2021 | Knutsford Town Council

23Sep2021

Knutsfordian III Exhibition

Twelve unique photographs went on display in Marshall House last week as part at the third Knutsfordian exhibition.

Knutsfordian, which was first held in 2013 and 2013, is a collection of photographic portraits by local photographer Paul Worpole which imaginatively celebrate local businesses and community leaders.

Portraits were literally kept under wraps until a special launch on Thursday 16^thSeptember which was the firs time the stars of the exhibition saw their portraits. The exhibition was then open to the public from Friday to Sunday thanks to the support of Knutsford Hosts.

The stars of the portraits were:

Chris Sheldon (Sheldons Dairy)
Julia Chard (Mr Simms)
Vincent Lazzarini (The Cheese Yard)
Claire Sawyer (We Are Knutsford)
Mark Radcliffe and Paul Langley (Knutsford Music Festival, LOL Cheshire and more)
Alison Cunliffe (The Real Fruit Creamery)
Caroline and Lee Williams (The Prescription Service)
Sal Thompson (Knutsford First Responders)
Helen Rogers (Knutsford Admin)
Bob Garner (Knutsford Town Ranger)
Joanne Ashton (The White Orchid)
Jane Smyth (Knutsford Market Hall)

The exhibition was supported by GGM Properties, owners of Marshall House, who provided the venue at no cost. GGM are currently working on plans to renovate the building and bring it back into use as a multi-purpose wedding, events and leisure venue opening in early 2023.

“Once again, Paul has created an incredible collection of photographs reflecting the personality, business and interests of a great group of Knutsfordians” said Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green.

“We were really pleased to see the fantastic reception to the exhibition from the stars and visitors alike”.

To see photographs from the launch night head over to our Facebook Page.

9Sep2021

Notice of conclusion of audit

Annual Governance & Accountability Return for the year ended 31 March 2021
Sections 20(2) and 25 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014
Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)

The audit of accounts for Knutsford Town Council for the year ended 31
March 2021 has been completed and the accounts have been published.
The Annual Governance & Accountability Return is available for inspection by any local government elector of the area of Knutsford Town Council on application to: Adam Keppel-Green, Town Clerk Council Offices, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 6TA between 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.
Copies will be provided to any person on payment of nil for each copy of the Annual Governance & Accountability Return.

Announcement made by Adam Keppel-Green, Town Clerk and RFO. 09/09/2021

View the completed Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

9Sep2021

Town Awards 2021 Shortlist

The shortlist of Knutsford’s community heroes has been announced by Knutsford Town Council ahead of the Town Awards ceremony next week.

The awards, which are sponsored by the Forum of Private Business, recognise the work individuals, community groups and businesses undertake for the Knutsford community.

The community is invited to attend the awards ceremony which takes place in St John’s Church on Wednesday 15^th September from 7pm. The evening will start with short talks from three new community groups which the Town Council has supported over the last twelve months – Crosstown Community Orchard, Friends of St John’s Wood and Friends of College Wood.

The shortlists for the award categories (in alphabetical order) are as follows:

Civic Award (3)

Maggie Clayton
Russell Coulston
Sarah Flannery
Kevin Griffiths
Paul Langley
Ian Robertson

Business Award

Boxed Red Marketing
Dexter and Jones
Techno Type
The Tea Room

Community Award

Fresh Start Baby Bank
Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper
Knutsford Rotary Club

Extra Mile Award

June Curbishley (Boots)
Sandra Curties (Knutsford Town Council)
Anthony Naylor (Cheshire Fire Service)
Sarah Pownall (The Welcome)
Noey West (Waitrose)

“As ever, the judging panel was really impressed by the incredible work taking place across the Knutsford community” said Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green. “These awards aim to shine a light on those people who make Knutsford that extra bit special and everyone shortlisted should be incredibly proud that someone has taken the time to nominate them for an award

7Sep2021

Town Mayor to Lead Short 9/11 Service

This Saturday the Town Mayor will lead a short ceremony to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the September 11^th terrorist attacks.

The Town Council will fly the flag of the United States of America on September 11^th and at 11:50am the Town Mayor will lower the flag to half mast. The community is invited to join the service at the front of the Council Offices.

1Sep2021

Town Clerk in running for Clerk of the Year Award

Knutsford’s Town Clerk has been shortlisted for a national award.

Adam Keppel-Green, who celebrates nine years with the Town Council this month, is one of five in the running for the Clerk of the Year award in the NALC Star Council Awards which aim to recognise the role of town and parish councils and the contribution they make to their communities.

Adam, who joined the council in September 2012 as Deputy Town Clerk and became Town Clerk in April 2014 is also clerk to Gawsworth Parish Council, a Director of the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), board member of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils and Training Officer for the Cheshire Branch of the SLCC.

Speaking on the announcement of the shortlist, Town Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner said “As Town Mayor I am very pleased that Adam has been nominated for this award and wish him well in the final.

“I am very conscious that he works tirelessly not just in his official capacity as Town Clerk but in supporting several of the volunteer organisations within the Town in their efforts too. Adam has been the inspiration behind many of the initiatives the Town Council has undertaken in recent years and the people of Knutsford should be pleased that he is our Town Clerk.”

“It is an honour to be shortlisted for this award amongst four other great clerks” Adam said. “The job of Town Clerk is extremely rewarding, and I am proud to work for a proactive and positive council; if I am fortunate enough to win, it would be as much an award for the council as it would for me personally.”

The winner of the award will be announced at an online ceremony in October.

30Aug2021

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 11^th 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.

30Aug2021

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.

30Aug2021

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 5^th 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.

27Aug2021

New Defibrillator for Knutsford

When a patient collapses in cardiac arrest it is essential that defibrillation is applied within minutes – when it is, the chances of that life being saved are drastically increased. It is therefore important that defibrillators are accessible 24/7 – which is now a mission of the Knutsford Community First Responders Trust whose work has ensured Knutsford has ready access to defibrillators when they are needed.

Hearing of plans to create new commercial units within the public toilets, the Trust approached the Town Council about installing a new defibrillator cabinet at the King Street Car Park. The Trust funded the new cabinet and defibrillator whilst the Town Council arranged for its contractors to install the cabinet and connect a power supply to keep it charged at all times.

Sal Thompson, AED lead for the trust said “We are proud to add another 24/7 community accessible public defibrillator (CPAD) to our growing stock ensuring that members of the public are never far from essential emergency equipment when in the town centre of Knutsford”.

Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green added “We were pleased to be able to provide the space for a new AED. It’s a high footfall area at the town’s main car park and so close to the Moor – whilst we hope it will never be used if one is needed it couldn’t be closer.”

26Aug2021

Front Garden Competition 2021 Winners

The winners are in for Knutsford Town Council’s annual Front Garden Competition and, the children’s competition for best decorated Plant Pot!

The annual summer competition is part of the town’s wider ‘In Bloom’ efforts which have seen Knutsford awarded Gold in the Northwest in Bloom competition since 2016. Residents were encouraged to nominate front gardens worthy of recognition – whether their own, a neighbour’s or a stranger’s.

This year the competition was extended to include children and young people with their own competition for the Best Plant Pot, encouraging them to decorate their own pot and choose what to plant in it. The competition was sponsored by T & S Riley Nursery and Fryers Garden Centre.

A judging panel of the Town Mayor, Chair of Knutsford in Bloom and representatives of the sponsors met to review the entries and were set the hard task of choosing the winners.

“It was a pleasure to be involved with the competition and I feel we came to a good decision with regard to the placements” said Sandra Riley of T & S Riley.

Tania Simpson, General Manager of Fryers added “On behalf of Fryers, Blue Diamond we are very pleased to be involved and supporting our local community, Knutsford, with judging such a relative and creative competition, so thank you for involving us.”

The winner of the 2021 Front Garden competition was Jackie Edwards of Grove Park who was awarded £100 of gardening vouchers from the sponsors, 2^nd place went to George Walton of Blackhill Lane who received £80 of vouchers with 3^rd place went to David Coppack & Madelin Brooks of Chelford Road who have £60 of vouchers to spend.

Town Mayor presents a certificate — George Walton, 2nd Place

Town Mayor with the 3rd place winners in a garden — David and Madelin Brooks, 3rd Place

Town Mayor, Cllr Stewart Gardiner said: “I was very impressed by the high standard of green fingered talent that we have in the town and the artistic quality of the garden competition entries. It was a tough decision to choose the 3 winners, they really did extremely well. I would like to thank our sponsors Fryers Garden Centre and T & S Riley for their contribution to the judging and providing the prizes for our winners and I was pleased to meet the recipients to award their certificates and prizes.”

There were five winners in the Best Plant Pot Competition, with a £20 voucher being awarded to Edward, Ebony, Mya and Oscar Howard and Eliza Buxton.

Town Mayor with a group of children holding plant pots — The Howard Family

Town Mayor holding an umbrella with the manager of Fryers also holding an umbrella presenting a certificate to a child in its mother's arms stood in a doorway — Eliza Buxton

“The children’s entries were inspiring, and I hope that their contribution to the competition will continue to encourage their love of gardening.” Cllr Gardiner added.

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