Town Mayor and Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business

2023 Town Awards Shortlist Announced

The spotlight is being shone on Knutsford’s community heroes this month with the shortlist being announced for the 10th annual Knutsford Town Awards.

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

A special award ceremony is being hosted at Knutsford Little Theatre on Wednesday 15th March from 7pm as part of the Annual Town Meeting.  The event starts with a short talk from Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper about the work the group does to bring the Knutsford Guardian to the visually impaired of Knutsford and surrounding villages before featuring an open forum for residents to raise any issues they want to see discussed in the community.

Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Houghton and Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business then have the honour of celebrating the shortlisted nominees and announcing the winners of the 2023 awards.

This year’s shortlist is as follows:

Civic Award (3 awards)

Three Civic Awards are presented to individuals who give their time voluntarily to undertake work in the community there are 7 shortlisted for the awards this year:

  • Judy Clifford
  • Joe Godden
  • Gemma Jackson
  • Rob Lyons
  • Ken and Louise Rhodes
  • Claire Sawyer

Business Award

One business will be recognised with the Business Award, which goes to a business or business leader who has supported or worked with the community, four businesses are in the running for the 2023 award:

  • Detaljer
  • Dan Belcher, Guys Barbers Knutsford
  • Morgan Edwards
  • Tatton Perk

Community Award

The Community Award goes to a community organisation, this year three worthy groups have been shortlisted:

  • Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper
  • The Welcome
  • Wrap up Knutsford

 Extra Mile Award

The Extra Mile Award is presented to someone who as part of their paid job is going above and beyond to the benefit of the community. This year sees three shortlisted nominees:

  • Alison Hooper, Egerton Primary School
  • Jack Street, Johnsons the Cleaners
  • Miriam Wilson, Knutsford Medical Partnership

On announcing the shortlist, Cllr Mike Houghton said: “I know we say this every year but everyone on the shortlist should be incredibly proud that someone has taken the time to put their name forward for recognition for what they do for Knutsford and I am really looking forward to celebrating their achievements with them at the awards ceremony later this month”

A map of Knutsford showing the five town wards

Changes to Town Council wards

New community governance arrangements affecting Knutsford come into effect this April, following conclusion of a community governance review across Cheshire East.

The review, which looked at governance arrangements for town and parish councils across the borough, addresses the concerns first raised by Knutsford Town Council in 2017 when it pushed for a review to be commenced.

The boundary of Knutsford is being expanded to the west to include the Tabley Park development, part of which is currently in Tabley parish. The new boundary follows Northwich Road to the M6 and back along Tabley Hill Lane. The town’s eastern boundary was also changed to include part of the Longridge Business Park which was technically within Mobberley parish.

The other major change is redrawing the internal ward boundaries – Knutsford’s 15 town councillors will now be elected across five three-member wards rather than the current four. This addresses issues which will be created by new developments which would have affected the ratio of electors to councillors in existing wards and seen some estates split between different wards. The changes split the existing Over ward, which elected six councillors, into two three-member wards, providing a stronger link between councillors and residents.

All ward boundaries have been affected. The new wards are:

  • Nether
  • Bexton and Town Centre
  • Crosstown
  • St John’s Wood
  • Norbury Booths
A map of Knutsford showing the five town wards
A map showing the new boundary of Knutsford (edged red) and the five wards

Nether ward has moved north to include the Tabley Park development as well as the Bluebell Village and smaller development planned for the site west of Manchester Road. The town centre has moved into the new Bexton and Town Centre ward whilst Norbury Booths ward has expanded west to include all houses along Bexton Lane. Over ward has been split in two, creating a new Cross Town ward, centred around Thorneyholme Drive, and St John’s Wood, which contains the ancient woodland, Longridge and Shaw Heath areas as well as the new development on Parkgate Lane and potential development on Longridge. 

The new governance arrangements will be used in the May elections. No changes have been made to the Cheshire East Council wards.

In surrounding parishes, the area of Tatton Park which is not in Knutsford parish moves into a newly merged parish of Millington and Rostherne whilst there have been no changes at Mere; Plumley with Toft and Bexton; or Ollerton with Marthall and the only change at Tabley is the transfer of land to Knutsford.

This year’s elections will also see some changes to polling stations and residents will have recently received letters from Cheshire East Council; polling cards will be issued for elections detailing the polling station for each polling district in Knutsford. Voting in elections from May 2023 requires photo ID for the first time. If you do not have photographic ID, you can apply for a free voter authority certificate from Cheshire East Council at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

Knutsford Young Artist of the Year Competition 2022-23 Winners Announced

Last week Knutsford Town Council welcomed participants of the 2022-23 Knutsford Young Artist of the Year Competition to a special awards evening at Vermilion Art Gallery.

The competition is a new scheme introduced by the Town Council in 2022 aiming to highlight and support young local artists in Knutsford. To enter, children have to live or study at a Knutsford school.

Nearly 40 entries were submitted across two categories: a ‘Junior Artist’ category for ages 4-11 or primary school age, and a ‘Young Artist’ category for ages 12-18 or secondary school age. Of the entries submitted, a handful were shortlisted to win and a judging panel selected the winners on the night.

The scheme was supported by Vermilion Art Galleries who hosted the awards evening at their large gallery site on Stanley Road Industrial Trading Estate.

Huge congratulations to winners and runners up in both categories:

Junior Artist category:

  • Runner up Rory B
  • Winner Kitty M

Young Artist category:

  • Runner up Alice P
  • Winner Alice G

Winners will receive a cash prize to be invested into their future artwork.

A massive congratulations to everyone who took part; the Town Council were thrilled to receive so many entries and all participants should be thoroughly proud of their achievements.

Jan Nicholson and Mike Houghton

Jan Nicholson steps down from Town Council

Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Jan Nicholson has stepped down from Knutsford Town Council after twenty years of service to the town.

Jan, who was first elected in 2003, was re-elected as a councillor four times and latterly represented the residents of Norbury Booths.

Jan was elected by her fellow councillors as Town Mayor in 2007 and again in 2016; she was elected as Deputy Town Mayor in 2022 and had planned to be put forward to serve as Town Mayor a third time from May 2023.

Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Houghton said, “It is with great sadness that I have accepted the resignation of the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jan Nicholson.”

“I know Jan was hoping to take on a third term as Town Mayor this year and during her time as a councillor, Jan demonstrated an unparalleled degree of public service to the town of Knutsford. She will be widely missed. I wish Jan well for the future in her recovery and look forward to continuing our friendship that has developed since I first joined the council in 2011.”

Due to the forthcoming elections in May 2023, there will be no opportunity to trigger a by-election. All seats on the Town Council are up for re-election in May and the Town Council is hosting two sessions for potential councillors to find out more about what is involved – these take place on Thursday 16th and Monday 20th February at 7pm in the Council Offices.

Cllr Mike Houghton stands by a bin branded as Knutsford Town Council's against a green leafy background

Community meeting on new council plan

Residents are invited to find out more about the Town Council’s draft strategic plan at a community meeting next week.

The council is currently consulting on its new strategy which will guide its work over the next ten years. The plan sets out five core aims of supporting the town centre, promoting active travel and public transport, improving open spaces and the environment, leading a strong community and ensuring access to services and facilities.

The public meeting takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 22nd February in Knutsford Methodist Church, where attendees will hear how the plan was developed and find out more about the council’s objectives for the next decade. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to question the council on the plan and provide feedback on the specific actions people would like to see the council deliver by 2032.

“We’re setting out a strategy to guide what we do over the next 10 years and provide a marker for the community to assess how well we are doing. We’re keen to hear from as many local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure we are setting the right objectives for the town” said Town Clerk Adam Keppel-Green.

Those who cannot attend the meeting can read the plan online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/strategic plan or in Knutsford Library, The Welcome and the Market Hall.

Mark Lee-Kilgariff - Nick Smithers of Tatton Perk

Two New Venues Join Taste Knutsford

Two new venues have been added to the culinary tour of the Town ready for the first tours of 2023. Taste Knutsford is a walking food and drink tour which visits around seven venues sampling from a range of independent venues.

The first tours of the new year take place on the 17th and 18th February with two venues added the line-up that could be on offer.

Tatton Perk are new to the tour and will be showcasing their V60 brew methods and offering two samples of along with tasting notes and three hot chocolate tasters. The Courthouse Cheshire are returning to the Taste Knutsford family adding their brunch to the mix.

The tours begun in 2018 and apart from a break due to Covid have proved popular with visitors and residents alike, with many booking repeat tours.

The current list of venues include –

  • April’s Kitchen
  • Cheshire Quality
  • Cranford Café & Sandwich Bar
  • Dexter and Jones
  • Evuna
  • Morgan Edwards
  • Jonty’s Fruit and Veg
  • Hot Cocoa
  • Real Fruit Creamery
  • Courthouse Cheshire
  • The Market Hall Butcher
  • The Market Café
  • The Tea Room
  • Detaljer
  • Tatton Perk

Mark Lee Kilgariff, owner of Tatton Perk said, “Now we have permanent premises, joining Taste Knutsford was a no-brainer for us! The tour champions both our independents and our gorgeous town. We can’t wait to take part in the first tour and introduce people to the Tatton Perk experience”.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We love arranging these tours.  The feedback we receive from guests regarding the tours is always positive with guests leaving very full! Our tour guides are knowledgeable about each venue and the town, encouraging quests to stay, linger and spend in Knutsford.”

Any small regional or independent hospitality venue can take part in the tour and if you wish to take part in a tour you can book via www.tasteknutsford.co.uk  Private tours for 8 or more can also be arranged.

Press Contact     Sandra Curties   Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Town Mayor and Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business

Forum of Private Business on board for the Town Awards

A national business support organisation located just outside Knutsford has once again pledged their support and sponsorship to the Knutsford Town Awards.

The Forum of Private Business, based at the Ashley Hall Showground, has sponsored the Town Awards since their inception in 2013. The Town Awards recognise those who give back to the local community and make Knutsford a better town for all.

Managing Director, and Knutsford resident Ian Cass said “The FPB are relighted to be sponsoring the Knutsford Town Awards again, particularly the business award.

“Knutsford businesses are always very supportive of each other, and I hope lots of them will be nominated for these awards this year.”

Over 50 nominations have been submitted in the Town Awards so far this year with a number of different individuals, community groups and businesses having been put forward by the community. The awards rely on the community to submit their nominations so more nominations are always encouraged.

Nominations for the 2023 Town Awards close on Monday 20th February and can be made online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/town-awards. The awards will be presented in mid-March.

Text says "Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob"

‘Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob’ returns this February half-term

Grab your shovels and join our Town Ranger this February half-term for a chance to plant a tree in Knutsford!

Following the success of last year’s event, ‘Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob’ is back this month and people of all ages are invited to participate by planting a tree in the two-day event. Whether you’re looking for ways to get some fresh air, or you just love trees, it’s a great way to make some memories and be part of Knutsford’s Nature Action Plan!

Knutsford Town Council set out to plant 13,000 trees as part of its Nature Action Plan in March 2020 as part of its commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. So far, the Council has planted 1,471 trees and they are keen to keep that number growing.

As part of this initiative, last year Knutsford residents joined fantastic Town Ranger Bob in different sites around Knutsford to plant a variety of trees. Dozens of Knutsford residents turned out to get stuck in and help plant a tree.

If you’d like to get involved this year, please send your name, contact number, how many people you’d like to bring and which site you’d like to plant a tree at to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk. Spaces are limited so please get in touch ASAP to secure a space.

The times and sites are as follows:

Tuesday 21st Feb

9am:  Chelford Road, outside the cricket club (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

10am:  Brandon Drive, green next to wildflower meadow (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

11am:  The Heath, behind bowling green (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

12pm:  Ladies Mile, by Heath Drive (3 trees) – 2 Volunteers

1pm:  Westfield Drive, green near 33-37 (11 trees) – 4 Volunteers

Wednesday 22nd Feb

9am:  Site One – Longridge, near 358-357 (4 trees) – 2 Volunteers

10am:  Site Two – Longridge, near 310-311 (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

11am:  Site Three – Longridge, near 95-97 (1 tree) – 1 Volunteer

12pm:  Site Four – Longridge, near the Welcome (4 trees) – 2 Volunteers

1pm:  Site Five – Southfields, green opposite 30-38 (5 trees) – 2 Volunteers

Knutsford Market Hall Traders and Kath Gibb Smiling

Knutsford Market Hall and The Silk Rooms Join Forces

Shoppers visiting Knutsford Market Hall in February can enter a prize draw to win a night ‘next door’ at The Silk Rooms.

Kath Gibb of Aneto Properties are developing the former Freemason’s building into a ‘boutique  Airbnb’ with a downstairs bar and restaurant area. Kath said, “This has been such an exciting project for us.  The Grade II listed building had been neglected and required a lot of work.  Our restoration is sensitive but has brought the building and the outside space into the 21st century.  We live local and know Knutsfordians have fond memories of their evening in the Freemasons. Very soon, they can add memories of the Silk Room to this.

Shoppers at Knutsford Market Hall will receive a raffle ticket when they spend with the following traders –

  • Style Loft Boutique
  • The Market Café
  • Radchester Garden Ornaments
  • Sabrina’s Baby and Toddler Boutique
  • Slipped Discs
  • Market Hall Butcher

These raffle tickets will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will win a night’s stall at The Silk Rooms to be used by December 31st, 2023.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said “We are delighted to be working the Kath and The Silk Rooms and can’t wait for next door to open! This collaboration is perfect.”

Knutsford Market Hall is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8am-4pm, with the options to open on additional days with agreement. The market is home to a café, womenswear, a vinyl record shop, a baby and child clothing boutique, garden ornaments, a butcher and fruit and veg stall. A greeting card stall is coming soon.

The Silk Rooms is being developed by Aneto Properties and is scheduled open in Spring 2023. Aneto Properties are looking for tenants for the downstairs bar and restaurant area and interested parties should contact Kath Gibb on contact@thesilkrooms.co.uk

A man in an easter hat holding easter eggs

Knutsford Bunny Hop 2023

The Easter Bunny will be hopping into Knutsford soon as the town prepares for the return of its favourite Easter event Knutsford Bunny Hop!

The event will be back on Easter Saturday, 8th April 2023 between 10am – 4pm. Families can search for 10 bunnies which will be hidden around Knutsford Town Centre. Every bunny has a letter on it; find all 10 letters and spell out the hidden phrase on your entry form. Completed entry forms can then be submitted into our special postbox outside of Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe and you will be entered into a prize draw!

The event will feature extra entertainment and activities including balloon modelling, face painting, an Easter Bonnet Competition and more!

The event runs casually in the town centre and does not feature any road closures, so please ensure children are supervised at all times as there will be normal traffic flow through the town centre.

This year’s event is very kindly sponsored by Neptune Ltd, suppliers of fantastic furniture and kitchens, based on Chelford Road in Knutsford.

Announcements will be made over the next couple of months on social media, so follow the Bunny Hop on Facebook and Twitter or follow the Knutsford Town Council Instagram to keep up to date with news.

For any enquiries regarding the event, please contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.