Visiting

England Under 17s Prepare For Proact Visit

The England Under 17s are to play at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium in March and coach, John Peacock is hoping a large home backing can roar his side into the European Championship in Bulgaria this summer.

Peacock’s Young Lions welcome Norway, Slovenia and Romania to these shores next month for their Elite Round European qualifiers, where a place in the top two in the group of four will seal a spot in this summer’s tournament.

“It’s great to get home advantage for these fixtures, being based at St George’s Park and playing the games locally is a massive boost for us,” Peacock told TheFA.com. “We have three tough games against Romania, Slovenia and Norway, which won’t be easy, but if the players play to the best of their ability we have a great chance of qualifying.”

The head coach guided last year’s crop of Under-17s to glory, winning the Euros in Malta last May – the second time he has managed the feat, having lifted the crown in 2010 also.

And with Chesterfield and Burton Albion playing host to England’s matches, Peacock is hoping three victories in front of a vocal home support will be the first steps on the road to glory again.

“It would be nice to emulate last year by winning it again but we have to qualify for the finals in Bulgaria first and these matches will provide tough tests for our players,” he said.

“Hopefully we can get some good attendances and people will come out and watch these young players of the future. In past games at Burton and Chesterfield we’ve had some strong crowds and the clubs have been fantastic in hosting these fixtures and prompting the matches.

“To win the Elite Round and qualify for the Finals is always tough, but we have reached many semi-finals and finals in the past, so let us hope we can continue our good run of the past several years.”

He added: “We’ve achieved a couple of successes and with a bit of luck, hopefully there will be more to come. We are fortunate in that the clubs are producing some good players which should make us competitive against some tough opposition.”

Tickets for the Young Lions clash with Slovenia at the Proact Stadium, which takes place on Monday, March 23 (7pm), are available online (subject to £1 booking fee) at www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/tickets or by calling 01246 488232.

Tickets are priced at just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions (those aged 18 and under/65 and over). The concession rate is also available to season ticket holders and membership card holders. Tickets can be purchased on the night.

In preparation for the Elite Round, Peacock and the England Under-17s travel to Portugal next week for the Algarve Tournament, where they will face the hosts, Holland and Germany.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Princesses and Pirates Descend on Chatsworth Farmyard this Half Term

Chatsworth is opening its doors for a fortnight of pirate and princess-themed fun on the high seas of the farmyard and adventure playground this February half term.

Children will be given water shooters as they ride on the tractor and trailer ‘galleon’ to blast those pesky pirates hiding out in the ‘high seas’ of Stand Wood.

The Oak Barn will ensure no self respecting pirate or princess will be without their hat or crown as they take part in the fun and craft activities will run every day.

It’s a great time to visit the farmyard as young guests will be able to get up close to creepy crawlies from around the world in sessions running Monday to Friday inclusive each week.

There will be also be opportunities to cuddle a guinea pig in one of the frequent sessions running every day of the half term.

A visit to Chatsworth’s newest additions – a litter of piglets born on 6 January – is also recommended.

As ever, the woodland adventure playground will provide the perfect setting to let children run, jump, slide, swing and bounce, with sand and water play for little ones too.

As well as the indoor picnic room, the cafe will be open throughout half term serving hot food and kids’ lunches for a great day out this half term.

For more information and ticketing options, visit www.chatsworth.org

Posted in Visiting

Spireites Boss Agrees Contract Extension

Chesterfield Manager Paul Cook has signed a one-year extension to his contract.

Cook, whose previous deal was due to expire in 2016, is now tied to the club until the summer of 2017, together with his assistant, Leam Richardson.

Cook joined the Spireites in October 2012 and has overseen the club’s rise from League 2 as champions in 2013/14 and their stabilisation in League 1 during the current campaign.

The contract extension comes in the wake of the January transfer window, which saw the Spireites bring in five new players and sell striker Eoin Doyle to Championship side Cardiff City for a seven-figure fee.

Cook is delighted to commit his future to the club given the volatile nature of football management.

He said: “Along with the rest of the coaching staff, I was brought in to do a job and in football it’s always a difficult job in an ever-changing world.

“I’ve been here now for two years and four months and I think I’m in the top 20 longest-serving managers, which is quite amazing.

“I’d just like to thank the chairman, Chris [Turner], the board of directors and all the supporters for all the faith they’ve shown in me.”

The manager described his feelings for the club and the importance of displaying togetherness and loyalty.

“We feel we have a very strong unity here together as a club,” said Cook. “Any manager will be clamouring for time, but in football today we don’t get that.

“The club is very important to us all. Loyalty in football now is a very hard thing to come across and as a manager or a player I think you need to show that.”

Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner, who emphasised the need to continue the club’s forward momentum, feels strongly that Cook and his staff are the right people to ensure that happens.

Turner said: “It’s important that we keep this project going forward. After the developments of the transfer window, where we brought in five new players and Eoin [Doyle] left the club, we’re showing that everything’s positive at the club.

“In the two-and-a-half years that Paul’s been here, the progress has been there for all to see. Out on the field of play we’re fifth in League 1, challenging for a play-off spot and we’ve just sold our first million pound Chesterfield player.

“For the first time in a long time there’s a very positive and bright looking future in front of us.”

Posted in Visiting

The Christians to Perform at Chesterfield’s Player of the Year Dinner

The Christians, who had a string of hits in the late 80s/early 90s, will perform at Chesterfield FC’s Player of the Year dinner.

They will perform well-known tracks such as Harvest for the World, Forgotten Town, Born Again and Ideal World at the event on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4.

Commenting on the news, Spireites Chief Executive, Chris Turner said: “We were keen to include live music from a well-known group to add something extra to the event and The Christians certainly fit the bill.

“It promises to be a great night. Around 75 per cent of the places have already been filled so I would urge anyone who wants to attend to make a booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

It will be the club’s biggest-ever Player of the Year dinner, with a marquee on the pitch at the Proact Stadium accommodating 500 people. In the event of the club being involved in the play-offs, the marquee will be erected on the stadium car park.

Tickets for the dinner are priced at £50 and £75. To book, phone Janice Kew on 01246 209765 (ext 4153) or email janicekew@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in Visiting

Spireites Sign Cheltenham Striker

Chesterfield have signed striker Byron Harrison from Cheltenham Town for an undisclosed fee.

Harrison, 27, has joined the Spireites after agreeing an 18-month contract. He has scored seven goals in 27 appearances this season after finding the net 15 times last term.

Spireites Manager, Paul Cook said: “We have been monitoring Byron closely for some time and we believe he has the necessary attributes to be a valuable addition to our squad.”

Harrison, who was previously with AFC Wimbledon and Stevenage, said: “I’ve been very impressed with the club after having a look around.

“I like their style of play – it goes well with the type of player I am and I can’t wait to get going.”

Posted in Visiting

International Football Returns to Chesterfield

The Proact in Chesterfield will once again host international football when the England Under-17s play Slovenia in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship on March 23rd.

Chesterfield FC have previously staged several other international fixtures, including last year’s UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship Finals.

Chief executive at the club, Chris Turner said: “We are delighted to have been chosen once again to provide the venue for a Young Lions match.

“We believe that we offer excellent facilities and the fact that The FA has decided to stage another competitive international fixture at our stadium clearly endorses that view.

“Some of the players who will feature in the match could go on to play at the highest level so it is a great opportunity for the Chesterfield public to view potential stars of the future.”

The Under-17 tournament for Europe’s 16 elite nations will be played at venues across the Midlands with St George’s Park at its heart.

England are the reigning champions after John Peacock’s team won last year’s tournament in Malta, but The FA has not previously hosted the Under-17 competition, which dates backs to 2002.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

‘Fuller’s Rail Ale’ Train to visit Barrow Hill Roundhouse

A special train has been chartered to transport guests to Chesterfield for the first day of the 2015 Rail Ale Festival.

Organised by UK Railtours and sponsored by Fuller’s Brewery, the East Midlands Trains HST ‘Fuller’s Rail Ale’ will depart from London St Pancras at 09.40 on Thursday 14th May, and is scheduled to pick up at Luton Airport Parkway, Kettering and Bedford, before arriving in Chesterfield at around 12 noon at the special platform which is directly beside the Roundhouse itself.

Ian Bray, Managing Director of Fuller’s beer company said “We are very glad to support this event for yet another year and can’t wait to see this unique development in action. This will be another exciting way for everyone to enjoy Fuller’s beer across the UK as well as in London.”

Tickets are priced at £39.50 (Standard) and £95.00 (First Class) and include entry to the Festival, a commemorative glass and programme.  Further information, including provisional timings and how to book tickets, can be found at www.ukrailtours.com.

Over 6000 people are expected to attend this year’s Rail Ale Festival, which runs from Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th May.  Further information and general admission tickets can be found at www.railalefestival.com.

Source:Barrow Hill Roundhouse

Posted in Visiting

£400m Peak Resort development announced by Prime Minister David Cameron

Prime Minister David Cameron announced Peak Resort, a £400m leisure development near Chesterfield, which will create 1,300 jobs.

The all-weather leisure, health, sport and education destination will be located on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

The tourism development, which will bring more than 1,300 jobs to Chesterfield has been welcomed as a further sign of the borough’s economic strength.

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, the town’s marketing campaign, both say the news that the Peak Resort project will soon get underway shows the private sector’s confidence about investing in the borough.

News about the start of work on the integrated all-weather, year round leisure, health, sport and education destination will be formally announced by the Prime Minister David Cameron during a visit to America.

Plans for the project – which is in the Chesterfield borough on the reclaimed opencast mining site, close to the Birchall Estate at Unstone, have been years in the making. It brings together leading hospitality, university, sport and medical expertise and will have 600 holiday apartments, hotel and hostel units with 250 woodland lodges.

Councillor John Burrows, Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic boost to Chesterfield and its economy and another sign of the confidence the business community has about investing in our borough.

“I congratulate the developer Rupert Carr for his determination and hard work to make this happen. I also thank the council’s planning and economic development teams who have worked closely with him and his company over many years to make this project a reality.

“The development will provide 1,300 jobs when it opens, and hundreds more during the construction phase, so the opportunities for local people to get new jobs will be tremendous.

“And once completed the venue will bring thousands of extra visitors to our borough, improving Chesterfield’s tourism offer, with the knock-on benefits that this gives to our local shops and facilities.”

The move has also received the backing of Destination Chesterfield, the town’s marketing campaign.

Chair, Peter Swallow said: “The benefits of Chesterfield’s proximity to the Peak District National Park will be fully realised with the announcement of Peak Resort.

“The investment by the US firm Grand Heritage Hotel Group will put the town on the international map and I am confident Chesterfield will reap the domino effect of this investment far beyond the construction phase.

“Residents, retailers and developers in the area have an excellent opportunity now to capitalise on Peak Resort ahead of its opening and make Chesterfield the best it can be to ensure a positive lasting impression for all visitors.”

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Chamber, which represents businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, said: “This is fantastic news and will totally transform both the economy and the tourism offer of Chesterfield and the Peak District.

“This scheme has been in development for many years, so it’s great to see it has finally secured the funding to bring it to fruition, along with the green light to make it happen.”

“The visitor economy, particularly in this part of the region, is a key driver of economic growth and this new development will further enhance the offering, draw more visitors to the area and make Chesterfield and the Peak District an even stronger proposition for potential investors.”

A new regeneration investment organisation, bringing together the two investors – Birchall Properties, led by Rupert Carr, and the US owned Grand Heritage Hotel Group – will be created to lead the project.

Work will start on site between March and April.

Read more about the Peak Resort development

The Peak Resort Masterplan by Stanton Williams (Retina Images)

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

Chatsworth to turn dream weddings into reality

Couples can begin their happy ever after with a helping hand from Chatsworth this February as its annual wedding fair returns, with over 40 new and exciting suppliers showcasing their services.

The fair, which has proven to be a popular choice amongst prospective brides and grooms, promises to be bigger and better than ever before with a wider selection of influential partners and suppliers exhibiting at one of the most romantic venues in the country.

As well as giving couples the chance to talk to Chatsworth’s expert events team, the fair will also be used to launch its new marquee wedding, working in partnership with local company Pemberley Marquees.

Kay Rotchford, Wedding and Event Manager for Chatsworth, said: “We are extremely lucky to work with some really fantastic suppliers and Chatsworth provides the perfect setting for them to show just what they can do.

“The wedding fair is always a really exciting event and gives couples the opportunity to come along, meet the wedding team and chat through all their ideas for a perfect day.”

Chatsworth’s award-winning chefs will be on-hand to discuss a range of catering options and will deliver a selection of mouthwatering dishes from the wedding breakfast for guests to try. The food tasting event will take place in the Burlington Room over three sessions, 11am, 1pm and 3pm but will be ticket entry only.

The wedding Fair runs from 10am to 4pm and guests will receive a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival. For more information about weddings at Chatsworth, visit www.chatsworth.org/weddings-and-hospitality/weddings

Source:Chatsworth via Redbrick Communications Ltd

Posted in Business, Visiting

Chatsworth at forefront of accessible tourism campaign following funding boost

Chatsworth is among eight Peak District and Derbyshire businesses chosen to promote England as a leading destination for accessible tourism – now worth £3 billion to the national economy.

Official tourist board, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is one of just seven destinations to secure a share in national tourist board, VisitEngland’s ‘Access for All’ project, funded by a 125,000 Euros (almost £98,000) grant from the European Commission.

All the businesses taking part along with Chatsworth – Crich Tramway Village; East Lodge Hotel and Restaurant, Rowsley; Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington; the Peak District National Park Authority’s Parsley Hay Cycle Centre; Peak Shopping Village, Rowsley and Rivendale Caravan and Leisure Park, near Ashbourne – will have the opportunity to promote and improve their accessibility as part of the project.

Their employees will have access to the very latest training to boost their skills, while an informative guide will showcase the warm welcome and wide variety of experiences all visitors – including those with access needs – can expect in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

VisitEngland will also launch a national marketing campaign in the late summer and early autumn to promote experiences available for visitors with access needs and encourage more people to take a short break in England.

“We’re delighted to have the chance to take part in this VisitEngland initiative, which will put the Peak District and Derbyshire firmly on the map as one of the country’s leading destinations offering accessibility to all,” said Lindsay Rae, Industry Engagement Manager at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

“We already work with our Patrons, members and organisations such as Accessible Derbyshire to make people aware that much progress has already been made to improve accessibility to accommodation, attractions and activities in the area.

“‘Access for All’ involves some of the flagship businesses that have already made great strides in catering for this growing market, and will build on what has already been achieved.”

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, added: “We are committed to ensuring England is a destination that offers a warm welcome for all visitors. The Access for All project is a fantastic opportunity to continue to build England’s reputation as a leader in accessible tourism, and help grow this important and valuable market.”

New research by VisitEngland reveals that the overnight accessible tourism market is now worth £3 billion to England’s economy, with day visits boosting the figure to £12.4 billion. Over the past four years, overnight trips by disabled tourists and their companions have increased by 19 per cent, with spending up by 33 per cent.

Source:Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

New era beckons for Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism

Tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire is poised on the brink of a brand new era as the newly-restructured tourist board looks forward to fresh challenges and opportunities in 2015 and beyond.

 

Changes at the top at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire are designed to take the organisation forward into an even brighter future as a world class tourism destination.

DMO Director Jo Dilley – who has been involved in the strategic development of the tourist board since its inception – is now at the helm of a leaner, reshaped team.

The announcement comes at the end of a review of the tourist board, instigated by its key public funders to assess its performance and achievements since it was set up nine years ago.

The review panel – consisting of representatives from both the public and private sectors – was also charged with recommending ways in which the tourist board’s structure and operations could be modified to ensure its continued success.

A new, revised structure has now been approved by both the review panel and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Board.

“I am delighted to welcome Jo Dilley as DMO Director,” said Paul Roden, Chairman of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. “After nine years as a pivotal member of the tourist board’s senior management team, she is the ideal choice to steer the organisation through its current period of transition.

“I would like to assure visitors, stakeholders, Patrons and members that they can continue to count on the high standard and wide range of services they have come to expect from the tourist board as we embark on an exciting array of marketing activities in 2015 and beyond.

“Much has already been achieved, and with our revised and responsive new structure, we can look forward to an even more promising future – building on the strong relationships we have forged with all our public and private sector partners.”

David James, former Chief Executive at the tourist board, who will join Bath Tourism Plus as Chief Executive in the New Year, added: “It has been a great honour to lead the team at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire for the past nine years.

“It has been particularly rewarding to see the difference our destination has achieved over that time. Our national Tourist Board, VisitEngland, now recognises it as one of the leading destinations in the country – a massive result achieved by working together with all our public and private sector partners for the greater good.

“I can only wish the team, the stakeholders and the industry the very best of luck for the future. The Peak District and Derbyshire is a magnificent part of the country, and it has been my privilege to serve and represent it in the tourism sector.”

Source:Visit Peak District and Derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting