Knutsford Town Council

16Jul2026

Knutsford Students Recognised Through Millennium Bursary Awards

Knutsford Town Council and Knutsford Lions are delighted to announce Remi Livesey as the recipient of the 2026 Knutsford Millennium Bursary, with Valeriia Shymko receiving the Knutsford Lions’ Discretionary Award.

Established in 2000, the Knutsford Millennium Bursary is awarded annually by Knutsford Town Council in partnership with Knutsford Lions to support local students undertaking higher education.

The bursary is open to students who have completed their second year of study and normally reside in Knutsford or Toft. The main award of £760 is designed to help fund a specific project, dissertation or other aspect of a student’s academic development, with an additional Knutsford Lions’ Discretionary Award recognising another outstanding applicant.

Remi, a former student of The Grange School, is currently studying Medicine at the University of Cambridge. Alongside an outstanding academic record, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to both community service and medical innovation. Remi plans to build a career combining clinical practice with research and is currently exploring emerging treatments in immunology and cancer research. The bursary will help fund accommodation costs associated with summer research projects, enabling him to gain valuable experience at the forefront of medical advances.

Alongside his studies, Remi has volunteered extensively within the local community, including supporting patients on respiratory and dementia wards at Macclesfield District General Hospital and helping deliver CPR and first aid training through the Knutsford Community First Responder Trust. He hopes to continue supporting local initiatives whenever he returns to Knutsford.

On receiving the award, Remi said: “I am incredibly grateful to Knutsford Town Council and Knutsford Lions for awarding me this bursary. The thought of being part of medical research that advances knowledge and uncovers new treatments is something that really excites me. This summer, I’ve been offered an amazing opportunity to join a research group working in a fascinating field, and this bursary will help fund my accommodation while I gain hands-on research experience. Thank you so much – it truly means a great deal.”

Valeriia Shymko, a former student of Knutsford Academy, has been awarded the Knutsford Lions’ Discretionary Award. She is currently studying Business and Management at the University of York, where she has developed a particular interest in sustainable business and consultancy.

Earlier this year, Valeriia was selected to present a project at an international symposium in Greece and this summer will undertake an internship in Manchester to further develop her professional experience. Alongside her studies, she serves as a Student Ambassador for the University of York’s School for Business and Society, supporting prospective students and representing the university at events. The award will help support the costs associated with her internship, research and final-year dissertation as she prepares for a career in business, which she hopes to pursue from her hometown of Knutsford after graduation.

Lydia Barclay, representing Knutsford Lions, said: “We were impressed by the ambition, commitment and community spirit demonstrated by both of this year’s award recipients. Remi is determined to build a medical career that combines clinical practice with innovative research, creating a legacy through work that could improve treatments for autoimmune conditions, specific illnesses and, in time, cancers. Alongside his academic achievements, Remi has already made a significant contribution to Knutsford and the surrounding area through a wide range of part-time and voluntary roles, including positions in both sport and healthcare. We have no doubt that we will hear much more about his work in the years ahead.

Valeriia has also shown exceptional drive and initiative as she works towards a career in business. She consistently goes beyond the requirements of her degree, attending additional university workshops to broaden her expertise, and she hopes to return to Knutsford after graduating to begin her career locally.

Both recipients are outstanding examples of talented young people who are prepared to work hard, make the most of every opportunity and give back to their local community. We are delighted that these awards will help them take the next steps towards their future careers.”

Applications for the 2027 Knutsford Millennium Bursary will open in October 2026 and close on 31 January 2027. Eligible students from Knutsford and Toft are encouraged to apply. If you would like to find out more, please visit https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/millennium-bursary

15Jul2026

Market Hall News

Knutsford Market Hall has welcomed its newest independent trader, Cheshire Craft Store, bringing a much-loved range of arts, crafts and haberdashery supplies back to the town.

The new business is owned by familiar local face Melanie Naylor, who opened Cheshire Craft Store after receiving regular requests from customers looking for the products once available at her former business, Knutsford Art and Stationery Shop.

The stall stocks a wide selection of art materials, craft supplies, and haberdashery, catering for everyone from experienced artists and makers to children discovering their creative side.

Melanie said: “We are delighted to open Cheshire Craft Store and bring these products back to Knutsford. We’re stocking all your favourites – from wool, needles and thread to paints, sketchbooks, and art materials for both experienced and budding artists. Please pop in and see us. If there’s something you need that we don’t have in stock, we’ll always do our best to order it for you.”

The arrival of Cheshire Craft Store comes as Knutsford Market Hall continues to reward loyal customers through two new initiatives.

Each month, one regular Market Hall customer is nominated by the traders to receive £20 in Knutsford Vouchers to spend within the Market Hall. June’s recipient was Laura Davies of Laura Davies Styling, recognised for her continued support of the Market Hall and its independent businesses.

Laura Davies with her prize as a loyal market customer

Meanwhile, York & Co ~ The Grocer has launched a new loyalty scheme for its regular customers, offering rewards to shoppers who choose to buy local and support the independent organic grocery store.

Alex Molly, owner of York & Co ~ The Grocer, said: “Our loyalty scheme is our way of thanking customers for shopping local. Every purchase brings rewards, making it even easier to enjoy fresh, seasonal organic produce while supporting an independent Knutsford business. Pop in to find out more.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Cheshire Craft Store to Knutsford Market Hall. Melanie’s new business fills a real gap in the town, givingartists, crafters and hobbyists access to quality supplies once again. Alongside exciting initiatives such as the Market Hall customer reward and York & Co’s new loyalty scheme, there’s never been a better time to visit. Whether you’re a regular shopper or discovering the Market Hall for the first time, you’ll find a fantastic range of independent businesses ready to welcome you.”

The full list of market traders is as follows –

The Market Café
Sweet. Knutsford
Cheshire Party Store
Market Hall Barber
Slipped Discs
Cheshire Craft Store
Market Hall Butcher
Knutsford Mobile
York & Co. – The Grocer.
JKQ Quality Catch (Friday morning only)

Knutsford Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every Makers Market Sunday.

Pop-ups can apply to trade via https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade

13Jul2026

Community Grant Supports Armed Forces Day and Future Activities in Knutsford

Knutsford Royal British Legion has received £750 from Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme towards the purchase of a new gazebo to support its community activities, including this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations.

The gazebo will provide a dedicated and recognisable presence for the Royal British Legion at events throughout the year, helping volunteers engage with residents, raise awareness of the charity’s work and support veterans, serving personnel and their families within the local community.

The Royal British Legion plays an important role in supporting members of the Armed Forces community and ensuring their service and sacrifice are recognised. The new gazebo will help the organisation participate in more local events, creating a welcoming space for conversation, information and fundraising.

John Walker, Chair of Knutsford and District Royal British Legion, said: “We are extremely grateful to Knutsford Town Council for supporting the purchase of our new gazebo, it will enable us to attend more community events throughout the year, helping us raise awareness of the support we offer to serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families. On behalf of everyone at the branch, thank you for helping us continue our work within the local community.”

Military Vehicles on the Moor for Armed Forces Day

The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and initiatives within Knutsford. Funding priorities include projects supporting young people and older residents, improving community services and assets, and enhancing the town’s profile and community life.

For more information about the work of the Royal British Legion, visit the Royal British Legion website.

For more information about the Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme, visit Knutsford Town Council Community Grants.

3Jul2026

Evidence sought for right of way claim

Knutsford Town Council is appealing for users of Moorside to provide evidence of their use to support it being registered as a public right of way.

The Town Council has started the process to register ten new public rights of way across the town. The evidence for the first ‘Definitive Map Modification Order’ application, which applies for the route from Mallard Close to the Tatton Park Dog Wood entrance, has been gathered and an application has been submitted to Cheshire East Council.

The council is now gathering evidence for the next route, Moorside. This is the unadopted section of Moorside, from where the adopted highway ends just past the Moor, through to Dury Lane.

Often, historic public rights of way remain unrecorded despite long standing use by the community, and the need to register a path doesn’t get flagged until there is a threat to access and the council is therefore working proactively to ensure that where evidence supports it, these routes are formally protected for future generations.

Whilst applications are quite straight forward, the process to amend the Definitive Map is detailed and can take several years to complete once submitted to Cheshire East Council.

The Town Council expects to apply to register this route as a ‘Byway Open to All Traffic’, a form of public right of way which covers travel on foot, bicycle and motorised vehicles. Registration will strengthen the Town Council and Cheshire East Council’s powers to ensure the Moorside is passable but would not mean it was maintained to a standard of a typical road. So, the council are inviting evidence from anyone who has used the route on foot or by vehicle.

Applications require the submission of robust evidence demonstrating continuous public use for a period of 20 years, alongside other historic evidence of their existence. The Town Council has identified ten paths which it believes would meet the legal tests and are not currently adopted highways or recorded public rights of way.

The council is inviting residents and members of the public who have used this path over the past 20 years or more (i.e. since 2006 or before) to contact the Town Council on 01565 653 929 or enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to obtain an evidence form. Statements, photographs, maps, or any historical documentation relating to the route may assist in supporting the application.

Cllr April Johnson said “This part of Moorside is an important right of way in our town centre. It’s a well used route and borders on the RAMSAR and SSSI site of the Moor Pool.

This DMMO application is about protecting a historic route that has been used by local people for generations. It’s not about creating a new path, but ensuring that a long-established public right of way is properly recognised and safeguarded for future generations.

Moorside has long been an important route within our community. Securing its status through a Definitive Map Modification Order would help preserve an important piece of Knutsford’s heritage while ensuring residents can continue to enjoy safe and lawful access.”

The full list of routes the council plans to prepare evidence for is at available at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/prow

3Jul2026

Volunteers Help Improve Local Footpath During Successful Clearing Day

Sparrow Lane had a makeover with the help of volunteers on Thursday 11^th June.

Residents and volunteers from Bruntwood worked to help improve access along the well-used footpath.

As part of its strategy to support active travel and accessibility for the community, Knutsford Town Council arranged a volunteering session to help clear the build-up of detritus and overgrowth which has been narrowing the path from Delmar Road to Higher Downs.

Despite some rainy weather, 24 volunteers gave their time and energy to support the practical improvement day that will benefit residents. By widening the footpath, the team helped create a more open and usable route, improving accessibility and helping to ensure the path can be enjoyed by more people through the year.

Spirits were high with the sense of achievement for a few hours work, and the day highlighted the value of working together as a community and it is hoped that the event will inspire further community involvement in future improvement days.

Jeanette Hine, Corporate Support Manager said “We would like to thank everyone who took part in in the day and contributed to its success. The strong turn out reflects the continuing commitment of local people caring for the town’s green spaces and public footpaths and we are very grateful for their support”

The town council will be holding further improvement days throughout the year. Anyone who would like to register an interest, please contact Jeanette Hine at jeanette.hine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council offices on 01565 653929.

1Jul2026

Brian’s Bench installed dedicated to Knutsford Community Champion

A memorial bench has been installed at the entrance to Windmill Wood in honour of the late Brian Chaplin, recognising his many years of dedicated service to the Knutsford community. Situated close to where Brian lived, the bench provides a lasting tribute to a man whose passion for Knutsford helped shape the town for future generations.

Brian led the South Knutsford Residents Group for more than a decade and regularly attended Planning Committee meetings at both Knutsford Town Council and Cheshire East Council to speak on behalf of residents. He was a key contributor to the development of the Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan and worked closely with other planning-focused residents’ groups to ensure Knutsford had a clear and consistent voice during the development of the Local Plan. In recognition of their outstanding contribution to community life, Brian and his wife Sylvia were presented with a Civic Award at the 2017 Knutsford Town Awards.

The new bench, affectionately known as ‘Brians Bench’, offers visitors a place to pause and rest before or after exploring Windmill Wood, while remembering Brian’s lasting contribution to the town he cared so passionately about.

Sylvia Chaplin said “Thank you so much to Ranger Bob and Ranger Alfie for installing Brian’s Bench. The bench looks wonderful and my thanks go to Knutsford Town Council for commemorating Brian’s service to the community in this way. I’ve already received numerous messages from people telling me it is being put to good use, which is exactly what Brian would have wanted.”

Town Mayor Councillor Peter Coan joined Sylvia Chaplin to mark the installation of the bench, reflecting on Brian’s commitment to Knutsford and the difference he made through his years of voluntary service.

Councillor Coan said, “It’s not unusual to spend a sunny afternoon sitting and chatting on a bench; but this bench is special, and so was the person it commemorates, Brian Chaplin. Brian did so much for our lovely town, offering planning advice at every level, from infrastructure to heritage. Sitting with his wonderful wife Sylvia, the equally involved other half of ‘Team Chaplin’, we chatted, reminisced and laughed. It was a fantastic moment to share: a thoughtful moment with a thoughtful Sylvia.”

The Town Council hopes residents and visitors alike will take a moment to enjoy Brian’s Bench the next time they are passing through Windmill Wood, whether to rest, listen to the birdsong or simply pause before continuing with their day.

30Jun2026

Cllr Coan, Mayor of Knutsford invites residents to Civic Sunday – 12th July 2026

Cllr Coan, Mayor of Knutsford, invites residents to join him for his Civic Sunday event on 12th July, 11:45am-13:30.

This year, the event forms part of Family Fest, and will include a brass band , with the mayor handing out sweets for younger spectators along the route.

The brass band and civic guests will parade from King Street Car Park at 11:45am, down King Street, up to Minshull Street and along Princess Street.
After the parade, complimentary refreshments will be available in the Market Hall 12pm-13:30pm, along with treats and colouring activities for children.

Cllr Coan said “I hope you will join me for all or part of the event, whether you come alone or bring your family, everyone is welcome”.

During his term of office, Cllr Coan is raising money for Men’s Shed Knutsford and all four Knutsford Primary School PTAs.

For more information about Civic Sunday or if you would like to know more about the mayors fundraising events contact the Civic Events Officer on 01565 653929 or email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

18Jun2026

Community Grant Helps Knutsford Runners Grow

Knutsford Runners has received £500 from Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme to support the training and development of new run leaders within the club.

The funding will go towards two Leader in Running Fitness qualifications, helping the club expand its volunteer-led sessions and support a growing membership base.

Established as a new running club in the town, Knutsford Runners aims to provide welcoming and inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy running, improve their fitness and connect with others in the community. The group currently meets twice a week, offering a choice of continuous runs on Mondays and interval training sessions on Wednesdays. With routes and sessions designed to suit a range of abilities, members are encouraged to run at their own pace in a supportive and friendly environment.

A group of people in fitness gear stood smiling under a bus shelter after finishing their group run. — *Knutsford Runners – New Members from Couch to 5k join the Monday night session*

Its first Couch to 5K programme recently concluded and was a huge success, with participants building confidence, improving their wellbeing, and forming new friendships along the way. As well as promoting physical fitness, the club recognises the importance of positive mental health, social connection and creating opportunities for people to feel part of a supportive local community.

Jo Lenderyou of Knutsford Runners said: “Knutsford Runners are incredibly grateful to the Town Council for supporting our new running club with this grant. Funding two new Leader in Running Fitness qualifications will help us continue to grow our club. We became affiliated to England Athletics earlier this year and by having more qualified leaders we can ensure we can offer a wide range of running groups for all abilities at each session.”

By investing in volunteer training, the club will be able to increase the number and variety of sessions it offers, ensuring runners of varying experience levels can participate safely and confidently while supporting healthier, more active, and better-connected communities.

For more information about Knutsford Runners, visit the club’s website https://knutsfordrunners.co.uk/ or Instagram @knutsfordrunners.

For more information about the Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme, visit www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants

16Jun2026

Knutsford Alfresco Dining returns

Knutsford Alfresco Dining Returns with Summer Atmosphere in Town Centre

Knutsford town centre hosted its latest alfresco dining event on Sunday 14 June, with King Street and Silk Mill Street providing the perfect setting for a day of outdoor dining.

The sun made a welcome appearance, adding to the atmosphere as families, friends and visitors of all ages embraced the opportunity to dine together outdoors, spending the day socialising and enjoying Knutsford’s unique town centre setting.

Hospitality venues taking part included the Rose & Crown Inn, Gusto Italian, Morgan Edwards, Mowgli Street Food, Patrick’s Irish Pub, Smokehouse & Cellar, Wallop, Six Knutsford, Piccolino and Smoke Knutsford, all of which offered outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy the town centre in the summer sunshine.

The event forms part of Knutsford Town Council’s summer alfresco dining programme, which aims to support local businesses, increase footfall in the town centre and bring people together in shared community spaces.

Steve Mitchell, owner of Six, said, “We were delighted with the response to our first Alfresco event. Summer 2026 so far hasn’t been brilliant, but the weather stayed dry and we had a great turnout. It was lovely to see families enjoying themselves. Here’s to the next one.”

Caroline Haynes, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council, said, “Alfresco dining is a real highlight of the town’s summer programme, and it was fantastic to see so many people out enjoying the town centre on Sunday. Events like this are all about creating a welcoming atmosphere, supporting our local hospitality businesses, and giving residents and visitors a chance to experience Knutsford in a different way. We’re looking forward to the next dates in the programme.”

The summer programme continues with two further alfresco dining dates planned; Sunday 16th August, alongside Paint Knutsford, and Sunday 13th September, offering more opportunities to enjoy outdoor dining in the town centre.

For further information on our events programme, visit www.discoverknutsford.co.uk or @DiscoverKnutsford on our social channels. Enquiries can be sent to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

Photo by Knutsford Town Council – Alfresco Dining, King Street

16Jun2026

2026 Knutsford Town Centre Map launched ready for the summer

The 2026 Knutsford Town Centre map has been published in time for the summer season.

The unique illustrated map is designed to give a summary of what Knutsford has to offer, highlighting its markets, cafes and restaurants as well as the diverse retail offering. The leaflet also lists key town events for the coming year.

The map is supported with adverts from a selection of Knutsford’s shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars. It is distributed to key locations in the town centre including the railway station, Tatton Park and Knutsford Heritage Centre and is used as a promotion tool throughout the year at events including ever-busy Knutsford Christmas Markets. The map will also be distributed to tourist information offices across the county as well as local hotels and self-catering accommodation. The production of the map has been fully funded by local businesses through the advertising.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to publish a new edition of the town centre map. It is a key marketing tool for the town for residents and visitors alike. A huge thanks to those business who support the production of the map, many of whom are repeat advertisers”

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