Summer

Golden Year for Chatsworth Country Fair

6th September 2016

Baking superstars Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry joined Olympic Medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill to ensure a golden year for the Chatsworth Country Fair in front of tens of thousands of visitors.

As honorary Country Fair President, Jessica Ennis-Hill opened the annual event on Friday alongside the Duke of Devonshire. The Grand Ring delivered an action-packed schedule on all three days, with show-stopping entertainment coming from The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, the hugely popular Household Cavalry Musical Ride; and a parachute display from Jump4Heroes.

The crowds were also be treated to an awe-inspiring aerobatic display by the Red Arrows. The Royal Air Force team famous for their trademark combinations of close formation flying, dynamic loops and rolls, appeared on Friday and Sunday.

Over in the Aga Rangemaster Cookery Theatre, a star-studded line-up of top TV food celebrities shared their top culinary tips, led by Great British Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood on Friday; queen of baking and show favourite Mary Berry on Saturday.

After opening the show Jessica Ennis-Hill travelled around the showground meeting visitors, exhibitors and performers. “I have always loved visiting Chatsworth – it is such a beautiful venue with the most amazing grounds. It is not far from home and when I get a day off I often visit for a walk and relax. Now I have a little boy I enjoy visiting the adventure play area with him and we always pop into the farm shop on the way home for a few bits of local produce.”

The Duke of Devonshire: “We’ve seen some wonderful performances including the Household Cavalry and, of course, the Red Arrows, and we’ve been delighted to have Jessica Ennis-Hill as Country Fair President. They’re all great ambassadors for our country and I’m sure the thousands of visitors who have been here for the past few days have enjoyed seeing them as much as we have.”

Jessica Ennis-Hill joins an illustrious list of fair presidents from BBC gardening favourite Alan Titchmarsh, England cricketer Michael Vaughan and IAAF President Sebastian Coe to Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and the Olympic rower and former Red Sock Matthew Pinsent CBE.

Dates for next year’s Chatsworth Country Fair have been confirmed as 1-3 September 2017.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Superstar Jessica Ennis-Hill revealed as this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair President

8th August 2016

Sheffield’s superstar athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill has today been announced as this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair President and will be opening the event on Friday 2 September.

Taking place on three days from Friday 2 September to Sunday 4 September, Jessica will be coming along with her family on the first day and meeting and greeting stallholders and visitors.

Jessica said: “I have always loved visiting Chatsworth – it is such a beautiful venue with the most amazing grounds. It is not far from home and when I get a day off I often visit for a walk and relax. Now I have a little boy I enjoy visiting the adventure play area with him and we always pop into the farm shop on the way home for a few bits of local produce.

“I am really delighted to be President of the Chatsworth Country Fair, I have yet to visit the event, but this year with my husband and son Reggie I hope to take in all of the stalls and meet lots of exhibitors and visitors too.”

Jessica will join an illustrious list of fair presidents from BBC gardening favourite Alan Titchmarsh, England cricketer Michael Vaughan and IAAF President Sebastian Coe to Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and the Olympic rower and former Red Sock Matthew Pinsent CBE.

The Grand Ring is offering an action-packed schedule on all three days, with show-stopping entertainment coming from The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, the hugely popular Household Cavalry Musical Ride; and a parachute display from Jump4Heroes.

The crowds will also be treated to an awe-inspiring aerobatic display by the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force team famous for their trademark combinations of close formation flying, dynamic loops and rolls appearing on Friday and Sunday.

Over in the Aga Rangemaster Cookery Theatre, a star-studded line-up of top TV food celebrities and the best professional chefs from around the region will be sharing their top culinary tips, led by Great British Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood on Friday; queen of baking and show favourite Mary Berry on Saturday and broadcaster Valentine Warner on Sunday.

Tickets for Chatsworth Country Fair are £25 for adults per day and free for children under 14 years old.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Take part in fun-filled nature events at Eastwood Park

2nd August 2016

Running from Monday 8 to Friday 12 August, there will be different activities on offer each day at the Chesterfield Borough Council owned park.

These include sessions called:

Compete in the insect Olympics
How do trees talk?
Food chains and pollination
Create a creepy crawly house
Create a giant land art sculpture.

Sessions take place each day from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.

The activities are free but need to be booked in advance as places are limited. Children should be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Saturday 13 August sees a walk through Hasland, meeting at Hasland Junior School at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.

Participants can look at the nature en route before taking part in activities in Eastwood Park including bumble bee identification, healthy food workshop, advice on how to grow your own vegetables and how to make a yurt shelter.

The event finishes at 3pm.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “We are committed to providing fun community events and these events at Eastwood Park will allow people of all ages to find out more about the wildlife in and around the park.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Finalists announced in 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

18th July 2016

Cocina at Casa Hotel is hoping to retain its prestigious Restaurant of the Year title for a second year running in the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. The 2 Rosette, 4-star restaurant is joined by 27 other eateries, food producers, pubs and bars who have all been shortlisted across 12 categories in the annual awards.

As well as Cocina, three winners from last year’s awards – H&F Vintage Tearooms, The Proact Stadium and the Red Lion Bar and Bistro, are hoping to retain their titles for a second year running.

Two other restaurants – The Manor at Brampton and Delhi 41 – are also hoping to retain their Family Friendly and Best International Restaurant titles respectively for a third year running.

Now in its fourth year, the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are more popular than ever before. This year, six new establishments have been shortlisted in the competition, including Einstein’s, The Craft Burger Company and The Lilypad, who will fight it out for the Best Newcomer of the Year title.

The Rose & Crown at Brampton, Chandlers and Harry Ramsdens at the Wingerworth are also first time finalists this year.

Organisers Destination Chesterfield, in association with Chesterfield College, had hundreds of nominations from the general public who put forward their favourites across the 12 categories in the popular awards. The nominated restaurants, cafes and bars will be mystery shopped and taste-tested by a panel of judges over the summer and the winner of each category will be revealed later this year.

The winners will be announced by celebrity chef and couture cake maker to royalty and the stars, Mich Turner MBE at a glittering award ceremony which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building on Wednesday 26 October 2016.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “This year we’ve had more nominations than previous years and also more businesses put forward for the awards, which is testament to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene.

“Every shortlisted business can count themselves as one of the best in Chesterfield. Everyone has their own favourites, however there can be only one winner. Unfortunately, we can’t reveal that until the award ceremony. It’s going to be a tense few months for the people and businesses that have all been shortlisted.”

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year –sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Blu Bistro and Coffee House
Calabria
Cocina at Casa Hotel

Café and Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier
Stephenson’s Coffee Shop
H&F Vintage Tearooms
Northern Tea Merchants

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Arvato
The Tickled Trout
Red Lion Bar and Bistro
Chandlers

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar
Barca Bar
The Market Pub
Rose and Crown – Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by Barber Harrison Platt
Einstein’s
The Craft Burger Company
The Lilypad

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
Chandlers
H&F Vintage Tearooms
Cocina at Casa Hotel

Best Out of Town – presented by Chesterfield College
The Tickled Trout
The Red Lion Bar and Bistro
Stones

Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Casa Hotel
Lambs Cupcakes
Liza Bakes
Teresa Lambarelli

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by The Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints
Jordan Elliott
Josh Clark
Sophie Warren

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Delhi 41
O-Tokuda
Indian Blues

Family Friendly – sponsored by Jumble Design
Chesters
Harry Ramsdens at The Wingerworth
The Manor at Brampton

Conference and Banqueting – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and
Business Advisers
Casa Hotel
Peak Edge Hotel
Proact Stadium

A further award Food Hero, which is sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors, will also be announced at the awards ceremony. The Food Hero award is presented to a local business or individual who has made an impact on the local food scene.

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Holdsworth Foods, Central Technology Ltd, ra Information Systems, Black Eyed Susan and Reflections.

More information about the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

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

Chesterfield community set to cycle for Ashgate Hospicecare

14th July 2016

200 people are set to take part in the Heroica Hospice Ride for Ashgate Hospicecare on July 17.

The route, which is set to start from Ashgate Hospicecare and wind through the Peak District, will involve a 25 mile, 50 mile and a new 100 mile option. With the support of their main event sponsor, The Manor at Brampton, the hospice is pulling out all the stops to try break last year’s record of 138 cyclists taking part.

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hopsicecare, says:-

“It’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm within the local community for this year’s Heroica Hospice Ride. We hope everyone taking part has a brilliant time, all whilst raising money for patients and their families in North Derbyshire.”

All cyclists will be able to have full access to feed stations, back up vehicles, a photographer, a goody bag and the mini festival finish where your friends and family can come and enjoy live music, food, drinks, games and welcome you back over the finish line.

Cyclists will be able to enter on the day for all three ride options at Ashgate Hospicecare. Entry for the event is £35 and the money raised will go towards people in North Derbyshire who are in need of Ashgate Hospicecare.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Yorkshire fixture at Chesterfield Festival of Cricket switched to Derby

6th July 2016

Derbyshire Falcons’ NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings has been moved to The 3aaa County Ground, Derby, to give the game the best chance of going ahead.

Due to a saturated outfield at Queen’s Park, no play was possible on any of the first four days of the Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Following an exceptionally wet June, the pitch has been drying out more slowly than expected, despite the last four days of sunshine. As a result, the Club has made the decision today to move the fixture to Derby on Sunday and remains a 2.30pm start.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “Chesterfield is a special venue and everyone puts a huge amount of time, planning and preparation into delivering a successful festival each year.

“Unfortunately, following the recent bad weather over the last few weeks, the outfield has taken on a huge amount of water and is still saturated despite the recent sunshine. In the interest of player safety, no play has been possible.

“With the current conditions, we have determined that we should move this Sunday’s fixture to Derby to give the game the best possible chance of going ahead.

“It’s clearly very disappointing that the weather has beaten us this year but we remain committed to bringing county cricket to Queen’s Park.

“The Festival is so much more than just cricket and helps put Chesterfield on the map. Since county cricket returned to Chesterfield in 2006, we have been able to build strong partnerships with Chesterfield Cricket Club and Chesterfield Borough Council.

“We also work closely with local schools and businesses such as local renewable energy specialists, Custom Solar, to provide a unique annual Festival.

“We look forward to returning next summer as part of our on-going partnership.

“In the meantime, we’re sure that the derby with Yorkshire Vikings at The 3aaa County Ground will be another great occasion.

“Whilst we understand the switch will cause some inconvenience to supporters, we need to make sure we do everything to ensure the game can go ahead.”

The match is an all ticket match. Tickets already purchased for the fixture will be accepted on the gate on Sunday at The 3aaa County Ground, which open at 12.30pm.

Members and Six Pack Ticket holders wishing to attend this Sunday are also reminded that they must claim a ticket, free of charge, in advance of the day of the game from the ticket office.

Posted in Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Hooper’s to sponsor Summer Nights Film Festival

28th June 2016

Hooper’s Alcoholic Fruit Brews are fast becoming a feature of the best British events throughout the summer months. The next event in the Hooper’s calendar is the spectacular Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival, a series of outdoor events screening popular films in beautiful heritage locations.

The Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival arrives at Hardwick Hall on Friday 19^th and Saturday 20^th August and promises a picture-perfect cinematic experience that consumers will never forget.

Whilst the audience enjoy screenings of Ghost (12A) and Spectre (12A), Hooper’s will be providing a relaxed bar and picnic seating area, where attendees can try each of the six flavours.Hooper’s Alcoholic Fruit Brews are a collection of premium drinks, with six flavours including Cloudy Lemonade, Strawberry & Elderflower, Raspberry & Nettle, Dandelion & Burdock, Ginger Brew and Plum & Sloe, all of which complement the flavours of traditional British dishes.

Simon Green, Marketing Director of Global Brands, said:-

“Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival is a chance to enjoy the British summertime with Hooper’s refreshing, nostalgic flavours at beautiful English heritage sites.

“The events embrace Hooper’s #GreatBritishPicnic campaign to support new ways to enjoy the British summertime. We are incredibly excited to be exclusive drinks vendor, especially as this is the first year hospitality options have featured onsite.”

For more information about the Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival please see our event page.

To enter our competition to win two free tickets to the festival, please click here .

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised

Chesterfield FC launch summer Soccer School

20th June 2016

Chesterfield FC Community Trust are set to launch a series of Soccer School sessions for 5 – 13 year olds this August.

Taking place at St Mary’s Catholic High School, the sessions will be delivered by FA qualified Chesterfield FC coaches in a fun environment and feature a technique and skills masterclass, as well as free-kick and penalty challenges.

Michael Noon from the Chesterfield FC Community Trust said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Chesterfield FC Soccer School. Our aim is for the kids who attend to receive top quality coaching and enjoy themselves at the same time.

“There will be appearances from club mascot Chester the Field Mouse and we will also have tours of the Proact Stadium on Friday afternoons.”

The sessions are open to ages 5-13 and will take place from 9am to 4pm. Those attending need to bring trainers/shin pads and football boots (if available), along with a packed lunch.

Pre-booking costs just £15 per day or £60 per week while pay on the day costs £20. All those pre-booking will be entered into a prize draw to win a signed Spireites shirt.

To book, please phone 01246 264030 or email activities@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

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

Lizzie Armitstead takes stage win and Aviva Yellow Jersey in Derbyshire

17th June 2016

Lizzie Armitstead powered to an emotional victory in Chesterfield at the end of the third stage of the Aviva Women’s Tour, outsprinting a trio of breakaway companions to move into the Aviva Yellow Jersey of race leader with two stages remaining.

See pictures from the finish in Chesterfield

The reigning World Road Race Champion crossed the line pointing to the sky, dedicating her win in Derbyshire to the memory of Jo Cox, the Birstall MP who was murdered yesterday.

Armitstead crossed the line clear of second placed Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio to now enjoy a five second lead over the Cervelo Bigla rider on the Aviva General Classification, with overnight leader Marianne Vos leading the bunch in for fifth, 36-seconds down.

The Boels Dolmans rider had led Moolman-Pasio and Wiggle HIGH5’s Elisa Longo Borghini across to the day’s breakaway group, catching the group of 11-riders shortly after the Strava Queen of the Mountains climb of Bank Road in Matlock.

Those eleven, who went clear after the feed zone and around 47-kilometres of racing, included the likes of Hannah Barnes, Chantal Blaak and Australian national champion Amanda Spratt, who went on to finish fourth.

While the break were working well together, they were powerless to stop the pursuit of Armitstead, Moolman-Pasio and Longo Borghini, with the trio making the junction after the summit of Bank Road having gone clear on the flatter valley roads following the Chain Reaction Cycles Sprint at Darley Dale.

Having missed the move, Vos and her Rabo Liv team chased hard, but with around 15-kilometres to go Armitstead attacked again, at first joined by just Moolman-Pasio before Longo Borghini and Spratt also made the junction.

The quartet worked well to hold off the chasing Rabo Liv, whose pursuit saw the remnants of the breakaway caught, allowing them to contest the finish in Chesterfield’s Market Place, with Armitstead leading out the sprint to take victory, her second ever stage win in the Aviva Women’ Tour.

Behind Vos outsprinted Armitstead’s Boels Dolmans teammate Amalie Dideriksen for fifth, ahead of Leah Kirchmann and Giorgia Bronzini.

In addition to the Aviva Yellow Jersey and a five second lead overall, Armitstead also retained the Adnams Best British Rider Jersey, with Dani King her nearest challenger in that competition, 47-seconds back in 15th overall.

Despite losing yellow Marianne Vos retains the Chain Reaction Cycles Points Jersey, 11-points clear of Stage One winner Christine Majerus, with Vos’ compatriot Floortje Maackaij holding a 34-second lead in the Best Young Rider classification presented by Stoke-on-Trent, European City of Sport.

Having been in the day’s 11-rider move, Katie Hall led the race across both Strava Queen of the Mountains climbs at Winster and Matlock to take a 14-point lead over Ilona Hoeksma.

Highlights of Stage Three will be shown on ITV4 at 23:00 on Friday 17 June, with a repeat on Saturday morning at 08:55. The programme will also be available on demand via the ITV Hub catch-up service for 30-days.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Marking the centenary of the Battle of the Somme

17th June 2016

Chesterfield residents are invited to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme on Friday 1st July.

On the day Chesterfield’s mayor, Councillor Steve Brunt will blow a whistle three times at 7.30am to signal the exact time that the whistles were blown at the Somme to signify the beginning of the battle.

The event will also include a march with standards, a rendition of the Last Post and a two minutes silence followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said: “The Battle of the Somme was a terrible event in which hundreds of thousands of servicemen were killed within hours of the battle starting.

Chesterfield’s Battle of the Somme commemoration takes place at the war memorial on Rose Hill, opposite the Town Hall on Friday 1 July. People are asked to be in place for 7.10am.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Perez duo gear up for Father’s Day races

17th June 2016

Father’s Day on Sunday will be one to remember for Chesterfield’s well known rally driver Steve Perez with both Steve and his son set to compete in different Ginetta races at the Croft circuit in North Yorkshire.

Seb Perez, Steve’s 16 year old son, will compete in the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship – the popular race series contested by 14 to 17 year-olds.

Father Steve, 4 times British National Rally Champion and 2014 BTRDA Gold Star Rally Champion, is set to race in the more prominent Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge with his Amigos and Global Brands sponsored car.

More familar with the mud and dust of the forests of Wales in his VK Kick Energy sponsored Ford Focus WRC rally car, Sunday’s competition will be a big change for rally driver, Perez Senior.

Chairman of Chesterfield-based Global Brands, Steve Perez said, “It’s a very different discipline driving a race car on a circuit, but the Ginetta GT5 is a very easy car to drive; I just have to remember I am not in a group 4 Escort rally car on some deep forest track and cut out the Scandinavian Flicks!”

Son Seb will be in high spirits this weekend after his latest race weekend at Oulton Park just over a week ago in which he had a fantastic weekend. Seb jokes: “I’m sure he (Steve) will be doing some learning off of me for a change; it would be good to see him get a nice Father’s Day gift of a win at Croft.”

The end of the Ginetta Junior season is at the beginning of October and there is still a long road ahead for Seb to prove what he is made. Seb’s performance and all the action is broadcast live on the Sundays on ITV 4.

Editorial by Paul Horton.

Images – Landscape: Perez in action at Oulton Park: Jakob Ebrey Photography. Portrait: Paul Horton Motorsport Photography.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer