Leisure

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.

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

2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards launched – Vote now for your favourite retailer

17th March 2015

The town’s popular Retail Awards have returned for the second year running. Shoppers are now being called on to nominate their favourite shops and stores across 14 categories.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the Awards, which are sponsored by Learning Unlimited – part of Chesterfield College Group, recognise the very best retailers in the town.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “The success of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards is once again very much in the hands of the general public. They need to nominate in order for retailers to be shortlisted.

“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. These awards recognise this.”

Last year more than 1000 nominations were received from shoppers culminating in 11 businesses being named the very best in the town. Pelican Cycles, based on Old Road in Brampton, scooped awards across four categories, including the coveted Retailer of the Year award.

The cycle shop was opened in 2012 by owner and keen cyclist Neil Armitage. The business achieved a six figure turnover in year one with turnover growing by more than 50% in its second year of trading. On winning the awards Neil said: “We pride ourselves on offering a friendly and personal service. We have created a welcoming informal atmosphere in the shop with the use of touches like an espresso machine and screen showing Tour De France highlights. Because of these touches and our approach to customer service we have developed a loyal repeat customer base.”

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College explained: “Part of the Chesterfield College Group, Learning Unlimited is delighted to be sponsoring the Chesterfield Retail Awards this year. As a rapidly-growing apprenticeships and training provider, at the core of what we do is both providing people with the skills necessary to succeed in industry and helping businesses prosper and grow as a result of their workforce.

“We work with many local retailers already and the apprenticeships that we offer in relation to retail are growing increasingly popular, such as customer service and sales apprenticeships so we were delighted to get involved with such a key retail awards ceremony in Chesterfield. We hope that we continue to work successfully with more and more local retailers in regard to their staffing and training needs as we look to help grow this area’s economy, giving the community a real boost.”

Nominations open on Tuesday 17^th March and close at Midnight on the 6^th April 2015 and postcards and posters are being distributed around the town to encourage people to vote online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards.

Everyone that nominates will be entered into a prize draw to win a three-course meal with wine for two at the Old Post Restaurant, winner of Restaurant of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2014.

Following the nomination process a shortlist of retailers will be selected who will then be mystery shopped and scored to decide the winner in each of the categories. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony held later this year in June.

The 14 categories open for nominations in the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards 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 E-business works and the Derbyshire Times.

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

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

Have your Say on Plans for New Chesterfield Market Layout

16th March 2015

Residents and visitors are being invited to share their views on plans for a new Chesterfield Market layout.

A team from Chesterfield Borough Council will be at Market Place on Saturday 21st March to find out about current shopping habits and opinions of the current market and stalls on offer.

The survey will also be available to fill in online from Thursday 19 March to Friday 3 April

For members of the public
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=142625911545

For market traders
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=142650862269

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with consultants to address issues previously raised by traders which include:

increasing the number of market stalls in a prominent position and look outwards so they can be seen by shoppers;
the need for increased power supplies for refrigerators and tills
and creating more space for wheelchairs and buggies.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “Although Chesterfield’s markets remain extremely popular, we are aware that there are issues which we need to address to improve the open market and attract new traders to Chesterfield.

“We are keen to seek the views of the people who use the market to help us in bringing forth plans to make improvements. So I’d encourage anyone who would like to take part to come along to the Saturday market on 21 March or fill in the survey online.”

Traders will also be asked for their opinions in a series of focus groups currently being held.

A further round of consultation will be carried out once the options for the new market layout are available. This is likely to be late summer.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Spireites Raise Funds For Comic Relief

13th March 2015

Chesterfield players and supporters have been making their faces funny for money, all in aid of Comic Relief!

Charitable Spireites headed to The HUB at the Proact Stadium to don a squidgy red nose or some funky glasses and have their picture taken by club photographer Tina Jenner.

Tina, who came up with the idea, talked about the fun she’d had during the day, with plenty of Spireites players joining in with the fun.

“The theme this year is to make your face funny for money so I just thought it was the perfect opportunity,” she said. “I saw the theme and I thought it would be good to get the lads involved from the team and then by doing it at The HUB we could get the Community Trust involved as well.

“The funny faces have not been too bad: Tommy Lee, Ritchie Humphreys, Jay O’Shea and Tendayi Darikwa came over and we had some fans in as well, which was really good fun.

“The whole point of Red Nose Day is to be daft and do daft things. I’m not really one for baked beans in a bath so I’m trying to use my skills to help people along the way a little bit.”

The Community Trust’s Rachel Booth took part in the shenanigans and made sure that club mascot Chester the field mouse made his funniest face for the occasion.

She said: “We’ve had Chesterfield FC Community Trust working alongside Tina Jenner Photography and Chesterfield Football Club to do our first ever Red Nose Day extravaganza. It’s been great fun and even Chester joined in!”

Supporters who had their photos taken will receive their photos by email, with the funniest faces joining the first team squad in a special poster to celebrate the day.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Cracking Good Fun to Enjoy at Chatsworth this Easter

12th March 2015

There’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy at Chatsworth this Easter and plenty of treats in store as the estate opens up for its new season – complete with spring flowers and decorations.

As well as the hugely popular Easter Egg hunts in the Farmyard, catering for up to 1,000 egg hunters a day, children will also be able to climb aboard the magical Easter Eggspress setting off several times a day.

Visitors to the house and garden will also be able to join the in the fun spotting decorated eggs hidden inside to tie in with new items and old favourites while a dozen golden eggs hidden around the garden will draw attention to the spring highlights. Both house & garden egg hunt trails are free upon admission.

Free face painting will be on offer in Flora’s Temple, and there will also be the chance to spot the Easter Bunny who will be hopping by every day of the Easter weekend from 3 – 6 April.

There will be plenty going on over the whole school holiday period (28 March – 12 April), with spring themed craft activities taking place daily in the Oak Barn in the Farmyard and outdoor crafts and spring bulb planting on offer at the newly opened educational centre, The Stickyard.

Chatsworth re-opens after the winter break for the new 2015 season on March 28. For more information on activities, times and prices, visit www.chatsworth.org

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Workplace Challenge Inspires Local Organisations to Get Fit

10th March 2015

People in Chesterfield and Derbyshire have really stepped up to the 2015 Workplace Challenge by teaming up with their colleagues to get fitter and more active.

Designed to push physical activity in workplaces and offices over an eight-week period, this year’s programme has seen more than 70 people taking part after stating they were previously inactive.

The stand-out statistic was from the University of Derby, which has embraced Workplace Challenge in a big way, logging 1.8 million activity points – the most by any single organisation nationwide.

“We’re delighted the efforts put in by so many of our staff, who have clearly enjoyed getting active, has been reflected in this national recognition,” said Rob Woods, Senior Health and Safety Advisor at the University of Derby.

Derbyshire’s Workplace Challenge winner, measured by average points number of points accrued per person, was Sopra Steria of Hipper House, Chesterfield. An 11-strong team clocked up 381,494 points at an average of 34,681, a total good enough to put them sixth on the national leaderboard.

Second and third were Chesterfield Borough Council departments at Venture House (90,716, average 30,239) and at the Sport and Leisure Office (126,118, average 25,224), while fourth was Trident Foams Limited (66,753, average 22,251).

“We’ve tried to offer activities that fit into people’s days – like morning and lunchtime sessions,” said Cathy Hinde, Workplace Champion and Marketing and Communications Officer for the Sport and Leisure team at Chesterfield Borough Council.

“They were free for the first two weeks and then charged at only £1 per session – and we regularly email staff about what’s on offer,”

The top three individuals were Neil Hunt (Ladycross Infant School) with 86,992 activity points, JAW (University of Derby) 77,533 and Barry Tomlinson (Chesterfield Borough Council, Environment Services) 71,510.

Derbyshire Sport Director Hayley Lever said: “It’s great to see that so many Derbyshire people have got the fitness bug through the Workplace Challenge, not just as individuals, but contributing along with their colleagues as part of a team.”

Individuals can continue to log their Workplace Challenge activity and track their progress throughout the year, while new workplaces and individuals can still sign up.

The next national challenge will take place in September and local challenges will run throughout 2015.

For details go to www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire

Image (c) Chesterfield Borough Council – 2015 Derbyshire Workplace Challenge

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Prizes on Offer to Celebrate Tourism in Chesterfield

9th March 2015

Visitors to Chesterfield can win prizes in a series of competitions run by Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre.

Designed to celebrate tourism in Chesterfield as part of English Tourism Week from 14th – 22nd March, competitions include:-

• A word search to win tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Winding Wheel;
• A Chesterfield quiz to win a family ticket to Hardwick Hall;
• Name 25 things you can buy on Chesterfield Market to win a £5 market voucher;
• How to spend 24 hours in Chesterfield to win a voucher for Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House.;

Entry forms cost £1.50 and are available from the Visitor Information Centre.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “We have a great range of attractions for people here in Chesterfield and these competitions encourage people to think about the variety of things to do in the town.

“I’d encourage anyone to call into the Visitor Information Centre to pick up an entry form and take part to win one of the great prizes on offer.”

The deadline for entries is Tuesday 7 April.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Funding Available for Chesterfield Community Groups

9th March 2015

Chesterfield community groups can now apply for funding of up to £5,000 through Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Chest.

Registered charities, community and voluntary groups in Chesterfield or with strong links to the borough can apply for grants between £1,000 and £5,000 from the scheme which aims to improve facilities for residents.

To be eligible for support, all activities must support the priorities set by local people at the council’s Community Assembly meetings.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Customers and Communities, said: “The Community Chest is a great opportunity for local organisations to apply for funding which will improve the quality of life for our residents. “I’d encourage eligible groups looking for funding to get in touch and apply.”

The deadline for applications is Friday 24 April with successful organisations receiving the funding in June. Further funding will also be allocated in the autumn.

More information is available on Chesterfield Borough Council’s website at http://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Community-Assembly-Community-Chest-1403.html

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure