Text reads "discover what's on your doorstep, saturday 11th September", four graphic show a litterpicker, cyclist, artist and footballer.

New event to connect residents with clubs and societies

Over 50 groups will be on display as part of Knutsford’s first community freshers fair which takes place on Saturday 11th September from 1pm to 3pm.

Inspired by the idea of a university freshers fair, ReFresh Knutsford is being organised by Knutsford Town Council to help connect residents with the various organisations, clubs and societies which operate in Knutsford.

Spread across two venues, Knutsford Methodist Church and St John’s Church, ReFresh Knutsford provides an opportunity for residents to discover what is on their doorstep and meet groups – whether they are looking for a new book group, want to try yoga or have time to give to support a voluntary organisation.

“Being involved in an organisation or regular activity strongly contributes to a person’s wellbeing and a strong voluntary sector makes a strong town so this event aims to connect people and make it easier to know what is available in Knutsford” Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green said.

“Whether its knitting or snooker, gardening or Latin or just something social there are so many groups providing opportunities in the town”

Organisations wishing to grab a last-minute table at no cost can contact Alex Brown on 01565 653929 or alex.brown@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Town Mayor presents cheque to Knutsford GROW

Grant helps Knutsford GROW grow!

A Knutsford charity which delivers gardening services to those unable to tend their own gardens whilst providing voluntary opportunities for one of the most deprived areas of Knutsford has received a funding boost thanks to Knutsford Town Council.

Knutsford GROW was awarded a grant worth £2,540 through the Town Council’s Large Grant Scheme which offers community groups an opportunity to apply for grants of any value above £1,500.

The charity was awarded a grant package which included funding for rebranding, a new website and uniforms and a gift of new battery powered gardening tools to replace old petrol-powered ones.

The rebrand will allow the charity, which has been operating for 22 years, to relaunch itself to increase volunteer numbers and tend a greater number of gardens.

Knutsford GROW’s work supporting those unable to tend their own gardens helps reduce social isolation and stigmatism, ensures they have safe access to their gardens for healthy fresh air and it stops them having a front garden that could otherwise act as a signpost for doorstep crime.

But their double-sided approach means even more people gain from the charity’s work as Knutsford GROW caters for volunteers with mental health issues and learning difficulties providing them with confidence, increasing their skills and delivering proven benefits from involvement in horticulture.

Karen Williams, volunteer coordinator at Knutsford GROW said “The new equipment is already making a huge difference to us when are working in people’s gardens. All the tools are quieter, portable (petrol garden tools are very big and heavy) safer and cleaner. We have some older and special needs volunteers who can use this new equipment safely and easily.”

If you would like to support this incredible charity, they are currently looking for new trustees to join their management board; if you are interested in finding our more contact Neil Forbes, Secretary and Chairman at secretary@knutsfordgrow.org.uk.

civic parade through the Town

Join the Mayor for Civic Sunday

Knutsfordians are being encouraged to come out to see their Town Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner at his rearranged Civic Sunday parade this week on Sunday 5th September.

The parade assembles at 2pm at the Council Offices and sets off at 2.15pm processing down Church Hill to King Street and across the Moor to St Cross Church where the Civic Service will take place led by Reverend Paul Deakin.

The parade will be led by the 2056 (Knutsford) Squadron ATC marching band and include dignitaries and Town Mayors and Chairmen from Town and Parish Councils across Cheshire as well as other uniformed groups.

Town Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner said: “I am hoping that the rearranged date for Civic Sunday will not only bring out the sun but also the crowds; even if only those who have come into Town for the Makers Market.

Civic Sunday is the time for the public to witness the Mayor walking through the Town’s streets in procession to a place of worship to celebrate becoming Mayor and asking for support in the role from a higher being within a religious setting. “

“Although individual invitations have been issued to specific persons this church service is open to anyone who wants to attend, and everyone is welcome. Please feel free to come along and if you can join in the hymns which I have chosen as some of my favourites which remind me of different stages in my life so far. If you are planning to attend can you please let Michelle Bate know to assist with catering; tea and cake will be served after the service.”

For more information about the above events contact Mayor’s PA Michelle Bate on 01565 653929 or email michelle.bate@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.