A Keppel-Green | Knutsford Town Council

19Apr2024

Documentary tells the story of Knutsford during World War II

Knutsford: Tales of War features interviews with four Knutsfordians who lived in the town through the Second World War as they recount their memories of what life in the town was like.

The film was launched with a special screening at Curzon on Wednesday 17^th April where the interviewees and their families were invited to see the film on the big screen.

Enid Leigh, Edith Chadwick, Tony Leadbeater and Bill Cowburn starred in the film, sharing their experiences of seeing prisoners of war, the American troops on the Heath and paratroopers training over Tatton Park. It was presented by Val Dawson and produced by 7Video.

The project was delivered by Knutsford Town Council with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project aimed to record the memories of those who lived through the war and create an engaging video to ensure their stories would be seen by as many as possible. It is hoped it will be used by schools as part of teaching about the war and conflict generally.

As part of the project, a team of volunteers were trained in oral history recording and it is hoped that this will spur similar future projects. The film features archive colour footage of Knutsford from 1944 and of paratroopers training in Tatton Park.

Speaking at the launch event, Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan reflected that due to the passage of time many who lived during the 1939-1945 war were no longer with us, “This serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of projects like this, collecting the history stored in people’s memories, before it is too late”

Speaking after the film was launched, Cllr Coan added “I was blown away by this personal recounting of life in Knutsford during the war and the incredible colour footage of the town. It was a delight to share the premiere with the stars and their families and I sincerely hope all viewers find this film as interesting and thought provoking as I did.”

The film can be watched for free on the Town Council website at: www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/tales-of-war

17Apr2024

Young people’s survey: Final Chance to have your say

Knutsford’s Young People are being given the chance to help shape future youth services in the town by taking part in a survey being organised by a local housing association.

In response to customer feedback on youth services in the area, Great Places Housing Group in collaboration with Knutsford Town Council and Cheshire East Youth Service, is running a survey to get the views of young people of Knutsford on what changes they’d like to see in the town.

The feedback collected will be instrumental in shaping and co-designing future youth services in the area.

Commenting on the survey, Becky Banks, Great Places’ Community Project Manager for the Longridge area in Knutsford, said “Great Places is an organisation rooted in social purpose and we’re committed to supporting the customers to build strong sustainable communities.

“Feedback from a recent consultation we carried out with residents and stakeholders in our Longridge neighbourhood highlighted the need for improved youth services in the area and set up the survey in collaboration with the town council and Cheshire East Youth Service.

“We’re delighted with the response so but we’d like hear from as many young people as possible to tell us about what they want. It’s quick and will only take a few minutes of your time to complete, but your input could make a lasting impact on the community.”

Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green added “The Town Council is committed to improving the provision of services and facilities for the younger members of our community and this survey will help guide us to ensure their needs are being met – the more responses we get the better, so please do encourage any young people you have contact with to take five minutes to share their views”.

The survey is open to young people 5 and 19 years. To take part in the survey visit https://forms.office.com/e/wivSbMjumG by 26th April.

3Apr2024

Shortlist for 2024 Town Awards Announced

Drumroll please…. the shortlist for the 2024 Knutsford Town Awards has been announced.

The Knutsford Town Awards celebrate Knutsford’s incredible community spirit and the individuals and organisations which make the town so special. The awards are hosted by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business.

This year’s nominees are another shining example of the dedication, innovation, and kindness that can be found in the Knutsford community – all have been nominated by people who have seen what they do and been impressed.

Speaking on the announcement of the shortlist, Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan said “I am always amazed by incredible commitment we see in the nominations submitted for these awards, there are so many deserving people that shortlisting is never easy. Our huge congratulations to those who have been shortlisted and we look forward to presenting the awards in a few weeks time”

The shortlist is:

The Civic Award

Val Bryant – for leadership of Knutsford Heritage Centre
Maggie Clatyon – for dedicated volunteering at The Welcome
Emma Hamilton – for service to Junior Cricket at Toft Cricket Club
Vanessa Hatton – for service to 5^th Knutsford Rainbows
Ann and John Long – for their support to young people’s mental health services
Andrew Malloy – for broad involvement in various organisations
Milly Peel – for establishing Stable Minds CIC and supporting the mental health of the community

The Business Award

Roberta Dyer of Roberta’s Beauty Redefined – for support to the business community
Love the Dentist – for outreach services and support to local organisations
Peter Murray of Pulse of Perfumery – for being a continued ambassador for Knutsford Town Centre

The Extra Mile Award

Mia Lucas, Tatton Perk – for outstanding customer service
Nicola Marshall, Knutsford Together – for leadership of Knutsford Together
Lucy Page, The Welcome – for tireless service at The Welcome

The Community Award

Knutsford and District Good Neighbours – which provides transport to enable people to access medical appointments
Knutsford GROW – which those who are unable to look after their gardens and provides volunteer opportunities for those from all walks of life
Stable Minds – for support to the mental health of Knutsford residents

A winner for the Youth Award will also be announced on the evening.

All nominees are now being contacted to invite them to attend the awards ceremony which takes place on Tuesday 23^rd April at 7pm in Knutsford Little Theatre.

3Apr2024

Town Mayor opens new memorial garden

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan unveiled a new blue plaque and heritage board as part of the opening of a new Memorial Garden.

Local retirees in Knutsford joined McCarthy Stone to celebrate the opening of the memorial garden in the grounds of the new Centennial Place development on Northwich Road which has been built on the historic site of the community-built war memorial hospital.

Knutsford Town Council supported McCarthy Stone to put in place plans to ensure as much of the heritage of Memorial House was retained. The plinth from the Haron Baronian statue forms the focal point of the new memorial gardens with the marble dedication plaque from the Knutsford and District War Memorial Cottage Hospital proudly on display alongside the newly created interpretation board that tells the history of the site. To further keep history alive, McCarthy Stone has used bricks saved from the hospital as part of the gate piers.

Cllr Peter Coan said: “The blue plaque and memorial gardens help to ensure that the important history of this site will never be lost. Visitors to Centennial Place will be reminded of what stood before and we were pleased to work with McCarthy Stone on the detailed panel which records a full history of the site from 1922 to 2022. I ”

The memorial gardens are at the front of the site on Northwich Road and open to all members of the public to visit.

The Town Mayor and three other people stand in front of a new blue plaque

Fiona Brooks, Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy Stone, added: “We think that it’s vitally important to honour the local communities that we build in, so it was no question that we paid tribute to the longstanding war memorial hospital that stood here.”

28Mar2024

Mayor’s Ball Raises over £5,000

On Friday 22^nd March, the Mayor of Knutsford welcomed over 90 guests to his Charity Ball at Cottons Hotel and Spa. The evening was a huge success which raised over £5,000 for the Mayor’s chosen charities, the UK Men’s sheds association and Knutsford GROW.

Guests were welcomed with a glass of prosecco, kindly sponsored by Slater and Gordon Lawyers with close up magic performed by Chris Hickey.

Creative Captures provided the photography for the evening whilst DJ Pete Deane made sure everyone had a great time on the dancefloor. Guests were also entertained by local family band, The Avenue. The entertainment was sponsored by Mesoestetic UK.

Prize vouchers were found hidden in balloons, sponsored by Love the Dentist, Mobberley. Each balloon contained a voucher for a fabulous prize donated by local businesses including meals from Evuna, The Lost and Found, The Botanist, Linden Stores, Café on The Corner, Tatton Perk, The Chester Grosvenor and Sigiriya, to name just a few.

The Raffle proved popular, with prizes which included donations from Cottons, Elite Health, Gusto Knutsford, Angel on King Street, The Bath House, Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe, Arley Hall, Tatton Park, Andrew Collier Photography, Pulse of Perfumery, Redrow, Clarity, Majestic Wines, Lanigan and Hulme, PR Jones and many more

A game of Heads or Tails in between courses made for a fun 5 minutes of fundraising. The game was won by Cllr Rod Fletcher, the Mayor of Cheshire East who went back to his table with a bottle of wine.

The silent auction raised over £1,000 and with a bidding war between guests to win prizes donated by King and Allen, Manchester United Football Club, Bartley Portrait Studios, Everton Football Club and local jewellers Geralds of Knutsford.

Each table was sponsored by a local business which contributed further funds to the evening: Cumming Group, Redrow, Manchester Airport, Lanigan and Hulme, Love the Dentist Mobberley, Dexter and Jones, and Knutsford Beauty.

Gemma Jackson, Civic Events officer said: “The ball has been a great fundraising success raising an impressive £5,000, guests truly ‘had a ball’ and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of all the local shops, restaurants and businesses who have so generously supported and donated products and vouchers for the event. Thank you to all who attended on the night for helping to make the evening so enjoyable!”

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan added “I would like to thank everyone who supported this incredible evening of fundraising. Raising so much for these two great causes was truly one of the highlights of my year serving as your Town Mayor”.

26Mar2024

Tenner Trail returns for Easter holidays

Knutsford’s Tenner Trail returns to the town centre this spring with fifteen shops offering some incredible deals over the Easter holidays.

Between 1^st April and 14^th April, participating shops are offering a special deal for just £10 – the offers range from dinner time solutions with The Market Hall Butcher, meal deals from local cafes and restaurants and lots of gift ideas and treats.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said “Our Tenner Trail showcases a wide variety of products and services from Knutsford high street. There are some great deals and a wonderful incentive for customers to explore new establishments and support local businesses.”

The participating businesses are: Kanoa Living, Amador, Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe, Roberta Beauty Redefined, Clarity Contemporary Jewellery, Lost & Found, Morgan Edwards, Cranford Café, The Market Hall Butcher, The Market Café, Slipped Discs, Nyx Cat Crystals, It’s the little things, Knutsford Mobile and Heathfields Fruit & Veg

For more details on the deals, shoppers should look out for posters in participating shops and follow Knutsford Town Council’s social media accounts to find out more.

25Mar2024

Two students share 2024 Millennium Bursary

Knutsford Town Council and Knutsford Lions are delighted to announce Leo Davies and Katie Chaplin as the joint recipients of the 2024 Knutsford Millennium Bursary.

Established in 2000, the Knutsford Millennium Bursary is awarded annually to a deserving Knutsford student pursuing higher education. This year, the selection panel, which comprised Lydia Barclay of Knutsford Lions and Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan were so impressed by two applicants that they decided to combine the main award of £660 and supplementary award of £250 and share it between two students.

Leo Davies, who is undertaking a joint honours degree in Anthropology and English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, said “It’s an absolute honour and privilege to receive this bursary”

“Living in Belfast, this financial support will be essential for my studies. Notably, my research on karate’s cultural impact across the UK will hopefully showcase the dedication and character-building this practice fosters. Thank you so much!”

Sharing the award is Katie Chaplin, who is pursuing a Fine Art degree at the Manchester School of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University.

“I am incredibly grateful for this bursary,” said Katie. “This funding will allow me to pursue further training in art therapy and support the costs of materials and exhibitions in my final year. My passion lies in helping others through art therapy, and this bursary helps me explore this exciting career path.”

Lydia Barclay, representing Knutsford Lions, commented, “All the applicants were a pleasure to meet. Their ambition and innovative ideas shone through. We were particularly impressed by Leo’s research project and Katie’s desire to use art to help others. We felt both applications deserved recognition, so we decided to award a joint bursary this year.”

Knutsford Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Leo and Katie are stellar examples of the talent we have here in Knutsford and I’m greatly looking forward to seeing the incredible things they’ll achieve.”

Leo and Katie each received a bursary of £455 to support their third year university studies. The 2025 bursary will open for applications in January.

11Mar2024

It’s the Little Things opens in Knutsford Market Hall

It’s the Little Things have opened a contemporary and largely eco-friendly card stall in Knutsford Market Hall.

Owner, Sabrina Cowley said, I am delighted to be back trading in the market hall. It’s the Little Things will sell a range of reasonably priced contemporary and eco-friendly cards and balloons. I will be selling a small range of gifts suitable for birthdays, christenings or just to cheer up someone’s day. After all it is the little things that count!”.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “There is a definite need in Knutsford for reasonably priced cards and celebratory gifts and balloons. It’s the Little Things fills that gap, and we are delighted to have Sabrina back in the market hall as a permanent trader. As everyone knows, 2024 is a huge year for our market hall. Not only is it our 60^th anniversary it also the year we refurbish the market. This will signify a new chapter in the market’s history and secure its position in the heart of Knutsford for future generations”.

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.

Permanent traders are as follows –Heathfield Fruit and Veg, The Market Butcher, The Market Café, The Market Hall Barber, Slipped Discs, Knutsford Mobile and Nyx Cat Crystals. There is also one pop-up stall – Knutsford Sports Exchange. Due to the pending refurbishment, the market is currently only looking for short term pop-ups. If interested, please email hello@knutsfordmarket.co.uk with details of your stall.

15Feb2024

Market Hall Planning Application Submitted

Plans for the renovation of Knutsford Market Hall have taken a step forward with the submission of the planning application, which is due to be determined by 25^th March 2024.

The application, reference 24/0336M, was prepared by Knutsford based Hive Architects on behalf of Knutsford Town Council and sets out proposals for the major remodelling of the front to the market. The refurbished market hall will benefit from a large, glazed front and new rooflights to flood the building with natural light.

The works will create a modern and flexible trading space with a central section of demountable seating and stalls to create an open hall which will be used for events and community uses outside trading hours.

The materials for the redesigned front have been influenced by the Knutsford Design Guide which specifies traditional materials of brick, wood and slate to be used. The brick has been selected to fit in with the exposed brickwork near Silk Mill Street and will include raking soldier courses around the gables and alternate projecting brick courses to add interest and depth to the façade.

The proposals include a number of measures to enhance the environmental sustainability of the building, including a sedum roof, solar panels, an air-source heat pump to provide heating and the installation of insulation. The market will feature bifold and automatic doors enabling the frontage to be open during the summer but retain heat during the winter.

This project has received £720,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Community Ownership Fund.

“Knutsford Market Hall was built in 1964 and as it celebrates its diamond anniversary it will be having a major renovation to ensure its ongoing vitality. These proposals will create a bright and flexible trading space and enable the building to be used more efficiently for the community” said Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green.

“Whilst the planning application is being determined we’re now working with our structural engineer and architect on the technical design of the building and developing the design of the internal stall structures”

“We are also working with our traders on the plans to relocate the market into 60 King Street when works take place ensuring our businesses can continue to trade with minimal interruption”. Adam added.

Knutsford Market Hall remains open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 4pm where customers can find a butcher, greengrocer, crystals, records, thai food, a café, barbers and mobile phone repairs. The market is hosting a variety of pop-up stalls which are promoted on social media.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

6Feb2024

Philanthropist behind Knutsford almshouses honoured with blue plaque

A blue plaque dedicated to the founder of a local almshouse charity has been unveiled on Silk Mill Street.

Town Mayor, Councillor Peter Coan, and former Town Mayor Valerie Young JP MBE, the longest serving Trustee of the Charity, cut the ribbon to unveil the new plaque dedicated to Marjorie Hurst.

The Charity of Marjorie Hurst provides almshouses for older residents of Knutsford and owns a row of flats and cottages on Silk Mill Street. The plaque was installed following extensive research by Jenny Collis of Knutsford Heritage Centre into the origin of the town centre almshouses and the life of Marjorie Hurst.

“We knew very little about Marjorie Hurst and how she established the almshouses so we are delighted with the research put in by Jenny Collis and the support from the Town Council in providing the plaque which is now there for everyone to see” said Rick Dallimore, the Chair of Trustees.

The plaque commemorates Marjorie Hurst who was a spinster and life-long Knutsfordian who spent much of her life looking after her parents. Her father, Frederick Hurst, had been the manager of the Union Bank on King Street but it was through the line of her maternal grandfather that Marjorie inherited property. In her will she left property and money upon trust to the then Knutsford Urban District Council with the bequest that the dwellings she owned on Silk Mill Street be used as “almshouses for the deserving” of the town.

Initially the almshouses were provided rent free to the occupiers, but over time the dwellings fell into disrepair. In the 1980s the Town Council received permission from the Charity Commission to charge the residents a weekly maintenance contribution provided that a separate new trust was set up. The Charity of Marjorie Hurst was established and in the 1990s the Trustees secured a Housing Corporation grant to renovate the four remaining cottages and to build the six flats that exist on Silk Mill Street today.

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan said “It was an honour to unveil our new blue plaque honouring the legacy of Marjorie Hurst with the trustees and residents of the charity that bears her name. Through Marjorie’s philanthropy, Knutsford has a charity providing housing to those who might otherwise not be able to afford a home of their own – what a forward-thinking Knutsfordian.”

The Charity of Marjorie Hurst is today managed by a board of five trustees. More information about the charity can be found on their website: www.marjoriehurstcharity.org.uk

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