Leisure

Spireites Sign International Striker

9th April 2015

Chesterfield have signed Bermuda international striker, Rai Simons from non-league Ilkeston Town.

The 19-year-old has been on Chesterfield’s radar for some time and manager Paul Cook is delighted to have clinched his signature.

Cook said: “Rai is someone we have tracked for a while. We feel that he will develop as time goes on and have a bright future.”

After agreeing a two-year deal at the Proact, Simons said: “I’m excited because I’ve been looking forward to this moment since moving to England at the age of 15. The set-up sounds brilliant and it is everything I could ask for.”

Simons scored on his full international debut for Bermuda and set up the other goal in a 2-2 draw against Grenada.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Young Spireites Duo to Sign Professional Deals

1st April 2015

Chesterfield FC has offered professional contracts to youth team duo Laurence Maguire and Jake Beesley.

Maguire, who plays in central defence, has captained the high-flying Spireites youth team this season while striker Beesley has scored 20 goals so far. Both youngsters have a footballing heritage.

Maguire’s brother Harry is with Premier League club Hull City and Beesley’s father, Paul, starred for the likes of Sheffield United and Leeds United.

Commenting on the decision to offer contracts to the pair, Academy Manager, Gerry Carr said:-

“This is without doubt the most difficult part of my job. We have had an excellent season with the youth team and all of the players have played a huge part in that.

“Mark Smith and I have assessed all of the second years over a two-year period and Laurence Maguire and Jake Beesley have been the most progressive over that period. Hopefully they can both go on to represent Chesterfield in the first team. For those two the hard work to become a successful professional footballer is just starting.

“Those that have been unfortunate enough not to be offered a professional contract will hopefully go on to prove us wrong. We as a club will do our best to help them out in the next stage of their lives and careers. I wish them all the very best of luck in the future.”
Maguire expressed his delight at the news. He said: “It feels very good. When I got the news from Gerry and Mark, I was just relieved – now it’s onwards and upwards.”

Beesley added:-

“I’ve been at the club since I was 14-years-old. It’s nice to come all the way through, get my scholarship first and then after those two years I’m delighted now to get my first pro contract.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield’s Mud-loving Legals Endure Charity Challenge

1st April 2015

A team from Banner Jones Solicitors – known as the ‘Mud-Loving Legals’ – has raised over £300 for Help the Heroes at the Endurer 8km Dash in Barlow.

The Endurer course, developed by former Royal Marine Commandos is a test of anyone’s stamina, strength, agility and determination and includes a muddy commando crawl, a 7ft wall, high bale stacks, a water slide and a freezing cold pond dip to name a few.

Kerry Anderson, Costs Lawyer at Banner Jones said:-

“I knew it would be muddy but I never expected mud up to my waist- we almost lost a team member!

It’s the best event I’ve ever done, we laughed all the way round and the support from Banner Jones was amazing. We were absolutely thrilled to discover that we had finished 18th out of 65 teams who entered.”

Marketing Manager, Ann-Marie Lowe comments:-

“Banner Jones do a lot of charity work throughout the year and regularly enter teams into running events, including the Chesterfield Marathon, but when the team decided they wanted to have a go at this we couldn’t help but support them.

“They took this on with absolute determination and have helped to raised £327 for Help for Heroes in the process. We are very proud of our Mud Loving Legals!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Radio Team Reach The Sporting Peak

1st April 2015

Earlier this month the presenters of Peak FM’s Total Sport narrowly lost out on claiming national honours at an awards ceremony at London’s Century Club.

Fresh from winning best Sports Content at the annual UTV Awards, the team was shortlisted for a prestigious IRN commercial radio award in the same category. Despite not coming away with the top prize they were named as one of the top three commercial radio sports programs in the country.

Total Sport presenter Tom Hilton said:

“Obviously as sports guys we were desperate to go all the way and win the award, but to earn the recognition from a panel of industry experts is a pretty decent consolation prize.”

“As long as those loyal Spireites fans who tune into us on a match day are happy with what we do then we can’t really ask for more though.”

The nomination was based on Peak FM’s coverage of Chesterfield’s fantastic season 2013-2014 which saw the Spireites grace the hallowed turf at Wembley; clinch promotion away at Burton Albion and then seal the League Two Championship trophy at the Proact Stadium on the first Saturday in May.

They covered every angle of the season from the press box to pitch-side at Wembley to the open top bus ride around Chesterfield and the civic reception at the Town Hall.

You can listen to the team on Peak FM on Saturday afternoons between 2 and 6pm.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Shorts Take on Cycle Challenge in Memory of Colleague

30th March 2015

Partners and staff at Shorts Chartered Accountants are teaming up to raise money for The Lymphoma Association in memory of a long-serving Chesterfield colleague.

The group has been training over the winter in preparation for a 170 mile ‘Way of the Roses’ charity cycle ride in spring.

The marathon route, which starts in Morecambe and finishes in Bridlington is a highly popular yet extremely challenging cycling route. The team plans to complete the challenge in 3 days covering between 40 and 65 miles each day.

Senior Tax Manager at Shorts, Adrian Dunkley is organising the event and comments:-

“2015 marks Shorts’ 125th anniversary and we wanted to organise a charity event which would coincide.

“Sadly, over Christmas 2014 Shorts lost a long serving and greatly respected colleague, Brian Sewell to Lymphoma. It made sense that we complete this challenge, whilst raising money for this extremely worthwhile cause in his memory; it is fantastic that so many of the staff and partners are taking part.’

The team is scheduled to set off on Friday 8 May 2015, from Morecambe, aiming to arrive in Bridlington on Sunday evening. Those taking part include Paul Beeson, Chris Chambers, Howard Freeman, Simon Hollin, Andy Ryder, Linzi riley, Tom Winter, Adrian Dunkley, Martin Dean, Matt Milnes, Greg Taylor, Paul Snaith, Kate Smith, Eleanor Huddleston, and Claire Seedhouse.

Donations can be made by visiting the team’s Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/shorts-accountants1/ or by texting the code BINE75 with the donation amount to 70070.

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

Chesterfield Homes to be Protected Against Flooding

27th March 2015

More than 60 Chesterfield homes will be protected against flooding thanks to a specialist scheme supported from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Work is currently being carried out by specialist contractor Whitehouse Construction on three homes in Spital Lane. The properties will be fitted with flood doors, drainage pumps and non-return valves as well as other works to seal against flood water.

A further 59 homes in Brampton are to benefit later in the year.

The Environment Agency has helped secure funding for the work with Chesterfield Borough Council contributing a further £53,000 towards the cost.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment said:

“Although the council is not directly responsible for flooding, we know that flooding has been a big problem for some of our residents and this is why we have contributed funding towards the work.

“The work carried out on these homes should offer real relief to people who have previously experienced flooding after heavy rainfall.

“We will continue to work with our partners to help alleviate the risk and effects of flooding for residents.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Volunteers Transform Local Footpath

27th March 2015

Seven ramblers have joined forces with Chesterfield Borough Council to improve a boggy local footpath ahead of the annual Chesterfield in Bloom competition.

Running from the Sheepbridge Industrial Estate through to Cobnar Wood to link with the countryside around Barlow, the route is popular with walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and workers alike.

The volunteers are currently working with council park rangers to install edging boards and resurface the path with stone so that local people will soon be able to gain access to the ancient wood throughout the year.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment said:

“Chesterfield in Bloom is a project led by the council to encourage people to take pride in and help improve their local environment.

“Thanks to the volunteers from Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Ramblers giving their time and effort, the community can now benefit from an improved path offering access to local countryside and wildlife.

Michael Sims from Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Ramblers, who volunteered on the project added:

“We are very pleased that we were able to assist in the project.

“The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, to enjoy walking and protect the places we love to walk.”

The council will launch the annual Chesterfield in Bloom garden competitions in early May. Anyone interested in volunteering as part of Chesterfield in Bloom should contact John Ramsey on 01246 345097.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Last Chance to Vote in 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

27th March 2015

Time is ticking to nominate your favourite shop or store in Chesterfield. Nominations for the town’s popular retail awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by Learning Unlimited – part of Chesterfield College Group, close on Monday 6 April at midnight. Shoppers can nominate at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

However, if you miss the nomination deadline, shoppers still have one more chance to vote in the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award. Vicar Lane Shopping Centre and Destination Chesterfield want to help find the town’s favourite retailer based on Vicar Lane and Steeplegate in the town centre.

The Vicar Lane Award will be presented by the Centre at the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards being held on on 24 June 2015 at the Winding Wheel.

Voting for the Vicar Lane Award opens on the 2 April until 30 April and can be done in any of the 40 shops and stores in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre or online at www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Manager Sonia Kolomijez said: “Last year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards were a huge success and really got the town talking – shoppers and retailers alike. It made sense to work in partnership with Destination Chesterfield in order to celebrate the best Vicar Lane retailer. It’s easy to vote and I would encourage as many shoppers as possible to take the opportunity to do so and help us find and celebrate their favourite retailer.”

The Vicar Lane Retailer of the Year winner will join winners from across 14 categories in the Chesterfield Retail Awards, which include:

• Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
• Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
• 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
• Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)
• 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

There is also an additional Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber, which will be announced at the awards ceremony. Other supporters of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include eBusiness works and the Derbyshire Times.

This year, retailers can support their call for nominations by submitting a short 20 second video explaining why shoppers should nominate their business. Videos should be emailed to info@chesterfield.co.uk and will appear on Destination Chesterfield’s website, Facebook page and Twitter.

There are limited sponsorship opportunities still available if you are interested in becoming involved please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Photo shows winners of the 2014 Chesterfield Retail Awards.

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

Proact Sees Increase in Wedding Bookings

23rd March 2015

A recent wedding fayre at the Proact Stadium has sparked a surge in bookings from couples who want to get married at the home of Chesterfield FC.

Seven couples who attended the fayre have already booked their wedding at the Proact with a number of others set to return to the stadium to discuss plans for the big day.

One prospective bride said:

“My partner and I attended your wedding fayre on Sunday and we were blown away by how amazing the venue is! You very kindly spent time with us, showing us the various schemes and rooms and describing what can be achieved at the stadium and again, we were blown away.

“Having read your brochure and seeing your wedding package menus, we would very much like to get married at the Proact. It would be ideal for us!”

Paul Watts, Events Manager at the Proact Stadium, has been delighted with the response. He said:

“It was the first wedding fayre staged at the stadium for three years and we were pleased to be able to showcase the superb facilities we have on offer.
“We received many favourable comments from those who attended and we look forward to ensuring that the brides and grooms who get married at the stadium have an unforgettable day!”

(Photo shows the Leengate Legends Lounge at the Proact Stadium, set up for a wedding.)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Tickets Selling Well for England v Slovenia

19th March 2015

Chesterfield FC has reported high demand for the upcoming England v Slovenia match taking place at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield next Monday.

Coach John Peacock, who guided the Young Lions to Euro success last season, has named an 18-man squad for the Elite Round qualifiers, with games against Norway and Romania also coming up this month.

“Tickets have been selling well with only limited availability now in the HTM Products (West) Stand,” said ticket office manager Karen Wood. “If all tickets for this stand are sold, we will open part of the Karen Child (South) Stand.”

The top two teams in the group will seal a place in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Bulgaria this coming May.

England Under-17s take on their counterparts from Slovenia at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield on Monday, March 23 (kick-off 7pm). Tickets are available to purchase online via www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/tickets or by calling 01246 488232.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire Pony Trekking Launches New Gallops

17th March 2015

A ceremony has been held at Derbyshire Pony Trekking to launch the centre’s new one mile-long Gallops.

Based in Upper Langwith near Chesterfield, the all-weather facility was officially opened by Barlow Hunt Master, Christopher White, who cut the ribbon on horseback, before setting off to give the stretch a try himself, along with hounds in tow.

Owner Jayne Dukelow says the Gallops are already proving popular with visitors:-

“The Gallops are starting to attract an increasing number of customers who struggle to keep their horses fit throughout the wet winters we so often seem to be encountering. With the surface being made of fine woodchip it is an ideal non-slip surface to ride on, enabling all year round riding.

“There is a niche in the market for riders to be able to bring along their own horses to ride in a safe environment, away from today’s busy traffic. It is also great to be able to let your horse gallop without having to worry if there would be a dog walker or cyclist around the corner which is often encountered on bridleways”.

“Derbyshire Pony Trekking is already bringing tourism into the area from afar and benefiting other small businesses in the local community, and the opening of the Gallops should benefit the area even more.

“We are also looking into the possibility of creating an off-road Farm Ride for the future as an extension to the Gallops which would offer even more facilities for the equestrian enthusiast or professional”.

The new Gallops at Derbyshire Pony Trekking are open 7 days a week and are a full 1 mile circuit with a mixture of straights, corners and hills, perfect for maintaining a horse’s fitness throughout the year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting