A group of people holding awards with the mayor

Town Celebrates its 2023 Community Heroes

The Knutsford community celebrated its heroes last week at the 10th Annual Knutsford Town Awards.

The award ceremony took place at Knutsford Little Theatre, with Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton and Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business, announcing the winners of the 2023 awards.

First up was the Youth Award, with a joint award being made to twin sisters Liv and Jess Johnson, who received the award for their voluntary work with 7th Knutsford Brownies as part of their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Community Award shield was presented to the Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper who for over 45 years have been supporting the visually impaired community by providing a free audio recording of the Knutsford Guardian to ensure they are kept informed of community news. The Talking Newspaper has only ever missed four editions (due to Covid) over the past four decades!

Three recipients were presented with a Civic Award; this award goes to individuals or groups of individuals who work to make Knutsford a better place.

The first award went to Rob Lyons for over a decade of leadership at 1st Knutsford Scouts and volunteering his skills as a joiner and plumber to undertake much of the fit out of the new 1st Knutsford Scout Hut.

The second Civic Award was for Judy Clifford who was described in a nomination as being a “mother figure and friend to many” at the Welcome. Judy, who has also taught many people to knit and supported neighbours through challenging times, was unable to attend the award ceremony.

The final Civic Award of 2023 was presented to Gemma Jackson, founder and leader of the Wrap Up Knutsford group. Gemma’s many nominations praised her dedication in supporting local families and ensuring good coats are recycled for those who need them

The 2023 Business Award was presented to Tatton Perk. Proprietor Mark Lee-Kilgariff has ensured Tatton Perk is a central part of the local community, using their Moor Park site as a warmth bank over winter, introducing free bike checks for visitors and supporting a number of community organisations with prizes.

Before the Business Award was presented a Mayor’s Special Award was announced for Dan Belcher of Guy’s Barbers. Dan received the award in recognition of delivering outstanding customer service whilst battling challenging personal circumstances.

Tatton Perk was called back onto stage for the Knutsford School’s for Sustainability Award, and was presented this award by Alison Hooper, head of Egerton School, on behalf of the local schools. This award recognises sustainable business practices.

The final award was the Extra Mile Award which goes to someone who, in their paid employment, has gone above and beyond for the benefit of the local community with the 2023 award going to Jack Street of Johnsons the Cleaners. Jack was singled out for his kind and patient support to customers which has enabled the older members of the community who may struggle with some of the technology they are asked to use to access the various services on offer.

Speaking at the awards, Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton said “I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to submit a nomination this year. These awards would not happen without you. I know previous Mayor’s have said this too but it really is true – those who were shortlisted should be so incredibly proud.”

Two people holding a poster outside a sweet shop

Knutsford Bunny Hop

Knutsford’s favourite Easter event will be hopping back to town in just under a month’s time!

Knutsford Bunny Hop is an annual Easter themed trail event which has been organised by Knutsford Town Council since 2018. The event invites local families to search for 10 cardboard bunnies hidden around the town outside local shops and hospitality businesses and find the letter pinned to each bunny. The letters can then be used to spell a hidden phrase and completed entry forms are submitted in a designated post box to enter a special prize draw!

The event runs annually on Easter Saturday which this year falls on Saturday 8th April 2023 and will be held between 10am-4pm. As well as the main trail, families can enjoy additional entertainment including balloon modelling in Knutsford Market Hall on Silk Mill Street and freebies from local businesses.

The Angel on King Street are hosting a special Easter colouring competition during the event, with an Easter egg hamper up for grabs as first prize and prizes for two runners up! You can also visit The Courthouse Hotel on Toft Road to visit their exciting cupcake decorating station hosted in their restaurant between 12-4pm!

Attendees can also bring their Easter bonnets along and enter the Easter Bonnet competition opposite Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe on King Street, hosted by owner Julia and judged by the Mayor of Knutsford at 10.30am on the day of the event. Participants will all receive a small gift each for joining in and there are three prizes available for first place and runners up for the best bonnet!

Alex Brown, Events Officer at Knutsford Town Council, said: “We are so excited already for Knutsford Bunny Hop which will be taking place next month. The Bunny Hop is a lovely Easter event where many of our local businesses get involved in the fun. Bring your Easter bonnets along and don’t forget to pick up your entry form in advance from many town centre businesses or our office! Huge thanks to Neptune Ltd and Slater and Gordon Lawyers for sponsoring the event and making it possible.”

For more information regarding the event, follow the Bunny Hop on social media or head to the town council website. Enquiries can be sent to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Davina Armitage holding a Knutsford Voucher

Knutsford Voucher needs you!

The Knutsford voucher scheme was launched in November 2020 and has proved extremely popular with over £10,000 worth of vouchers bought since 2020.  The idea behind the scheme is simple – don’t buy an Amazon voucher, buy a gift voucher that can be spent in Knutsford and goes direct to local shop owners and into the town’s local economy.

The voucher is accepted in around 50 Knutsford businesses ranging from toy shops to pubs to butcher and fruit and vegetable shops.  However, the Town Council would love more to join the scheme and are urging the newer businesses to get in touch.

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s Town Centre Manager, said, “The voucher scheme is simply run and works alongside the shops’ own schemes.  We do not take commission and pay the shop back in full the value of every voucher collected. It is easy to join but we’d love to see more shops accepting them as it helps showcase the variety of choice in our town”.

A full list of business accepting the voucher can be found on the town council’ website alongside how to purchase vouchers.

If any Knutsford based business is interested in the scheme, they should contact Sandra Curties on 01565 653929.  Please note only Knutsford based shops (not surrounding villages) can take the vouchers.

Vouchers can be purchased on the Town Council website or from the Town Council offices.

Notes

Press enquiries to sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Photo by Sandra Curties of Davina Armitage of Cocaranti