Yearly Archives: 2025

Plans for a second Knutsford Triathlon have been supported with a £1,500 grant in the latest round of our community grant scheme.

Knutsford Tri Club started life in 2009, set up by a group of Knutsford residents including Robin Maxwell and Jim Cox. Having completed the Tatton Park Triathlon as complete novices, they decided to start a triathlon club where like-minded individuals who wanted to train, race and socialise together could gather and enjoy the sport they loved.

Over the years Knutsford Tri Club has grown to become a vibrant community of swimmers, cyclists and runners who train race and socialise together. They have members who have represented Great Britain at all age group levels and members who have qualified for the world championships in Kona – we are even home to the legendary Dave Clamp, Deca Ironman world champion in 2018. Equally there are members who just want to take part in triathlon and do their best at whatever level that is – middle of the pack or the bottom 10% – the important thing at KTC is taking part.

The grant will support the club’s 2026 triathlon, due to take place on Sunday 17^th May 2026. The triathlon features two ambitious distance options for those keen to swim, cycle and run their way around town. If you’d like to get involved but don’t know where to start, the club runs regular training and coaching sessions that everyone is welcome to join.

Knutsford Town Council is pleased to have granted £1500 which will support running costs for the event. Peter Ford, Chairman of the Knutsford Triathlon Event Committee shared:

“We at Knutsford Tri Club are very happy to receive a Community Grant in support of our triathlon. It means we have a secure financial basis to put on the event in 2026 and puts us in a position to build on this year’s success with even more happy participants. We look to increase community engagement with sport and actively encourage first-timers into triathlon. We want the Knutsford Triathlon to become an annual fixture, to take part in or support, and welcome the support of the Town Council.”

If you’d like to find out more or get involved with Knutsford Tri Club please visit https://www.knutsfordtriclub.co.uk/.

Interested in applying for a community grant? The next round of applications closes on 31^st December 2025. Run by Knutsford Town Council, the Community Grant Scheme provides a range of grants to support community projects and activities within our town. We’re particularly keen on prioritising services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

In the latest round of Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme, Hope Central has been awarded £1,500 to support the work of their Debt Centre.

Hope Central’s Debt Centre, in partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP), has successfully benefited many local residents in their journey to becoming debt free. The Debt Centre is completely free of charge and is available to those with unmanageable debt.

The service provides face-to-face appointments, usually in the client’s home, and debt coaches offer both practical financial support and emotional support.

Based on research conducted by CAP, 50% of people accessing debt services have considered or attempted suicide as a way out of debt. Mental health and debt are interlinked and by supporting people out of debt, Hope Central is not only facilitating financial stability, but also helping reduce feelings of isolation, despair, anxiety and ultimately, reducing the risk of suicide in our local area.

The grant will offer funding towards the charity’s Christians Against Poverty Subscription, allowing these essential services to continue operating. Christians Against Poverty are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to be able to offer financial advice. The subscription fee also covers the training of Debt Coaches, and other practical support systems that enable the work to continue.

Barney Howard, Director of Community Partnerships shared:

“We’re so grateful for the generous support from Knutsford Town council to our debt service which we run in partnership with CAP. This money will allow us to continue to meet those in unmanageable debt and help them into financial freedom.”

Hope Central is a Christian charity with the objectives of bringing hope and relieving poverty in NE Cheshire. They provide front line services including 2 Food Banks, an affordable Pantry, 4 Hope Centres and a Debt Centre as well as courses to improve people’s quality of life. Their services aim to create long term solutions, to protect and support vulnerable people to live an independent life, contributing to the local community and economy; working closely with referral agencies, as well as local and national organisations.

For more information about Hope Central please visit https://hopecentral.org.uk/. To refer yourself or someone else to their debt service please call 0800 328 0006.

The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town.  The next deadline for applications is 31^st December 2025. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.