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LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS AND DIARY FROM THE CHESTERFIELD POST

Communities That Work Project Draws To A Close

Wednesday 22nd February 2012

A scheme to help people find work in the Chesterfield area is to wind up at the end of March after a successful, extended six-year term.

Since 2008, the Communities That Work project has been funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and run by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust to help unemployed people facing economic, social and health barriers in their search for work. It was initially started in 2006 under the government-backed Coalfields Regeneration Trust. READ MORE...

Big Names Mark Re-Opening Of Chesterfield Library

Wednesday 22nd February 2012 Poet Roger McGough and Derbyshire writer Berlie Doherty are just two of the big names who will be helping to celebrate the re-opening of Chesterfield Library.

A number of events - kicking off on Wednesday 29th February and running until the end of March - have been arranged to mark the occasion promising something for everyone.

Major work to the Derbyshire County Council library has created a more welcoming and spacious entrance area complete with new... READ MORE...

Council Success On Prosecution For Smoking Offence

Wednesday 22nd February 2012 A man has been successfully prosecuted by Chesterfield Borough Council after being caught smoking in a smoke free place.

Alfonso Francesco Desideri, 42, of Langdale Close, Linacre Woods, Chesterfield, pleaded guilty to an offence of smoking a cigarette in a hackney carriage and an offence of dropping litter (throwing the cigarette out of the hackney carriage), a hackney carriage being a smoke-free place.

The offences happened on 19th September 2011, at Whittington Hill, Chesterfield when one of the Council's Enforcement Officers saw ... READ MORE...

Appeal After Man Suffers Severe Head Injuries In Road Collision

Tuesday 21st February 2012 Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious road collision in North East Derbyshire.

At about 7.30am today (Tuesday February 21st), a collision occurred on the A616 Sheffield Road near Creswell. A black Toyota Rav 4 was travelling towards Creswell from the direction of Clowne when it was in collision with a blue Decathalon road bike. As a result of the collision, a 79-year-old man suffered a severe head injury and was taken to Chesterfield Royal Hospital by air ambulance. The cyclist, who lives in Sheffield, had travelled from Barlborough.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who either witnessed the collision or saw the cyclist during his journey. They can be contacted on the witness appeal line of 01773 572929.

Royal Return For Coronation Queen Edna

Tuesday 21st February 2012 Sixty years after she stole the limelight as Ashover's Coronation Queen, 74 year-old Edna Halksworth is to play a high profile role in village celebrations to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Edna, of Yew Croft Farm, Stone Edge, will star in a parish anniversary programme on Monday, June 4th, that will see her ride through the streets in a 1928 open-top Austin tourer, cut the ribbon to officially open the celebration and help to choose the winners of various competitions.

What's more, she will wear the same jewelled coronet... READ MORE...

Consultation Ahead Of £200m Elderly Care Transformation

Tuesday 21st February 2012 Plans for a £200 million investment to transform residential and community care across Derbyshire have now been approved and announced.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet gave the ambitious scheme - to deliver dementia-friendly care and state-of-the-art accommodation to hundreds of older people - the go-ahead at its meeting yesterday, Monday 20th February.

County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Care Councillor Charles Jones described the plans as offering five-star accommodation, care and support services for everyone in Derbyshire... READ MORE...

These Bins Are Made For Talking - And They Love Your Rubbish

Tuesday 21st February 2012 Talking bins, which have been proven to reduce litter levels, are coming to Chesterfield to show some love to people who drop their rubbish in the bin.

The bins, brought to the streets of London by Keep Britain Tidy as part of the 'Love Where You Live' campaign, have shown that making 'doing the right thing' fun helps to change behaviour - with statistics showing they collect 50% more rubbish than normal bins.

An Ambassador Authority for the Love Where You Live campaign... READ MORE...

75 New Homes Go Up At Queen's Park!

Tuesday 21st February 2012

Chesterfield Borough Council's nest box challenge was a big hit last week.

Over 100 people attended the Queen's Park event with a total of 75 bird boxes being made by local people.

Sarah West, Development Officer at Queen's Park said: "Despite the gloomy weather, we had a great turnout for the event and were especially pleased that some people decided to donate their bird box to the Park." READ MORE...

Chesterfield Vehicle Firm Gives Lyceum A Theatre On The Move

Tuesday 21st February 2012 A mini mobile theatre project may soon be a star turn in Sheffield thanks to a local firm.

In a show of support for the city's Lyceum Theatre, Chesterfield-based B&B Vehicle Contracts, which operates across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, has given the theatre one of it's new vans for a year.

And, as well as transporting props around, the vehicle, which carries the Lyceum logo, will also be used for school visits and, with its back doors open, as a miniature performance area. READ MORE...

Sports Clubs 1-1 Support With Club Developers Scheme

Tuesday 21st February 2012 Sports clubs are being offered the chance to receive one-to-one support to help them achieve goals such as increasing club membership or producing a club development plan, as part of a new Club Developers scheme in Derbyshire.

Club Developers is being launched by Derbyshire Sport as part of its 2012 Legacy Programme, and aims to support around 60 clubs in the county.

A workforce of 'Club Developers' with experience in sports development are currently being trained, and will work with selected clubs on a one-to-one basis for a short period of time. READ MORE...

Kids Now Making A Splash At A Derbyshire School

Tuesday 21st February 2012
Youngsters from across the region will soon be able to enjoy more splashing about in the water after a Langwith school started work on a new £217,000 indoor pool.

The two-foot deep splash pool, complete with new changing rooms, music, light and even scent projections, is being created at Stubbin Special School, in Burlington Avenue. The pool is set to be created in the school's nursery unit, which is the only place in the county where pupils with special educational needs play and learn alongside their peers from across the community. READ MORE...

Council Tax Changes For Empty Properties And Second Homes

Tuesday 21st February 2012 We have learned that houses in Chesterfield that are left empty for more than six months, along with second homes, will see a reduction in their Council Tax discounts from 1st of April.

Councillor Jim McManus, Executive Member for Housing at Chesterfield Borough Council said: "The last review of our discount levels was back in 2003 when the housing market was a lot different to what it is today.  We now have much greater demand for properties at an affordable price, so the reduction in Council Tax discounts is aimed to encourage property owners to bring properties back into use, making more available for local people." READ MORE...

Local Dementia Group Pilot Success For Derbyshire Healthcare

Tuesday 21st February 2012 Occupational Therapists, including April Saunders and Jenny Gould, from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's Community Mental Health team for Older People (North East) recently ran a community group therapy pilot, the 'Killamarsh Tuesday Group', for people with dementia in the local area.

This was following feedback from a local GP that more support was needed for people with dementia.

The group consisted of 12 participants and ran for 12 weeks, every Tuesday for four hours a day. READ MORE...

UPDATE: Chesterfield Royal Hospital Norovirus Outbreak

Monday 20th February 2012 Chesterfield Royal Hospital have told us this morning that unfortunately the situation remains the same at the hospital with visitors still unable to attend adult in patient wards.

The hospital continues to do everything it can to contain the outbreak and stop it spreading further and has produced a video explaining to patients, their families and the community about the precautions taken and why.

The video can be viewed on the hospital's YouTube channel - please follow this link - NOROVIRUS VIDEO

Memories Required Please...

Monday 20th February 2012 This Year marks the 80th anniversary celebrations for the 1932 Kinder Scout 'mass trespass' in which 5 ramblers were jailed and a new, updated book on the protest is being published.

The Chesterfield Post has been contacted to ask If readers have friends or relations who were involved in the trespass as the publishers would like to include their names and memories in the book. Why did they take part? What did they remember about the day? Did they come up against the keepers or did they make their way to the top unopposed? If you can help please contact: Keith Warrender at Willow Publishing, 36 Moss Lane ,Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 6SZ. Tel 0161 980 2633

'Blues On The Move' Results - Week 41

Monday 20th February 2012
This week's 'Blues On The Move' winners - the official Chesterfield FC lottery with over £1,300 in prizes paid out each week and over £1million paid out to date!

Check here every week to see if you're a winner! READ MORE...

UPDATE: Chesterfield Royal Hospital Norovirus Outbreak

Sunday 19th February 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital continues to be closed to visitors to adult inpatient wards and it remains in the grip of what it calls "the worst outbreak we have known in years".

They say the infection still continues to affect patients and unfortunately, a large number of staff have contracted the virus and are therefore unable to work on the wards until they have been symptom free for 72 hours.

They have told us that they wish to thank everyone in the community for their "Tremendous understanding" at what is proving to be a difficult time - and have produced a video explaining how they are trying to break the cycle of this outbreak. It can be viewed through the hospital website - www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk

Chesterfield In Running To Lead UK In Global 'Switch Off'

Sunday 19th February 2012 One local cub group hopes to lead the way this year as famous landmarks join hundreds of businesses, communities and homes across the country as they switch off at 8.30pm to mark WWF's Earth Hour.

Susie Frenzel, from Chesterfield, has put forward Chesterfield's 1st Inkersall Cubs to lead the UK switch off and win a cash fund from the Official Partner, MORE TH>N to add sparkle to their event.

In a bid to lead the UK switch off in style and be crowned WWF's Champion Community for Earth Hour 2012, Susie would like to hold an entire weekend of activities around the theme of the Rainforest and Earth Hour, including spending time around a campfire. READ MORE...

Fire Crews Free Trapped Passengers

Sunday 19th February 2012


Fire crews from Dronfield and Chesterfield were called this morning (Sunday) to remove 3 people trapped in a vehicle on Langdale Avenue.


Crews were called to the incident at 10.30 am and removed the roof of the car to free the passengers who were treated at the scene by ambulance and fire personnel before being taken to hospital.

More Virus Outbreaks Overnight At Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Friday 17th February 2012 18:15 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has told us today that, despite closing adult in patient wards to visitors, there have been more cases of Norovirus identified in the last 24 hours, and 9 wards are now closed to visitors tonight.

They are stressing though, that although adult in-patient wards are closed to visitors, A&E service and out-patient clinics are operating as usual.

They request that, over the next few days if your appointment is routine and non-urgent and you have symptoms of Norovirus, please call them to re-arrange.  Ring the number on your appointment letter or 01246 516090. To try to contain the further spread of the infection they are asking that on arrival and before leaving hospital, that visitors clean hands thoroughly using the handwash stations AND the hand gel (dispensers at entrances and in clinics). We will continue to give updates as we get them.

Offenders Give Back To The Community

Friday 17th February 2012 Offenders on the Community Payback Scheme are giving a Chesterfield park a facelift as part of a partnership project to improve the area and reduce nuisance behaviour.

Derbyshire Probation Service’s Community Payback team started the clean-up at Lansbury Avenue Park, Mastin Moor yesterday, Thursday, February 16th.

As part of the project, offenders, carrying out unpaid work, will remove old fencing, cut back overgrown trees and bushes and carry out a general tidy up of the park. They will be at the park every Thursday for the next six weeks. READ MORE...

Local Derby Is A Sell-Out

Thursday 16th February 2012
With just two days to go until the big local derby takes place, Chesterfield FC has announced that one of the most keenly anticipated clashes of the season is now a sell-out, apart from a few family stand tickets (around 50) where tickets can only be sold to an adult with a child.

Chesterfield Chief Executive Chris Turner said: "We can expect a cracking atmosphere at the B2net for the first visit by the Owls to our new stadium and we hope that everyone has an enjoyable afternoon for what will be our biggest crowd of the season." READ MORE...

Volunteers Needed For World's Largest Bipolar Disorder Study

Thursday 16th February 2012 Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting for a research study investigating the causes of bipolar disorder as part of its collaboration with the Mental Health Research Network.

Anyone who has experienced one or more episodes of high mood (mania, hypomania or bipolar disorder) at some point in their life, is invited to take part in the study which will investigate how genetics and lifestyle factors, such as stress, interact to make some people more likely than others to develop bipolar disorder. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Caledonian Assoc Talk, With Susan Mallinson

Thursday 16th February 2012

Chesterfield and District Caledonian Association is hosting a talk by Susan Mallinson L.G.S.M. and you'd be very welcome to attend.

Susan Mallinson L.G.S.M is a gifted and talented lady, and Chesterfield and District Caledonian Association are thrilled that Susan has accepted the Association's invitation to speak at their next meeting on Saturday 18th February 2012, 7.30pm at Walton Village Centre, Walton Back Lane, Chesterfield. The cost is £3 per person (to cover costs) please bring your own food and drinks for refreshments. READ MORE...

Ticket Sales Boost For West End Musical Joseph

Thursday 16th February 2012 It's been announced that The West End production of Joseph, due to come to Chesterfield in May, is already proving popular - and that there is now local interest in the production too.

Tickets are selling fast, with over 30% of the tickets already sold. The show will be the first large scale musical production to come to the town and will be staged at the Winding Wheel.

Councillor Nick Stringer, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: "We've been delighted with the response to tickets sales..." READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Goes Into Lockdown As Norovirus Spreads

Wednesday 15th February 2012 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced today that it has closed the hospital to visitors of all adult inpatient wards with immediate effect.

It comes after eight wards have fallen victim to outbreaks of Norovirus, with both patients and staff suffering.

Norovirus (or winter vomiting disease) is an unpleasant 'bug' that causes violent sickness and diarrhoea.  It IS NOT a hospital acquired infection, but is an infection that spreads rapidly in the community. The illness is self-limiting, but can have severe consequences for patients who are already fighting illness and recovering from surgery. READ MORE...

Spireite Fans Get Their Tickets And Look Forward To Wembley

Wednesday 15th February 2012 "The Whole Northern Half Of The Country Will be Behind Us On The Day" said the fans as this morning saw West Stand season ticket holders flock to the b2met to collect tickets for the Wembley JPT final on March 25th.

So far, demand has been high. Yesterday Kop supporters were given the chance to pick up their tickets and the club is reporting this morning that yesterday, at close of business, 6,000 tickets had been sold.

After much deliberation, the club took the decision... READ MORE...

Dronfield Police Station To Close Next Week

Wednesday 15th February 2012
Derbyshire Constabulary has announced that Dronfield enquiry office will close next week.

The front counter at the police station, in Lea Road, will close to the public on Friday, February 24th. From that date, the nearest counter service for Dronfield residents will be at the station in Beetwell Street, Chesterfield.

The opening hours at Chesterfield enquiry office are between 8am and 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am until 8pm on Sundays. READ MORE...

Staveley MWFC's Inaugural Charity Dinner Raises Thousands

Wednesday 15th February 2012 Staveley Miners Welfare FC raised over £3,000 at their first-ever sporting dinner, which was held in the clubhouse at the Inkersall Road ground last week.

The event, which featured former Nottingham Forest star Kenny Burns as speaker and comedy from Billy Flywheel, was a sell-out with over 100 people attending.

"The dinner was a huge success and we hope it is the first of many," said Staveley Chairman Terry Damms. "The funds raised will help pay for the development of our ground. Plans are in place for a new 250-seater south stand..." READ MORE...

Communal Garden Space Gets Facelift

Tuesday 14th February 2012 Residents in Staveley will benefit from a new communal garden area that’s been created to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The garden, located at Devonshire Close, was once a run-down space and often attracted young people who used the area to drink and cause general nuisance to residents.

Councillor Jim McManus from Chesterfield Borough Council said: "We had made improvements to the flats on Devonshire Close but realised that the open space wasn't welcoming or suitable for residents to use." READ MORE...

Ozbox Partnership Sees More Kids Box Clever

Tuesday 14th February 2012 Fifty volunteers have attended a three-day course at Chesterfield Police Station to allow them to deliver Ozbox sessions across the county.

The course is the latest sport/citizenship programme produced by the Police Community Clubs of Great Britain (PCCGB) as part of their Contender Plus programme.

The course included information on gang affiliation, gun and knife crime, alcohol and drug misuse and anti-social behaviour. READ MORE...

Big Plans For Chesterfield's Future

Tuesday 14th February 2012 Chesterfield Borough Council has published a new 20-year development plan for the borough and it's available for public comment.

The Chesterfield Borough Core Strategy,sets out proposals for the development and use of land in the borough for the period up to 2031. The Strategy outlines the spatial vision of what the borough will look like in the future and contains the policies against which planning applications will be decided in the future.

Cllr Terry Gilby, Council's Dep Leader and Exec Member for Planning said: “The last few years have seen some excellent regeneration projects..." READ MORE...

Increased Police Presence After Grave Thefts

Tuesday 14th February 2012 Police in Eckington have increased patrols around a cemetery following a number of thefts of ornaments from graves.

A number of ornaments have been takes from graves in Cemetery Lodge, Sheffield Road over the last two weeks.

Officers from the Eckington Safer Neighbourhood Team have stepped up patrols around the cemetery at all times of the day. Police are also asking for vigilance and information from the community to help catch those responsible. READ MORE...

Ruth Gets A Valentine's Gift With A Difference

Monday 13th February 2012 Shoppers in Chesterfield market - and one in particular - were treated to an unexpected surprise visit from the 'Clintons Choir'.

Local resident Ruth Tesdale was left speechless as the Clintons Choir made a personal visit to her home town, surprising her with an unforgettable gift from her sweetheart.

Tom, Ruth's husband of 15 years, entered a national competition hosted by the leading card and gift retailer... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Ice Is Not Nice! Fire Officer Warns Of Frozen Dangers

Monday 13th February 2012 The icy cold weather may have stopped football matches, caused problems on the roads and forced people to wrap up this weekend but, for one group of emergency personnel, the recent cold snap was a blessing in disguise.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has 4 water safety units in the County - one of which is in Chesterfield - and Saturday morning saw training for rescues from icy water in a frozen over Chesterfield Canal. We Spoke to Fire Officer Chris Bailey who told us just why the chance to perform the exercise was so valuable, and - ahead of a cold half term week - a warning on the dangers of frozen over water. READ MORE...

'Blues On The Move' Results - Week 40

Monday 13th February 2012
This week's 'Blues On The Move' winners - the official Chesterfield FC lottery with over £1,300 in prizes paid out each week and over £1million paid out to date!

Check here every week to see if you're a winner! READ MORE...

Lancers Capture Chesterfield Town's Highest Honour

Sunday 12th February 2012 A regiment with close links to Chesterfield was given the highest accolade the town can bestow on Friday night at a special council meeting attended by servicemen, their families and local dignitaries.

The 9th /12th Lancers (Prince of Wales') were granted Freedom of Entry To The Borough in recognition of their close links with the town and the number of new recruits who come from the town.

Welcomed by the Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Peter Barr, Major General James Short and Lieutenant Colonel William Fooks from the Regiment... READ MORE...

Screwfix Opens Chesterfield Store Creating 12 New Jobs

Friday 10th February 2012 Multi-channel retailer, Screwfix, is celebrating after having opened a new branch in Chesterfield.

The new store, located on Derby Road, has created 12 jobs locally, and will allow tradesmen in the area to conveniently purchase products at a time and place to fit in with their busy schedules.

Chesterfield, is Screwfix's 211th trade counter to open, and will ensure that tradesmen have access to more than 18,000 tools, accessories and hardware products at their fingertips. READ MORE...

TV & Film Star Luke Supports Local Lads In Charity Challenge

Thursday 9th February 2012
TV and film star, Luke Pasqualino is drumming up support for 4 Chesterfield lads - Jordan Passarelli, Ryan Lawty, Daljit Mehat and Oliver Pool - who are taking part in the intense '5 Peaks Challenge' in aid of national charity 'Help for Heroes'.

The star, known for his role as Freddie McClair in the teen drama 'Skins' and more recently his upcoming movie 'Love Bite', has taken time out of his pressing schedule to help devise a Twitter campaign in support of the local lads, to raise necessary funds for our troops fighting on the frontline. READ MORE...

Highways Agency Urges Motorists To Prepare For Snow

Thursday 9th February 2012 With snow expected in the area in the next few hours motorists in the East Midlands are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel.

The Met Office has said that up to 8cms of snow is likely to fall in some parts of the region this evening. The Highways Agency is advising drivers to follow four simple steps if they are planning to travel in adverse weather; Be informed - check traffic and weather updates; Be prepared - check your vehicle is ready for winter and always carry an emergency kit; Be aware - in severe weather our winter teams need the time and space to do their job; Be wise - conditions may change, drive with care. READ MORE...

MP Urges Constituents To Get Help With Fuel Bills

Wednesday 8th February 2012 It's colder than ever and winter conditions have bitten the region over the last couple of days. However, with fuel costs soaring, many families are finding it difficult to keep homes warm.

Now, North East Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel is urging her constituents to get help heating their homes.

Figures from the Home Heat Helpline show that around 6,600 homes in North East Derbyshire may be entitled to some form of assistance with their fuel bills. On average the help is worth around £250 per household. READ MORE...

Mad Hatter Event For 'When You Wish Upon A Star' Charity

Wednesday 8th February 2012
You are all invited to Hayley's event in April which has a 'Mad Hatter' theme. All money raised will be going to the 'When You Wish Upon A Star' charity, a charity which makes dreams a reality for sick children.

The event takes place at the Quadrant Restaurant at Chesterfield College on Infirmary Road, Chesterfield on the 26th April 2012, 7pm for 7:30.

Tickets are £15 per person including a 3 course meal with a complimentary drink on arrival. For more details and for bookings, contact 01246 500596.

Alfreton Town Director Praised For Community Scheme

Wednesday 8th February 2012 Alfreton Town chairman Wayne Bradley has paid tribute to the efforts of club director John Glasby who has overseen the setting up of a brand new community scheme for the club, which will provide employment for up to 40 people over the next two years.

After months of planning, the scheme became reality on Monday, January 30th, when the first four apprentices were taken on, employed by the club.

Chairman Bradley said: "In such economic times, John is to be congratulated for being focused towards generating the employment of local youth..." READ MORE...

4x4 Drivers Get Tracking Devices

Wednesday 8th February 2012 Two 4x4 owners have been presented with free tracking devices worth more than £500 following an action day targeting car crime in Chesterfield.

Peter Athorn of Eckington and Roger Hollingworth from Ashover won the tracking devices, including free fitting and five years' subscription, at a 4x4 crime reduction day held last month.

The event, held at the B2net stadium, was organised by Derbyshire Constabulary to reduce 4x4 thefts and increase awareness amongst motorists. READ MORE...

Green Grants Up For Grabs

Wednesday 8th February 2012 Groups and organisations wanting to start projects that benefit their environment are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to apply for a Greenwatch Action Grant.

The grants provide up to £500 for projects like allotments, nature conservation and environmental education projects and local recycling and energy-saving schemes.

Applications are invited from non-profit-making groups based in Derbyshire (excluding Derby City) such as natural history groups, schools, community groups or parish councils. READ MORE...

Pupils On Patrol In Staveley

Wednesday 8th February 2012
Parents parked inconsiderately outside a Staveley school received a telling off by pupils as part of an initiative with local police.

Y6 pupils from Woodthorpe Primary School joined officers from the Staveley Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and Derbyshire County Council's Sustainable Travel Team to carry out patrols outside the school.

Pupils and officers spoke to parents about the dangers of blocking drives and footpaths and the action that could be taken against them ... READ MORE...

Advice For Local Residents As Winter Bites

Tuesday 7th February 2012 Motorists are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to take care on the roads this week as falling temperatures and the risk of ice continues.

It follows a weekend of wintry conditions that saw the county council's gritting teams heading out before during and after Saturday's snow which fell solidly for eight hours.

Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: "Our gritters were out around the clock treating and clearing snow from the county's gritting routes. Around 30 farmers and other contractors were out ploughing the roads for us too." READ MORE...

Real Nappy 'Nappuccino' Coffee Morning - Time For A Change

Tuesday 7th February 2012
Any mum will know the dilemma ... real or disposable? Nappies that is. In a bid to point out the differences and the benefits of the terry type, a coffee morning will be held in Chesterfield to help parents find out more about the benefits of using real nappies.

Derbyshire County Council has organised a drop-in "Nappuccino" event at Chesterfield Library, held downstairs, near to Browsers' Cafe, at the New Beetwell Street building from 10.30 - 12.00 on Saturday 11th February. Nappy advisor Cheryl Grottick will be present on the day to answer any questions. READ MORE...

Council Agrees To Invest In Leisure Centres

Monday 6th February 2012 Chesterfield Borough Council announced last week that it has agreed to continue to keep the running of its two leisure centres, Queen's Park Sports Centre (QPSC) and the Staveley Healthy Living Centre, under Council control.

The Council plans to invest a minimum of £2.5 million in a refurbishment and modernisation programme for Queen's Park Sports Centre and is presently in discussion with other potential funding partners that could bring further investment.  There are also plans for an investment of £50k in the community sports outreach programme, with a particular emphasis on involving residents... READ MORE...

Chesterfield College To Advise Those Out Of Work On Training

Monday 6th February 2012 Chesterfield College is opening its doors on the 9th February between 4-8pm to help give advice to both youngsters and adults who find themselves out of work.

The advice evening at Infirmary Rd has proven to be a timely announcement as the latest UK unemployment figures reveal a rise of 8.4%, to 2.68m people (a rise of 118,000 between Sep-Nov '11).

This pro-active effort to give people the skills they need to get a job has also been highlighted in the latest report from the Association of Colleges, due to be launched at the House of Commons which states that colleges are working harder than ever to get people into sustainable employment. READ MORE...

'Blues On The Move' Results - Week 39

Monday 6th February 2012
This week's 'Blues On The Move' winners - the official Chesterfield FC lottery with over £1,300 in prizes paid out each week and over £1million paid out to date!

Check here every week to see if you're a winner! READ MORE...

National Apprenticeship Week Set To Benefit Ashgate Hospice

Monday 6th February 2012 During this year's National Apprenticeship Week (6th-10th Feb), Chesterfield College has geared all of its activities toward raising money for Ashgate Hospice whilst raising the profile of Apprenticeships.

Activities began last week with staff and Apprentices taking part in a fun run on Friday 3rd, in and around Chesterfield with charity buckets collecting cash for Ashgate.

Today, Monday 6th February, the College is holding a beauty school event at Ashgate Hospice from 9.30am-6pm in which Beauty Therapy Apprentices will be offering heavily discounted treatments to the public such as full body massages and manicures, all proceeds of course going to Ashgate Hospice itself. To book your place just call Helena on 07825 691404. READ MORE...

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Talk - Living With Barn Owls

Monday 6th February 2012 The next Local Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Group event of 2012 is a talk entitled 'Living With Barn Owls'. This will take place on Tuesday 14th February at 7.30 pm.

Allan and Sylvia Williams will present a talk and show their DVD film called 'Living with Barn Owls', made on their private nature reserve 'Team Valley Meadow'. Held at The Parish Centre, Annunciation Church, Spencer St, Chesterfield S40 4SD, entrance is £2.50 including refreshments. There'll also be a raffle. All are welcome.

Please also note the following dates for your diaries: 13th March, 'Brown Hares in the Derbyshire Dales'; 10th April, 'Life in the Darkness'; 19th May, Guided Walk, Hopton Quarry and; 16th June, Guided Walk, Birkinshaw's Hill Farm

Spireites Announce Successful Start To Apprenticeships

Sunday 5th February 2012 Ten local youngsters will shortly be kicking off a career in sport courtesy of a unique new apprenticeship programme at Chesterfield Football Club.

The 24 week scheme is being provided by Chesterfield FC Community Trust, in conjunction with the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and Lifeskills.

The youngsters, aged 16-19 years old, who have been selected will not only get a valuable insight into the sports industry, but they get the chance to pass industry qualifications... READ MORE...

'Freedom Of Entry' Granted To 9th/12th Royal Lancers

Friday 3rd February 2012 The 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales') Regiment is to receive The Freedom of Entry to the Borough in recognition of the Regiment's importance in the region and its close association with the Borough of Chesterfield.

The honour will be granted at a Special Council meeting at Chesterfield's Town Hall on Friday 10th February at 6.30pm.

Cllr Peter Barr, Mayor of Chesterfield said: "The Freedom of Entry to the Borough is a very special honour and is rightly given to a Regiment..." READ MORE...

Young People Get A Lesson On Life Behind Bars

Friday 3rd February 2012 Young people are being encouraged to stay on the right side of the law by a hard hitting scheme which aims to gives them a taste of life in a cell and the chance to chat to a prisoner.

Derbyshire County Council is organising the workshops with educational charity 'Prison Me No Way!' which aims to prevent young people entering the criminal justice system.

The Crime and Safety Awareness Days are being run for secondary school students in partnership with other agencies... READ MORE...

Council Tax Freeze Confirmed

Friday 3rd February 2012 A council tax freeze for the second year running has been confirmed by Derbyshire County Council.

It means the council's share of council tax bills won't increase for a further 12 months.

Commenting on the decision, Council Leader Andrew Lewer said he was determined not to add to the burden on council tax payers telling us, "We know how hard it is for many families to make ends meet. Council tax is one of the biggest bills they get each year and we do not want to make them even bigger." READ MORE...

£15 Million To Be Spent On Chesterfield Council Homes

Wednesday 1st February 2012 £15 Million is to be invested by Chesterfield Borough Council over the next financial year in order to make improvements to its housing stock in the town.

The Council says that the 'record spending level' - a 20% increase on expenditure in the present financial year - is a result of it's adopting of the Government's new self-financing scheme that comes into effect in April 2012.

The new system means the Council retains all the rental income from Council tenants to invest back into its properties. READ MORE...

Helping You Stay Safe And Warm This Winter

Wednesday 1st February 2012 With temperatures predicted to drop sharply over the next few days, Derbyshire residents are being encouraged to follow advice to keep themselves, neighbours and vulnerable people safe and warm during predicted cold weather.

The Met Office has issued a cold weather alert warning of temperatures dropping to -6C across the East Midlands towards the end of this week and Derbyshire County Council is reminding residents about some general cold weather tips as well as useful contacts for information and services they may need. READ MORE...

Tough Decisions To Be Made On Council Tax

Wednesday 1st February 2012 Chesterfield Borough Council is asking for the public's opinion as it says it is considering a 3.5% Council tax increase for 2012/13 in order to protect frontline services.

This follows meetings with Council taxpayers where the majority favoured this option over acceptance of the Government’s latest offer of a Council tax freeze grant.

Cllr John Burrows, Leader at Chesterfield Borough Council explained: "This year's offer of funding to Councils that agree to freeze Council tax in 2012/13 is a one-off grant for one year only." READ MORE...

Budget Decisions On Youth Service Force Huge Local Debate

Monday 30th January 2012 A march is taking place today in Chesterfield to protest about the funding cuts proposed by Derbyshire County Council to its youth services.

Derbyshire County Council is to hold a consultation process that runs up till the middle of March and the first of those will take place in Chesterfield tonight.

Derbyshire County Council says that it has no choice but to look at how money is allocated for funding youth services and, that it wants to work with the public to reach more young people with a 'youth offer' to provide services that they don't get normally get. READ MORE...

Council Leader Sends Good Luck Message To Spireites

Monday 30th January 2012


Chesterfield Council Leader, Cllr John Burrows has sent a 'Good luck' message to the Spireites tonight as they prepare to face Oldham in the JPT 2nd leg where a win could see the Blues at Wembley in the cup final.

Cllr Burrows said, "I'm backing the Spireites for Wembley! Everybody in the town is giving support to them tonight, it's a first class opportunity for the Spireites to show how good they really are."

'Blues On The Move' Results - Week 38

Monday 30th January 2012
This week's 'Blues On The Move' winners - the official Chesterfield FC lottery with over £1,300 in prizes paid out each week and over £1million paid out to date!

Check here every week to see if you're a winner! READ MORE...

Love Is In The Air At ASDA

Monday 30th January 2012 The Asda Supermarket in Chesterfield is marking Valentine's Day by launching a search to find the town's longest married couple.

The store is on the hunt for the longest married couple who will be presented with a bottle of bubbly and a box of chocolates to make their Valentine's celebrations extra special.

Store manager Giovanni Lausi said, "Valentine's Day is all about celebrating your relationship and treating that someone special in your life. This year, we wanted to mark the occasion by giving a gift to the couple keeping love alive..." READ MORE...

Lottery Funding Means Advantage Local Tennis Club

Monday 30th January 2012 A tennis club in Chesterfield has secured Olympic legacy funding from Sport England's Inspired Facilities Fund.

The Inspired Facilities fund is part of the £135 million Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country. Every sports facility that receives funding will carry the London 2012 Inspire mark - celebrating the link to the Games.

Chesterfield Lawn Tennis Club will receive £35,000 to open up the lounge and bar, reconfigure the office and reception areas... READ MORE...

Tesco Boosts Funds For Bo Peep's Sheep

Friday 27th January 2012 Chesterfield based organisation, Bo Peeps, has today been presented with a £600 Community Award from the Tesco Charity Trust.

Bo Peeps in Old Whittington, provides a mother and toddler group which meets twice a week with up to 16 parents and toddlers attending at any one time - a much needed group in an area of deprivation. The award means they will be able to continue to run a much needed second session each week as lack of funds had meant the group were only able to run the one until now.

Lynn Tarr of Bo Peeps said, "It's thanks to the Tesco Charity Trust..READ MORE...

Cancer Charity Loses Cash After Burglary

Wednesday 25th January 2012 A cancer charity has fallen victim to burglars who stole cash from an office in Dronfield.

In early December 2011, the office of Ashgate by Design on Lea Road in Dronfield was burgled. Sometime between 5.40pm on Saturday December 10th and 9.30am on Monday December 12th, the shopping complex was entered and the safe in the charity shop was forced. Burglars got away with a considerable amount of cash.

Anyone who has any information about the burglary should ring Dronfield police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

New Hospital Facility To Create 88 Jobs

Tuesday 24th January 2012 There's more good news on the jobs front for Chesterfield today as Chesterifield Borough council has told us this morning that a specialist hospital facility at Mastin Moor in Chesterfield is set to create 88 new jobs, and contribute significantly to local growth.

The new facility, run by the health and social care organisation Turning Point, will provide services for people with complex needs.

As part of the planning permission for the development, an agreement was put in place to maximise employment and training opportunities for locals. READ MORE... 

Limber Up - Sport Relief Is Back And Coming To Chesterfield

Tuesday 24th January 2012 The Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile is back - and it's coming to Queen's Park in Chesterfield.

The town is set to host its fourth Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 25th March, and needs local people to come together and show their support by entering now at www.sportrelief.com.

As one of the UK's biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives - so it's time to dust off those trainers and enter right now. READ MORE...

Police Seize Alcohol From Youngsters

Tuesday 24th January 2012 Police in North East Derbyshire seized 30 bottles of alcohol from underage drinkers as part of a clampdown on nuisance behaviour.

Officers from the Clay Cross area Safer Neighbourhood Teams confiscated the booze from several youngsters during routine patrols in the villages of Pilsley, North Wingfield and Wingerworth. They took 19 bottles of lager from a 16-year-old boy they stopped near the church yard in Pilsley on Friday, January 20th. On the same evening officers also reported an 18-year-old man for summons to court after he was seen urinating in a bus stop on Church Street, Pilsley. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Caledonians Celebrate 'Fantastic' Burns' Night

Tuesday 24th January 2012 Chesterfield and District Caledonian Association held their Annual Burns' Dinner and Dance on Saturday 21st January 2012 at the Chesterfield Hotel, celebrating 253 years since the birth of Robert Burns, with 67 members and guests attending.

President Mark Macartney welcomed the company which included the Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Peter Barr and Deputy Mayoress Mrs Diane Parsons, Committee Member Mrs Ellen Kinch said grace.

The haggis was piped in by piper Alastair Horsburgh ... READ MORE...

Market Traders Speak About The Rent Freeze

Tuesday 24th January 2012 After last weeks news that Chesterfield Borough Council had decided to freeze market stall rents for the next financial year, traders on the market say they welcome the decision.

Market traders met with Councillor Nick Stringer, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism yesterday (Monday 23rd January) to hear about the Council's decision.

Cllr Stringer said: "We've previously talked to the Markets' Consultative Committee about how best we manage next year's budget..." READ MORE...

Police Appeal After Coal Aston Fire

Tuesday 24th January 2012 Police are appealing for witnesses to a suspicious fire at an unoccupied house on Eckington Road, Coal Aston.

The fire started on Sunday January 22nd, between 7.10pm - 7.30pm, and is, say police, being treated as arson.  Officers believe the offender or offenders may have been carrying some sort of container and that their clothes will smell of paraffin or petrol. Minor damage was caused.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or to anyone who may have information that would help the investigation to contact DC James Wall on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Local Jobs Boost At County's Flagship Regeneration Site

Monday 23rd January 2012 There's good news for the area this morning with the news that over 120 jobs will be created after a leading firm signed a deal to invest in Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site.

Car parts distributor Andrew Page Limited is setting up its new national distribution centre at Markham Vale, which the county council is developing with partner Henry Boot Developments Limited.

Work will begin next month to build the distribution centre with completion expected in August. READ MORE...

First Narrowboat On New Staveley Canal Basin

Monday 23rd January 2012 Dozens of delighted spectators welcomed the John Varley onto Staveley Town Basin on Friday. It was the first canal boat onto the new basin. In fact it was the first canal boat on this stretch for over fifty years.

The canal had been derelict for years and then open cast mining had taken place on the site. It was partly recovered when the new Staveley Relief Road was completed two years ago. Over the last eleven months, contractors have been building the basin itself.

For years, the Chesterfield Canal Trust's volunteer Work Party... READ MORE...

'Blues On The Move' Results - Week 37

Friday 20th January 2012
This week's 'Blues On The Move' winners - the official Chesterfield FC lottery with over £1,300 in prizes paid out each week and over £1million paid out to date!

Check here every week to see if you're a winner! READ MORE...

Chesterfield IT Students Bridge Derbyshire's Digital Divide

Friday 20th January 2012 They say you're never to old to learn a new skill - and that's now been proven over the last six weeks.

Chesterfield College IT students have been tutoring members of Derbyshire County Council's 50+ Forum in all things computer for the past six weeks, coaching on everything from uploading digital photos through to creating spreadsheets.

It was the brainchild of Gill Clarke, Intergenerational Practice Officer at DCC, who formed the collaboration with learners studying on the BTEC Diploma for IT Practitioners course and her 50+ Forum ... READ MORE...

Council Speaks Out Over Chesterfield Market Decisions

Thursday 19th January 2012 It's described as a tourist attraction - and certainly anyone who visits Chesterfield town centre often will recognise Shire horse Ben and his cart, who regularly stand outside Marks and Spencer on the High Street.

However, due to what they say are difficult economic conditions and, in order to protect the market for the future, Councillors have taken the decision to withdraw the horse and cart from it's place on the Market.

This has provoked fury amongst some people in town who say that they are scrapping a tourist attraction. We interviewed Cllr Nick Stringer... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Chesterfield Chinese Association New Year Celebrations

Wednesday 18th January 2012 The Chesterfield Chinese Association celebrates Chinese New Year for 2012, the Year of the Dragon, on Tuesday 31st January 6:30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. at the Winding Wheel Chesterfield.

Events will include a Lion Dance, Chinese Folk Dancing, Ballet, Modern Dance and Singers.

Admission is by ticket only and is £15 for Non Members or £10 for Adult Members, Children under 11 years old £8 and Over 65's also £8. The ticket price includes, Chinese New Year Dinner and Entry to the Prize Draw. READ MORE...

NHS Reform - Hear How It May Affect You

Wednesday 18th January 2012 People wanting to find out more about how NHS reform is progressing in North Derbyshire are being invited to the first public Board meeting of GP's and clinicians poised to take over the running of the local NHS.

North Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group are to hold the meeting on Thursday, January 26th at their offices in Scarsdale on Nightingale Close, between 2.15pm and 4pm.

The group is currently shadowing the work of the local primary care trust in readiness for the handover of NHS budgets to GPs and clinicians in April 2013... READ MORE...

Volunteers All Set To Go

Wednesday 18th January 2012 Chesterfield Borough Council's new volunteer scheme is now up and running with its first group of recruits going through their induction training.

The volunteers, who are based at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and Chesterfield Museum, signed up as volunteers after the Council announced it was seeking help to promote its Tourism and Cultural services.

Cllr Nick Stringer, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: "All the volunteers are very passionate about Chesterfield..." READ MORE...

Images Released Of Men Sought After Chesterfield Assault

Wednesday 18th January 2012 Police have released images of two men they would like to speak to about an assault in Chesterfield where a man suffered a fractured jaw and head injuries.

The 21-year-old was in Corporation Street with a group of friends when they were approached by several men. One of the men punched the victim before leaving the area in a taxi.

The two men officers want to speak to are white with short, dark hair. One wore light trousers, a light jacket and a red t-shirt. READ MORE...

A Different View For Tourism Centre

Wednesday 18th January 2012 Chesterfield Borough Council has now given approval for a revamp of its award-winning Tourist Information Centre (TIC), it's been announced today.

The refurbishment, which will begin in February, is one of a number of projects by Destination Chesterfield to update key gateways into the town. The revamp will give the Centre a more vibrant, modern and customer-friendly location that will showcase Chesterfield at its very best.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said... READ MORE...

First £67k Funding Round Gives 83 Groups A Sporting Chance

Wednesday 18th January 2012 More than 80 sports clubs and community groups will receive funding to help them promote healthy and active lifestyles in the first round of Derbyshire County Council's new £180,000 Sports Action Grant scheme.

The scheme was launched in October and 83 applications totalling £67,530 have now been approved in the first round.

Under the scheme bids are invited for grants of up to £1,000 for groups to provide activities that encourage more people to take part in sport... READ MORE...

Scheme For Hard Of Hearing Extended

Tuesday 17th January 2012 It's been announced this morning that funding has now been approved to extend a Derbyshire County Council scheme to help people with hearing impairments feel safer in their homes after residents said it made them feel more secure.

The council fitted specialist door chimes with flashing lights and vibrating pagers to the homes of 400 people with hearing impairments between May 2010 and last October.

Out of 154 recipients surveyed, 97 per cent said it helped them... READ MORE...

Don't Miss Your Chance To Bid For A Community Action Grant

Tuesday 17th January 2012

Residents and community groups are being urged not to miss the deadline for Derbyshire County Council's next round of Community Action Grant funding.

The council introduced the grants last June with a £250,000 funding pot to be awarded by the end of 2012.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available to small not-for-profit groups and organisations to support their work to help build strong and flourishing communities. READ MORE...

Let Us Pray - Or Is It 'Prey' As Kids Learn About Wildlife

Tuesday 17th January 2012 It was a case of Bird Of Prey rather than 'let us pray' when children from a local primary school were visited by some feathered friends.

New Whittington Primary School played host to 4 owls, brought along by a 'rapture rescue' facility that helps encourage children to respect wildlife. It's a cross curricular day and one which features science, art, literacy and numeracy.

Bob Morley and Shane Griffiths run 'The Owl Experience' near Risley in Derbyshire. Bob told us why what they do is so important... READ MORE...

Staveley MWFC To Hold Inaugural Sporting Dinner

Tuesday 17th January 2012 Former Nottingham Forest and Scotland hard man Kenny Burns will be the guest speaker at the first-ever sporting dinner hosted by Staveley MWFC, on Monday, February 6 (7pm for 7.30pm start).

Burns will recount some amusing anecdotes from his playing career, during which he won an array of domestic and European honours at Forest under legendary Manager, Brian Clough.

Entertainment will be provided by zany comedy-magician Billy Flywheel with Sky Sports reporter, Nick Johnson acting as MC. READ MORE...

4x4 Action Day A Success

Tuesday 17th January 2012 The recent 4x4 Action day at the football ground was hailed a huge success as hundreds of motorists turned up and were given free property marking kits for their cars as part of an initiative to tackle thefts of 4x4s.

Almost 250 4x4 owners turned up to the event, organised by Derbyshire police at the B2net stadium, to have their cars protectively marked by SelectaDNA and SmartWater.

Vehicles including BMW X5s, Range Rovers, Lexus and Land Rovers were marked with the kits which deter thieves... READ MORE...

Eyes Down ... Look Around

Tuesday 17th January 2012 Neighbourhood police in Chesterfield are hoping for a full house when they visit a bingo hall to give out crime prevention and safety advice.

Members of the Chesterfield Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team will be visiting Mecca Bingo on Foljambe Road, on Saturday, January 28th.

Officers will be there from noon to pass on safety tips and speak to visitors about any policing concerns they have. READ MORE...

Saltergate Now Sold

Monday 16th January 2012 It was a second home to many of us and today there's news that the old Chesterfield Football Ground at Saltergate has now been sold, with planning permission to turn it into a residential area due to be applied for shortly.

Barratt Homes has confirmed to The Chesterfield Post that they have now purchased the site and are looking forward to beginning building when permission is granted.

They say that, whilst the site will be housing, they understand it's relevance and attachment to the town and will try and maintain its former presence READ MORE...

Sewer Upgrade In Bolsover Going Well

Monday 16th January 2012 Residents have been praised for their patience by Yorkshire Water as the company has announced its making good progress on its £500,000 project to upgrade its sewer network in Bolsover, near Chesterfield.

Since October, engineering specialists Barhale WSP have been working with the company to help reduce the risk of pollution incidents at the Station Road combined sewer flow as a result of bricks becoming lodged in the local sewer.

The work will see a 170 metre section of Victorian-era sewer under Station Road and Townend completely replaced, with a further 290 metres relined... READ MORE...

Council Apprenticeship Scheme Comes To A Successful End

Monday 16th January 2012
Chesterfield Borough Council's apprenticeship programme has now been completed, and the Council says it's been a huge success, with all 30 apprentices having either secured employment or finished their training programme.

50% of the apprentices (15 people) secured employment, which is an exceptional result for a scheme of this type with the majority being employed within Chesterfield Borough. A further 12 people completed the scheme and are now seeking employment. READ MORE...

'Think Sprinkler' Campaign Launched By Fire Service

Monday 16th January 2012 A seminar to highlight the benefits of having sprinklers fitted in domestic dwellings was held at the Old fire Station Sheffield Road, and the b2net last Thursday (12th January).

Guests were invited by Derbyshire's Chief Fire Officer Chief Executive Sean Frayne and included key individuals who are responsible for decisions relating to new buildings in Derbyshire.

Speakers at the seminar included the TV presenter and long-time advocate of the benefits of sprinklers, Nick Ross along with Caroline Tucker. READ MORE...

Burns Supper Celebrations

Monday 16th January 2012 Chesterfield and District Caledonian Association are holding their Annual Burns Supper Celebration at Chesterfield Hotel on Saturday 21st January 2012.

The evening will consist of a four course meal with coffee, whisky for the toasts, a Scottish Band to play for dancing, the traditional Address to the Haggis, The Toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, the Toast to the Lasses and the Response by the Lasses.

Dancing will begin when the toasts are finished and continue... READ MORE...

'Blues On The Move' Results - Week 36

Monday 16th January 2012
This week's 'Blues On The Move' winners - the official Chesterfield FC lottery with over £1,300 in prizes paid out each week and over £1million paid out to date!

Check here every week to see if you're a winner! READ MORE...

Boy Robbed In Dronfield - Police Appeal

Friday 13th January 2012
Police are appealing for information after a 12-year-old boy was robbed in Dronfield at around 3.40pm on Thursday, January 12th - the victim and a friend were walking home from school along Gosforth Drive.

The victim was using his mobile phone when they were approached by two teenagers on bikes who demanded they hand them over. The victim said no and put his phone in his blazer pocket. One of the teenagers then put the boy in a headlock and said he had a knife. The attacker then reached into the victim’s blazer pocket and took a Blackberry Curve phone. No knife was seen. READ MORE...

Market Traders Go Bananas At Police Station

Thursday 12th January 2012 One market stall has formed a productive relationship with a flagship scheme run by Derbyshire police. And now, as it completes its move to a different place on the Market, the organiser of the police sessions was proud to help open it.

Country Crop sends free bananas and oranges for youngsters who attend Ozbox at Chesterfield police station every Tuesday.

Ozbox chief Sgt Steve Osbaldeston said: "I was delighted to have been asked to attend the opening of the new stall ... READ MORE...

Coroner Rules On Chesterfield Mum Who Died In Wales

Wednesday 11th January 2012 A North Wales Coroner has ruled that a Chesterfield woman, on holiday with her family, died after suffering what he termed 'classic' carbon monoxide poisoning, during her inquest today.

Tracey Screen, died after being overcome by fumes from a barbeque, placed in the central area of the tent to maintain warmth.

Her husband Benjamin Screen told the inquest his wife's death had left a "big hole" in their lives. He explained that the BBQ had been lit at approx 17.00 hrs and a meal cooked. READ MORE...

Inquest Today Into The Tragic Death Of Chesterfield Woman

Wednesday 11th January 2012 The inquest into the death of a Chesterfield woman who died whilst on holiday in North Wales with her family takes place today.

34 year old Tracy Screen died after what's believed to be toxic fumes from a barbeque overcame her as she slept in a tent on a campsite in Gwynedd.

Her devastated husband Benjamin and her two children aged 7 and 4 were also treated in hospital after the incident but have made a full recovery.

Mr Screen paid tribute to his wife ... READ MORE...

Gold Medals All Round As Ashover Hosts The Olympics

Tuesday 10th January 2012 The London Olympic Games may still be some way off but seven Ashover residents have already been demonstrating their athletic prowess - and winning gold medals.

They showed their talents this week during the annual parish pantomime - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - which included a special 'Dwarf Olympics' and where, surprisingly, every competitor won first prize.

Writer and Director Rosemary Early had to admit that the judges who awarded the gold medals were still 'not fully trained' when the curtain went up... READ MORE...

New Year Hope For Local Firm As Jobs Saved

Monday 9th January 2012 There's some good news for the local economy after dozens of staff at a Chesterfield firm have learned that they are in fact to keep their jobs.

Under-threat Timberline, on the Sheepbridge Industrial Estate, has been the subject of a successful take-over bid by a Barnsley based company - saving 45 jobs.

Toby Perkins, Labour Member of Parliament for Chesterfield and Shadow Minister for Small Business, hailed the news as "a fantastic result" for all those people who have worked around the clock to ensure the Sheepbridge based firm has a long term future. READ MORE...

New Chesterfield Canal Basin Is Full!

Monday 9th January 2012 We can now report that Staveley Town Basin is full!

For 3 weeks over the Christmas period, the water level rose slowly, fed by a 6" pipe through a temporary dam. Then, on Thursday 5th January, the dam was dug out allowing the last few inches of water to gush through.

It's a major milestone for the Canal, with the basin years in the planning, after construction started last March. Throughout the process there have been excited local people standing on bridges admiring the works and now the finished basin is already attracting lots of positive interest... READ MORE...

Appeal After Aggravated Burglary At Heath

Monday 9th January 2012 An appeal for information has been launched today by Derbyshire Police after a man and a woman were threatened and assaulted after three men got into their Derbyshire home.

The men, dressed in dark clothing, wearing balaclavas and carrying knives, attacked the couple at between 8:20pm and 8:40pm on Friday January 6th 2012 at their home in Church Lane, Heath.

A 62-year-old man was punched to the mouth and his 62-year-old wife was also punched to the face before they were forced to the floor. READ MORE...

10,000 Calls To New NHS 111 Helpline In 2 Months

Monday 9th January 2012 Over 10,000 calls have been made to North Derbyshire's new non-emergency NHS 111 number since it went live two months ago.

7,956 people living in the Chesterfield, Bolsover, Bakewell and Matlock areas dialled the helpline direct between 25th October 2011 and 2nd January 2012, with another 2,425 automatically diverted to the service through their GP.

NHS 111 is a new health telephone number being piloted by NHS Derbyshire County and North Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group. The number is for people needing health and medical care when it's less urgent than 999. READ MORE...

Questions On The Beat

Monday 9th January 2012 In what's been termed a valuable exercise, neighbourhood police have gone out on the streets to find out about residents' concerns in South Chesterfield.

Officers from the Holmebrook and Rother Safer Neighbourhood Team carried out a walkabout on Grangewood Road and Church Street South to offer advice and hand out crime prevention equipment.

The team visited more than 60 homes on Thursday, January 5th to find out how people felt about their local officers and give out UV pens to mark property and deter thieves. READ MORE...

County Council Recognised For Work With Young People

Monday 9th January 2012

Derbyshire County Council has announced that it has received national recognition for its work dealing with challenging young people.

It has become the first in the country to be licensed on behalf of a national organisation to train staff on handling difficult situations.

Three qualified principal instructors now work with colleagues to help them engage with young people and provide positive support... READ MORE...

'Blues On The Move' Results - Week 35

Monday 9th January 2012
This week's 'Blues On The Move' winners - the official Chesterfield FC lottery with over £1,300 in prizes paid out each week and over £1million paid out to date!

Check here every week to see if you're a winner! READ MORE...

"She Didn't Do Anything For Women" The Real Iron Ladies Rally

Friday 6th January 2012 A group of women who were the 'Real Iron Ladies' during the Miner's strike have taken part in a protest outside Chesterfield Cineworld this lunchtime - rallying against what they say is the misrepresentation of former PM Margaret Thatcher by scriptwriters in the newly released film 'The Iron Lady'.

Hollywood Actress Meryl Streep portrays Baroness Thatcher during her years in power and more lately as she slips into dementia. Critics expect Oscar© nominations for the film, which Cineworld is screening for the first time today, though reviews have so far been mixed. READ MORE AND VIDEO...

Chesterfield Library Closure Begins On Monday

Friday 6th January 2012 A reminder that Chesterfield Library will close its doors for three weeks from Monday 9th January while work gets underway on a new reception area, and will be re-opening on Monday, January 30th.

While the work is carried out, library users can still browse the catalogue and make renewals and reservations online 24 hours a day. Books can also be renewed by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

Library users can use their membership cards at nearby libraries, including Newbold, Brimington, Wingerworth and Old Whittington, or take advantage of the mobile libraries which visit the surrounding areas including Hasland, Calow and Holymoorside.

Alcohol Sales Ban For Store Following Underage Sales

Friday 6th January 2012 A Chesterfield store has had its licence to sell alcohol suspended for three months following an investigation by Derbyshire County Council.

Extra conditions have also been imposed on Singh's Wine and Food Store, Derby Road, following the licence review hearing at Chesterfield Borough Council.

Store assistant Nazeem Hussain twice sold alcohol to an underage volunteer during a trading standards operation on 30th July 2011. The sales were a criminal offence under the Licensing Act 2003. Nazeem Hussain has paid an £80 penalty notice. READ MORE...

Stunell - Site Funding Fairer Deal For Travellers And Community

Thursday 5th January 2012 Communities Minister Andrew Stunell today announced the successful bids for £60 million of funding that will provide hundreds of new authorised pitches as well as better facilities for travellers on official sites.

This includes over £1.6 million for 20 new pitches in Bolsover, Derbyshire.

The Homes and Communities Agency have completed their bid assessments and recommended offers that will deliver over 750 new and improved pitches costing £47m. READ MORE...

Is this Yours?

Thursday 5th January 2012 Police in Staveley are appealing for the owners of the bike pictured below which was recovered on Christmas Day, to come forward.

A dog walker contacted police after finding the bike in a hedge off Worksop Road, Mastin Moor at around 10am on Christmas Day. The bike is silver Ezee electric assisted pedal cycle and is in good condition. The website address www.50cycles.com is printed on the frame. Officers from the Staveley Safer Neighbourhood Team want to trace the owner of the bike and find out whether it has been stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PCSO Sue Cooke on the police non-emergency number 101 or by email to staveley.neighbourhoods @derbyshire.pnn.police.uk.

Marsh Lane Burglary - Witnesses Sought

Wednesday 4th January 2012 Police are appealing for witnesses to a burglary at a house on Bramley Road in Marsh Lane near Eckington.

The offence happened between 5 - 5.30pm on Thursday December 29th when the 49-year-old occupant opened his door to two men. They pushed their way into the house and stole cash. The intruders had their faces covered. One wore an orange workman's coat, a purple baseball cap, green wellingtons and gloves. He was about six feet tall and of big build. The second man was slimmer and shorter. He wore a dark coat and gloves. Although this was an isolated incident, the local Safer Neighbourhood team will be paying extra attention to the area.

Anyone who has any information about the burglary or who recognises the description of the offenders should contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Government Grant Keeps Derbyshire Warm This Winter

Wednesday 4th January 2012 As Chesterfield continues in the throes of winter Derbyshire County Council has welcomed the news that it has been awarded just over £94,000 from the Government's 'Warm Homes Healthy People' fund and can now set up a variety of schemes with community and voluntary organisations across the county.

More than 30 organisations and voluntary groups joined in the cash bid and some schemes will be up and running shortly. READ MORE...

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Talk Sunshine And Madeira

Wednesday 4th January 2012 The first Local Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Group event of 2012 is a talk entitled 'Madeira - Island of Eternal Sunshine'. This will take place on Tuesday 10th January at 7.30 pm.

Tony Pioli captures the beauty of this island of flowers known as the 'Jewel of the Atlantic' through his breathtaking photographs.

The Parish Centre, Annunciation Church, Spencer St, Chesterfield S40 4SD is the venue, and the entrance fee is £2.50 including refreshments. All are welcome.

Please note the following dates for your diaries: 14th February, 'Living with Barn Owls', 13th March, 'Brown Hares in the Derbyshire Dales', 10th April, 'Life in the Darkness'.

Consultation On Future Youth Service To Begin

Wednesday 4th January 2012 A consultation on the future of youth activities in Derbyshire will begin on Monday, 9th January.

Derbyshire County Council is running a ten-week consultation to ask local people, youth activity users, staff and partner organisations to give their views on proposed changes to the way youth activities are offered.

The council is proposing to work more closely with voluntary and community organisation to fund them in delivering services for 13 to 19 year olds, rather than directly providing them. This is aimed at giving more young people greater opportunities to take part in youth activities when and where they want them. READ MORE...

Bishop's Thanks For Kenyan Trail Bikes

Monday 2nd January 2012 Supporters of the Ashover Church Appeal to fund the purchase of two off-road trail bikes for use by Christian Clergy in a wild and often lawless area of northern Kenya, have now been given their first glimpses of the machines.

Bought to honour the Right Rev'd Bob Beak and his wife Peggy, two members of the Ashover ministry team, for their long service at home and abroad, images of the bikes were shown to members of All Saints this week during a flying visit to the village by the Right Revd. Rob Martin, Diocesan Bishop of Marsabit in Kenya, and his wife, Sue. READ MORE...

Train Travel Price Rises From Today

Monday 2nd January 2012 New train fare tariffs come into force today, meaning that passengers in our region are faced with the prospect of higher prices for journeys. But, just how WILL it affect us as we book tickets this year?

East Midlands Trains has told us that the average fare on its network will rise by an average of 5.7%. They say that the increase is lower than the UK rail average of 5.9% and passengers can check the new prices for their own journeys from today online or through National Rail Enquiries.

Changes in the cost of specific individual tickets will vary, however, the average fare per journey at East Midlands Trains will rise by just 72p. READ MORE...

"Thank You!" To Our Readers From The NSPCC

Wednesday 28th December 2011

The NSPCC was founded well over a hundred years ago, but its aim remains the same, to end cruelty to children. Like any charity it relies heavily on donations and goodwill from the public and now, in an open letter, people in Chesterfield are being thanked by the charity for their efforts this year.

"Dear Editor, I would like to say a personal thank you to all of your readers who have helped support the NSPCC throughout 2011. Thanks to the public giving generously, we have made significant strides for children this year." READ MORE...

100 Years On - Group Pays Respects To Tragic Teenagers

Wednesday 28th December 2011 One hundred years ago yesterday, five young girls were killed in a fire at a theatre in Chesterfield.

The Palace Theatre, situated at the juncture of Burlington Street and Church Street was destroyed after fire swept through it on 27th Dec 1911, as the youngsters were rehearsing for a show.

It's believed that they were dressed as penguins and they caught fire after one of them was smoking and dropped the 'spell' on herself. Panicking and seeking help, she spread the flames around her friends who, like her, were wearing clothes made out of cotton wool. READ MORE...

Losing The Fur For Our Furry Friends

Wednesday 28th December 2011 Companion Care Vets (inside Pets at Home) are having an open day on Sunday 8th January.

On this date the public are invited to come and meet their team and also view normally unauthorised areas of the practice. Both new and old clients are welcome and also persons who use other veterinary groups.

Theree are other events, such as face painting, pet photography, refreshments with the highlight of the day watching Head Vet and Practice Owner, Paul Meiring having his legs waxed to raise money for Dogs for the Disabled. READ MORE...

Hospital Visit Proves A Tonic For Young Patients

Wednesday 28th December 2011
Christmas is of course a time for families, and more importantly children. For some though, the period is spent in hospital whilst their children receive vital care.

For youngsters on Nightingale Ward at Chesterfield Royal Hospital however, a tonic came in the form of a visit from Chesterfield Football management and players, when they toured the Children's ward and handed out presents to those receiving treatment over the Festive period. Every member of the squad was there and young fans were delighted to receive goodie bags from the lads. READ MORE...

SJA Get Ready For Winter And Advise Everyone To Be Prepared

Wednesday 28th December 2011 St John Ambulance staff and volunteers in Derbyshire are now busy making preparations to support the emergency services should the county be hit by snow and freezing temperatures again this winter.

Last year, and in 2009, heavy snow fell across the region just days before Christmas leading to a greater demand for the service provided by the NHS. To help alleviate some of the pressure, St John Ambulance staff and volunteers supported the ambulance service with 4x4 ambulances enabling them to reach patients in remote areas and provide immediate emergency care and transport... READ MORE..

Brass Band At The Hub

Friday 23rd December 2011
Woodhouse Prize Band gave a concert at Hollingwood Hub on Saturday morning. Lots of people came to enjoy a mixture of rousing carols and more modern tunes, along with a raffle and tombola.

The Band was formed in 1853 and was originally called Handsworth Woodhouse, but soon became Woodhouse Band when the two parishes split. The 'Prize' was added after winning many contests. They even beat Black Dyke Mills, albeit in the late 1800's! They are very proud of being a village Band and are totally self supporting, receiving no sponsorship of any kind. READ MORE...

Staveley Town Basin Canal Success

Wednesday 21st December 2011 Over the next couple of weeks visitors to the Chesterfield Canal can see a section being slowly filled with water - marking an important landmark in a project to regenerate the waterway.

The area behind the Morrison's store in Staveley has been fully restored opening up a bit of the canal that has been closed for several months.

It's all part of the Derbyshire County Council-managed Staveley Town Basin project which also involves creating a nearby mooring basin where people will soon be able to leave their boats. READ MORE...

Top Guiding Accolade For Chesterfield Woman

Wednesday 21st December 2011 Stephanie Jackson-Horner, from Chesterfield, has shown she is leading the way after receiving Girlguiding UK's top accolade, the coveted Queen's Guide Award.

The award was presented to Stephanie by Baroness Smith of Basildon - herself a former Brownie - at a special ceremony held at the House of Lords in London on Thursday 1st December.

Young women from around the UK joined Stephanie in receiving their Queen's Guide Award. READ MORE...

Royal's Calendar Girls

Monday 19th December 2011 A woman who lost her baby to meningitis has been raising money to help the Chesterfield Royal Hospital ward that tried to save her son's life.

Jaden Green was just days old when he was taken to the Royal four years ago but, despite the best efforts of the staff on Nightingale, he couldn't be saved.

Jaden's mother, Rebecca Hinchliff, now has two sons and, with the help of friends and family has this year raised £600 for the ward by posing for and producing a calendar called 'Real Women 2012'. READ MORE...

Chesterfield FC Players Officially Relaunch Foodstore

Monday 19th December 2011 Colleagues and customers at two Chesterfield foodstores have celebrated the completion of their stores refurbishment with a little help from three Chesterfield Football Club players.

The Midlands Co-operative foodstores on Elder Way in Chesterfield and the High Street in Brimington have both received significant refurbishment work. Defender Simon Ford and midfielders Craig Clay and Tendi Darekwa from Chesterfield Football Club officially relaunched the stores by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

It has taken two weeks for the community retailer... READ MORE...

Calling Time On A Retail Career

Monday 19th December 2011 A Chesterfield couple is to star in a recruitment campaign by Punch Taverns, aimed at stressing the benefits of a career in the pub trade.

Helen and Andrew Mason both left careers with supermarket giant Asda to run the Telmere Lodge in Hasland after wanting to spend more time with their children.

Now Punch has chosen them to front an advert aimed at those currently working in the supermarket sector, but wanting to be their own boss. The feature will appear in the grocery industry bible, The Grocer. READ MORE...

Joseph Travels To The Winding Wheel

Thursday 15th December 2011 The West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is coming to Chesterfield in May 2012

The news was hailed as 'a springboard for the future success' of the Winding Wheel by Councillor Nick Stringer, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, in what will be the first large scale musical production from the West End to visit the town.

Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright's 'AMAZING', 'SUPERB', 'WONDERFUL' and 'BRILLIANT' production... READ MORE...

Police Base At Hospital

Thursday 15th December 2011 A police base has been set up at a Chesterfield hospital to increase communication and help make staff, patients and visitors feel safer.

Police Community Support Officer Adele Chapman-Jones from the local Safer Neighbourhood team is now based within A&E at Chesterfield Royal Hospital one day a week.

PCSO Chapman-Jones will carry out patrols around the hospital, run crime awareness sessions and be a point of contact for hospital staff. READ MORE...

Work Opportunities For Chesterfield Youngsters

Wednesday 14th December 2011 Over 700 young people will be helped into work after Derbyshire Council Council signed a contract to deliver one of their biggest ever apprenticeship drives.

And, an agreement with Chesterfield College's apprenticeship academy, Learning Unlimited, means that they will manage the four-year scheme.

500 apprenticeships will be created − ranging from roles in engineering and maintenance, business administration, and other services including adult care − with the opportunity to compete for permanent employment on completion. READ MORE...

A Warm Welcome This Christmas At Revolution House

Wednesday 14th December 2011 The Revolution House in Old Whittington is Chesterfield's best-known historic house and will be decorated in traditional style with real holly, ivy and evergreens as well as a flower festival for two weeks from Saturday 17th December.

The special exhibition concentrates on Christmas Customs. Find out about when Christmas trees, cards and crackers were first introduced.

Revolution House provides a particularly warm welcome to visitors on Monday 19th December with a special evening opening ... READ MORE...

A New Lease Of Life For An Old Favourite

Tuesday 13th December 2011 We have long been told that Chesterfield's economy continues to thrive despite the recession. And one young couple have taken a chance on that - and are set to re open a favourite drinking haunt in the town.

The Gardener's Arms on Glumangate has just undergone a huge refurbishment and upgrade and will open on Friday 16th December at 11am.

It's new licensees, Tiffany Bumford and Aaron Smith say they believe that "It is exactly the right time to begin trading in the town and look forward to beginning." READ MORE...

Chesterfield Library Turns A Page

Tuesday 13th December 2011

Chesterfield Library is to get a brand new look as part of plans to create a new reception area and speed up service for book lovers in a hurry.

Comfy seats and new promotional stands featuring the latest best sellers will be part of the changes to the Derbyshire County Council library's entrance.

Four new self-service terminals are also being added to speed up transactions and give customers more choice about how they check out their books. READ MORE...

County Council Gives £40k Funding Boost To Small Groups

Tuesday 13th December 2011 Community groups have been awarded almost £40,000 in the latest round of Derbyshire County Council's 'Community Action Grants'.

The grants were introduced in June this year with a £250,000 funding pot to be awarded by the end of 2012, supporting the work of voluntary groups to help build strong and flourishing communities.

The first phase of grants was awarded in September, with a total of £41,323 received by 57 grants. Now a further £39,936 has been awarded to another 51 groups in the second phase of grants. And the latest round of awards has seen 51 groups across the county awarded a total of £39,936. READ MORE...

Catwalk In The Café

Tuesday 13th December 2011 Fashion was high on the shopping list when a local supermarket held a Fashion Show to raise funds for its Charity of the Year.

Sainsbury's says that it is proud to support Ashgate Hospice and, throughout the year, hosts a selection of fundraising events including bagpacks and collections in order to enable customers to show their support for the cause too.

Thursday last week saw staff, their children and supporters strut their stuff on the Catwalk in the Café in front of customers, supporters and the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, Cllr Don and Mrs Diane Parsons. READ MORE...

Derbyshire Young Achievers Shine At Awards Ceremony

Monday 12th December 2011 Derbyshire County Council has celebrated the outstanding achievements of some of the county's most exceptional young people at the 13th Derbyshire Young Achiever Awards.

The awards were set up to highlight some of the outstanding personal achievements of young people across the county.

In total 78 young people - aged 4 to 17 - and 2 groups, received awards during the ceremony held at Highfields School in Matlock on Friday (December 9th), and around 520 guests and nominators joined them in celebrating... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Officer Awarded MBE

Friday 9th December 2011 A Derbyshire police officer who was made an MBE earlier this year in the Queen's Birthday Honours has travelled to Buckingham Palace to collect his medal.

Sgt Stephen Osbaldeston, who was recognised for his services to policing and for setting up a boxing scheme for troubled youngsters, was presented with his MBE by HRH The Queen this Tuesday, December 6th.

Sgt Osbaldeston set up Ozbox, a free boxing-based training scheme for youngsters aged between 12 and 19, in 2005 at Chesterfield Police Station. READ MORE...

London 2012 Offers First Local Torchbearer Places

Friday 9th December 2011 This week, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) began to make conditional offers to inspiring people who had been nominated to carry the Olympic Flame next summer during the 70 day Olympic Torch Relay.

Hundreds of people locally are now one step closer to becoming a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer and having their moment to shine next summer.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: "Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a friend, a colleague or a family member..." READ MORE...

A Warm Welcome To Chesterfield

Thursday 8th December 2011 Front line staff this week became the town's first ambassadors as part of a new initiative launched by Destination Chesterfield.

'Chesterfield Ambassadors' is a scheme for front line staff in the town and recognises the important role they play in shaping the impressions of Chesterfield to visitors who are here on business and pleasure.

The workshop developed by Chesterfield Champion, Evolution Training highlights useful facts about Chesterfield, the town's regeneration plans alongside the importance of good customer service. READ MORE... 

Public Backs Plans For Foundation Status

Monday 5th December 2011 Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has received overwhelming public support for its plans to become a Foundation Trust, it is announced.

More than 3,000 people have already signed up as members in support of the Foundation Trust plans, and results from a three month consultation on the proposals, which were published on 1st December, give a clear thumbs up from the vast majority of people canvassed.

The results reveal that most people are in favour and think it will benefit patients by providing a stronger local voice in the way community NHS services are run and developed in future. READ MORE... 

Pupils Celebrate New Chesterfield School's Official Opening

Saturday 3rd December 2011 A new £5.5m primary school paid for by Derbyshire County Council has been officially opened.

Hollingwood Primary School in Chesterfield now boasts spacious classrooms, a hall and a dining area which doubles as an informal learning and social area.

The state-of-the-art building replaced the old school which has been demolished to create outdoor education areas.

There is also a multi-use games area for school and community use READ MORE...

Olympic Star Supports Council's New Sport Grant Fund

Friday 2nd December 2011 Olympic badminton player Donna Kellogg MBE is adding her support to Derbyshire County Council's new £180,000 fund to promote healthy and active lifestyles.

The Derbyshire-based star is backing the council's Sports Action Grants and encouraging clubs and community groups to get their applications in for the first round.

Applications are now open for the December 12th deadline. Grants of up to £1,000 will be made available to organisations to provide activities ... READ MORE...

Speed Hotspots Monitored By Residents

Friday 2nd December 2011 Community volunteers in Newbold have been helping police put the brakes on speeding motorists.

Officers from the Newbold and Brockwell Safer Neighbourhood Team have been joined by residents to carry out checks at problem locations as part of Community Speed Watch.

They spent a number of hours checking motorists' speed along Loundsley Green Rd and Dunston Lane - which had both been highlighted as hotspots by residents. During the checks, carried out on Wednesday, November 30th and... READ MORE...

NCWA Becomes Limited Company

Friday 2nd December 2011 One local company has proved that, despite the recession, it’s going from strength to strength.

It's been announced that as of Monday 28th November 2011, NCWA -the National Community Wrestling Alliance began trading as a limited company under the name NCWA Community Wrestling Alliance UK Ltd.

The change came about due to the high demand for it's services, "This is a great step forward for the NCWA. My fellow Trustees and I felt that becoming a limited company was a logical growth point for us." READ MORE...

"Govt Is Selling The Family Silver" Town Rallies Against Cuts

Wednesday 30th November 2011 It was billed as the biggest strike of a generation and today, thousands of workers marched through Chesterfield in protest at the Coalition Government’s proposed pension cuts.

Most schools in the town were closed, whilst hospital and council services also suffered disruption as members of as many as 30 unions came out to make their voices heard.

The Government says that the proposals are fair and necessary in order to make pensions better universally... READ MORE...

Apprenticeships With The Spireites

Tuesday 29th November 2011 Chesterfield FC Community Trust, in conjunction with the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and LifeSkills, has this week announced that it is now taking applications for a new apprenticeship programme.

The Trust is looking for 8 apprentices, who are passionate about sport and wish to develop a career in the sports industry.

The apprenticeship will last over a period of 24 weeks and is designed to give youngsters a unique insight into the sports industry, and equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Post Launches 'POST PERKS' Discount Scheme

Monday 28th November 2011 Today sees the launch of The Chesterfield Post's new local discount scheme - "POST PERKS" - where we have teamed up with local businesses and services to offer discounts on anything and everything - and made them all FREE and as simple as possible to claim!

It's a new way for our local shops and services to offer our local readers something to help the family budget with discounts and special offers for all kinds of things.

The best thing is, it's all FREE to claim and as simple as an email, a FREE text, or PM from Facebook or Twitter. READ MORE...

Pride Of Chesterfield Take To The Streets

Monday 28th November 2011

The horrors of war experienced by 200 brave men were forgotten for a short while today as the 9/12th Lancers marched through Chesterfield this morning on a Homecoming Parade after their six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The day was the chance for the town to show their support and appreciation for the Regiment which has strong connections to Chesterfield and, people lined the streets in their thousands to pay tribute to the soldiers and their endeavours in the war torn country. READ MORE...

Monday's 9/12th Royal Lancers Parade Through Chesterfield

Monday 28th November 2011 Today will see an opportunity for people in Chesterfield to show their support for soldiers from the 9/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's) as the Regiment parades through the town to mark their return from Afghanistan.

All residents of the town are invited to line the route to watch around 200 soldiers from the Regiment march from Rose Hill through the town.

Accompanied by The Light Cavalry Band, the soldiers will step off from Rose Hill at 11:00hrs... READ MORE...

Community Help For School Garden

Monday 28th November 2011 Green fingered youngsters at a Chesterfield infant school will be digging deep thanks to a donation for a community garden project.

Officers from the Dunston, Moor and St Helen's Safer Neighbourhood Team and the local Community Forum have donated £200 to Gilbert Heathcote School to fund the garden.

Staff and pupils will use the money to grow more fruit and vegetables as well as install a new bench around a tree in the school grounds. READ MORE...

Pupils Well Equipped As MP Presents Supermarket Goodies

Monday 28th November 2011 A major supermarket chain celebrated another bumper year for the voucher collection scheme which has seen it provide millions of pounds worth of equipment to schools over a 19 year period.

Toby Perkins, Labour Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, was invited to present boxes of school resources to local primary school pupils last Friday at the Tesco Extra superstore on Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield.

Since 1992, Tesco, through voucher collection promotions has provided UK schools with access to around 4 million free pieces of equipment... READ MORE...

Early 'Hospital Discharge' Advice Aids Care

Monday 28th November 2011 A new guide helping elderly and vulnerable patients in Chesterfield better plan their hospital stay will improve care and help them make a full and quicker recovery, health bosses from NHS Derbyshire County say.

Most patients stay in hospital for only a short time. But for those who stay in hospital for lengthier periods they may be unable to leave hospital, or transfer to community hospitals or residential homes simply because their care needs had not been planned earlier. READ MORE...

Bolsover MP Dennis Skinner Shows Support For Homeless

Monday 28th November 2011

Bolsover MP Dennis Skinner showed his support for homeless and vulnerable people last week when he attended a charity parliamentary briefing that warned of increasing levels of homelessness and rough sleeping.

Framework, a charity which works with homeless and vulnerable people across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, held its first ever Westminster event on Tuesday afternoon, when it warned that homelessness and social exclusion are increasing rapidly... READ MORE...

Tea For Two...

Friday 25th November 2011 One lucky local rider has fulfilled her dream, after entering a national competition aimed at fulfilling the ultimate dreams of bikers throughout the UK.

23-year-old Rachel Heath from Chesterfield joined renowned rider and tea drinker, Guy Martin at the Yorkshire Tea factory to chat all things biking over a good old 'cuppa', courtesy of Bennetts Biker Dream scheme.

Although relatively new to riding on two wheels, Rachel is a long-standing fan of all things biking having been an avid viewer of the Isle of Man TT ... READ MORE...

Old Whittington Youth Group Celebrates Big Lottery Investment

Thursday 24th November 2011 The Old Whittington Recreation Ground Youth Empowerment Project celebrated last Friday when it received £190,081 from Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities programme.

Toby Perkins, Labour Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, handed over the cheque at the Old Whittington Miner's Welfare Community Resource Centre when he met to discuss the group's plans for the capital as it continues to do excellent work with local young people.

The Youth Empowerment Project is a continuation... READ MORE...

Thank You!

Wednesday 23rd November 2011 It has just been confirmed by The Royal British Legion in Chesterfield that the people of the town raised a whopping £44,206.67 towards this year's Poppy Appeal. That's £4,118 up on the previous year.

Margaret Topley from the Legion in Chesterfield has told us she is 'overwhelmed' by the generosity of each and every one of you, particularly given the current economic climate. "This Poppy year actually runs until 30th September 2012, and we still have some money outstanding, so I think we're on course to pass the 2010 figure.

"Please can you thank your readers for their generosity."

Ashover Appeal For Volunteer Drivers - Can YOU Help Please?

Wednesday 23rd November 2011 Volunteer drivers are now URGENTLY needed to help safeguard Ashover's highly-regarded and well-used social car scheme which provides transport for parishioners to make essential journeys when others cannot help.

The volunteers use their own cars to help local residents with transport difficulties due to age, health, and mobility problems, as well as those who don't have their own car or access to other forms of travel. READ MORE...

British Horse Society Honours Derbyshire County Council

Wednesday 23rd November 2011 Derbyshire County Council has been honoured with an award from the British Horse Society for its work in opening up routes for horse riders.

The county council’s countryside service has worked with local riders to plan access to traffic-free bridle paths and secure parking for horse boxes and trailers at the county council’s country parks. Rangers, with the support of Councillor Chris Jackson, have made access to country parks easier and safer for riders and horses.

Councillor Jackson attended the ceremony... READ MORE...

Flood Defences Consultation Gets Underway In North Wingfield

Wednesday 23rd November 2011 A project which will significantly reduce the risk of internal and external flooding in a notoriously flood-prone area of Chesterfield will go on public display later this month as Yorkshire Water consults customers over the company's planned work to significantly upgrade parts of its sewerage network in the town.

Customers will have the opportunity to see and hear about the company's plans at a special drop-in session which will take place at North Wingfield Community Resource Centre, Whiteleas Avenue, North Wingfield, Chesterfield, on Monday 28th November between 4.00pm - 7.00pm. READ MORE...

Brass And Voices In Ashover Church Concert

Monday 21st November 2011 Ashover Celebration Choir is to join forces with one of the best 4th section brass bands in the country for a concert in the village's All Saints Church.

The local singers will be sharing their talents with Ireland Colliery Chesterfield band, who reached the national brass band finals this year (eventually coming 8th out of 19) and have been Bolsover Festival of Brass section champions for the last 2 years.

The concert will be staged at 7.30pm on Friday, December 16th, and proceeds will be used to fund continuation of the band's activities.. READ MORE...

Financial Planning Week Survey Reveals 'Ticking Timebomb'

Monday 21st November 2011 A survey out today has highlighted what's been termed 'a ticking timebomb' for people's long term financial future as figures show almost half of us in this area are estimated not to be saving for our retirement.

Large numbers of people in the Midlands face an uncertain future, particularly when it comes to their retirement.  That's according to the fourth annual Financial Planning Survey, commissioned by the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) in association with NS&I (National Savings and Investments) for UK Financial Planning Week which takes place this week. READ MORE...

Giant Spider Makes Its Home In Ashover

Friday 18th November 2011
Readers of a nervous disposition might want to look away now …… A giant spider has taken up residence in the ringing chamber at Ashover's All Saints Church.

The ten-legged creature spends its days in the ceiling of the room - but comes down whenever the ringers appear and returns to its home whenever they leave!

All is not as it seems however as Tower Captain Barry Watts explained this week... READ MORE...

Awards Success For Adventurous Youngsters

Friday 18th November 2011 Youngsters throughout Chesterfield have shown their adventurous side to become the latest in Derbyshire to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.

More than 350 young people from schools, colleges, open award centres and voluntary organisations have achieved Bronze, Silver and Gold awards during the past six months.

Derbyshire County Council hosted a celebration event at its County Hall headquarters in Matlock ... READ MORE...

Ann's Generous Birthday Present to Children's Diabetes Charity

Friday 18th November 2011 Birthday girl Ann Mason from Brampton, Chesterfield, shared her happy returns and chose to present the £500 she received in lieu of gifts, to children's diabetes charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The generous donation; which combines birthday money with additional donations from the Chesterfield Scarsdale Inner Wheel Club, co-insides with World Diabetes Awareness Month, currently occurring throughout November.

Grandmother of 5, and active Inner Wheel Club member, 70 year old Ann has worked tirelessly with fellow members to help generate funds for the JDRF, raising £2,000 to-date... READ MORE...

Flood Risk Work On River Hipper

Friday 18th November 2011 It's been known for some time that Chesterfield Borough Council has been working alongside the Environment Agency to reduce the risk of flooding in the town.

They have now told us that maintenance work on the River Hipper, next to Queen's Park, will begin on Tuesday 22nd November for up to 8 days where trees and debris will be removed from the River.

The aim of the work is to reduce the risk of flooding in Chesterfield whilst being sympathetic to the natural environment. READ MORE...

Free Parenting Skills Courses Across Derbyshire

Wednesday 16th November 2011
Parents and carers in Derbyshire are being invited to sign up for free courses offering informal and supportive advice on the ups and downs of family life with children and teens.

Two courses, called Living with Children and Living with Teenagers, are being offered across venues in Derbyshire at the beginning of 2012, and parents and carers who may want some reassurance or support with their parenting can sign up now.

Course organiser Jane Hawley said... READ MORE...

'Not The Olympics' Torch Relay Raises Money For Alzheimers

Tuesday 15th November 2011 Chesterfield-based chartered accountants Mitchells have helped raise £28,000 for Alzheimer's sufferers by taking part in epic national Olympic-style challenge.

The "Not the Olympics 2012" charity campaign was organised by the UK200Group of independent chartered accountancy and law firms, of which Mitchells is a member.

Twenty-seven participating member firms were tasked with relaying an Olympic-style torch across the country in imaginative forms of transportation, finishing at the Olympic Stadium in London on Thursday, 10th November. READ MORE...

CASA Celebrates 1st Birthday

Tuesday 15th November 2011 Casa hotel in Chesterfield celebrates its 1st birthday at the end of November - and can look back on a year in which it has exceeded expectations and won countless accolades.

The hotel not only achieved the 4* AA rating it was aiming for, but went that bit further by gaining the highest AA merit score in Derbyshire as well as being ranked higher than any other hotel in Derbyshire by TripAdvisor.

The Derbyshire Times Awards also named the architecturally striking hotel as the Most Innovative Building... READ MORE...

90 Years On - A Town Still Remembers

Monday 14th November 2011

Hundreds took to the streets of Chesterfield yesterday to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday, the 90th since the Poppy Appeal began.

A crowd lined the streets to watch the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, MP Toby Perkins and Council Leader John Burrows lead a procession of dignitaries including the Duchess of Devonshire and her son The Earl of Burlington, service personnel and cadets from the Crooked Spire to the Cenotaph on Rose Hill where wreaths were laid. READ MORE...

Young First Aiders Honoured In County's Inaugural Awards

Monday 14th November 2011 Nine-year-old Emily Salmon didn't panic when her mum fainted in the bathroom, she put her in the recovery position and raised the alarm.

And just weeks later - during a trip to Toys'R'Us as a reward for her quick actions - Emily used her first aid skills again when a young boy collapsed with hypoglycemia. 

This week Emily, of Walton, won official recognition for her actions when she was presented with the Badger First Aid prize at Derbyshire's first ever St John Ambulance Youth Awards. READ MORE...

A Town Wears It's Poppies With Pride

Friday 11th November 2011 This year's Remembrance Day has extra resonance - bearing the date 11/11/11 and at 11am this morning crowds gathered at various sites throughout the town to pay their tributes to those injured or killed in wars.

The 2011/12 Appeal is also the 90th of the Royal British Legion campaigns and, again marked a milestone in the Charities work with Forces Personnel and their families.

Today, outside the Town Hall, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield stood proudly alongside Veterans, soldiers and their families... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Library Gets A Revamp

Friday 11th November 2011 Chesterfield Library's foyer is to get a brand new look as part of plans to create a welcoming reception area and help book lovers in a hurry.

Comfy seats and new promotional stands featuring the latest best sellers will be part of the remodelled entrance. There will also be four new self-service terminals added to speed up transactions and give customers more choice about how they check out their books.

However, during the improvements, the library will have to close... READ MORE...

Sign Up For Tasty Business Boost At Leading Culinary Event

Thursday 10th November 2011 Food and drink businesses are being encouraged to take up a stall at one of Derbyshire’s leading culinary events.

The 2012 Derbyshire Food Fair, organised by Derbyshire County Council, is being held in the grounds of Hardwick Hall on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May, 2012.

The annual event attracts around 10,000 visitors and gives local producers and suppliers the opportunity to promote their goods and highlight their businesses to local people and tourists. READ MORE...

Chesterfield To Welcome Home The 9th / 12th Lancers

Wednesday 2nd November 2011 The people of Chesterfield have been invited to show their support to soldiers from the 9th / 12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's) later this month, when the Regiment parades through the town to mark their return from Afghanistan.

Everyone is welcome to line the route on Monday, 28th November, when around 200 soldiers from the Regiment will march from Rose Hill through the town.

Accompanied by The Light Cavalry Band, the soldiers will step off from Rose Hill at 1100 Hours! READ MORE...

Apprentices Gain Employment

Wednesday 2nd November 2011 Chesterfield Borough Council's apprenticeship programme has been a major success, with nearly half of those taking part ending up in employment.

Out of the original 30 apprentices there are just two remaining and they are due to complete and leave the scheme by the end of the year.

Six of the apprentices have gone on to gain employment at the Council working in IT, housing and the SpirePride team. Others have found jobs at local firms with one re-locating to China after gaining a university place. READ MORE... 

Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Main Entrance Begins Treatment

Tuesday 1st November 2011

Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced that the £1.6 million plus scheme to refit Chesterfield Royal Hospital's main entrance is underway - with contractors beginning to set up their site base from Sunday 30th October.

It's been four months since a major fire destroyed most of the Royal's main entrance facilities - including the convenience store, reception desk and cafe. Work behind the scenes since has seen demolition undertaken, new infrastructures starting to be put in place and a fresh design agreed to give the whole area a re-style. READ MORE...

Help Get Derbyshire On-Line For £7.39m Broadband Funding

Monday 31st October 2011 Derbyshire residents are being urged to help unlock a £7.39 million pot of Government funding to bring superfast broadband to the county.

This week (30th October to 6th November) is national 'Get Online' week - a Government drive to help everyone make the most of the internet for work and leisure. Like many other areas of the UK, Derbyshire suffers from patchy broadband coverage with some areas having no web access or limited capability.

The county council has been allocated £7.39 million from the Government's Broadband Delivery UK scheme to improve broadband access - but it must find the same amount in match-funding... READ MORE...

Markham Primed For New Business After £1.8m Clearance

Friday 28th October 2011
Work on the latest phase of Derbyshire's flagship regeneration project has been completed to clear land for new businesses.

A further 22 acres at Derbyshire County Council's Markham Vale site is now ready for new business.

It follows a six month clearance project by contractor CA Blackwell Ltd costing £1.8 million to remove  270,000 cubic metres of soil and rock from the plot which is on the western side of the M1. READ MORE...

Derbyshire Poppy Appeal Is Launched

Friday 28th October 2011
Today saw the launch of Derbyshire’s Poppy Appeal 2011 at the b2net stadium, with Chesterfield Football Club Chairman Barrie Hubbard buying the first poppy of this year’s campaign, watched by veterans from previous campaigns and wounded soldiers from Afghanistan - along with bereaved families from Chesterfield.

Also in attendance were the Royal British Legion Riders Branch, who performed a motorbike drive past around the outside of the stadium, carrying the banners which promote the year ahead. READ MORE...

Fund-Raising Friends Make A Splash At Sharley Park

Friday 28th October 2011 Fund-raising teens made a splash for charity when they took to the pool at Sharley Park Leisure Centre in Clay Cross for a mammoth 21-mile swim!

Paige Sides-Pearson, from Old Brampton in Chesterfield, organised the swim for her and three friends Isla Dunne, Rebecca Riley and Kirsty Froncesca - all aged 14 - to raise money for two animal charities. The girls took to the water for seven hours for the relay-style swim, notching up around 21 miles between them.

And their efforts pulled in £483 worth of sponsorship money... READ MORE...

Local Schoolchildren Receive Exciting New Delivery

Tuesday 25th October 2011 Pupils and staff from Grassmoor Primary School in Chesterfield are celebrating today after taking delivery of some brand new creative learning equipment.

The school has been awarded a Story Teller's chair, after being a runner up in the Ronseal Playground Project competition, beating thousands of other UK schools.

The national initiative was set up by the woodcare manufacturer and leading playground manufacturer, Timberline, to offer schools struggling with budget cuts the chance to win a brand new playground. READ MORE...

Toys 'R' Us Is Child's Play For Chesterfield

Saturday 22nd October 2011 Toys 'R' Us has celebrated it's Grand Official Opening today with hundreds of new customers visiting.

The store, on Spirewalk Park (next to B&Q) opened it's doors to the public this Thursday, creating 40 jobs and bringing yet more investment and consumer confidence to the town.

Shoppers have told The Chesterfield Post that they are thrilled that the chain has chosen Chesterfield to site it's newest and most modern store to date and turned up today to meet lots of children's favourite characters... READ MORE...

Spireites Back 'Kick It Out' Message

Thursday 20th October 2011
Chesterfield FC says it is proud to be backing the 'One Game, One Community' week of action in support of the national 'Kick it Out' campaign, which continues to celebrate equality and diversity in football.

Fans attending this Saturday's home game at the B2net Stadium against Hartlepool United will not be able to miss the One Game, One Community message.

Spireites players will front the anti-racism message by wearing T-shirts during the warm-up sporting the message 'One Game, One Community'. READ MORE...

New Chesterfield Care Business To Create 30 Jobs

Tuesday 18th October 2011 A new local business, which specialises in providing care for older people in their own homes, has opened in Chesterfield at the Sheepbridge Business Centre and aims to create 30 jobs in the coming year.

The company, Home Instead Senior Care, is part of a national network and has been set up locally by couple Stephanie and Nigel Metham.

Stephanie and Nigel say that the philosophy behind the care is simple, "To provide a service which will enable older people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible while improving their quality of life." READ MORE...

Harvest Supper Marks Church Fund-Raising Finale

Monday 17th October 2011 Supporters of the appeal to raise £150,000 for urgent repairs to the spire and tower of All Saints Church, Ashover, have been praised by the Rector, the Revd. Ralph Lawrence, for their 'tremendous effort' in enabling the work to be completed within three years.

At a special celebration supper in the Parish Hall, the Rector admitted that there were times when he had qualms about both the size of the fund-raising challenge and whether the church would look any different after the major renovations.

"People in our community not only 'can do' but also 'will do'. READ MORE...

Scottish Themed Evening In Chesterfield

Friday 14th October 2011 Chesterfield and District Caledonian Association are holding their Annual Scottish Evening in Walton Village Centre on Saturday 22nd October, commencing at 7.30pm.

So why not come along and see what transpires! You never know, you might be pleasantly surprised at what is on offer - maybe a little poem, song, joke or story, or maybe even a little light hearted quiz, you may even wish to offer your own contribution.

Not to mention Haggis, neeps and tatties to get you in the mood... READ MORE...

South Yorks Firm Give Sporting Chance To Olympic Hopefuls

Thursday 13th October 2011 Leading South Yorkshire solicitors Wosskow Brown, who run a special scheme to help fund athletes and teams, are giving a sporting boost to UK sportsmen and women in the run up to the Olympic Games in London.

The firm, based in Attercliffe, Sheffield, which has over 150 years' of legal experience, has a long tradition of supporting sport in the region.

In a new move, it is now aiming to back 50 regional sporting ambassadors by the start of the London 2012 games. READ MORE AND VIDEO...

Talent On Show Is A Credit To Chesterfield

Tuesday 11th October 2011 It's become one of the highlights of the Mayoral calendar since it began 3 years ago, and, on Saturday evening hundreds of people packed out Chesterfield's Winding Wheel in order to watch 14 acts compete to become the winner of 'Chesterfield's Got Talent 2011'.

The evening was held to raise money for the Mayoral Appeal, which this year will see Ashgate Hospice and The Chesterfield Cancer Drop In Centre (Nenna Kind) benefit from funds raised from various events.

The acts were varied, and included drummers, singers, dancers... READ MORE...

Health Bosses Advice To Arthritis Sufferers

Tuesday 11th October 2011 Advice to combat the crippling symptoms of arthritis is being issued by NHS Derbyshire to mark World Arthritis Day on Wednesday, October 12th.

Some of the best ways to ease symptoms - which affects 8.5 million people in the UK - include regular exercise, controlling weight and avoiding stress of injury.

Now health chiefs are calling on Derbyshire arthritis sufferers to stay physically active to help reduce pain, stiffness, restricted movement, inflammation and swelling of joints and bones caused by the disease. READ MORE...

'Dahlicious' Day At St Peter & St Paul School

Monday 10th October 2011 Pupils from St Peter & St Paul School on Hady Hill enthusiastically joined in with the dressing up on Dahlicious Dress Up Day.

The whole of the 4 - 11 years school donned costumes representing their favourite Roald Dahl characters, paying £1 each that will go to Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity.

There were Oompa-Loompas, Fantastic Foxes and Big Friendly Giants everywhere you looked - and the school lunch consisted of a whole host of Scrumdiddlyumptious recipes! READ MORE...

Chesterfield Volunteer Receives Top Honour

Friday 7th October 2011 Ken Cook, a leading influence within St John Ambulance Derbyshire over the past decade, has been honoured with investiture as a Commander of the Order of St John – one of the highest honours which can be conferred on the charity’s volunteers.

A former headteacher, Ken, of Dronfield, was a key member of the county team based in Chesterfield, taking on the top job as Chair of Council in 2007 and leading Derbyshire’s 1500 uniformed volunteers until he retired from the post last December.

He is now concentrating on other voluntary roles ... READ MORE...

Mark Banks On Books Sales For Charity

Friday 7th October 2011
Chesterfield Coach Mark Crossley has titled his autobiography, 'Looking After Number One' but in fact, having spoken with him, the ethos behind the book sales is in fact the opposite.

A huge chunk of the proceeds from the sales are being donated to two worthy charities - Mencap and Grass Roots Football - and, at a charity book signing on Wednesday at the Co-operative Bank, Chesterfield, both Mark and a representative from one of those charities told The Chesterfield Post just why the deal hits the back of the net for both sides. READ MORE...

And The Winner Is...

Thursday 6th October 2011 This morning the winner of our 'England Mascot' competition was drawn from the Npower League 2 Trophy by Andy Morris (left - with some help from Matt Chatsfield).

We had a bumper number of entries - far more than we expected - and everyone gave the right answer which was, of course, B) Fabio Capello. We can now announce that the young lad chosen to be Mascot for the U16 game next Wednesday is 8-year-old Josh Stevenson. Congratulations Josh!

Thank you to all of you who entered.

Support Sport Relief 2012 In Clay Cross

Thursday 6th October 2011 The countdown is on to next year's Sport Relief - and people can now sign up to take part in the fund-raising challenge in North East Derbyshire.

Sharley Park Leisure Centre in Clay Cross will host the event on March 25th, when runners will have the chance to take part in a one-mile, three-mile or six-mile route.

From teeny-tots with mums and dads, to super sprinters up against the clock, everyone is welcome to take part in the national event, which raises money for Comic Relief. READ MORE..

New Derbyshire Poet Laureate Announced

Wednesday 5th October 2011 It's been revealed that Derbyshire has a new Poet Laureate. Matt Black was unveiled by Derbyshire County Council yesterday and was described as "An entertaining and thought-provoking writer, who composes poems for adults and children".

He knows Derbyshire well - having worked in the county and through spending time exploring it in his caravan.

Matt is the fourth Derbyshire Poet Laureate following on from Peak District writer Ann Atkinson and will be in his new role until September 2013. READ MORE...

Big Norm Banks On Book Signing

Tuesday 4th October 2011


Chesterfield's First Team Coach, Mark Crossley, will be at the Co-op Bank on Elder Way tomorrow, Wednesday 5th October, from 1pm where he will be signing copies of his book 'Looking After Number One'.

Proceeds from the books sold on the day will be given to the Charity Mencap.

All are welcome to pop along.

Our Survey Said...

Tuesday 4th October 2011 A walkabout by police and council workers aimed at finding out about community issues in south Chesterfield has found that more than 80 per cent of residents were happy with the work being done in the area.

Officers from the Holmebrook and Rother Safer Neighbourhood Team and Chesterfield Borough Council Housing Officers visited more than 100 homes on Thursday, September 29th.

Residents on Kingsley Avenue, Burns Close and Carlyon Gardens were asked about community problems and of those available, 81 per cent were pleased by efforts to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Is Blooming - Official

Monday 3rd October 2011 Entrants to the 2011 Chesterfield in Bloom awards gathered at the Ringwood Hall Hotel in Chesterfield tonight (Monday 3rd October) to hear if they had clinched one of the competition's highly regarded titles.

Young people from several schools across the borough attended the afternoon presentation and children and staff at St Mary's Infant school were thrilled with their first place win for Best School Garden. The school also picked up third place in Best Environmental Garden and Best School Hanging Basket. READ MORE...

First Aider's Life-Saving Support For Charity

Monday 3rd October 2011 A routine 'First Aid At Work' course proved to be a life-changer for Chesterfield banker Ian Boston. He was so impressed by what he learned that he became a volunteer for St John Ambulance Walton Division.

Now, he is not only trained to be the difference between a life saved and a life lost, but has also given valuable support to the local community by helping to raise more than £3,000 to buy life-saving equipment.

Ian, who works in HSBC's credit risk services department in Sheffield, joined other volunteers in a sponsored resuscitation event. READ MORE...

A Good Thing For Chesterfield

Thursday 29th September 2011 Having been into Chesterfield this morning, it's fair to say that the name on everyone's lips today is Elton John.

There's no doubt that it's a big deal for the town and one which will mean we establish ourselves as a player on the Entertainment Stage.

But what do people around the town think? We spoke with a couple of shoppers who, as Chesterfield supporters, think it's another winner for the town.

Jim Ross, from New Whittington said, "It means a lot!" READ MORE...

Exclusive Elton John Ticket Line For Chesterfield Supporters

Thursday 29th September 2011 Due to demand, Chesterfield supporters now have an exclusive direct link to get Elton John tickets before they go on general sale.

Sir Elton John is to make a first ever visit to Chesterfield when his Summer 2012 Tour hits town next summer for one special unforgettable night at the B2net Stadium on Saturday 9th June 2012.
Tickets for this show will go on general sale this Friday 30th September at 9.00am but Chesterfield fans have a special 24 hour priority period to purchase tickets in advance from Ticketmaster from 9am today 29th September 2011 for what will undoubtedly be a sell-out show. EXCLUSIVE LINK AND READ MORE...

We Couldn't Have Scripted It Better - Alan Stevenson

Thursday 29th September 2011

As the town prepares for the first EVER big name concert at the b2net, the man probably billed forever more as 'The man who bought Elton to Chesterfield', Chesterfield FC's Marketing Director, Alan Stevenson, talks to The Chesterfield Post about how he secured the gig that has got Chesterfield talking.

Alan is a Chesterfield lad, and enjoyed his first career success with The Spireites as a Goalkeeper, leaving to pursue his career elsewhere, before returning to his roots - in the Commercial Department, first at Saltergate and then the b2net. READ MORE...

Local Group Needs Your Vote

Wednesday 28th September 2011 A group offering peer support to local people who are struggling to overcome issues with alcohol is asking for your votes to win £6000 from a scheme run by Nat West Bank.

The Natwest Community Force Project is running an online vote to ask residents to vote for community projects or good causes run by people making a difference to their community.

The Free From Addiction Project needs your support - CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Disability Sport Commemorates 1 Year To 2012 Paralympics

Monday 26th September 2011 A showcase of disability sport was held during the Chesterfield FC vs Carlisle United match a week last Saturday, to commemorate one year until the Paralympic Games in London.

Chesterfield Inclusive Football Club completed a training session on the pitch at half-time, and spectators were also given a blind football demonstration led by Sam Turner from Derbyshire FA.

The event was part of a series being held around Derbyshire to increase public awareness of disability sport... READ MORE...

All Things Green And Wonderful In Chesterfield

Tuesday 20th September 2011
Chesterfield Market will be staging its first Green Fair on Saturday 24th September from 10am until 4pm.

The environmentally friendly event, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, will take place in Market Place, New Square and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre with a whole host of green events and activities taking place.

Cllr John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: "There are some great initiatives going on around Chesterfield..." READ MORE...

Bursaries Available To Help Local Athletes Reach The Podium

Friday 16th September 2011 Promising sports performers in Derbyshire are being encouraged to apply for a bursary from Podium - a scheme to help local athletes meet training-related costs as they bid to reach the top of their sport.

Applications for cash help of up to £500 from 'Podium' - formerly known as the Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund - are now being accepted. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Soldiers Police Main Route In Helmand

Thursday 15th September 2011 It's been revealed today that four soldiers from Chesterfield are coming to the end of a six-month tour in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Christopher Hancock (21), Trooper Mark Russell (23), Trooper John Shelton (20), Trooper Sam Smedley (20) are all serving with A Squadron of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers in Helmand Province.

Since arriving in April, their job has been to help the Afghan National Security Forces provide security on Highway 1, the main route running through Helmand. An important road which links major cities, it is often targeted... READ MORE...

Local Charity Gains Recognition

Thursday 15th September 2011 A local Carers charity is currently celebrating a series of successful milestones in its 23-year history.

Earlier this year the Derbyshire Carers Association (DCA) was externally assessed and awarded the PQASSO Quality Mark - as developed by the Charities Evaluation Services.

It's the most widely used quality assurance system within the voluntary and community sector and further endorsed by the Charity Commission as the new 'kite-mark' for third sector organisations. READ MORE...

Moths And Other Insects!

Monday 12th September 2011
The Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire local branch of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) 2011/2012 programme of events is due to start soon.

Their first talk, 'Moths and Other Insects', will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 13th September 2011.

Learn about moths and other insects at an illustrated talk given by Neil Ward and Jon Millar of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society (DaNES) at The Parish Centre, Annunciation Church, Spencer Street, Chesterfield. READ MORE...

20th Century British Ceramic Course

Monday 12th September 2011 Have you ever wondered about who designed that strange jug or tea set which lurks in the back of your cupboard?

Or, perhaps you have been interested in some of the pottery featured on TV programmes such as the Antiques Roadshow or Bargain Hunt?

If so, the Chesterfield branch of the Workers Educational Association is running a 9 week course starting on Wednesday 28th September at 1.30pm which may answer some of your questions. Course tutor Sue Taylor said "The course is a mixture of talks, slides and discussion and people are welcome to bring in..." READ MORE...

Girls Don Their Walking Shoes For SANDS' Priceless Moments

Sunday 11th September 2011

A new Chesterfield charity is fundraising hard in order to buy a valuable piece of technology which will help parents of stillborn babies to have more time with their child by preserving the body for long enough for families to say goodbye.

SANDS Chesterfield, set up by a group of mum's locally who have all lost a baby, say that the 'Cold plate' will give much needed comfort to parents and are hoping to raise the sum of around £1,500 in order to purchase one for Chesterfield Royal Hospital as soon as possible. READ MORE...

Spectacular Success For Ashover Flower Festival

Thursday 8th September 2011 Ashover's four-day floral festival tribute to the world of music proved a spectacular success and raised more than £5,000 for the village's ancient parish church and Ashgate Hospice.

"Considering the state of the economy at the moment, we are absolutely delighted to have raised so much money but we're equally thrilled by all the favourable comments we received from so many people," said All Saints Church Flower Guild Co-ordinator Anne Eyley. Ashover's Rector, the Revd. Ralph Lawrence described the flower festival's 41 in-church arrangements as "a real delight for both villagers and the many people who travelled long distances..." READ MORE...

Is YOUR Park YOUR Choice?

Wednesday 7th September 2011 Chesterfield Borough Council is asking residents to vote for their favourite Green Flag Park as part of a national competition that gives recognition to people's much loved parks.

Two of Chesterfield's parks, Queen's Park and Holmebrook Valley, each achieved Green Flag status this year, and the race is now on to get as many votes as possible for the prestigious national 'People's Choice' Award.

The People's Choice Award is an annual online vote that gives the public the power to decide which one of the 1,290 parks or green spaces flying the Green Flag Award or Community Award this year, should be named the site of the year. READ MORE...

Get Dancing In Chesterfield This September

Friday 2nd September 2011 It's strictly all for fun as Saturday 10th September sees Chesterfield's New Square Arena explode with an amazing display of dance styles with the launch of the annual 'Day of Dance'.

The event kicks off at 10.30 am and a continuous programme of dance will run right through to 3.30 pm.

Organisers say that there'll be a chance to find out more about various styles of dance, including Belly Dancing, Break Dancing and Salsa and perhaps have a chance to try it out. READ MORE...

600 Follow Ferocious Dog At Music Festival

Friday 2nd September 2011 Following the continued success of the Whitwell Festival of Music, Whitwell Forward Community Group and 4Ward Promotions have extended Whitwell FOM 2011 and attracted 23 top quality bands who are set to appear at Whitwell Centre on the 9th, 10th and 11th September.

Line up includes the return of top Celtic Rockers, Ferocious Dog who, following last years festival, supported both the Levellers and the Wonderstuff, enhancing an already excellent reputation, Mark Nichols fresh from starring at the Tramlines Festival, Miss 600 who have just signed a record deal and have been all over Radio 2 for the past month. The Sunday session has a special appearance by John Sanderson sax player with Bryan Ferry  who is guesting with the Jazznotes. READ MORE...

Tied Up - Now Hope Is Looking For A Home

Thursday 1st September 2011 RSPCA bosses are appealing for information after little Hope (pictured left) was brought in to their Spital Lane shelter two days ago by a member of the public who had found her tethered to the side of a crate by a large piece of rope tied round her collar.

The 11-week-old tabby kitten was found on the road in the Hasland area on 30th August, in the crate, and sitting on a filthy, urine soaked blanket. The RSPCA say that she is otherwise healthy and seems in good condition but are asking anyone with any information as to how she got there to contact them on 01246 273358. 'Hope', as she's been named by staff will be put up for adoption on Wednesday 7th September.

Facelift For Ashover Church Clock

Thursday 1st September 2011 There's a new look for an old favourite after Ashover's ancient parish church clock was given a facelift.

The old dial was cleaned, re-painted and the numerals re-gilded with gold leaf during three days of work, carried out with painstaking attention to detail.

The clock at All Saints was originally installed by Smith of Derby in 1881 and, in those days, had to be wound by hand. It was converted to run on electricity in 1969.

Tony Davies, of Smith's is pictured left during the restoration work.

Local Sainsbury's Take Part In UK School Games Relay Race

Wednesday 31st August 2011 Tomorrow heralds the start of the UK School Games, and this year the event is to be held in Sheffield, at the Motorpoint Arena.

Ahead of the event, sponsored by Sainsbury's, staff from the Chesterfield and Dronfield stores have been taking part in the flag relay race, which sees the UK School Games Flag carried around 13 selected stores, finally ending up at the Arena for the beginning of the competition.

Chesterfield and Dronfield held the third and fourth legs... READ MORE...

Community Groups Benefit From Gala Fundraiser

Wednesday 31st August 2011
Delighted gala organisers have handed out cheques totalling £1,500 to benefit good causes in the Chesterfield area.

Four charities and community organisations shared the cash, raised from Old Whittington's annual Summer Gala. A special presentation took place at Old Whittington Gala Committee's AGM to hand over the money.

Good causes to benefit include Parkside Social Club, Gamelea Countryside Training Trust, Friendship Club, New Whittington and SPODA. READ MORE...

Pride Of Chesterfield

Friday 26th August 2011 It was a proud but nervous moment for 16 new recruits to The Army this morning as they swore an Oath Of Allegiance to The Queen in front of the Deputy Mayor of Chesterfield at the Town Hall.

The young soldiers, including twins, were officially becoming part of several regiments including The Mercian, The 9/12 Lancers, The Royal Artillery and The Mechanical Engineers. One young man was going on to become a member of The Household Cavalry.

The boys swore their Oath in the Mayoral Parlour ... READ MORE...

In Loving Memory Of A Chesterfield Legend

Thursday 25th August 2011 One of Chesterfield's most famous faces (and voices) will be laid to rest tomorrow. He died last Thursday after a long illness, aged 80, and leaves two sons.

Roy Purcell Davidson, more commonly known as 'The Pound A Bag Man' was found most days, whatever the weather, outside his shop 'Davidson's Cheese Factor' and was well known and loved by residents and tourists of the town alike.

Last year he'd celebrated his 50th year in business as The Cheese factor and had been at the current shop for over 30 years. READ MORE..

New Business Helps Local Families Weather Recession

Thursday 25th August 2011 An enterprising businesswoman has opened a shop in Chesterfield aimed at helping families beat the recession.

Sharron Marsden opened 'The Mystery Box' on Stephenson's Place recently and says that she's hoping that the shop will provide good quality and reasonable priced items for families locally.

"I thought with the recession and people not being able to afford things - we could sell stuff that people can afford, as an alternative to car boot sales. We have lots of second hand items and hope to begin selling school uniforms too." READ MORE...

Colliery Band Fundraiser Looms

Wednesday 24th August 2011

A local colliery band from Chesterfield will be raising cash for charity this coming autumn as it prepares to perform Brass 'N' Sax.

This year's event will be the 4th annual concert organised by the Ireland Colliery Chesterfield Band,(ICCB) and will include performances by ICCB, Southside Jazz and Chesney Hawkes. All who are giving up their time free of charge, so all monies raised will go straight to the Bands chosen Charities, Ashgate Hospice, Anthony Nolan Trust and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. READ MORE...

Sainsburys Chesterfield Extension Nears Completion

Monday 22nd August 2011 Work to extend and improve Sainsbury's is nearing completion, with the store set to re-launch to customers at 9.00am on Wednesday 24th August.

Chesterfield Mayor Peter Barr will be at the store for the official re-launch ceremony on Wednesday morning, and will be joined by Dressage Rider and Paralympic hopeful, Sophie Wells. 

Current Store Manager, Darran Bateman, will join the pair to open the doors to the extended store, which will boast over 20,000sq ft of new sales space, bringing the total to nearly 60,000sq ft. READ MORE...

DSA Competition Puts Safety Checks In The Spotlight

Friday 19th August 2011 Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is reminding local people that there's still time to enter the Driving Standards Agency's 'Show Me, Tell Me' competition on facebook.

DSA is offering people the chance to win one of three £50 Amazon vouchers by making a short film highlighting the importance of vehicle safety checks and uploading it to YouTube.

Partnership Chairman Mike Ashworth said: "The competition is named after the 'show me, tell me' section of the driving test when the candidate is asked how to do something..." READ MORE...

Junior Witter At The B2net

Wednesday 17th August 2011

It has just been announced that former WBC World Boxing champion Junior Witter will be the special guest at the Charity Cheque Presentation Evening tomorrow Thursday 18th August (7.00pm for 7.30pm) at the b2net.

He will be a guest of the TV Soap Stars team at the night, organised by Phil and Jamie Walker to mark the presentation of cheques to three nominated charities as a follow-up to the game played at the B2net Stadium on Sunday 29th May, which raised nearly £20,000. READ MORE...

Do You Know A Talented Athlete?

Wednesday 17th August 2011 Time is running out to nominate dedicated sports volunteers, hardworking coaches and talented athletes from across Derbyshire for the 2011 Derbyshire Sports Awards.

Derbyshire residents are invited to put forward their suggestions of who they think is deserving of recognition, and nomination forms are currently available. The deadline to nominate someone is August 19th.

Each local authority in Derbyshire will recognise local sporting heroes later this year, and winners will then go forward to be considered for the Derbyshire Sports Awards, sponsored by the University of Derby. County winners will be announced in November. READ MORE...

Spire 10 To Berlin 26 - Spireites Support Ashgate Hospice

Wednesday 17th August 2011 It's been revealed that a team from Chesterfield Football Club is hoping to net £2,000 for Ashgate Hospice by competing in the Spire10 mile race later this month.

Stadium director Philip Taylor is also competing in the Berlin 26 mile Marathon in September with his daughter in law Amanda Taylor for the same charity.

The Spireites are supporting Ashgate Hospice not only because it is a worthy local cause but, as the nominated charity for Football League clubs this season is 'Help the Hospices', Football clubs across the country are fund raising... READ MORE...

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow...

Monday 15th August 2011 'Man pain' was definitely the order of the day in one Chesterfield coffee shop on Saturday morning.

Customers in Costa Coffee, enjoying a quiet break from shopping, were in the wrong place as two of the young Barista's had their legs waxed for charity. In between screams, The Chesterfield Post interviewed Chris and Will to find out why exactly they'd agreed to do it (or been volunteered).

The Costa Foundation is the company's own charity and, as Will explained, it's a cause that they are very proud of. READ MORE...

Every Stall Helps...

Monday 8th August 2011 It was a bumper turnout as hundreds turned out to support the second Community Fair held by Tesco at their Lockoford Lane store.

Over thirty charities and organisations held stalls to promote their causes, and attractions such as bouncy castles and fairground rides kept the children entertained. There were also food demonstrations and face painting.

Opened by renowned local Health Campaigner Wendy Watson and the Mayor of Chesterfield, the event was a successful follow up to last year... READ MORE...

New Activity Programme For The Disabled

Monday 8th August 2011 Sportability, the London based registered charity, is expanding its operation of sports programmes for people with paralysis across the nation.

The Charity arranges sport and challenging activities for people with a variety of disabling conditions from Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, MS, Cerebral Palsy and others and last year organised 55 events and sporting activities, providing almost 645 free places for people with paralysis. READ MORE...

Charity Begins ... At The Football Club (All 92 Of Them!)

Saturday 6th August 2011 It may sound mad, and they openly admit the idea was the product of a night out, but Ian Butt and Steve Pye are currently covering 3,000 miles visiting all 92 football league grounds in just 7 days - all in aid of the McMillan Cancer Charity.

They kicked off their travels at The Emirates on Wednesday and will complete the journey at the Bank's Stadium on Tuesday evening in time to see The Saddlers take on Middlesbrough in the League cup.

They were outside the B2net early on Saturday morning... READ MORE...

Eye Services Get A New Look In Chesterfield

Friday 5th August 2011 It's been announced that a £2 million project, which will revolutionise opthamology services in Chesterfield, has been authorised by Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Directors.

They say that the Chesterfield Eye Care Centre will house all specialisms under one roof and these will include cataracts, emergency care, age related macular degeneration and orthoptics and will mean an improvement in patient services and over all patient experiences. READ MORE...

RSPCA Opening Doors For Local Young People

Thursday 4th August 2011 An innovative apprenticeship scheme is about to be launched in Chesterfield, meaning that many young students can now achieve their dream of working with animals.

It is the ambition of many young people leaving school to pursue a career in animal husbandry and welfare, but sadly there are few opportunities. Vet's courses at university are just about the hardest to get onto and much of the available work with animals is voluntary.

The RSPCA in Chesterfield is now about to do its bit to change this. READ MORE...

Commissioning Of Chesterfield Street Pastors

Thursday 4th August 2011 All Chesterfield people are invited to the Commissioning of Chesterfield Street Pastors on Saturday August 13th, 7:30pm, at St Mary's and All Saints Parish Church (The Spire)

Taking part are representatives of the Ascension Trust, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Police and local churches. The first team of commissioned Street Pastors will start work in the 'night time economy' directly after the service.

Football On The Beat

Wednesday 3rd August 2011 The Dunston, Whittington Moor, and St Helens Safer Neighbourhood team are delivering 2 football sessions in partnership with Chesterfield FC Community Trust on Thursday 11th and 18th August from 2pm to 4pm at Stand Road Park.

The sessions are FREE and are for over 8's only. Suitable kit to be worn. No booking is required - just turn up on the day. Food and refreshments will NOT be provided.

For any further information, contact PCSO 4458 Janis Naylor or PCSO 6912 Adele Chapman on 0345 123 3333

Can You Help Someone With Dementia?

Monday 18th July 2011 A local care home who are holding their annual Garden Party on 5th August are asking local companies for any donations of gifts or prizes to help their fundraising on the day.

The Staveley Centre is a specialist residential home that cares for people suffering from Dementia, a condition that currently affects three quarters of a million people here in the UK. Dementia is the term that is used to describe symptoms that occur when the brain becomes affected by specific diseases and conditions. Symptoms include loss of memory, confusion and having problems with speech and understanding. READ MORE...

Grassmoor Gets Second Place - Official

Monday 18th July 2011 The Chesterfield Post today received confirmation from the organisers of the playground competition that Grassmoor Primary School has been announced as runner up in Ronseal's Playground Project Competition, beating off strong competition from over 1,200 schools across the UK. 

Following a competitive public vote on the 'Ronseal UK' Facebook page, the school took second spot with a total of 5,653 'likes' - over 1,000 votes behind official winners, Murrayburn Primary in Edinburgh.  It will now receive a Timberline story tellers chair, £300 worth of Ronseal product plus Woodland Trust tree packs to help spruce up their outdoor space. READ MORE...

Roll Up, Roll Up For The Big Summer Read

Monday 18th July 2011 Some good news for parents who are wondering how to entertain their kids for the next six weeks with news that Big Top treats are being lined up in Derbyshire libraries this summer with some circus razzamatazz for young readers.

Circus skills workshops, talks by a popular children's writer, cartooning, storytimes and crafts are among the FREE events organised by Derbyshire County Council libraries for this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

This year's theme is Circus Stars, as children between 4 and 12 are encouraged to read six library books throughout the summer holidays. READ MORE...

"Thanks For Your Support" - Grassmoor Primary

Saturday 16th July 2011 Sadly, we have heard that Grassmoor remained behind the Scottish school by 1,000 or so votes at midnight and so did not win the competition.

They have told us however that, though they are disappointed, they will now try to fundraise in order to get the playground their children need.

Thank you to everyone who voted in support of the school.

You will have seen the feature we have been running all week on the Chesterfield school that is desperately in need of votes in order to win a new playground. Ronseal UK has drawn up a shortlist of 6 schools from throughout the UK that was chosen from over 1,000 entries. The winning school will get a brand new £30,000 state of the art playground. READ MORE...

Clowne's Most Enterprising Individual

Thursday 14th July 2011 A man termed 'Clowne's most enterprising individual' will today attend an evening reception at Buckingham Palace as a winner of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2011.

Representatives from four local firms and Clowne-based individual winner Paul Davies will meet Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal Family - the ultimate recognition of their commitment to enterprise and innovation.

Vince Cable will present Derbyshire's Paul Davies with The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion, which rewards individuals who have... READ MORE...

Market Hall Funding Now Approved

Thursday 14th July 2011
Chesterfield Borough Council's cabinet has this week approved the funding for the £4million refurbishment of the town’s Market Hall.

The funding package includes £2.1 million of European and Lottery grant with the remaining money coming from the Council.

CBC Leader, Cllr John Burrows said: "The Market Hall is a centrepiece to our market and is vital to the economic success of the town centre. Refurbishment will improve the external look and internal facilities..." READ MORE...

Local Organisation Urges Drivers To Belt Up

Wednesday 13th July 2011 Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is warning local drivers to take more care on our roads after a survey revealed that one in 20 drivers fail to 'belt up' and a third forget to signal when turning at junctions.

Partnership Chairman Mike Ashworth said: "You're twice as likely to die in a crash if you don't wear a seat belt - that's why it's alarming that some drivers still haven't taken on board the 'clunk-click every trip' message.

"Many of those who hadn't belted up were van and taxi drivers. This is a big concern because they spend a lot of time on the road and are therefore at greater risk of being involved in a crash." READ MORE...

An Inspector Calls

Tuesday 12th July 2011 As reported on Friday on The Chesterfield Post, judges from 'Britain in Bloom' have now visited the town to view its floral assets.

Chesterfield is one of four towns in the East Midland category - competing against Loughborough, Grimsby and Oakby and Wigston. Sites as diverse as Ringwood Hall and Spire Infants School being inspected by the team of judges on the day,

We were lucky enough to catch up with the team as they completed their tour and judge Peter Benham with fellow judge Ken Richardson told us what they were looking for, and what Chesterfield had in it's favour. READ MORE...

We Are The Champions

Monday 11th July 2011 Excitement is building in the town tonight ahead of tomorrow night's Civic Reception for League Two AND Youth Alliance Champions, Chesterfield FC.

Before the teams begin their pre -season friendlies however there's the chance to celebrate their achievements and parade the trophies around town, sharing the moment with thousands of fans that are expected to line the route.

So ... a reminder of the route and arrangements for the evening which kicks off at the B2net stadium at 6pm. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Civic Society News

Monday 11th July 2011 Chesterfield Civic Society is a group which meets at the Eyre Chapel on the 2nd Tuesday of each month to hear from guest speakers.

The Society aims to promote a sense of citizenship in the town, which includes helping to support the preservation of buildings and areas of natural beauty.

It also encourages and supports regeneration in town centres and scrutinizes planning applications to make sure planned architecture is suitable.

It's now published it‘s 1st newsletter which we're delighted to feature. READ MORE...

Friends Of Stand Road Park Community Day

Monday 11th July 2011
Friends of Stand Road Park will be holding their annual community consultation and family fun day event at Stand Road Park on Saturday 16th July from 1 pm until 5 pm.

The event will include football competitions organised by Chesterfield Town Football Club, Community Stalls run by a wide range of local community groups and entertainment from local bands and singers. Refreshments will be available in the Cafe on the Park; a Big Lottery funded community cafe run by volunteers that is celebrating its first anniversary. READ MORE...

Events At All Saints Church This Summer

Monday 11th July 2011 The All Saints Church, Ashover, Flower Guild would like to invite you to the following events this summer;

All Saints Church, Ashover, Bank Holiday Flower Festival, 'Thank you for the Music' and Scarecrow Trail -
27th to 30th August 2011 incl, 10am - 5pm daily, with Art Exhibition and Refreshments in The Bassett Rooms opposite the church.

Festival Songs of Praise in the Church on Sunday 28th August at 5pm. Everyone welcome. Proceeds to Ashgate Hospice and Church funds.

Further details from Anne Eyley on 01246 590693 or anneeyley@googlemail.com

Chesterfield Caledonian Association's Golf Competition

Sunday 10th July 2011 The Chesterfield And District Caledonian Association are holding their Annual Golf Competition and Supper.

It will take place at the Rufford Golf Club, on Friday 29th July. For further information and full details, contact the Association's President Mark Macartney on 01623 812110. READ MORE...

Chesterfield On Show For Judges

Friday 8th July 2011 Chesterfield will be under the spotlight today (8th July) when judges come to inspect the town's entry into the Large Town category of the East Midlands in Bloom competition.

Judges, Ken Richardson and Peter Benham, will join Cllr Chris Ludlow from Chesterfield Borough Council on a tour of the Borough and the town centre to view some of the town's best floral assets.

The tour will begin at the Ringwood Hall Hotel who are the main sponsor for Chesterfield in Bloom, and will then set-off. READ MORE...

Come Along And Share Your Memories Of Chesterfield FC

Friday 8th July 2011 Chesterfield Football Club is in fact, the fourth oldest football club in the country, and now the club is setting up a club to help locals share memories of the club in days gone by and celebrate the rich history of the town itself through the last century.

The Extra Time Heritage Club, which starts on Monday 11th July at the B2net Stadium from 1pm to 3pm, is free to anyone aged 60 and over and consists of 4 sessions over the next couple of months. READ MORE...

Gotta Be In It To Win It...

Tuesday 5th July 2011 A local travel agency is celebrating it's first year in operation and to celebrate and thank all their customers, the Teletext travel agency, situated in TESCO, Lockoford Lane, is running a competition this week to win a free holiday with the winner to be chosen by the Mayor of Chesterfield this coming Saturday (9th July) at 4pm in the Teletext Holiday Shop.

Despite the financial downturn it has in fact been successful with trading figures for this month showing, that since it began, the business has doubled year on year. This has led to staff being taken on and expansion plans continuing. Nicola Joynes, Manager of Teletext Holidays Direct, Chesterfield, says that Egypt remains a popular destination, in spite of it's troubles, and that European destinations are selling well coming up to the long school break. READ MORE AND ENTRY FORM...

Ashover Classic Car Rally Will Benefit Charities

Monday 4th July 2011 Local charities will benefit when hundreds of classic cars and bikes turn up at the Ashover Show Ground near Chesterfield this month for a new all-day rally, which could raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

Organised jointly by the Rotary Clubs of Chesterfield, Chesterfield Scarsdale, Clay Cross and Matlock the local charities to benefit will be McMillan Nurses, Derbyshire Young Carers, Pathways of Chesterfield for homeless people, Kidney Research and other Rotary charities.

The event, from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 24th July 2011... READ MORE...

A New Name On Everyone's Lips In Chesterfield

Sunday 3rd July 2011 One young restraunteur from Chesterfield is hoping to emulate a former colleague as he opens his new restaurant in Chesterfield later today.

Matthew Rushton worked with top chef Gordon Ramsey in his much-lauded London restaurant and on returning to his birthplace of Chesterfield, he became the Head Chef at the newly opened CASA hotel.

Now he's ready to branch out on his own and is preparing to open the doors of his new 38-cover eaterie 'The Aubergine' on Sheffield Road. It's a renaissance for the property too, which has previously been a lawnmower shop and a tanning salon. READ MORE...

£1,000 Reasons To Celebrate For Rainbow Hospice

Sunday 3rd July 2011 One local charity appeal now has 1,000 reasons to celebrate.

North East Derbyshire Chair's Appeal For Rainbows Hospice, has been presented with a cheque for £1,000 by local business Cross Trade.

The presentation was made by Geoff Morley, owner of the company and also a NEDDC Councillor to Cllr Brian Wright, Chair of NEDDC in aid of his charity appeal for the hospice, which helps young people and children.

(L-R): Cllr Geoff Morley, Anne Millington (Cllr Morley's partner), Cllr Brian Wright and Susan Wright, his wife and Consort.

Chesterfield Squash Star Receives £1000 Brampton Boost

Sunday 3rd July 2011 Chesterfield squash star Ashley Davies has received a £1,000 cash boost in his quest to reach the top, thanks to a new sporting partnership between Brampton Manor and Derbyshire Sport.

Ashley, (16), a student at Brookfield Community School, is currently No.2 in the England National Rankings, and is East Midlands Regional U17 Champion and the current Derbyshire No.1 at U17 and U19 level.

Ashley, fresh from winning the Nottingham Junior Open last weekend, is preparing to compete in one of the biggest international squash tournaments. READ MORE...

Town Shows It's Support For Our Servicemen

Saturday 2nd July 2011 Heroes. We Salute You. These were the words, displayed on home made banners and draped from a bridge that greeted dozens of soldiers and town dignitaries as they marched through Staveley towards Poolsbrook Country Park to take part in celebrations that marked the town's support for the Services and Armed Forces Day.

Staveley Armed Forces Day began today (Sat 2nd July) on what turned out to be a sunny, hot summer's day with His Worship The Mayor of Chesterfield and the town's MP Toby Perkins, leading a parade of cadets, veterans and supporters of the Armed forces... READ MORE...

These Dogs Have Less Than 24 Hours To Live. Can You Help?

Friday 1st July 2011 Bert and Ernie are both being housed at the Dog Control Kennels and as is policy, they will unfortunately be sadly put to sleep today if a home or place in a rescue centre can't be found. Can you or anyone else you know help them out?

Bert on the left is a sweet old gentleman is looking for a new family to love. He's a medium sized elderly (approx 8 years) cross breed found in the north of the district.Ernie on the right is a gorgeous little terrier cross. He is mainly white with black and brown markings and is approximately three years of age, is in good health and has a lovely nature. They're both in dire need of a new home today.

If you or anyone you know can give Bert or Ernie a home, please contact our Dog Control Officers, Steve Jacques on 07866 690271 or Melvin North on 07816 913727. READ MORE...

It'll Be "Nice To See You" ... Strictly Speaking

Tuesday 28th June 2011 A reminder that Chesterfield Football Club's Community Trust is today holding a tea dance today at the B2net. Details are below.

As if the B2net hadn't seen enough fancy footwork this season the club has announced today that there’ll be the opportunity for more when Chesterfield Football Club's Community Trust are holding their first ever 'Spireites Tea Dance' at the Stadium on Tuesday 28th June.

The event Is part of the hugely popular Extra Time project that has been running successfully throughout the year, the Community Trust team are now inviting everyone aged 55 or over to join in for an afternoon of dancing led by an experienced dance instructor. READ MORE...

Curry Nomination Deadline Looming

Friday 24th June 2011 Time is running out for voters to contribute to the first hungryhouse.co.uk English Curry Awards, which will take place on the 25th July 2011 at the Sheridan Suite in Manchester.

The awards represent the chance to honour the members of England's curry industry for the tireless work and energy they put into creating the nation's favourite dishes. The voting for the awards will officially close at the end of June.

Managing Director of hungryhouse.co.uk, Shane Lake said: "This will be the first hungryhouse.co.uk English Curry Awards and we are confident it will emulate the success of the Scottish version." READ MORE...

UPDATE - Ferreting Around In New Whittington

Thursday 23rd June 2011 We have learned today that another ferret has been found in New Whittington and is believed to be the brother of this one. 'Fred' is still with the RSPCA but the second one is with the person who found him.

If either, or one of them, belong to you, or you require any more details, please contact either the RSPCA on 01246 273358 or the Editor of the Chesterfield Post .

Monday 20th June 2011 Is this little cutie yours? He’s a male adult Ferret who was found roaming in New Whittington around 9am on Monday 20th June. Very tame and loveable and in good condition he is at Chesterfield RSPCA.

Only Here For The Beer

Thursday 23rd June 2011 This coming weekend pubs in Chesterfield will experience a prestigious visit from the National Executive of CAMRA.

The Executives from the Real Ale organization only undertake 4 visits a year to local areas and the town has been picked this time around.

The itinerary will see the officials hold a meeting in the Market on Friday evening, with the main meeting at the Chesterfield Arms, Sutton-cum-Duckmanton on Saturday.

A social evening has been laid on by the Chesterfield team ... READ MORE...

Spireites' Civic Celebration Details Revealed

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 More details have been released about the Civic Reception being held by the Borough Council on Tuesday 12th July to honour the Spireites championship-winning season.

The players and management of Chesterfield FC, 2011 League Two champions, will be given a warm welcome by the Mayor, Cllr Peter Barr and the Leader of the Council, Cllr John Burrows, at the event being held at the Town Hall from 6.30pm. The Chesterfield FC open top bus will leave the B2net Stadium at 6.00pm on that day and will proceed along Sheffield Road to the town centre, go around the Donut car park and enter Rosehill via Elder Way and Glumangate. READ MORE...

Ferrets Help Fund Ashover Flower Festival

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 It's an unlikely combination, but this week ferret-racing fans from all over North Derbyshire have helped Ashover Church Flower Guild raise £1,700 for charity.

More than 100 ferret fanciers, many in traditional flat caps and with their trouser legs tied up with string, flocked to Ashover Parish Hall for the race night which was staged by James McKay, director of the National Ferret School at nearby Holestone Gate Road. Monies raised will go towards a flower festival and scarecrow trail at All Saints Church that is to be held during August Bank Holiday with the proceeds split between the church and Ashgate Hospice. READ MORE...

Who Gets YOUR Vote?

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 The shortlist for this year's Blue Plaque awards has just been announced by Derbyshire County Council and features amongst others the name of a woman pivotal to the history and development of Chesterfield.

Violet Markham joins the 12 strong list of what's being termed "The county's great and good' along with the co-founder of Rolls Royce, Henry Royce and Mill owner John Smedley from Matlock and Lea. READ MORE...

The Dawning Of A (New) Age Of Aquarius

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
There's a chance to relive your youth, as Chesterfield Football Club is set to bring the Aquarius nightclub back to Chesterfield for one night only (The Ed is donning her dancing shoes as we type!).

It's at the B2net Stadium on Saturday 23rd July 2011 from 7.00pm until midnight.

Just £10.00 per person, you can enjoy an evening of memories with music from the resident DJ, dancing round the famous glitter ball, and with a retro basket meal included. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Football Club Pitches In To Help Prevent Falls

Tuesday 21st June 2011 As part of Falls Awareness Week, Chesterfield FC Community Trust will be holding a Falls Prevention themed Extra Time Social and Gentle Exercise Club on Wednesday 22nd June.

Every year, more than three million people aged over 65, including half of those aged 80+, will have a fall. The consequences can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Age UK is encouraging people in later life to take simple steps to prevent falls, such as having an eye test and getting involved in a local Falls Awareness Week event. READ MORE...

Extra Time Walking Football

Tuesday 21st June 2011 Chesterfield Football Club is asking for local residents over 60 to lace their boots this summer.

They do mean WALKING boots however as their Chesterfield FC's Community Trust Head Football Coach Andy Morris embarks on a new venture starting July 5th and running (walking) until August 30th on a weekly basis, which is aimed specifically at people aged 60 and over, titled 'Walking Football'.

All the rules are the same as a normal game of football, although there is one difference; you can only walk, NO running, NO sprinting, JUST walking. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Pays It's Respects To Services

Monday 20th June 2011 Chesterfield has this morning saluted its soldiers, past and present, at the beginning of Armed Forces Week.

The week is an opportunity for the nation to honour the Armed Forces Community, from current serving troops to veterans.

His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Peter Barr joined local veterans, cadets members of the public and school children, to raise the Armed Forces Day flag outside the Town Hall. The flag has been specially designed for Armed Forces Day and will be raised on a temporary flagpole by the war memorial. READ MORE...

2,500 Reasons To Celebrate Living In Chesterfield

Sunday 19th June 2011 Chesterfield Town Hall may have turned red at the last election but this morning it was a sea of pink, as it became the starting point for Cancer Research's 'Race For Life'.

It's the third year that its taken place in Chesterfield and saw well over 2,500 women and girls taking part in a 5km run, jog or walk around the town centre from the Town hall to the finishing line at Queen's Park.

Started in Battersea in 1994, it's now a national event, with one of these races held in most town's across the UK... READ MORE...

Marketing Success In N E Derbyshire

Monday 13th June 2011
Events organised to boost the local economy and promote the local markets have been hailed a success after crowds descended on events in Eckington, Clay Cross and Killamarsh.

The 'Marketing the Markets' campaign that was organised by NE Derbyshire District Council featured street entertainment, kids' activities, free raffles and a range of stalls. Local businesses, including The Sitwell Arms, Kemps Brewery, Kemps Catering For Eckington, Oriental Pearl, Spendloves Butchers, Poshfit, The Crown at Higham and The Midland attended. READ MORE...

Family Law Firm Grows

Thursday 9th June 2011 Banner Jones Solicitors, the Sheffield and Chesterfield based law firm continue to develop their highly successful Family Law department with the addition of two new team members.

Carey New joins the Chesterfield office from Norrie Waite & Slater with over 12 years of experience in private Family Law and Kate Hyland joins the Sheffield office from Taylor & Emmett with 3 years experience in Family Law. Kate is also a trained Mediator. Helena Downing, Head of the Family Department says "We are delighted to welcome Carey and Kate to the department and we know their wealth of experience will only strengthen our highly regarded Family Law team." READ MORE...

Successful Blood Donor Sessions Return To B2net

Thursday 9th June 2011
After seeing previous sessions oversubscribed Chesterfield Football Club is again urging local people to do something amazing by giving blood as the NHS Blood and Transplant Service returns to the B2net Stadium for yet another lifesaving donor session.

There will be 2 upcoming sessions at the B2net; the first on Monday 13th June, with the second to follow shortly after on Monday 4th July. Normally walk-in donors are more than welcome but such is the demand for previous sessions at the B2net that advance bookings are being advised. Call 0300 123 23 23. READ MORE...

Quarter Of A Million Chances For Small Charities

Thursday 9th June 2011 A new initiative launches later this month that will give Communities the chance to celebrate the work of small charities and share in £250,000.

The Community Action Grant is an opportunity for voluntary groups to get money designed to help them build strong and flourishing communities. A launch event on Tuesday June 21st will give people the chance to learn about the Community Action Grant as well as meet other likeminded community groups. READ MORE...

Fairplay Family Fun Day

Wednesday 8th June 2011

Come along to the Family Fun Day at Brampton Manor this Saturday 11th June from 12 noon to 5pm!

Goold old fashioned fun with coin tossing, tug-of-war, face painting and inflatables for the kids, BBQ and Bar, Stalls and a Tombola.

All profits go towards our local charity - 'FAIRPLAY'. For more information, call 01246 203963 or email: francesca.redmore@fair-play.co.uk or visit their Facebook page.

Run, Jog Or Walk For The B2net 5k

Friday 3rd June 2011

Chesterfield Football Club, in partnership with North Derbyshire Running Club and Jog Derbyshire, is encouraging local people to take part in a 5k Run, Jog, or Walk to the B2net on Sunday 10 July 2011.

This event, for all abilities, starts at 10.00am from Sheepbridge Industrial Estate and, via a 5k circuitous route, the run finishes by the Karen Child South Stand adjacent to the Plaza.  There is also a Children's 1 mile fun run around the perimeter of the B2net Stadium starting at 11.30am. ENTRY FORMS & READ MORE...

Ashgate Hospice's Foreign Coin Collection...

Wednesday 1st June 2011
You may have already heard about how old UK and foreign currency can be used to raise money, however time is running out to receive the best rates for your donated notes and coins, but you can help, by letting Ashgate Hospice re-cycle your old money!

Ashgate Hospice are able to turn any old UK and foreign money into much needed cash, but several Eurozone countries are going to stop accepting old money at the end of this year. We all still have enough time to re-cycle our notes and coins, so please read on! READ MORE...

Chesterfield College Arts Festival 2011 Events Calendar

Wednesday 1st June 2011 A full diary of events for Chesterfield College's Arts Festival 2011.

Theatre, Dance, Music, Lectures featuring acting, technology, TV presenting, filming, art and design along with many others over the month of June, in and around Chesterfield and the College. READ MORE...

Nominations Sought For Olympic Torchbearers

Wednesday 1st June 2011
There's just one year to go until the Olympic flame arrives in the UK and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has now launched the search for 8,000 Torchbearers to carry the Olympic Flame right across the UK.

They're encouraging young people in particular to get involved... READ MORE...

A New President For Chesterfield Caledonians

Tuesday 31st May 2011 Mr Mark Macartney has been elected as the Chesterfield and District Caledonian Association’s President for the forthcoming 2 years at their AGM on Tuesday 24th May.

For the past two years Mark served as Senior Vice President and is also the Association's Webmaster and Publicity Officer.

Mark was born in Dumfries in 1948 and was educated at Lockerbie Academy. He joined the Ministry of Defence in 1964 at Longtown Cumbria, working there for 22 years at Longtown. READ MORE...

Crowds Turn Out For Churches

Monday 30th May 2011
Despite the heavy rain hundreds lined the streets to watch the Annual Procession of Witness (the 'Whit Walk') through the town centre.

Lead by the Mayor of Chesterfield, Peter Barr and the President of the Christian Education Council Mrs C Sharratt this year's event commemorated The Year of The Bible - in particular the 400th anniversary of The King James Bible.

10 floats from churches including Whittington Moor Methodist, Central Methodist and The Ragged School were driven through the town... READ MORE...

Support Our Armed Forces

Friday 27th May 2011 Chesterfield has a proud connection with the Armed Forces past and present and continues to support both current servicemen and veterans through various fundraisers and events.

The Staveley Armed forces and Veterans Association is holding a fund raising evening at The Railway Club in Hollingwood on Saturday 28th May where local band Traitor's Gate will be playing. Doors open at 7.30pm.

FREE entry with donations to be taken on the evening. There'll also be a raffle. All monies raised will go towards the Association's Armed Forces day... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Cubs Box Clever

Thursday 26th May 2011
Cubs in Chesterfield are fighting fit after taking part in Derbyshire Constabulary's Ozbox.

Around 20 youngsters who are members of the 1st Highfield Cubs took part in sessions led by off-duty police officers at St Andrew's Church, Newbold, on Friday, May 13th and 20th.

The youngsters completed a mixture of keep fit, circuit training and basic boxing skills  which will be incorporated into their fitness badge. READ MORE...

Ashgate Hospice - A Few Tickets Remain For The B2net Ball

Wednesday 25th May 2011 Ashgate Hospice will once again be hosting the b2net Ball at the b2net Stadium in Chesterfield on Friday 3rd June 2011.

Tables for this prestigious event are £450 per table of ten or £45 per person, and includes a sumptous three-course meal and entertainment from the amazing Acoustic Angels and more!

Would you like to be a sponsor of the b2net Ball? There are a number of sponsorship packages available. For more details on any of the packages, please contact Emily Evans at Ashgate on 01246 568801 READ MORE...

Flagship Centre Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

Tuesday 24th May 2011 One of Chesterfield's flagship business centres is celebrating its tenth year of nurturing, supporting and strengthening businesses in the Borough.

Dunston Innovations centre, which was opened in April 2001 by Chesterfield Borough Council, is located on the Dunston Technology Park in Chesterfield. It provides 22,000 feet square of office and Rent-a-Desk space for up to 40 businesses and attracts new, young and innovative businesses.

Cllr John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council... READ MORE...

Market Fun Days In North East Derbyshire

Monday May 23rd 2011 Street entertainment, kids' activities, free raffles and a range of stalls will be on offer at a series of market events being held in North East Derbyshire this month.

People are being encouraged to love their local markets in Clay Cross, Eckington and Killamarsh during the latest family fun days organised as part of NEDDC's Marketing the Markets campaign. READ MORE...

B2net Hosts Charity Auction For Kidney Research & Kian

Friday 20th May 2011 You are invited to a Charity Auction at The B2net Stadium on 26th May 2011 at 6:30pm.

5-year-old Kian has been diagnosed with a rare genetic kidney disease called Alport's Syndrome. When Kian is a few years older, this disease will stop his kidneys from functioning properly. His only hope would be a kidney transplant.

There is a free entry to the Auction and a chance to buy tour tickets to look around the Spireites' Stadium for £5. The money raised will go to Kidney Research UK for research into Alport's Syndrome. READ MORE...

Showband On Show

Friday 20th May 2011 If you've attended any major event in Chesterfield then you will have seen the Chesterfield Musketeers Showband adding colour and music to it.

They're not regulars in the town though - they attend events throughout the country and internationally too with members too also drawn from as far away as Eastwood.

Currently the largest, most travelled and most successful Band of it's type in the East Midlands and Yorkshire region and possibly England, the band has, in the last year, performed at London's St Patrick's Day Parade ... READ MORE...

Local Charities To Benefit From Classic Car And Bike Show

Friday 20th May 2011 A charity event, organised by the Rotary Club of Chesterfield is set to benefit local organsiations when it takes place next month.

Hundreds of classic cars and bikes are expected at Renishaw Hall, Eckington, for the annual rally that raises thousands of pounds for local charities.

Three local charities to benefit will once again be Weston Park Hospital Cancer Appeal, Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, and Chesterfield's Ashgate Hospice.

The event, which runs from 3pm - 9pm on Wed 8th June 2011... READ MORE

Radio 1 Xtra's DJ Bailey Spins At The Donut

Tuesday 17th May 2011 Youngsters from Bolsover and Chesterfield were recently given the chance to work alongside a national radio DJ and produce their own CDs and artwork as part of a hands-on project.

Dozens of Chesterfield teenagers have joined forces with Radio 1 Xtra's DJ Bailey in a session aimed at creating their own DJ mixes in the workshop and to boost their skills, confidence and motivation.

They also got the chance to produce a digital CD cover and write a short biography about themselves. READ MORE...

Mystery Inspection Delivers 4-star Result For Casa

Monday 16th May 2011 Staff at Chesterfield's newest hotel, Casa, are celebrating this week following an AA inspection that saw the venue receive a 4-star rating and a merit score of 81%. Casa also received a prestigious AA Rosette for their food - an accolade that is only achieved by a handful of hotels.

Steve Perez, Owner of Casa Hotel, said: "To discover Casa is the only 4 Star hotel in Derbyshire to achieve a merit score of over 80% is a great achievement and an excellent reward for all the staff who have worked extremely hard over the last five months to ensure Casa is a success. We had very high expectations to deliver the finest quality of service..." READ MORE...

Chesterfield Carers Centre Diary For June/July

Monday 16th May 2011 Chesterfield Carers Centre have a full diary of events, free of charge, during June and July. Here's the full list and contact details.

They would like to invite Carers to join with other Carers at any of the free events in June and July. Booking is essential, please book early as some of the events have limited numbers.

Why not visit their BOOK SWAP LIBRARY? Lots to choose from - just drop in and pick up a book! Call the Chesterfield team on 01246 222373. Janis, Kevin and Linda look forward to hearing from you! READ MORE...

Chesterfield Learners Win Hair And Beauty Competition

Wednesday 4th May 2011 Hair and Beauty students from Chesterfield College were victorious after an Inter-College competition in which they competed against teams including both North Notts and West Notts Colleges.

Held in the College's Dome building, the day saw the learners produce results in several categories of competition including hairstyles themed on Japanese anime; impressive Avant Garde hair creations and a variety of Nail Art.

After adding up the scores per 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category Chesterfield College ran out eventual winners. READ MORE...

TV Role For Tideswell Food Festival

Tuesday 3rd May 2011 As Tideswell prepares for stardom on the nation's TV screens, Chesterfield food fans are being given the chance to get in on the act.

The Peak District village is inviting visitors to celebrate the variety and quality of its produce at the Tideswell Festival of Food on May 7th - with BBC cameras on hand to film the fun.

The village is one of six to win a grant from the Big Lottery Fund's Village SOS project. All are being filmed for a BBC1 series presented by Sarah Beeny, to be screened later this summer. READ MORE...

Do YOU Have A Book In You?

Tuesday 3rd May 2011 Alt.Fiction is proud to present its Spring Writing Weekend - the perfect chance for writers of science fiction, fantasy and horror to meet and work with like-minded people and enjoy workshops and talks with established authors in the field.

Offering workshops, feedback sessions and expert advice, these weekends are sure to both inform and inspire. The Spring Writing Weekend, 20th-22nd May with guest speakers Simon Clark,acclaimed horror novelist and author of The Night of the Triffids
 and Tony Ballantyne, science fiction writer of the Recursion Trilogy and the Penrose Series. READ MORE...

Don't Let The Grass Grow

Friday 29th April 2011 No one could accuse Chesterfield Football Club of letting the grass grow under their feet in the first season at the B2net, and the man who has responsibility for that is Groundsman Anthony Haywood.

His association with the club is a long one - he had tried out as a professional player with the club as an apprentice in 1983 but switched his plans to become Groundsman, learning his trade at the hands of the previous team before moving on to the top job at Saltergate.

He found out last week that he's just earned the ultimate accolade... READ MORE...

Listening To How We Can Improve Dementia Care

Thursday 28th April 2011 Listening to frontline staff, patients and carers is an important part of making sure older people's mental health services in Derbyshire are of the highest quality and effectively meet patients' needs.

Around 160 nurses, health care assistants, carers and therapists - as well as patients and families affected by dementia - were invited to share ideas and suggestions for developing services for older people with mental health (OPMH) problems in Derbyshire's community hospitals. READ MORE...

Orchid Show Returns To Chatsworth Estate

Thursday 28th April 2011 Each May for nearly 30 years the Sheffield and District Orchid Society has presented an orchid show in the Cavendish Hall, Chatsworth.

After a break last year, the show returns to the Cavendish Hall for just one day on Sunday 8th May 2011 and will be open 10.30am - 4.30pm.

This show is always an immensely popular event, not just for the riot of colour but also for an opportunity to see a variety of unusual flowers and to seek advice about caring for these beautiful plants. READ MORE...

Procession Of Witness

Tuesday 26th April 2011

Picture of this year's Procession Of Witness, lead by The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield and Rev Michael Knight.

Readings and hymns were conducted around Chesterfield, with a final service in the Crooked Spire.


READ MORE...

Caring For The Carers In Chesterfield

Tuesday 19th April 2011 A new centre that aims to offer support, guidance and activities for carers has been officially opened in Chesterfield town centre today.

Derbyshire Carers Association has over 4,500 members countywide on it's database and provides an invaluable service to those who are looking after family, friends or partners in need of fulltime care.

The new Derbyshire Carers Association centre is sited on West Bars in what was MP Paul Holmes' office. It becomes another centre in Derbyshire offering services including benefits advice and massage and holistic therapies, READ MORE...

Take A Walk On The Wild Side With Chesterfield FC

Wednesday 13th April 2011 If you're stuck for something to do during the Easter break, there's an invite extended to families wanting to get active over the school holidays from NHS Derbyshire County and Chesterfield FC.

Kicking off at 10.30am on Thursday April 21st at the B2Net Stadium, the half-hour walk will take in the sights of local wildlife including swans and ducks to follow the canal path along Tapton Lock, past the visitors' centre before looping back to the Spireites' home ground.

You'll be guaranteed to see a Field Mouse on the day... READ MORE...

Council Grant Will Help Panthers Promote Rugby Participation

Tuesday 12th April 2011 Chesterfield Panthers RUFC are delighted to have been the recipients of a grant of £750 from the Derbyshire County Council Leadership Fund to help them in their continued work in assisting the participation of young people in sport, and in particular in promoting the benefits that will come from participating in physical fitness and teamwork activities.

The Club currently runs rugby teams at all ages from Under 8's to Under 18's and has both Mens and Ladies Senior sides, with around 230 players taking part in the sport on any weekend of the season. Leadership from RFU qualified coaches is provided for all teams and junior players... READ MORE...

New Recycling Service Coming To A Doorstep Near You!

Monday 11th April 2011 Residents across North East Derbyshire and Bolsover are being urged to look out for important information about their new-look recycling service, being delivered to their homes over the next few weeks.

All 79,000 households across the area will receive a leaflet about the new system - which will allow them to recycle plastic bottles at home - ahead of the delivery of their burgundy bin next month. READ MORE...

And The Votes Are In...

Monday 4th April 2011
The shoppers of Chesterfield have voted, and, in a closely fought contest, have crowned their Market Retailer of the Year.

Holding onto their title of 'Favourite Market Stall' for a 2nd year was Ibbotsons for the outdoor market and the 'Favourite Market Hall Retailer' award went to the delighted new owners of Fred's Haberdashery.

The winning traders were presented with cash prizes and certificates by the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield at a presentation on the Market. READ MORE...

Spirefest Gets Ready To Rock Chesterfield

Wednesday 30th March 2011 The inaugural Spirefest day long rock festival and guitar show due to be held at the Winding Wheel is drawing ever closer and organiser Brian Bannister has been busy putting the final touches to what promises to be a great event, and one unique to this area.

"We are absolutely overwhelmed by peoples generosity and encouragement for what we are trying to do", Brian told us, "We have already had to start a reserve list for 2012 for the bands that want to join in with this Cancer Research UK fundraising event, as there are simply no performance slots available in the already tight schedule for this year". READ MORE...

Christopher Digs Deep For School's Eco-Project

Wednesday 30th March 2011 A green fingered dad from Chesterfield has been helping his son’s school improve their eco- credentials as part of his employer’s Volunteering Grants Programme.

Dad-of-one Christopher Newton, 48, from Hasland has been supporting Hasland Infant and Nursery School's outdoor projects since 2008 and has now donated a total of £2,000 that has been made possible by Staff Volunteer Grant donations from Yorkshire Bank.

Christopher is Customer Service Officer at the Chesterfield branch READ MORE...

Save The Manor

Sunday 27th March 2011 It's acknowledged as one of Chesterfield's landmark buildings, seen on the skyline of the town centre from many angles. Built in 1901, it's been the Central School and The Harry Cropper School but more latterly Manor School.

However, the Manor Building is now under threat and plans have been submitted which could see it knocked down to facilitate the building of a Doctor's surgery and offices. Purchased by Avondale Road Surgery as part of their future development plans, an application has now been made, which, if granted, will see the old building demolished and replaced by a state of the art new building... READ MORE...

New Cash For New Homes

Tuesday 22nd March 2011
Chesterfield Borough Council has today laid the foundations for £56 million of investment in its Council housing stock over the next four years. It has come about through an injection of £8.2million from the Government with the rest coming from the Housing Revenue Account. Chesterfield was one of only 23 authorities nationwide to secure funding.

Cllr Tony Rogers, Lead Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: "I'm delighted to be able to announce the largest housing investment programme in Chesterfield for a generation and for the benefits it will bring"... READ MORE...

Stanley Dyson - His Legacy Lives On

Monday 21st March 2011 Three children aged between 8 and 11 were feted in London after winning a special art competition celebrating the life and work of a recently discovered local talent.

Readers of The Chesterfield Post will recall the exhibition held at Chesterfield Museum featuring the work of recently discovered local artist Stanley Dyson.

Stanley had taught at New Whittington Secondary School in the '50's, moving to Norfolk in later years. His works had been stored in his attic, and after his death in 2007, sold by his daughter at auction. READ MORE...

Staveley MWFC - A Club On The Up

Monday 21st March 2011 Back in 2007, Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club faced extinction, their football club committee had resigned en masse due to retirement and just pure time issues.

The club itself is actually still owned by the Miners Welfare Committee and they were not actively seeking new buyers, but when Terry Damms, a Sheffield born businessman with an 85% shareholder in a Nottinghamshire based company called Baris Fabrications, heard on the non league grapevine that Staveley were in trouble, he made the call to the committee to see if he could help. As a result, we see a Staveley side that are top of the NCEL Division One... READ MORE...

Netting Funds For Charity At The B2Net

Monday 21st March 2011 A massive charity football match is to be organised at the B2 net in May to raise funds for a leading cancer charity that helped a former footballing apprentice beat the disease 4 years ago.

Jamie Walker, who trained with Mansfield Town, is the son of former Chesterfield and Rotherham striker Phil and was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in 2005. After undergoing 7 months of Chemotherapy and radiotherapy he was given the all clear in 2007. Phil, now soccer coach at Centre Parcs, has organised a charity match each year to raise money for both children's and cancer charities, accumulating a total of £60,000 over that time. READ MORE...

Catwalk Capers For Charity Evening

Sunday 20th March 2011 Models, made up of Fairplay girls, council staff, and friends and family of Mayoral staff and Chesterfield Post staff strutted their stuff on the catwalk, raising over £750 towards the Mayors Appeal.

The Charity Fashion show, organised by the Mayor's office and Matalan Assistant Manager Kieran, was held to raise cash for charities, Fairplay and the Samaritans.

Matalan donated clothes worn by the models for the evening and Hair and Beauty students from Chesterfield College volunteered their time to make up the models and compere for the evening, Mayor's secretary, Vivien. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Carpet Store Staff Laid Off

Saturday 19th March 2011 Another well-known Chesterfield store has ceased trading with the loss of 4 jobs. Allied Carpets on Lordsmill Street was owned by Hilco, a retail-restructuring firm that has now sold 26 of the 30 stores nationally to Savana Trading.

The Chesterfield store was one of the four not purchased. It closed with immediate effect on Wednesday 16th March 2011. A spokesman acting on behalf of the company has told The Chesterfield Post that any carpet orders will be honoured and all customers at the store have now been contacted. If anyone hasn't yet been contacted, a number will be given for you to call as soon as we have it. We understand that liquidation specialist firm Leonard Curtis is managing the closure of the stores.

Market Cleans Up

Thursday 17th March 2011 Chesterfield market traders have signed a new agreement with Chesterfield Borough Council to work together in keeping the town's market clean and tidy.

The town's Markets Consultative Committee, which represents the market traders in the town, has signed the agreement that details the responsibilities of the Council and the traders to maintain a clean market.

The market area presents many challenges. The permanent stalls and the traditional stone paving means the Council has to be more careful... READ MORE...

Bringing Bess Of Hardwick To Life

Tuesday 15th March 2011 Chesterfield and District Caledonian Association recently hosted Sonia Preece who gave a talk about Hardwick Hall and it’s most famous resident 'Bess of Hardwick'.

A tour Guide at Hardwick Hall for some 17 years, Sonia gave a fantastic talk covering many aspects of the house, including Bess's childhood and the history of the 2 halls. She concluded by showing the audience the types of clothes that would have been worn in Bess's time.

An interesting question and answer session followed... READ MORE...

Homes Boost For Town

Monday 14th March 2011 The Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Keith Morgan, has officially launched a brand new phase at Barratt East Midlands' The Spires development on Derby Road that he hopes will signal the start of up upwards spiral of prosperity for this thriving market town.

The Mayor and Mayoress joined other VIPs at a special event to officially launch phase two of The Spires as well as three brand new showhomes.

Part of the regeneration of the Derby Road area of town, The Spires, which takes its name from the town's famous landmark, comprises a collection of... READ MORE...

Market Rates Frozen

Monday 14th March 2011 Chesterfield Borough Council has today announced that, in recognition of their value to the town, there is to be no rent increase for the town's market stalls.

The rent freeze will apply to the General and Flea markets, Farmers' Markets and the Sunday Car Boot Sale as council officials say they are pivotal to the financial prosperity of the town.

Cllr Ray Russell, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: "Chesterfield is famous for it's markets and they help to attract thousands of visitors and residents into the town centre every week." READ MORE...

A Good Time Was Had By All

Sunday 13th March 2011 Great beers, cracking music, unique venue, and better still, all local. That was the ethos behind this weekend's inaugural Beer 2 net festival. And the thousands who packed the Midlands Cooperative concourse of the brand new B2NET stadium over the two days certainly seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere.

The 'Beer2net' Festival aimed to celebrate the best beers that Derbyshire had to offer with over 50 on tap from a wide selection of local breweries that form the Derbyshire Brewers Collective (added to a couple from a German micro brewery, Grohe, in Chesterfield's twin town of Darmstadt). READ MORE...

Longer Innings For Cricket In Chesterfield

Sunday 13th March 2011 Chesterfield will continue to host County Cricket in Queen's Park after securing a further five-year deal with Derbyshire Cricket Club. It will also host a six-day Cricket Festival in August.

The club signed the deal with Chesterfield Borough Council last week, after the original five year deal - which saw cricket return to the ground, often said to be the most scenic ground in England - finished in 2010.

Derbyshire returned to Queen's Park in 2006 and the summer festival has gone from strength to strength, attracting healthy crowds... READ MORE...

More Tickets To Be Won For The Beer2net Festival Competition

Tuesday 8th March 2011 Due to an extremely high number of entries to our FREE to enter competition for tickets to the 'Beer2net' Festival this Saturday (12th March), the organisers have kindly agreed to give away 4 more pairs of tickets, making a total of TEN pairs now up for grabs. But hurry, the deadline for entries is Wednesday 9th March at Midnight.

Next Weekend sees the start of the FIRST EVER Beer Festival at the B2NET Organised by Phil Tooley and the Derbyshire Brewers Collective.

The 'BEER-2-NET' festival will feature 50+ locally brewed ales ... READ MORE...

Every Pedal Helps

Friday 4th March 2011 15 staff from Tesco, Chesterfield got on their bikes in order to raise cash for Clic Sargent, Tesco's Charity of the year.

It was the last event for the charity before the store changes to it's new one and the riders were determined to make it a good one. On a typically grey and cold winter Sunday morning they set off to cycle the 24-mile return journey to Rother Valley.

Mark Rawlins is Lead Retail Service Manager and he paid tribute to the group and told us why events like this are so important to the store.  "They're a great group of guys and when asked, rose to the challenge immediately" READ MORE...

Chesterfield Market Hosts Young Enterprise Trade Fair

Wednesday 2nd March 2011

Students from local schools are preparing to take part in the North Derbyshire Young Enterprise Trade Fair on Thursday 3rd March. The Fair, hosted by Chesterfield Market, takes place in New Square between 10am and 4pm.

The students, aged 15-17, represent eleven Young Enterprise groups taking part in the Company Programme, which gives students an opportunity to gain practical experience of business and enterprise through setting up and running their own real company. READ MORE...

Pastoral Care Comes To Town

Tuesday 1st March 2011 They offer anything from friendship to flip flops, and from the summer, they’ll be coming to streets near you.

The Street Pastor scheme is tried and tested in 200 towns throughout the UK and soon a team of specially trained good Samaritans will be mixing with revellers in Chesterfield.

When glasses are broken and high heels begin to hurt the combination can be dangerous and results in cut feet so a priority will be flip-flops for any bare footed ladies. The Pastors will also hand out 'spikers' - which girls can put in their drinks to protect them from being spiked. READ MORE...

Local Acts Make Big Noise At The B2net

Monday 28th February 2011

Organisers of the Beer2net festival have unveiled details of the music that will be on offer on the two evenings - 11th and 12th March.

Whilst sampling some (maybe all!) of the 50+ beers on offer at the festival, visitors will also be able to sample a couple of the finest local acts too.

John Pickering will be having a ball, along with local Spireite fans 'Ruberlaris' at the Festival which will be the first of it's kind at the Stadium. READ MORE...

Why Here?

Sunday 27th February 2011 Residents in Chesterfield are expressing their concerns after telephone companies applied for planning permission for a mast that will be situated close to a residential area.

Planning Application No. CHE/11/00092/TEL was submitted in the name of Damian Hosker on 09/09/2011 and refers to a proposed Vodafone ltd/Telefonica 02 UK Installation on Land at Junction of Storrs Road and Chatsworth Road.

One resident who opposes the installation is Philip Jones from the area and he is urging other local residents to object in writing to Chesterfield Borough Council before the closing date of 8th March. READ MORE...

Update: Auto Windscreens

Friday 25th February 2011 The Chesterfield Post has learned tonight that a company has purchased the assets and name of Auto Windscreens.

Trifords Ltd, which is part of the Markerstudy Group - which buys brand names and assets - announced the deal today, just hours after chesterfield based Auto Windscreens was forced into liquidation, with the loss of over a thousand jobs nationwide. Along with the right to use the company name Trifords have also bought the Hasland HQ and 19 other leasehold sites.

The Auto Windscreens website seems to be back up and running, copyright listed as "Trifords Ltd T/A Autowindscreens" but there is not yet any word on whether Trifords plan to create jobs in the area.

No one at the company is available for comment tonight.

Auto Windscreens Closes Down

Friday 25th February 2011 - 1:15

In a devastating blow to employment in the town, 400 Chesterfield employees today learned that they had lost their jobs as local based national company Auto Windscreens announced that it had gone into liquidation.

Staff were called to a meeting at Noon at the Storforth Lane HQ and were told by the Administrators that the company had closed with immediate effect after no buyers had been secured in order that the company could continue to trade.
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Rolling On...

Wednesday 23rd February 2011 It began life as a gift to Lord Baden Powell at the 21st birthday of Scouting and, after several different owners, has now returned to the Scouting fold.

'Jam Roll', a 1929 20 HP Rolls Royce, was also a Guest of Honour when the blue plaque dedicated to Lady Baden Powell was unveiled in the town. It was presented to Baden Powell at the Jamboree in 1929 to celebrate 21 years of Scouting, along with a caravan called Eccles.

The car stayed with Lord Baden Powell until his death in Kenya... READ MORE...

Not Just A Trophy Gesture From Supporters

Wednesday 23rd February 2011 Raising funds and a season end (hopefully) raising of trophies may be combined as Chesterfield Football Club prepares to welcome a new trophy cabinet at the B2 net.

Supporters have raised £10,000 over the last year that has been donated to the club and will be used for the cabinet and a weather shield canopy which will protect fans from the elements as they buy tickets .The money will also go towards memorabilia which will be displayed in the hospitality suites.

The cheque for £10,000 was presented to the football club... READ MORE...

A Guiding Light

Wednesday 23rd February 2011 She is referred to as 'The mother of millions' and nearly 40 years after her death, is still a huge influence in the life of over 10,000 girls throughout Derbyshire alone and over 10 million around the world.

And yesterday, on Founder's, or Thinking Day (the shared birth date of her and her husband) Lady Baden Powell's (left) link to Chesterfield was celebrated with the unveiling of a blue plaque in Shentall's Gardens.

In 1889, Olave Soames was born at Stubbing Court, the daughter of Harold Soames and lived in Chesterfield until she was 8 years old. READ MORE...

HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES - Half-Term Heroes

Monday 21st February 2011 It's the start of half term and if you're wondering to do with your children this week, it may be worth knowing that a series of half-term activities for youngsters in Chesterfield have been organised by local police officers.

Youngsters can attend a Gamezone, karaoke and disco afternoon at The Eagle Club, Newbold, from 2pm to 5pm on Monday, February 21st.

From Tuesday 22nd to Friday 25th there will be sporting sessions held every afternoon on Stand Road Park from 2.15pm. READ MORE...

Charity Begins At .... Alfreton

Monday 21st February 2011 The first charity to benefit from the Alfreton Sunday League's Grand 40th Reunion has been announced.

The annual Stan Brewster Memorial Football Tournament, which itself raises funds for four local charities each year in memory of former Swanwick man Stan Brewster, will be one of three organisations which will receive monies from a specific fund raiser being held on the day of the reunion. READ MORE...

Beer2net Festival

Monday 21st February 2011
Friday 11th March (noon - 11pm) / Saturday 12th March 2011 (11am - 11pm)
Midlands Co-operative Stand Concourse, Chesterfield FC, B2net Stadium, Sheffield Road, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield.

Another local beer festival, with Derbyshire right at the heart, is to be added to the calendar and this one, will indeed, be unique.

When Chesterfield Football Club uprooted from its historic Saltergate headquarters in June last year to move to their plush new surroundings ... READ MORE...

Ashgate Hospice Midnight Walk. Ladies Only!

Friday 18th February 2011
Our 4th annual Midnight Walk is taking place on Saturday/Sunday 25/26 June 2011 and is expected to be one of the biggest events in our calendar this year!

There are two walk length options this year - 13 miles and 6.5 miles. The walk will begin at midnight from Cliffe Park in Dronfield and will follow a 6.5 mile route to Ashgate Hospice. If you decide to take the 13 mile challenge, you will then return back to Cliffe Park. All of our walkers will be welcomed back at Cliffe Park with a hot drink and bacon sandwich! Ladies only...but ...Men - we need your help on the night! Contact us if you can help. READ MORE...

Market Fun Day A Success

Friday 18th February 2011 A family fun day took place at Clay Cross , one of a series of events aimed at getting local residents to love their local market.

Balloon modelling, free fairground rides, face painting, entertainment from the Young Inspirations Theatre Company and a great range of stalls were just some of the attractions on offer. It was one of a series of themed events will be running at markets across the district as part of North East Derbyshire District Council's 'Love Your Market' campaign.

Similar events will be happening in Killamarsh on ... READ MORE...

A Million Reasons To Tackle Youth Unemployment

Thursday 17th February 2011 After figures released yesterday showed more young people aged 16-24 are unable to find work, one youth charity is calling on Chesterfield business leaders to help tackle youth unemployment in the area.

With youth unemployment at its highest since records began, the Prince's Trust is appealing for local businesses to sign up to a major regional fundraising campaign, aiming to raise thousands to help local youngsters into jobs.

The Million Makers fundraising challenge will see businesses from across the East Midlands competing over six months to raise the most money for the Prince's Trust by setting up their own mini-enterprises. READ MORE...

UPDATE: Chesterfield Company Goes Into Administration

Tuesday 15th February 2011
We've been informed the Employee Hotline number is (01246) 223029 - after the shock announcement last night that Chesterfield based Company Auto Windscreens has gone into administration.

Administrators Deloitte who were appointed yesterday say that the company had been in the process of implementing a major operational improvement plan, which was designed to deliver significant operational efficiencies. However delays in the implementation of IT systems, coupled with lower than expected revenues in the last quarter of 2010 has led to cash flow problems... READ MORE...

Home From Home For Spanish Students

Monday 14th February 2011 The motto of Chesterfield's Hotel, The CASA is, "Mi casa es su casa", and for 4 students it really has proved to be a home from home as they act as guinea pigs for a link between a Spanish University and the Hotel.

They are studying at the Spanish themed Hotel as part of their International Hotel Management course and have travelled from the University of the Balearic Islands to complete the third year of study here.

The first students to come to the hotel as part of this programme... READ MORE...

UPDATE: Tracing The History Of Local Artist, Stanley Dyson

Thursday 10th February 2011 An exhibition of a late local artist's work has been launched at Chesterfield Museum with art experts from London still trying to trace some of his pupils who are believed to still live locally.

As we previously reported, family discovered Stanley Dyson's works after his death in 2007. Unsigned and undated, the paintings were sent for auction.

After being bought by Robert Young Antiques of London, their history was researched and Stanley was found to have been a teacher at New Whittington Secondary School on London Street in the 1950's. READ MORE...

Arkwright's Story Relived

Monday 7th February 2011 Anyone who has lived in Chesterfield for a long period of time will remember Arkwright, and the re building of a whole new village to replace the old which was rendered dangerous by the effects of methane emissions from ex mining works.

Now, the unique history of this North East Derbyshire village has been brought to life as part of a community art and drama project.

Members of local community group, 'The ArkWriters', made up of residents of all ages and abilities, have spent a year researching the community... READ MORE...

Guitar Heroes

Friday 4th February 2011 A unique gig, hoping to become an annual event, is being organised in Chesterfield in order to raise money for a leading cancer charity.

Spirefest, due to take place on April 9th at the Winding Wheel, aims to benefit Cancer Research UK.

Visitors are expected to come from all over the UK to the event - an all day Guitar Fest with a Guitar Show, Battle of the Bands competition and live gig from leading rock/blues star Chantel McGregor. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Apprentices Get 'Fired Up'

Friday 4th February 2011 With Apprenticeships on the rise and becoming a popular alternative to A level qualifications, National Apprenticeship Week (7th - 11th February) aims to celebrate the work that students do along with the scheme itself.

Chesterfield College is hugely involved, offering a variety of placements,and is taking part in the week by helping to raise money for good causes. Hair and Beauty Therapy apprenticeship students will be showcasing their talents by offering a wide variety of low cost treatments, such as Indian Head Massage, Pedicures and Brow Shaping, at a Charity Event at Ashgate Hospice. READ MORE...

Steve Perez Interview -
"It's Not Just About Me, It's About The Town Too!"

Wednesday 2nd February 2011 If ever the phrase 'self-made-man' summed up anyone - it sums up Steve Perez.

Brought up in Chesterfield where his dad owned a restaurant and then the Red Lion at Stanedge, Steve has learned his trade from the ground up - working first in catering and hotels and, via a drinks business, he's now the proud owner of an iconic and groundbreaking Four star hotel (Chesterfield's first), the CASA.

We met with Steve at the hotel and chatted to him about his life, his love for the town, and to discover what makes a successful businessman. READ MORE...

Love YOUR Local Market

Monday 31st January 2011 "They're Valuable Assets", says Cllr Pat Kerry from NE Derbyshire District Council as she encourages local people to shop at local markets in the region.

Throughout February, a series of events will run at markets across Clay Cross, Killamarsh and Eckington, in support of the 'Love your Market' campaign.

The first event will be held on Saturday 12th February at Clay Cross Market. There will be many free activities, including fun fair rides, balloon modelling, face painting and a chocolate fountain. READ MORE...

A Day To Remember And Respect

Friday 28th January 2011 The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield joined forces yesterday with The Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, Huw Bowen, to pay tribute to those who suffered in the Holocaust by signing the Commemoration Book in the Town Hall, along with Leader of The Council, Cllr Ray Russell and Leader of the Opposition John Burrows who also joined them.

Anyone wishing to pay his or her respects by signing the book should visit the Town Hall main reception where the book will be open until February 4th.

Residents in North East Derbyshire can also sign... READ MORE...

Where YOU In This Class Of The 1950's?

Friday 28th January 2011 A company in London, about to mount an exhibition of Paintings by a local artist is appealing for any help in tracing some of his pupils.

A selection of images from Robert Young Antiques of London of the work of local artist and art teacher, Stanley Dyson will be exhibited at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery. Also on display will be some of the work of Dyson's former pupils who attended New Whittington Secondary School in the 1950's. Robert Young Antiques are now searching for the New Whittington Secondary School, class of 1950 and any other pupils who may have been taught by Stanley Dyson... READ MORE...

Exclusive Update: Friends Reunited After 50 Years

Thursday 20th January 2011
Today, the Chesterfield Post has found Ellis Pollard, the friend that saved Ron Sumpton's life back in 1958 and spoke with Ron this evening who was overwhelmed and declared himself delighted.
"I never thought I'd find him, it's all my Birthday and Christmas presents rolled into one, I'm so looking forward to meeting Ellis again after all this time and thanking him for what he did. Thank you to everyone who helped in the search, I cannot believe we have found him".

Read about how the original story unfolded and Ron's story... READ MORE...

Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorated At Town Hall

Tuesday 18th January 2011 Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked in Chesterfield with a display in the Town Hall Foyer and film of recorded stories from those who experienced the atrocity.

Chesterfield Borough Council has today announced that it will further mark the UK's 11th annual Holocaust Memorial Day on Thursday, Jan 27th, with a Book of Commitment made available for the public to sign to Friday, Feb 4th. READ MORE...

Generous Gesture Boosts The Coffers For Scouts Trip

Friday 14th January 2011 A local company has made a generous donation towards a local scout group's Canada trip after reading about the group’s fundraising efforts in The Chesterfield Post.

1st Calow Scouts are fundraising hard for a trip to Ontario for an adventure holiday and appealed for local residents or businesses to sponsor horses or races in their forthcoming Race Night on 22nd January.

Chairman of local football team Staveley MWFC and Director of Baris Facades & Linings Ltd, Terry Damms, saw the appeal and offered to donate... READ MORE... 

A Brief History Of The Chesterfield Caledonian Association

Tuesday 4th January 2011 The Chesterfield and District Caledonian Association was founded in October 1910. The Association was not the first collective of Scots in Chesterfield and the surrounding District.

The Derbyshire Courier dated 28th January 1882, reported that The Chesterfield Burns Society held a Burns Celebration on 23rd January 1882 at the Angel Hotel, Chesterfield.  The Immortal Memory on that occasion was given by Dr John Carnegie, a former missionary to Amoy in China, who had moved to the town in 1872.

The Society was discontinued in 1904 but a number of its members... READ MORE...

A Christmas Blessing

Monday 20th December 2010 "The best Christmas present ever!" That's how one mum summed up a church's generosity after her young daughter was presented with a much needed therapy bike at a packed service.

Taya Hall is 4 and a half, and was born at 29 weeks, spending two months in Special Care. Shortly afterwards she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Taya can't sit up or walk straight and her muscles are stiff - she also gets tired very easily. She is currently receiving botox injections into her back and legs to relax her muscles READ MORE...

Pride Of Chesterfield

Friday 17th December 2010
Ten young soldiers, after undergoing a gruelling selection process, today swore their Oath of Allegiance to the Queen during an emotional ceremony at the Mayor's Parlour.

The lads, from Chesterfield and it's surrounding areas were watched by their families and friends as they joined up to four Regiments.

Matthew Beddingham and Callum Dawes were joining the Mercians Infantry and are off to Catterick on the 9th Jan 2011. READ MORE...

Love Lights Up Hospice

Thursday 16th December 2010 Ashgate Hospice would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who dedicated a light in this year’s Lights of Love switch on, which for the seventh year in a row helped to celebrate and remember loved ones and raise money to provide specialist care in the area.

Staff at the hospice say they were "overwhelmed" by the response and that they are grateful and humbled by the monies raised - around £300,000 over the last eight years. This year's total so far is £35,000 alone.

This year Sharon Eades-McBride, who had dedicated a light ... READ MORE...

The 'M' Factor

Tuesday 14th December 2010 Now, it doesn't quite have the glitz and Glamour of the 'X Factor' and there's no chance of a million pound contract, but Chesterfield residents are being asked to support Chesterfield in trying to prove it has the 'M' factor and in giving a boost to local traders and shoppers too.

People who live in Chesterfield know just how good the market is ... you can buy anything from fabric to fruit, it's one of the town's strongest selling points and it brings in thousands of tourists per year. Shoppers in the town are now being asked to support the market by voting for it in the 'Britain's Favourite Market' Competition organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities.

It’s easy to do - just visit www.nabma.com and click on the red apple to vote! READ MORE...

A Bit Of A Week!

Tuesday 7th December 2010

One week ago the white stuff had just arrived. As we woke up to Tuesday we had no idea that it was to be the worst dumping of snow for years, with some parts of the town getting at least 28 inches. The Chesterfield Post has compiled a look back over the week and the disruption throughout the town.

Tuesday - Most schools were closed as the conditions began in earnest (with heavier bouts falling upon a modest snowfall over the previous 24 hours).
READ MORE...

Community Spirit

Thursday 2nd December 2010

What's believed to be the heaviest snowfall in years has battered Chesterfield today with as much as 28 inches falling in some parts. Every school in Chesterfield was closed Wednesday due to the worsening conditions and many services were disrupted with no buses running in the town for example.

The Chesterfield Post set out to discover the real impact in local communities of the dumping, spending parts of the day on the streets of New Whittington, finding out how residents and businesses there were coping READ MORE...

Some Winter Scenes

Wednesday 1st December 2010

Some of you have been out and about in the snow and taken some pictures, we thought we'd put them up here as a bit of a gallery for you!

If you fancy sending us your best pics of the snow, email them to mark@chesterfieldpost.co.uk and we'll put them up!


READ MORE...

Chesterfield's Greenprint Launched

Thursday 25th November 2010 A new 'Greenprint' for Chesterfield that sets out plans to protect and save the plants and animals that exist throughout the Borough has been launched.

The Greenprint focuses on the plants and animals that have declined due to a variety of man made factors, for example intensive agriculture, climate change, development and neglect.

The document has been updated from the original 2003 Greenprint and identifies habitats and species that are of concern in Chesterfield, READ MORE...

Arts And Crafts Market Adds Brightness To Lights Switch On

Wednesday 17th November 2010 A new Arts and Craft market is setting up for this year's Christmas lights switch-on event in Chesterfield. Over 20 local artists and craftspeople will be exhibiting and selling their work on the main market in the town from 12noon until 6pm on Sunday 21st November.

The public can meet local artists, treat themselves to something special and buy unusual hand-made Christmas presents.

Cllr Ray Russell, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: "The Arts and Craft market will add a new dimension to our traditional markets... READ MORE...

Parade Lights Up Chesterfield

Monday 1st November 2010 Samba dancers, The Mayor and Mayoress, Panto Dame and villain along with many home made lanterns all gathered in front of a illuminated Crooked Spire.

Not then your average Saturday night in Chesterfield town centre but, in fact, one of many events organised to celebrate the Market Festival weekend.

Over 500 people turned up to parade through the town - forming a huge snake of music, chat and light leading from the church courtyard to the Queen's Park and led by an Aladdin on stilts and holding a huge paper lamp... READ MORE...

Bargain Hunt Bonanza

Friday 29th October 2010 There was everything to pay for as the Mayor and Mayoress took part in a charity Bargain Hunt on Chesterfield's very own flea market on Thursday,

Divided into two teams with representatives from their office and their chosen charities, Fairplay and The Samaritans, they were sent with £100 to buy what they could from the stalls.

BBC Antiques expert Jonty Hearnden was on hand to then value the 'buys' and award a prize to the team... READ MORE...

Giant Fire Bird To Illuminate Garden Of Light

Tuesday 26th October 2010 A giant Fire Bird Sculpture, created by local students will set Queen's Park alight this weekend.

Pupils from Parkside School have created the willow sculpture for the Garden of Light which will be in the park from Thursday 28th to Saturday 30th October.

It's one of five giant willow sculptures inspired by traditional Chinese mythology that have been created by nearly 100 young people from Chesterfield schools, working with the Babbling Vagabonds Storytelling Theatre troup. Each group created a different animal ... READ MORE...

Search For WWII Airman's Family

Tuesday 26th October 2010 One of Chesterfield's twin towns is asking residents for information on the family of a WW2 airman who was shot down in Germany.

Sgt. Dennis Heeley was the son of Fred and Loie May Heeley of Brimington in Chesterfield and was killed in action when his plane crashed in Salzbergen in Germany on March 6th, 1945. READ MORE...

Full Steam Ahead For Restored Engine

Monday 25th October 2010
There was a treat in store for steam buffs when a recently restored engine made it's mainline comeback in Chesterfield on Saturday.

The Ex LMS 'Black Five' 45305 had been undergoing a 5-year long revamp, but was back in action at the weekend, taking charter guests from Birmingham to Buxton via Derby, Chesterfield, Sheffield and the Hope Valley.

As the engine took on water at the site of the old New Whittington station we caught up with Gerry Garside who was part of the crew. READ MORE...

Countdown To Chesterfield's Arts And Market Festival

Wednesday 20th October 2010 Chesterfield is preparing to stage its biggest and best ever Arts and Market Festival.

The three-day event (28-30 October) will see diverse and varied events taking place with guests including Lau, winners of the Best Group in the 2010 BBC Folk Awards and Shappi Khorsandi, one of the hottest comedy talents in the country.

The nation's favourite orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, returns to the Winding Wheel on Thursday with their programme of Mozart's Violin Concerto No1 and Beethoven's Symphony No4... READ MORE...

After The Incinerator Decision...

Tuesday 19th October 2010
As the impact of the decision began to sink in, the Chesterfield Post got immediate reaction from several key players.

Julie Harrington has been at the forefront of the Campaign Against the Incinerator - she runs a business close to the site and has young children who she felt would have been at risk if it had gone ahead.

We caught up with an emotional and shell-shocked Julie and we asked her if it had been a good day for 'People Power' in the town … VIDEO & READ MORE...

Incinerator Decision Extra - Quotes From the Meeting

Tuesday 19th October 2010 The Chesterfield Post has already told you about the decision made to refuse planning permission for Cyclamax to build a waste disposal plant at a site close to property and businesses in Chesterfield.

The report which recommended that permission was in fact granted was prepared by Rob Murfin, who is a Planning Official for DCC. However, his recommendations were rebuffed by the 9 strong council planning committee who, after careful consideration, chose to listen to the protesters against the site. The report which was presented to the Committee can be seen on the Derbyshire County Council website. READ MORE...

People Power Triumphs In Incinerator Battle

Tuesday 19th October 2010 After a mammoth FIVE-hour session in the Derbyshire County Council Chamber, Planning Councillors overwhelmingly rejected an application by Cyclamax to build an Incinerator on a former Industrial site in Dunston 8 votes against 1.

The company had sought planning permission to build a waste disposal facility on the disused Cammac Coal site over two years ago, saying the plant would bring jobs to the area. They also insisted it was safe and that there were no issues building it so close to residences and schools.

Locals thought differently however and, in what was praised by the Councillors as a well-organized, exemplary campaign, they sought to challenge the facility. Today, over 300 of them descended on Matlock's County Hall to hear whether their battle had been successful. READ MORE...

Incinerator: Campaigners Mount Eleventh Hour Challenge

Sunday 17th October 2010

With a decision from Derbyshire County Council on plans to build an incinerator in Chesterfield less than 48 hours away, campaigners against the facility believe that one important factor in the decision has been overlooked and are asking for an archaelogical assessment of the proposed site.

The Chesterfield Post has seen a letter sent to the County Council planning committee today from the owners of a property close to the proposed site at Sheepbridge. READ MORE...

Local Libraries Help residents Recharge Their Batteries

Sunday 17th October 2010 We all know that a bit of time curled up with a good book can help us relax - now Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to recharge their batteries quite literally as they visit libraries this month.

As part of a scheme to encourage people to look after the environment by switching away from single-use batteries Derbyshire County Council has 500 AA battery and charger sets to give away each month for the next three months. Batteries should never be thrown away with general rubbish. All Derbyshire libraries will have a battery bin installed from September so that residents can dispose safely of their used batteries when they pay a visit to the library. READ MORE...

Boxing Clever In North Derbyshire

Thursday 14th October 2010 Youngsters in two north Derbyshire villages have the opportunity to get fighting fit by taking part in free sessions of the boxing based fitness programme Ozbox.


Teenagers in Dronfield and Clowne can enjoy circuit training and learning basic boxing skills as part of the sessions which have been organised to offer them something fun to do as the dark nights begin.

Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams have organised the sessions which could become regular events if they are successful. READ MORE...

"It's The Heart Of The Town!"

Monday 11th October 2010 "It's the heart of the town!" That's Markets Manager Andy Bond on the market held in Chesterfield four days a week.

Andy has fond memories of the Market Place, having worked there himself as a teenager. After spending some time working in retail away from the town, he saw the job for Manager advertised and jumped at the chance to return to work there again.

Talk to Andy for any length of time and it's clear how proud of the stalls he is, and how protective of the stallholders. "It's a huge asset to the town, where else", he asks, "can you get everything you might need in one place?" READ MORE...

Report From the Frontline - The Incinerator March

Saturday 9th October 2010 Ahead of the County Council Planning Department's Oct 19th decision deadline regarding Cyclamax's proposed Gasification plant at Dunston, the 'Chesterfield Against Incineration' group held a March in protest today, Saturday, 9th October.

Local MP's Toby Perkins and Natascha Engel joined the Campaign Leader, Julie Harrington, on the march along with hundreds of protesters.

Chesterfield Post Editor Karen Johnson was there and spoke with Julie and the MP's for their thoughts on the Campaign and march. READ MORE AND AUDIO...

The Final Countdown For Local Protest Group

Wednesday 6th October 2010

It's been an unprecedented protest campaign in Derbyshire and one which locals say shows the strength of feeling against a scheme to build a gasification plant at the former Cammax site at Dunston.

It's more than two years since plans were submitted to Derbyshire County Council for planning permission by the Company behind the scheme, Cyclamax, and in two weeks time the County Council Planning Department will finally make a decision as to whether that permission has been granted. READ MORE & VIDEO...

Drop In Centre Opens It's Doors

Sunday 3rd October 2010 A unique drop in centre for cancer sufferers and their families will be opening it’s doors tomorrow (Monday 4th Oct) at 10am.

The Nenna Kind Centre is situated in Room 5 on the 2nd floor of the Market Hall and offers support and advice in a welcoming environment for anyone affected by the disease. There will be advice on benefits and also complimentary therapies including reflexology and massage. All the services are free. READ MORE...

More On 'Destination Chesterfield'...

Friday 1st October 2010 The Chesterfield Post brought you news of an exciting new project, run by business leaders and councillors in the town and launched earlier this week. We now can tell you more about ‘Destination Chesterfield‘.

Chesterfield Borough Council and key local business people have driven the project that builds on existing achievements to deliver a new approach in promoting the town and Borough's many assets and regeneration projects to further improve what Chesterfield has to offer. Funding has now been secured from the European Regional Development Fund to deliver this new approach with the local business community playing a central role in its success. READ MORE...

A Multi-Million Pound Cash Boost For Chesterfield

Wednesday 29th September 2010 Over 600 million pounds of significant development potential is around Chesterfield waiting to be accessed over the next few years.

That's the verdict of Chesterfield Borough Council Chief, Huw Bowen as he addressed a group of business leaders and councillors at the B2 NET stadium at the launch event for Council's new 'Destination Chesterfield' project. READ MORE...

Boxing Clever To Fight Crime

Friday 24th September 2010
Youngsters in Clay Cross are being encouraged to take part in a unique programme designed to combat anti social behaviour.
 
Officers from the Clay Cross Safer Neighbourhood Team have planned several Ozbox sessions to run throughout October to coincide with the annual increase in nuisance behaviour around this time of year.
 
Ozbox is a free scheme which is aimed especially at youngsters between the ages of 11 and 19. READ MORE...

Every 'Volunteer' Helps...

Sunday 19th September 2010 Despite the murky weather, hundreds of people visited the Tesco Community Fair today.

Held at Lockoford Lane in Chesterfield, and organised by Community Champion Jackie Boland, the event saw local Charities and Organisations promoting their causes and encouraging visitors to get involved by donating their time or skills. Some were also there to offer advice about health issues.

The store was one of only 100 Tesco outlets to host a Community Fair this year, after a trial of 20 stores last year proved successful. READ MORE...

Day Of Dance In The Market

Saturday the 11th September 2010 was the day that dance descended on Chesterfield Market. We have a small collection of pictures from the colourful, exciting and sunny day for you to enjoy... READ MORE...

Market Faces - Don Hollingwood

To all of us living in Chesterfield Donald Hollingwood is a familiar face and voice. Ayres fruit stall would simply not be the same place without him.

We caught up with him as he served customers on the Friday Market.

Donald started work as a small boy of seven collecting wood (he won’t mind me telling you this) in 1946. This led to his job on the fruit stall where he distinctly remembers being told to "stand there and don't move" on his first day.
No one can accuse him of not listening to that advice as he's still there all these
years later! READ MORE...

Building For The Future - Clay Cross

Friday 27th August 2010

Residents in a North Derbyshire village were today given the chance to take part in fun activities which celebrated the continuation of an ambitious multi million pound redevelopment programme.

Clay Cross will soon see a new Tesco superstore, retail units, bus station and link road created as part of the New Bridge Street scheme.
The second phase which will come on board later this year will see a health centre and more retail units built. READ MORE...

Medieval Market Mayor Crowns 'Nenna Kind' Stall

One of the more fun events the Mayor and Mayoress have taken part in recently was attending the recent Chesterfield Medieval Market.

The weather was great and the Town was filled with not only local residents from many hundreds of visitors from all over the country. The whole market area was filled with charity stalls where every one dressed in medieval costumes... READ MORE