A Keppel-Green | Knutsford Town Council

4Jun2025

Update on 60 King Street

The Town Council continues to be in discussions with major property company Bruntwood to secure investment for the iconic 60 King Street and bring it back into use.

Following investigations over the past 24 months, Bruntwood has determined that a scheme where the council retains the freehold of the building and secures third party investment for a commercial use of the whole building is not financially viable due to the level of investment required balanced with the potential income it would generate.

In March, the Town Council and Bruntwood agreed to explore an alternative option where the upper floors would be converted to residential use with the ground floor restored to a commercial use. This would secure the future of the building and bring the ground floor back into active use in the town centre.

Bruntwood has commissioned a detailed structural survey to inform these discussions and has liaised with potential development partners. The survey will be completed by the end of June and the viability of this option should be determined over the summer.

We know this is not as detailed an update as many would like to see. 60 King Street is a complicated building. It requires significant investment and in increasingly challenging economic times, this greatly limits the opportunities for the building. The Town Council will issue a further update following the next meeting of its Assets and Operations Committee on 30th June.

3Jun2025

Queen Elizabeth Coronation Tree Rededicated

A tree planted in 1953 to mark the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II has been rededicated to her memory on the 72^nd anniversary of her coronation, 2nd June.

The Heath in the 1950s was different to how it is now. Throughout the early 1940s it was home to American troops and the site had few trees, making the tree a prominent sight. Over the years, the woodland section of the Heath developed and more oak trees began to grow, possibly seeded from the Queen’s Oak itself. Holly also became widespread and eventually obscured the tree from view, and as a result it had been forgotten.

The tree was rediscovered in October 2021 by Rob Eyre, who was surveying tree to catalogue the trees in public spaces for the Town Council. Rob found a tree surrounding by six-foot iron railings and surrounded by holly, but at the time no-one was sure what it was for other than that it appeared to be a memorial tree.

The mystery was solved two years later by volunteer researchers Jenny Collis and Mary Gracie of the Knutsford Heritage Centre who found the 1953 coronation programme in the Town Council’s archive. The programme stated that an oak tree would be planted along with a line of ash trees in Ladies Mile.

Pam Walker, Manager of Knutsford Heritage Centre said “’Knutsford Heritage Centre is delighted that, through research by two of the Centre’s volunteers, another small part of the town’s history has been re-discovered and restored”

With the mystery solved, Friends of the Heath and Cheshire Wildlife Trust, who manage the woodland on behalf of Tatton Estate, began clearing the area around the oak tree to make it visible once more. Friends of the Heath installed new posts around the tree.

Nick Johnson, Chair of Friends of the Heath said “We are thankful to the ‘Friends’ who gave their time, effort, and skills to restore this special Oak to the public gaze. May it thrive to remind us of our heritage and the dedication and work of one of our greatest monarchs”

On Monday 2^nd June 2025, Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley re-dedicated the tree to the late Queen. Speaking at a small gathering with Friends of the Heath, Knutsford Heritage Centre and Tatton Estates, Bryan paid tribute to the late Queen, saying “Today, as we unveil this new plaque, we rededicate the Queen’s Oak — in lasting memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II whose reign was defined by duty, dignity, and a deep connection with the people of this country”

“We hope this tree continues to stand not only as a marker of that historic Coronation, but as a living symbol of continuity, community, and the strength of nature and memory combined”.

Planting an oak on the heath to commemorate the coronation of the new monarch was a tradition at least dating back to King Edward VII when a tree was planted at the Manchester Road side. The trees for Kings George V and George VI have been lost, and a tree was planted to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

Henry Brooks of Tatton Estates said “It was a delight to be able to see the Coronation Oak today for the unveiling of the plaque, thanks for the research work from Knutsford Heritage’s Volunteers and the clearing and fencing done by the Town Council, Friends of the Heath and Cheshire Wildlife Trust. The mayor’s speech was a poignant reminder of the life of service our late Monarch Queen Elizabeth II. I was honoured on behalf of the Estate to join our community in commemorating Her Majesty”

2Jun2025

Pollinator photography competition launched

Knutsford Town Council, in collaboration with the Knutsford Photographic Society, is thrilled to announce the launch of a captivating photography competition as part of its 2025 focus on pollinators. This initiative aims to highlight the vital role of pollinating insects and encourage community engagement in efforts to reverse their decline.

The Bee Trail Photography Competition invites residents of all ages to capture the beauty and importance of pollinators in action. Participants are encouraged to submit striking photographs featuring at least one pollinator and one flower, showcasing the intricate relationship between these essential creatures and the flora they help thrive.

“We are pleased to be working with Knutsford Photographic Society to launch this competition, which celebrates the natural beauty around us but also serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of our pollinators” said Cllr April Johnson.

“Through the lens of the camera, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for these insects and inspire actions that support their survival.”

To ensure broad participation, the competition features three categories:

Under 16s: Open to budding photographers 16 and under, using any device (phone or camera).
Ages 17+ (Phone): for those aged 17 and above, capturing the beauty with their phones.
Ages 17+ (Camera): for keen photographers aged 17 and above, using a camera to create captivating images.

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category. The winning photographs will be unveiled and celebrated during the Picnic in the Park event on September 14th.

This competition is a great opportunity for individuals to connect with nature, hone their photography skills, and contribute to a significant environmental cause. Knutsford Town Council and the Knutsford Photographic Society look forward to seeing the incredible submissions that will undoubtedly emerge from this exciting new venture.

Further details on submission guidelines, deadlines, and specific entry procedures will be made available on the Knutsford Town Council website: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/bee-trail/photo-comp

Knutsford Town Council is leading a year of activity focused on supporting pollinator insects through its Nature Action Plan. This competition follows the launch of the Knutsford Bee Trail.

The Knutsford Photographic Society is a friendly, enthusiastic group of photographers who aim to have fun while not always taking themselves too seriously. They hold regular meetings and a number of club competitions throughout the year.

27May2025

Knutsford Bee Trail Launched

The sun was shining on 17^th May for the Knutsford Bee Day event which took place on the Moor.

The event was held to mark World Bee Day (20^th May) and was the launch of a new walking trail across the town.

The Knutsford Bee Day event was organised by Knutsford Town Council as part of it’s Nature Action Plan. In 2025, the council aims to inspire residents to take action to support pollinating insects, including the UK’s most prolific pollinator, bees.

The day featured talks from pollinator experts, the launch of a summer photography competition and the opportunity to find out more about what simple actions we can all take to support pollinators.

Town Mayor, Cllr Bryan Hartley said “The atmosphere was as sweet as honey, and every guest I spoke with was absolutely buzzing with delight. It was a hive of activity, and the enthusiasm was truly contagious.”

The event was held to launch the Knutsford Bee Trail, a 3.5 mile walk connecting Knutsford’s wildlife sites, from the Heath to St John’s Wood.

“This trail is all about raising awareness of what we can all do to support pollinating insects which are vital to our ecosystem and our food supply,” said Cllr April Johnson, lead member of the town council’s Nature Action Plan.

The walk features a number of informative signs that highlight action being taken in the community, and things that can be implemented at home. The panels also highlight the importance of pollinators to the eco-system.

“There are so many practical things we can all do in our town to make a huge difference to wild bees and other pollinators. We want them to thrive here. We look forward to seeing you on the trail and together as a town pledging to do more to support our bees” April added.

Trail maps can be found online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/bee-trail or picked up from local shops and the Council Offices. The Town Council website also features more detailed guidance on action that can be taken at home.

8May2025

Knutsford Bee Day to launch new bee trail

A bee-centric event is taking place on the Moor next Saturday as part of World Bee Day.

Knutsford Town Council is hosting the event from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 17^th May ahead of World Bee Day on 20^th May.

The event will feature talks from Chester University on biodiversity and Manchester Bee Sanctuary will be giving talks about our most prolific pollinators – the bees!

Knutsford Bake Club are running a bee-themed bake sale with organic cordials and children can also hunt out the different bees hiding around the Moor. The event will also launch a new photographic competition being run in conjunction with Knutsford Photographic Society.

The event is to mark the launch of the Knutsford Bee Trail, a new 3.4mile circular walk designed to promote awareness of the importance of pollinators. The Knutsford Bee Trail is being officially launched by Esther McVey MP and the new Mayor of Knutsford.

Visitors to the Bee Day event will also be able to find out more about the practical steps they can take to support pollinating insects like bees and contribute to the Knutsford ‘Bee a Hero’ Pledge Board. The first 100 attendees will receive a packet of wildflower seeds to grow their own pollinator patches at home, and visitors can be in with a chance of winning a bee hotel for their garden. There will also be some pollinator colouring to do, and the chance to find out more about pollinators, including which everyday foods would be affected by a continued decline in pollinators across the world.

The event will also be the first place to pick up a map of the new 3.5 mile Knutsford Bee Trail walk.

“This event is all about raising awareness of what we can all do to support pollinating insects which are vital to our ecosystem and our food supply, and it launches our exciting new permanent bee trail too” said Cllr April Johnson, lead member of the town council’s Nature Action Plan.

“There are so many practical things we can all do in our town to make a huge difference to wild bees and other pollinators. We want them to thrive here. We look forward to seeing you there and together as a town pledging to do more to support our bees”

The Knutsford Bee Trail will be launched at the event and a route map available from the Town Council website from Saturday.

2May2025

Town Awards celebrates community heroes

The community spirit of Knutsford was celebrated on Wednesday night with the presentation of the annual Town Awards at Knutsford Little Theatre.

The awards, which were introduced in 2013 and are sponsored by the Forum of Private Business, celebrate the work of the local residents, businesses and groups that make Knutsford such a special place to live, work and do business.

Stable Minds secured the first award of the evening, winning the 2025 Community Award for their support of mental wellbeing in the community. Their many nominations cited the benefit of the work they do and praised the opening of a new mental health walk-in centre.

The 2025 Youth Award went to Ella Williamson for her work volunteering with the Crosstown Community Orchard. Ella helps out at every event in the orchard getting stuck in setting the events up, serving food and packing back down at the end. Ella also volunteers regularly on the monthly work days to keep the orchard maintained.

Ella Williamson being presented with her award by the Mayor and Mayoress — *Youth Award winner Ella Williamson*

Di Healey, who runs two local choirs secured the 2025 Business Award. Through operating the choirs Di has raised several thousand pounds for charities and her choirs are a treasured part of many community events.

The inaugural Volunteer of the Year award went to Jenny Collis. Jenny has been a longstanding volunteer with Knutsford Heritage Centre, giving talks on local history to many groups as well as editing the monthly member’s journal. Jenny has also recently published her own book on the town’s history, donating 100% of the profits to Knutsford Heritage Centre.

A special award was made to Knutsford Little Theatre in celebration of their 100-year anniversary. Initially starting as the Knutsford Amateur Dramatic Society in 1925. The society purchased what is now Knutsford Little Theatre in 1949 and has grown to be a treasured part of the local community, putting on its own amateur dramatics productions and hosting a range of local events. Jim Broughton, Chair of the Little Theatre, was presented with a plaque to record the community’s appreciation to mark their anniversary.

The final presentations were the three Civic Awards, presented to an individual (or group of individuals) who stand out for the time they give to the community.

Ian Alibston was presented with the first Civic Award for his management of the Hope Central Foodbank where he coordinates volunteers and oversees the logistics of operating this vital facility.

Next up was Paul Langley who received a Civic Award in recognition of his wide support of community activity. Paul was a founding member of the Knutsford Beer Festival, has raised thousands for charity with his LOL Cheshire comedy nights and quietly helps out behind the scenes at many other community events.

Paul Langley receiving a town award — *Paul Langley won one of the three Civic Awards*

The final Civic Award for 2025 went to Cathryn Walley. Cathryn helped establish Friends of St John’s Wood in 2020 and has served as its chair since then. Cathryn also recently stepped down from long serving roles supporting Manor Park School, having served both as a Governor of the school and on the Manor Park School PTA, helping bring the school community together.

Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks said “The presentation of these awards was in the final two weeks of my time as Town Mayor and it was a wonderful way to close out the year. The dedicated service our winners, and all those shortlisted for awards, give to our community is truly inspiring. These awards serve to shine a light on these community heroes and hope to encourage more to follow in their footsteps”

25Apr2025

New live painting event hits Knutsford this summer

Paint Knutsford!, a new open-air painting event from Knutsford Town Council, launches this summer

On the 17^thof August the live exhibition will give professional and amateur artists the opportunity to showcase their skills across the town centre, bringing art to life.

Artists will have the day to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art in a chosen location in Knutsford’s historic town centre.

The call is now out for artists to sign up to take part. Entry is £15 and artists can register at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/paint-knutsford.

On the day, they will have their blank canvas stamped at Knutsford Market Hall before going off to their chosen location to set up their ‘studio’ for the day. All artists will return to the Market Hall to have their piece of art displayed for a panel of judges and be in with a chance of winning a cash prize.

Visitors will be able to pick up a map of where the artist will be located and get to see art created in real time.

Entry for artists closes on 18 July 2025.

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.

24Apr2025

Town Awards 2025 Shortlist Announced

The shortlist for the 2025 Knutsford Town Awards has now been announced, with residents invited to attend the Town Meeting and Town Awards Presentation on Wednesday 30^th April at 7pm in Knutsford Little Theatre.

The Town Awards are run by Knutsford Town Council and were first held in 2013. The awards have been sponsored by the Forum of Private Business since they were launched.

Five individuals have been shortlisted for the Civic Award. Each year three awards are made under this category, which recognises the contribution of individuals to the community. This year’s nominees are:

Ian Albiston for voluntary work with Hope Central
Amanda Gamble for voluntary work at The Welcome
Paul Langley for supporting a wealth of community activity
Peter Sharratt for voluntary efforts around the Heath
Cathryn Walley for leading roles in Friends of St John’s Wood and formerly Manor Park School PTA and a governor of Manor Park School

Three young people have been shortlisted for the 2025 Youth Award. Like the Civic Awards this goes to an individual for their work in the community and is open to those aged 21 and under. This year’s nominees are:

Isabelle Foster for volunteering with 7^th Knutsford Brownies
Hattie Southall for clearing flood water on Boothfields
Ella Williamson for volunteering at the Crosstown Community Orchard

A new category was introduced this year which was only open for nominations from organisations for their own volunteers. The Volunteer of the Year award will recognised exemplary volunteering for a specific organisation in 2024. Two nominations have been shortlisted for the inaugural award:

Taf Evans (Crosstown Community Orchard)
Jenny Collis (Knutsford Heritage Centre)

The Community Award goes to a community organisation to recognise the work they do in the community. Three organisations are in the running to take home the shield in 2025:

Hope Central
Knutsford Little Theatre
Stable Minds

The final award will be the Business Award which recognises a business which gives back to the local community. Three have been shortlisted this year:

Holly Smith of The Legh Arms for providing free Christmas meals for those who might be alone
Di Healey for supporting the community through her community choirs
Morgan Edwards for supporting local fundraising initiatives

All are welcome (and encouraged) to attend the awards ceremony and show their support for the community, after which refreshments will be served.

Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks said “I am really looking forward to celebrating the work of our nominees at the award ceremony. People like our nominees are the lifeblood of our community and I urge you to join us and toast their success at the Knutsford Little Theatre”

The Town Awards are run by Knutsford Town Council and were first held in 2013. The awards have been sponsored by the Forum of Private Business since they were launched.

Ian Albiston for voluntary work with Hope Central
Amanda Gamble for voluntary work at The Welcome
Paul Langley for supporting a wealth of community activity
Peter Sharratt for voluntary efforts around the Heath
Cathryn Walley for leading roles in Friends of St John’s Wood and formerly Manor Park School PTA and a governor of Manor Park School

Isabelle Foster for volunteering with 7^th Knutsford Brownies
Hattie Southall for clearing flood water on Boothfields
Ella Williamson for volunteering at the Crosstown Community Orchard

Taf Evans (Crosstown Community Orchard)
Jenny Collis (Knutsford Heritage Centre)

The Community Award goes to a community organisation to recognise the work they do in the community. Three organisations are in the running to take home the shield in 2025:

Hope Central
Knutsford Little Theatre
Stable Minds

The final award will be the Business Award which recognises a business which gives back to the local community. Three have been shortlisted this year:

Holly Smith of The Legh Arms for providing free Christmas meals for those who might be alone
Di Healey for supporting the community through her community choirs
Morgan Edwards for supporting local fundraising initiatives

All are welcome (and encouraged) to attend the awards ceremony and show their support for the community, after which refreshments will be served.

23Apr2025

Knutsford to be part of nationwide beacon lighting

Knutsford will be joining towns and villages across the UK and commonwealth to mark the 80^th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8^th May with a commemorative service and beacon lighting.

2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, a historic milestone marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. The evening service will pay tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who lived through the war, and to those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. The service will be led by Knutsford Town Mayor, Cllr Colins Banks and his chaplin Rev Paul Deakin.

A memorial service will commence at 9:00pm at the Centennial War Memorial with a beacon being lit at 9:30pm as beacons are lit across the country.

For more information contact Gemma Jackson, Civic Events officer gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

20Jan2025

Council sets 2025/26 budget

Knutsford Town Council has set its annual budget for the 2025/26 financial year, with a gross expenditure of £1,036,291. The precept, which is collected as part of council tax, has been set at £816,860 meaning a Band D household will pay £11.08 per month to fund the work of the Town Council, an increase of £1.09 per month on the 2024/25 amount.

The Town Council is responsible for a range of services and activity to support the local community, including:

Community grants and funding services like Citizens Advice
Community events such as the Music Festival, Pumpkin Path, Christmas Light Switch with new events Paint Knutsford and an outdoor cinema event planned for 2025
Maintaining local assets such as Knutsford Cemetery, Wallwood, Public Toilets, Higher Town Green and the Library Gardens
Delivering the Town Ranger service, including this year hiring an apprentice
Managing Knutsford Market Hall which is currently undergoing a refurbishment

Following funding for the first stage design of an active travel path from the Moor to Parkgate Lane, the council has allocated just under £40,000 to develop the technical design which will enable it to then seek funding for the delivery of the path.

Staffing costs have increased both due to the changes in employer national insurance contributions, which unlike Cheshire East Council the Town Council is not compensated for, and investment in a new staffing structure which will enable the council to deliver its ambitious strategic plan for the community whilst ensuring the council’s core administration is resilient.

The budget also makes provision for taking proposals for a Business Improvement District through to a referendum with local businesses, which could see an additional £2m investment managed by an independent board of traders over a five-year period to support the vitality of the town centre as a place to do business.

“Every penny in our budget is spent on Knutsford, from running events that bring the community together to undertaking small projects that make the town more special such as delivering our Nature Action Plan or celebrating our heritage” said Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks.

“With the continued reduction in service levels from Cheshire East Council we are finding it more and more necessary to take care of things locally, and our budget enables us to work to make Knutsford a better place to live, work, visit and do business”

The full council budget can be found at: www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/council/finance

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