Summer

High demand for last match of the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

8th July 2015

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has received unprecedented demand for Sunday’s eagerly-awaited NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.

The fixture, which is expected to be a sell-out, is the final game of this year’s Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Tickets are still available for the fixture and the Club are encouraging supporters to buy their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tickets can be purchase online HERE, over the phone by calling 0871 350 1870 or in person at the Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre or at The 3aaa County Ground.

The fixture is the penultimate North Group match in this summer’s competition and will see Derbyshire, led by Captain Wes Durston and featuring overseas duo Hamish Rutherford and Nathan Rimmington, go head-to-head with a Yorkshire Vikings side that includes Australia batting pair Arron Finch and Glenn Maxwell, and England duo Jonny Bairstow and Tim Bresnan.

Buy your matchday tickets in advance and save £4 per adult ticket (£16) purchased, while under-16s can save £1 per ticket (£4) purchased in advance.

Members and Six Pack Ticket holders are reminded are reminded that they need to claim tickets in advance for the fixture with Yorkshire Vikings. Those without a matchday ticket may be refused entry to the ground, subject to capacity.

Supporters with matchday tickets are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and to give plenty of time to arrive at the ground. Gates open at 12noon.

Image: David Griffin

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chatsworth chosen to host RHS Flower Show

6th July 2015

A new annual RHS Flower Show is set to be held in the beautiful 1,000-acre parkland of Chatsworth.

The iconic Peak District attraction will hold the show in 2017 alongside Chelsea, Hampton Court Palace, Tatton Park and London.

Sue Biggs, RHS Director General, said: “We’re thrilled that in 2017 we will be hosting an RHS Flower Show in partnership with Chatsworth on its breathtaking grounds. The amazing estate with its gorgeous surroundings has a rich gardening heritage and we’re honoured and excited to soon be a part of it.

“RHS Chatsworth Flower Show will join our current portfolio of shows at Cardiff, Malvern, Chelsea, Hampton Court Palace, Tatton Park and London. It will be an incredible new show – a stunning addition to the flower show calendar, bursting with fresh ideas that will delight visitors. It’s a fabulous opportunity for exhibitors and a great platform to showcase and sell their amazing plants to a new audience.

“The show will be held on the banks of the River Derwent, providing some of the most magnificent views in the country amid the landscape of ‘Capability’ Brown,” said Sue. “The spectacular home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire will give the event a dramatic and beautiful natural backdrop.”

Nick Mattingley, RHS Head of Shows, said: “It’s so exciting to be in the new role of Head of Shows at the RHS, as we announce the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show. The show will be full of innovation and fresh ideas – it will be unlike anything we’ve done in previous years.

“I can’t wait to speak to exhibitors about being part of this fabulous new show – what an incredible time for the RHS, UK growers and nurserymen, garden designers and, of course, the public. RHS Chatsworth Flower Show will be like no other.”

The Duke of Devonshire commented: “After our wonderful experience at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Amanda and I could not be more thrilled that the RHS has selected Chatsworth for its new show. There is so much happening in the garden at Chatsworth and we very much hope the RHS Flower Show will encourage more garden lovers to come to see us.”

In May, Chatsworth exhibited at an RHS Flower Show for the first time. ‘The Laurent-Perrier Chatsworth Garden’, designed by Dan Pearson, was awarded Gold and won RHS Best Show Garden 2015 at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The garden was a beautiful representation of a small – and less-trodden – part of Chatsworth Garden. Inspired by Chatsworth’s ornamental trout stream and Paxton’s rockery, the garden gave Dan an opportunity to demonstrate his passion for naturalism.

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show will be an annual event. It will take place for the first time on
7 – 11 June 2017.

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

Local lad wins Derbyshire Student Chef of the Year

3rd July 2015

Chesterfield pupil Ryan Bruce has been crowned Derbyshire Student Chef of the Year at ceremony held at The Dome in Buxton.

The proud 15-year-old won the title on the back of his freshly-made sweet and sour chicken and wholegrain rice followed by chocolate, orange and raspberry cake.

Dishes had to include some seasonal, local produce, reflect cultural diversity and be suitable for serving to 14-year-olds in school.

To be named overall winner Ryan, who studies at Whittington Green School, also had to ensure his menu for two was on budget at just £2 per head.

Open to students from years 9 to 11, the competition − now in its fifth year − was organised by Derbyshire County Council’s school catering service.

Ryan was presented with a certificate, trophy and £100 of shopping vouchers from Councillor Caitlin Bisknell, deputy cabinet member for children and young people, who praised all winners and finalists for their fantastic culinary skills.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said:

“The standard of cooking was superb. They all did extremely well in a very pressured environment.”

Also commended from Chesterfield was Leah Roberts, 15, another pupil at Whittington Green School.

(Image shows Ryan Bruce from Whittington Green School with judges: Primary Catering Manager Kevin Hill, Menu Development Officer Katie Woods and Karen Stanley, lecturer in hospitality and catering at Buxton College.)

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

Young Chef of the Year tickles taste buds with local recipe book

3rd July 2015

Chesterfield’s Young Chef of the Year 2014, Natasha Hart, has been cooking up interest for ‘Taste’ – a new, mouth-watering, local cook book featuring favourite recipes from top food spots and keen cooks living and working in the town.

Collated by Chesterfield College, ‘Taste’ is designed to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare and is part of a bigger campaign by the college to raise £30,000 for the hospice’s £1 million Urgent Bed Appeal. Natasha visited the charity this week to help launch the new book as well as offering some tips for making her recipe at home.

Packed full of savoury and sweet delights, the book includes delicious treats like a stuffed chicken recipe from the Chesterfield Football Club Physio, Jamie Hewitt and a chocolate and caramac Roulade from Andrea Loomes, Head Chef at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Local restaurants and food retailers like Calabria and Jacksons the Bakers have shared their favourite recipes too, making the book a must for any self-respecting foodie to have on their cook book shelf!

Mhairi Herring, from Ashgate Hospicecare said “Thanks to all who have contributed to the Taste book and to Chesterfield College for producing it.

“Every penny from the sale of Taste will raise vital funds to allow us to provide care for people with life limiting illnesses. So grab a copy and get cooking.

“The recipes look delicious. I can’t wait to try Ainsley Harriott’s sticky toffee pudding. I wonder if the calories won’t count as it is all for charity!”

The books are now on sale for £5 from Ashgate Hospicecare shops, Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Football Club, Calabria, Jacksons the Bakers and Maison Mes Amis.

Natasha Hart was named Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year at the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. This year’s Young Chef of the Year will be crowned alongside 12 other winners at a glittering ceremony taking place at Chesterfield College in October.

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

Spireites defender extends contract

2nd July 2015

Chesterfield have been boosted by the news that experienced central defender Ian Evatt has signed a one-year contract extension.

Evatt, who began his second spell with Chesterfield two years ago, is now tied to the club until the summer of 2017.

After penning his new deal, Evatt said: “I’m delighted to stay. There were a few rumours about clubs being interested in me, but I feel that I’m one of Chesterfield’s own. I love the area and I’m settled here so hopefully I can finish my career here. It’s a club that is very close to my heart and hopefully we can have some more success in the future.

“The manager is such an enthusiastic character and his enthusiasm rubs off on everyone else. We’re not a million miles away, as the gaffer knows, so that’s why I wanted to stay.”

Spireites manager Dean Saunders added: “It’s great news for everyone that Ian has agreed an extended deal. He’s an experienced player who has a key role to play for the club. I will use him to help bring the young players on because you learn from experienced pros.”

Saunders has revealed that he is also in negotiations with other players who are in the last year of their contract.

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

Residents choose sculpture for Queen’s Park Sports Centre

1st July 2015

Members of the public have chosen the design of a sculpture to go in the grounds of the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre being built by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Jump, by West Midlands based artist Mick Thacker, is based on the concept of time lapse motion photography and shows the various stages of a person jumping through the air. It received 48 per cent of the 718 votes.

It was chosen ahead of Wave, by Matlock sculptor Stuart Marsh, which received 30 per cent of the vote. The wave sculpture was designed to represent grace, strength and determination.

The other option, Heartbeat, got 22 per cent of the votes. Designed by Nottinghamshire sculptor Michael Johnson the design showed an image of a regular heartbeat to symbolise well-being and exercise.

The winning artist will now make the full size sculpture which will go outside the café area of the new sports centre currently being built on the Queen’s Park Annexe site, off Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for planning, said: “The sculpture will add to the growing collection of public art across the town being delivered through our Per Cent for Art Scheme.

“All the artists were asked to come up with themes that represented the health and fitness agenda that the new sports centre will deliver.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The sculpture will be sited in a prominent location near the café and will help provide a focal point to the grounds.”

The public consultation for the artwork was held during June. Residents were able to vote online or in person at the existing Queen’s Park Sports Centre, the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley, Chesterfield College or the Visitor Information Centre. The consultation was also publicised in the local media, on websites and social media.

Mick Thacker, who will produce the winning sculpture, said: “I am delighted to have won the public vote and very much look forward to making and installing the new work.

“The theme and form of the sculpture perfectly fit the context of a brand new sports centre and my hope is that the work will inspire and inform in equal measure. Jump celebrates the beauty of the human body in motion and the joy of life itself.”

The final scale and finishing details will be worked on over the coming weeks before fabrication of the sculpture begins in September ready for installation during mid-December.

The new Queen’s Park Sports Centre is on schedule to open in early 2016. The £11.25 million project is paid for by £6.725 million from Chesterfield Borough Council, £2.5 million from Chesterfield College, as part of a dual use agreement, £2 million from Sport England’s Strategic Facilities Fund and £25,000 from Squash England.

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

Family judges wanted for Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

30th June 2015

Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the town’s annual Food and Drink Awards, is looking for two foodie families with children aged under 12 to judge short-listed family-friendly establishments in the annual awards.

As well as having an all-expenses-paid meal for four, the lucky winners will also receive two tickets to attend the glittering awards ceremony in October, which is being hosted by celebrity chef Theo Randall.

The Family-Friendly Award aims to find the town’s ultimate eatery that offers great food, excellent facilities for young children, special menus and goes that extra step to make sure families can enjoy their dining experience. As well as enjoying a meal, the winning families will be required to mark the establishments on food, ease of access, cleanliness and the quality and variety of children’s food. Last year the popular award, which is sponsored by Jumble Design, was won by The Manor at Brampton.

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens commented: “The family friendly category is one of the most popular in the awards and we get many nominations reflecting the wealth of family friendly restaurants that we have here in Chesterfield.

“This competition is a great chance for families in the area to voice their opinion and get to enjoy a meal out too.”

If you want to get involved then simply enter online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/family-judge-competition.

The closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday 15th July. The winning families will receive a meal for two adults and two children in up to three short-listed establishments. The adults will also receive two tickets to attend the awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony, which will be held in autumn, promises to be a glittering affair. If any businesses would be interested in becoming a sponsor of the new awards contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

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

Local brewery supports Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

30th June 2015

Chesterfield-based Brampton Brewery has thrown its support behind next week’s Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Brewery, which is sponsoring the Derbyshire friendly against a Chesterfield Invitational XI at Queen’s Park on Wednesday 1 July (6pm start), will have two outlets at the ground throughout the six-day long festival.

Brampton Brewery will have prominent branding at the ground and will also be sponsoring opening batsman Ben Slater for the 2015 season.

The festival commences on Sunday 5 July when Northamptonshire Steelbacks visit the picturesque outground in a NatWest T20 Blast clash.

The attention turns to the longest format the following day when Derbyshire welcome Glamorgan for four days of first-class cricket, before the festival concludes on Sunday 12 July with a NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus neighbours Yorkshire Vikings.

A wide range of local Real Ales will be available for supporters to enjoy from Brampton, in addition to a number of other food and drink outlets around the ground.

Cricket Derbyshire Commercial Director, Ryan Duckett said: “We are delighted to have a local company in Brampton Brewery supporting this year’s festival.

“Supporters will be able to taste the brewery’s famous real ale throughout the entire festival, which is a real highlight of the local sporting calendar. We’re looking forward to six great days of cricket in the park.”

(Image courtesy of David Griffin)

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

Become a sports journalist for a day at Proact Stadium

29th June 2015

A pioneering sports media workshop is being held for budding reporters at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium this July.

Aimed at youngsters who are considering a career in the media, the one-day programme will feature sessions on writing and interviewing skills, together with commentary. A mock press conference will also be held, providing those taking part with an opportunity to interview a personality from the club.

Participants will be presented with a certificate of attendance at half-time in a match at the Proact and a DVD featuring their commentary on a goal.

The workshop has been devised by Chesterfield’s head of media & communications, Nick Johnson, who has worked as a journalist/broadcaster for over 20 years. He is the longest-serving reporter on Sky Sports’ popular Soccer Saturday show – covering around 750 matches – and also works on a freelance basis for various other leading media organisations including Reuters and Press Association Sport.

Explaining the thinking behind the initiative, Johnson said: “Having spoken to a number of pupils who have expressed interest in a career in the media, I came up with the idea of a workshop aimed at giving youngsters a better understanding of the skills required to work in the industry.
“I feel very fortunate to have earned a living from doing something I love and I am looking forward to passing on some of my knowledge and experience to others. It will be an intensive programme, with plenty of practical advice provided, so places are strictly limited.”

The Sports Media Workshop takes place at The Hub at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on 30th July. To find out more please email nickjohnson@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in Business, 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