Leisure

Chatsworth Road Festival returns this October

10th August 2015

The annual Chatsworth Road Festival is quickly approaching! Look out for promotions, events and activities up and down Chatsworth Road 1-4 October 2015.

This year Chesterfield’s Chatsworth Road Festival has been shortened to four days to provide a tighter focus and a more concentrated period of activity.

However fewer days has actually meant MORE events with over 120 varied activities, promotions and competitions scheduled.

This festival differs from others in that it doesn’t feature a fun fair, 5-a-side football or marching bands – instead it aims to more widely promote businesses and organisations based on or near to the ever-more vibrant Chatsworth Road in the West of Chesterfield.

The area is a real gem with great pubs, restaurants and an eclectic mix of shops that sell everything from wellingtons to wedding dresses and fantastic pottery to fairtrade coffee.

The Festival aims to provides something for all tastes and ages and full details will be listed in the free guide available at the beginning of September, in the Festival edition of S40 and on the Festival website. Updates and late registrations will also be featured via Facebook and twitter.

Here’s just a small insight into what you can look forward to

The Mayor will officially open the Festival at ‘both ends’ of Chatsworth Road on Thursday 1^st October. At 9.30am he will mark the opening by putting up some bunting at St Thomas Church before moving on to the Carers Centre on West Bars for the start of their “Best Breakfast” event at 10.00.
Derbyshire’s Poet Laureate, Helen Mort, pops in early evening on Friday to the Real Ale Corner to share her verse
The Brampton Food Market 10.00 on Saturday 3rd celebrates its 4th birthday, and hosts various “pop-up” Festival stalls from apple pressing to seed swapping.
Geocaching has become hugely popular – watch out details of the festival’s own fun version; don’t get trampled in the rush !
The Festival “Char Challenge” will see local tea rooms vie for the title as a mystery shopper gives their preference.
Sunday Sounds will add some volume as nine venues offer live music on the 4th October from lunch to late

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Family golf tees off in Chesterfield

10th August 2015

Families in the region can now ‘putt’ their best foot forward on the golf course, thanks to brand new sessions at one of Chesterfield’s top courses.

Tapton Park Golf Course has launched Family Golf – family only sessions which take place on the venue’s nine-hole academy course.

The sessions, which take place every Sunday, are designed to allow families to spend some quality time together, whilst introducing youngsters to the sport and allowing parents to hone their skills.

A fully qualified PGA coach will be on hand to give both the adults and children tips on their game, helping to introduce youngsters to the world of golf.

Andy Carnall, golf manager at Sheffield City Trust (SCT) which runs Tapton Park Golf Course, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming families from across the region to enjoy our brand new family golf sessions.

“They are a fantastic way for families to do something different together, whilst allowing those that haven’t played before the chance to learn a new skill and those who have played to get some practice in.

“Golf is also a great sport to keep you fit and healthy, so to get the whole family involved in exercise in this way will be hugely beneficial.”

Family Golf sessions take place every Sunday from 1pm and cost £20 per family (up to two adults and four children).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Tripadvisor Accolade for Derbyshire Pony Trekking

4th August 2015

Derbyshire Pony Trekking has received a Certificate of Excellence award from online review site, Tripadvisor.

A family business owned by Jayne Dukelow, the popular Trekking Centre in Upper Langwith, was given a certificate of excellence after receiving consistent outstanding reviews from visitors.

The centre has a wide customer base catering for customers from both local and far afield including foreign visitors both adults and children enjoying their off road pony trekking experience in beautiful scenery.

The business operates in Upper Langwith showcasing the beautiful Derbyshire Countryside and has proved popular with hundreds of customers looking it up on social media. Derbyshire Pony Trekking usually take a photo of their customers whilst on horseback, which most people love as it is a keepsake of their fantastic day out on horseback.

Owner Jayne Dukelow said: “I am so proud that we have achieved this award in such a short space of time, we will strive to continue the high standard of customer service that we offer to all our customers old and young and it is an honour to have been given this award. We couldn’t do it without our well behaved four legged friends, my daughter Zoe and our wonderful volunteers” As a business we are now only into our third year of trading, to have Achieved this after only being listed on Trip Advisor for one year is a real privilege. I’d like to thank all our customers for all their support who have enjoyed themselves and left positive feedback.”

Posted in Leisure

Get in the Saddle for August Workplace Challenge

4th August 2015

Ride your way to better fitness in August by charting your progress in the latest online Active Derbyshire Workplace Challenge.

Those working at businesses and organisations across the county are being encouraged to log their activity on two wheels between August 1 and August 31, with the workplace that collectively cycles the furthest winning a prize.

The challenge is part of the Summer of Cycling that is running across Derbyshire and includes the Aviva Tour of Britain, which passes through Buxton, Matlock and Ilkeston on September 11.

As well as road and mountain biking outdoors, you can also include points clocked up indoors on gym and spinning bikes too.

And you don’t have to be Chris Froome to take part either – it’s all about contributing to a team effort and helping your colleagues.

A new leaderboard will take into account only cycling activity from the start of the month, meaning anyone new to the challenge can excel.

“While the kids are on holiday, it is a fantastic time to go out and explore the beautiful Derbyshire countryside on a bike – and help out your workplace at the same time,” said Andrea Stone, of Active Derbyshire.

“The Chief Medical Officer recommends 150 minutes moderate intensity activity each week for adults and at least 60 minutes each day for children over five and this challenge is a great way to help meet those targets.”

You can get involved by going to www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire

Posted in Leisure

Rugby World Cup Winner Brings it Back to Chatsworth

4th August 2015

On Sunday 9 August former England Captain Neil Back MBE will be visiting Chatsworth with rugby’s greatest prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, which he helped to win as part of the victorious England team that lifted the trophy at the 2003 World Cup.

Nowadays a successful coach, Neil Back will watch as Chatsworth welcomes the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour with an invitational ‘Mini Tag’ Festival on the South Lawn featuring players in the under-8 age grade from local Derbyshire clubs.

The Webb Ellis Cup will be on public display at Chatsworth on Lodge Hill from 1pm until 2pm before it moves through to the South Lawn for photographs. Neil Back will be reunited with the Webb Ellis Cup as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour ahead of this year’s tournament, which starts in September.

Sam Heath, Honorary President of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Derbyshire RFU, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome the Webb Ellis Cup to Chatsworth as anticipation builds for the biggest event in the rugby calendar. This is the perfect opportunity for fans to come along and see the trophy in the heart of Derbyshire and share their tournament experience with us”.

Launching on June 10, with 100 days to go to the opening match, the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour began its journey through Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and England and will arrive at Twickenham Stadium on September 18 ahead of the Opening Ceremony.

The journey throughout the UK and Ireland aims to engage fans and give them the opportunity to build unforgettable memories as part of their own Rugby World Cup 2015 story.

Rugby is at the heart of the Trophy Tour engaging with over 100 rugby clubs, organisations and rugby festivals, from grassroots to elite. In addition Host Cities, Match Venues, community and legacy programmes, sports events, stakeholder visits, Worldwide Partner activations and iconic landmarks will feature as part of the Trophy Tour with over 300 events programmed across the 100 day continuous tour.

Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour information can be viewed at rugbyworldcup.com/trophy-tour, with full details on locations and events available.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Local restaurant swaps beer for vegetables

3rd August 2015

A Chesterfield restaurant is asking it customers to swap vegetables in return for beer

The Tickled Trout in Barlow is currently involved in a vegetable exchange. If you have too many vegetables on your allotment, take them to the pub and exchange them for a beer!

Chris Mapp from the Tickled Trout said ” I know what it’s like with surplus veg from my Mum’s garden and we never seem to be able to have enough time to use it at home, so instead we are giving our loyal customers a chance of swapping veg for beer. We know it will probably be organic and it has been grown with a lot of love and hard work over the past few months. We also love engaging with our local community!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Tower poppies could head to Chesterfield in 2016

30th July 2015

Part of the poppy sculpture by Chesterfield artist Paul Cummins could be heading to the town as Chesterfield Borough Council makes a bid to display the commemorative artwork next year.

The council, together with Chesterfield College, Destination Chesterfield and ex-servicemen’s organisations, has completed an expression of interest to host the Weeping Window sculpture, which was part of the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red on display at HM Tower of London in autumn 2014 to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War.

The display features 2,800 ceramic poppies, which will cascade from a building of some height. Options for displaying the sculpture include the Town Hall, Rose Hill.

Paul came up with the original idea for the sculpture after looking at some First World War archives while visiting the local studies and family history section of Chesterfield Library.

He was inspired by a line in the will of an unknown soldier, who died at Flanders, which said: “The blood-swept lands and seas of red, where angels fear to tread.”

This gave him the idea of making an installation with ceramic poppies representing each of the dead.

The decision on whether the borough will host the sculpture will be made by a panel including Paul Cummins; 14-18 NOW, the official First World War Centenary cultural programme and the Imperial War Museum.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy and vice chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The First World War was a watershed in our history. Hosting the Weeping Window sculpture would be fitting for us to remember the many Chesterfield men and women who gave their lives during the conflict.

“As the artist, Paul Cummins, is from Chesterfield, this would also be an opportunity to show our pride in him and his work in his home town.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Cestrefeldians all felt immense pride when Paul Cummins’ poppy installation received such international acclaim. The chance to have the poppies on display here in Paul’s home town, the place where he got the inspiration for this magnificent artwork, is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.

They represent so much about Chesterfield, not least the many men who lost their lives in the war; it seems only fitting that the artwork returns to its spiritual home. I hope the entire Chesterfield community – businesses and residents – join the campaign to make this happen. If successful, this will be momentous for Chesterfield and put our town further on the map for investors helping create jobs.”

The decision on whether Chesterfield could host the sculpture will be made in September.

If successful, the artwork could be on display in the town in 2016.

The council will seek sponsorship to cover the cost of displaying the sculpture. Anyone with any suggestions for funding should contact: Bernadette Wainwright, cultural and visitor services manager by email: bernadette.wainwright@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 345779.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Ashes in Chesterfield

30th July 2015

Queen’s Park plays host to a One Day International on Friday 14 August when England under-19s play their Australia counterparts.

The game is being staged by Chesterfield Cricket Club with the valued support of Chesterfield Borough Council and admission is free of charge although there is a £5 charge for the limited amount of car parking by the ground.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to see the crème de la crème of the two country’s young cricketers which may well include test players of the future,” said Mike Taylor, chairman of Chesterfield Cricket Club.

“It’s a considerable honour for Chesterfield that the ECB have selected the town for this international and we have taken the decision to make the game free of any entry fee to open up opportunity for everybody to enjoy the event.”

A tea bar alongside the pavilion will be selling tea, coffee and cakes throughout the day and snacks and soft drinks will be available from the pavilion bar. A barbecue will be running at various times and a range of drinks including Brampton Brewery’ award winning Golden Bud will be on sale.

The 50 over a side game starts at 10.30am. No tickets are needed but spectators are welcome to bring garden chairs to guarantee a seat for what promises to be a wonderful day of top class cricket at Chesterfield’s beautiful Queen’s Park ground.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Chatsworth set for summer with late garden opening

29th July 2015

Chatsworth is helping visitors to make the most of the summer with special extended openings of its beautiful 105 acre garden taking place for the first time this August.

A new hop-on-hop-off Garden Train will take visitors to the furthest reaches of the garden, passing under the Cascade through Paxton’s coal tunnel; a feature of the garden not normally open to visitors. It will run every 45 minutes from outside the Orangery shop and have four other stops around the garden, located near Blanche’s vase, the Grotto pond, the Kitchen garden entrance and the Willow Tree fountain.

Flora’s Temple and the Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar on the Broadwalk will be open while all the iconic water features from the Cascade to the Emperor fountain will continue to play up until 8.30pm.

Bands will be playing every weekend in the Rose garden and a classical string trio will be adding ambience during the late garden openings.

Summer garden games based at the maze will also take place throughout the school holidays.

The garden will now stay open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays from August 8 to 29 inclusive to allow visitors to experience the garden at dusk when it really comes into its own.

With no additional cost to daytime admission, there is also an option to buy a discounted evening-only ticket for visits from 6pm – available on the gate or via www.chatsworth.org with free entry for Friends of Chatsworth.

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

Eastwood Park receives its first Green Flag

28th July 2015

Eastwood Park in Hasland has been declared one of the country’s finest green spaces, after receiving a prestigious Green Flag award.

The park, which is owned and maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council is one of five spaces in the borough to receive the national accolade this year.

Eastwood Park reopened in June 2013 after a redevelopment funded by the council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

This included restoring the fountain, creating a community garden, mini orchard, rose garden, wildlife area, a new play area for children as well as improvements to the car park, footpath, drainage and war memorial.

Work was also carried out to Hasland Village Hall and a new sports pavilion opened in the park this year with the project carried out by the council’s builders and apprentices.

Eastwood Park also has an active friends group and community gardeners.

The other parks in Chesterfield, which have retained their Green Flags are:
• Queen’s Park
• Holmebrook Valley Park
• Poolsbrook Country Park
• The grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “I’m pleased that Eastwood Park has been awarded a Green Flag Award to complement our other four award-winning parks.

“Eastwood Park is well used with a thriving friends group and community garden who take great pride in the park.

“I’d also like to thank our staff who have worked hard throughout the year to maintain each of our parks.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd added: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

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

Queen’s Park to host county cricket for next five years

24th July 2015

Councillors have approved a deal with Derbyshire County Cricket Club which will see the borough host the popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket until 2020.

This will mean at least six days of county cricket being played at Queen’s Park with a four-day county game and two limited over games held each year.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “One of our priorities is to hold events for the community and the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is one of the most popular in our calendar.

“The NatWest T20 Blast game between Derbyshire Falcons and Yorkshire Vikings at this year’s event was a sell-out and throughout the festival, cricket fans went into the town centre spending in our shops and bars, contributing to the local economy.

“As part of the deal, Derbyshire County Cricket Club is also giving opportunities for young people to get involved in sport and increase their fitness.”

The 11th successive Chesterfield Festival of Cricket will take place in summer 2016. Funding is provided by the council as part of its commitment to hosting community events.

Derbyshire CCC chief executive, Simon Storey added: “The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is a highlight of Derbyshire’s cricketing calendar every summer.

“Whilst moving a county cricket club operation represents a huge logistics challenge, the feedback we receive – whether it’s players, national media, members, local businesses and school children – is that this is a real jewel in Derbyshire’s crown. It is a unique opportunity for the town to attract visitors and inspire the next generation of cricketers in the north of the county.

“We are, therefore, delighted to extend our partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Cricket Club which ensures that we are able to look forward to celebrating our 150th anniversary of Derbyshire CCC with a traditional summer visit to Queen’s Park in 2020.

“Now we are in a good position to secure a long-term sponsor for the event which can only be good for the Festival as we seek to build on its success.”

(Image: Simon Storey, chief executive, Derbyshire CCC; Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for health and wellbeing; Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Chris Grant, chairman of Derbyshire CCC; Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy and Geoff Miller Club President, Derbyshire CCC.)

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