student of the Year
Cullum Detuners – Employer of the Year
Pamela Morehen – Inspiration Award
Jordan Garratt – Outstanding Achievement
Tom Anderson Higher – Education Award
Katie Widdowson – Award of Enterprise
Leah Whitfield – Improvement Award
Daniel Wade – Foundation Studies Student of the year
Derbyshire County Council – Apprentice Training Agency
Investment in the workplace training – Rotherham company – Owen Springs
Photograph below shows: Student of the Year, Matthew Parker (centre) with Gill Parkes, Assistant Principal at Chesterfield College (left) and Professor Liz Barnes, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Sheffield Hallam University.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield Artisan Market Returns on Sunday

22nd June 2015

The Chesterfield Artisan Market will return for a second month this Sunday 28 June with more stalls and even more fun for the whole family.

Last month the popular event attracted thousands of visitors to the town who all enjoyed quality artisan foods, quirky, bespoke, original craft items and delicious aromas in the street food court.

Taking place at New Square at Chesterfield Market, the market will once again feature musical entertainment and creative workshops for children by StraightCurves.

Organisers say the range of artisan producers will be even more diverse this time with traders offering local meat, cider, cheese, raw milk, award-winning pies, cheesecakes, old-school cornflake tarts, cookies and Eccles cakes.

There will also be plenty of non-food items including soaps, doodle art, photography, artwork and doggy paraphernalia, watercolours, hand-crafted fabric bags, leather satchels and cards – all in addition to the vast array of talented traders at the last event.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said:-

“We had lots of really positive feedback from traders, visitors and local business owners after the first artisan market in May.

“People really enjoyed the quality and value of the artisan food and gifts on offer and I am sure this one, with the extended opening time, will be bigger and better than before.”

Denise Valente, director of The Market Co, said:-

“The welcome we received from Chesterfield visitors was overwhelming. Everyone was thrilled with the diverse range of goods on offer – quite different to anything that has been brought to Chesterfield before, as well as the incredible atmosphere created in the street food arena.

“Each month we will add new artisans to the market hopefully making it one of the very best destinations in Derbyshire.”

Chesterfield Artisan Market is run by Chesterfield Borough Council in association with The Market Co and will take place next on Sunday 28 June in New Square. In response to feedback the event will start earlier at 10.30am and run through to 4pm.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Danish Furniture Store JYSK Opens in Chesterfield

19th June 2015

More jobs have been created for Chesterfield with the opening of a Danish furniture store, JYSK.

Shoppers were invited to enjoy an authentic Danish breakfast at an official launch, with the mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Barry Bingham and his wife, June attending to cut the ribbon.

Known as one of the world’s largest retail furniture groups, with more than 2,200 stores in 37 countries, JYSK chose Chesterfield based on the market town’s retail health and Markham Retail Park’s ability to serve approximately 45,000 households.

Steve Stenhouse, JYSK country manager says:-

“Our stores have always had a following with great value for money shoppers, who are looking to add Scandinavian style to their home – perfect for Chesterfield.”

JYSK Chesterfield offers a range of garden furniture, beds, mattresses, duvets, sofas, dining table sets, housewares and home textiles all at affordable prices.

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

Chesterfield College fashion students show off their talents

18th June 2015

Chesterfield College fashion students dazzled audiences at the end of year fashion show this week with their amazing creations including fabulous 1960’s themed creations and a sneak preview of costumes designed and created for the Little Shop of Horrors performance at the Pomegranate Theatre next week.

From pop art, space race and psychedelic themed creations of the first years to a range of stunning and a variety of intricate themed designs by the second years the range of skills and creativity on display was inspiring.

The outfits on the catwalk were the culmination of a year of work from first and second year fashion students who have been perfecting their technical skills in making and design and developing their knowledge of other aspects needed for a career in the fashion industry such as manufacturing, marketing and promotion.

Second Year Fashion Diploma student Anna Proffitt, 18 said:-

“Preparing for the fashion show has been hard work but really exciting. My grandma taught me to sew and sparked my passion for fashion so I think she’d be really proud to see my 1930’s inspired collection on the catwalk.

Although making and designing are exciting I have really enjoyed the other modules of the course and it has opened my eyes to the range of career options there are. The next step for me is a degree in fashion promotion and communication.”

Damanjeet Kaur, 22 moved to Chesterfield from Birmingham to study art because she loved drawing. She soon realised that her interest was in drawing clothes and textiles so her tutors encouraged her to start the diploma in fashion. She said:-

“Seeing my second year work on the catwalk was absolutely amazing. It made me realise that two years ago I didn’t even know I could design and make clothes and now I am thinking about a degree in fashion.”

Amie Watson, Fashion Tutor from Chesterfield College said:-

“The fashion show is a great way to highlight what our students are capable of and to teach them so many skills that are needed for a career in fashion. They have worked really hard and shown some amazing talent. When I think how far some students have progressed from when they first joined us to being able to make outfits like the ones we have seen today it makes me very proud.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Sell-out 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards bigger and better than ever before

15th June 2015

More than 140 people will witness this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards winners being crowned at the sell-out award ceremony on Wednesday 24 June.

Following last year’s runaway success, the ceremony has moved to a bigger venue and organiser Destination Chesterfield has, once again, witnessed unprecedented demand.

This year, the Chesterfield Retail Awards is being held at the Winding Wheel, where the ceremony will be hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo Becky Measures and James Summers.

James and Becky commented: “We’re honoured and privileged to be hosting the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards. We thinks it’s absolutely brilliant for the town. There’s a real buzz about the town and everyone is talking about it. A massive well down to all the finalists.”

At the awards, 36 Chesterfield retailers will battle it out to be named the very best in their respective categories. The 16 categories recognise the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town.

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by In the Works PR
Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Mitchells Accountants and Business Advisers
Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) Sponsored by Peak FM
Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
National/Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

This year, the awards are hosting an additional category – Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award, which will name town’s favourite retailer based on Vicar Lane and Steeplegate in the town centre and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Other supporters of the awards include eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.

You can keep up-to-date with the awards on Twitter, instagram and facebook by using the hashtag #retailawards15.

To find out more about the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

CBeebies Star Has the Perfect Mix for Family Fun at Chatsworth Country Fair

15th June 2015

CBeebies TV star Katy Ashworth, presenter of ‘I Can Cook’, the channel’s flagship series which encourages children under six to get cooking, will be bringing her fun interactive show to the Chatsworth Country Fair this year.

Joining the tasty line up of live shows at the AGA Rangemaster Cookery Theatre, Katy will be playing fun and silly games and getting everyone up on their feet and joining in with the fun. After each of her three performances on Friday 4 September – at 11am, 1pm and 3.30pm, Katy will be out and about meeting children, answering their questions, signing autographs and taking photos.

A well-known face to thousands of children and their families, Katy is just one of the ingredients that will make for a great family day out at Chatsworth Country Fair, which once again is delivering great value with children under 14 getting in free.

Find more information about the event here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting