Community News | Knutsford Town Council

2Nov2022

Youth Counselling Service ‘Just Drop-In’ receive grant from Knutsford Town Council

‘Just Drop-In’, the Macclesfield-based youth counselling service, is one of the three organisations this year that have received support through Knutsford Town Council’s community grant scheme.

Our Community Grant Scheme is one of our initiatives that aims to support local charities, organisations or CICs that are making a positive impact on the community. We offer donations of up to £200, small grants of up to £1,500, and large grants of anything over £1,500. You can read our grants policy and more information on how to apply here.

Just Drop-In has been significantly impacting the lives of children and young people struggling with their mental health and well-being. The service is available for people aged 12-24 who live in the north of Cheshire East (Macclesfield, Poynton, Wilmslow, Handforth, Knutsford, and the villages in between), and is completely free and accessible!

They have been working diligently to achieve excellent satisfaction rates, stating that around 80% of young people who use their service have an improved well-being score at the end of their sessions, and 98% would rate their services as good.

Knutsford Town Council has awarded the service £1,460, which will go towards the costs of two volunteer Counsellors to deliver their services in Knutsford. This will include clinical supervision, travel, and training expenses for six months.

Ann Wright, the Chief Officer, said: ‘’Our charity is committed to providing emotional health support to children in Knutsford and this wonderful grant from the Town Council will help us to achieve this commitment. We greatly appreciate the support.’’

We are excited to be supporting their work and admire the impact the charity has on the lives of young people in the area. If you’d like to learn more, visit their website: https://www.justdropin.co.uk/

26Oct2022

Together for Theatre receive £200 from Community Grant Scheme

Knutsford Town Council has donated £200 to Knutsford Together for Theatre Productions as part of our Community Grant Scheme.

The donation will be put towards the production costs of their upcoming performance ‘’Rent’’, which is set to take place in August 2023 and tells the story of a group of young bohemians and their battle against AIDS.

Ben Evans-Clarke, the vice-chairman and treasurer of Knutsford Together for Theatre, said ‘’ Together for Theatre Productions is a newly formed musical theatre society, aiming to bring together local performers from all walks of life. The grant we have been kindly provided by Knutsford Town Council will go towards allowing us to bring our forthcoming production of Rent to the Knutsford Little Theatre stage, supporting our members to display their skills to a wide audience.’’

The Community Grant Scheme was introduced to support projects such as this one, or any groups and ventures that serve the community of Knutsford. Organisations, charities, and CICs can receive either a donation of up to £200, a small grant of up to £1,500, or a large grant of anything over £1,500.

It’s easy to apply, your charity or organisation just needs to hit at least one of our funding objectives! Have a look and find out more here: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants

If you’re interested in joining Together for Theatre or would like to book tickets for Rent, check out their website here: https://www.togetherfortheatre.co.uk/

21Sep2022

Step ‘Into the Wild’ at Knutsford Market Hall

September 21, 2022

Administrator

Calling all campers, fishermen, ramblers and explorers! You can now shop all your outdoor essentials right on your doorstep!

Knutsford Market Hall are excited to welcome its newest trader, ‘Into the Wild’, run by Jordan Lamb and Chloe Heywood.

Chloe, a proud member of the national trust has a curious mind that loves nothing more than a woodland adventure, exploring anywhere that has a history to immerse herself in and learn as much as she can about its heritage and purpose. Jordan a local lad who has been synonymous with fishing in Knutsford since he was very young boy loves everything about the great outdoors. Jordan always wanted to open a store in Knutsford, through his lifelong passion he knows first-hand the struggles that the town has with its lack of fishing bait and tackle amenities. The nearest fishing tackle shops are in Northwich, Middlewich, Handforth and Warrington.

Jordan is eager to help newcomers and youngster’s find a love for the sport and is on hand to share tips and help people succeed. With his vast knowledge and great industry contacts, Jordan is also able to support fellow enthusiasts and welcomes all kinds of feedback on stock to ensure that you can get exactly what you need, whatever adventure you’re going on.

Speaking with Jordan about his new venture, he explained: “We decided to take it upon ourselves to open the stall as we both share a love for the great outdoors. We know that a small market stall cannot compete with these big established shops or the ease of online shopping, but we can certainly fill the gap in between. We understand that not all people drive or have the recourses to shop online, but Knutsford market hall was the perfect location as it didn’t demand high rates or long hours of opening.

We decided that it would be a good idea to incorporate bits of outdoor pursuits equipment like walking and camping and anything else that we could get our hands on. Not everyone can afford a brand new Berghaus raincoat or a new set of quality boots, so we source the best possible surplus and near to new equipment we can.“

He added: “We do not compromise on our terminal fishing tackle or bait which is all handpicked. I have been angling for over 31 years and know a thing or two about the products and I will only provide the very highest quality products we can source. Passion is the ethos of the store and Chloe and I pride ourselves on wanting to really help youngsters of the town with accessibility and ease to be able to purchase equipment, whether it be for a scout camp or a Duke of Edinburgh hike or just a new challenge in fishing we will go above and beyond to help what is asked of us. We will also make offers on second hand fishing and outdoor equipment!”

The Town Centre and Marketing Officer, Alanah Mudie, added: “As we continue with our plans to expand the Market Hall, we welcome another strong trader with a fantastic ethos and a real passion for what they do. It’s great that Into the Wild can provide affordable solutions to hobbies and passions while also promoting sustainability through recycling and re-selling of quality gear.”

To check out the new stall and all of our existing stalls, head to Knutsford Market Hall on Silk Mill Street, open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8am-4pm.

Photo ‘Into the Wild’ stall

Photos of Chloe/Jordan

Press contact: Adam Keppel-Green

adam.kg@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

8Jul2022

Knutsford Food & Drink Festival 2022

Foodies unite as a new food and drink festival is coming to Knutsford this summer!

Knutsford Food & Drink Festival will make its inaugural appearance on Saturday 13^th August, bringing a variety of food and drink related activities together for one day across Knutsford.

Visitors can expect taster sessions and masterclasses as well as promotions across bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs in the town. A special Taste Knutsford walking food tour will be held on the day to give guests a real taste of Knutsford hospitality.

An indoor market will be held in St John’s Church on Church Hill from 11am – 5pm, offering the finest local food and drink products including speciality bakes, cheeses, pies, bottled wines and other artisan products.

An outdoor market will run on Silk Mill Street from 12-7pm, featuring an array of local street food traders, including Mexican, sausages, southern BBQ, pizza, Thai and more, as well as dessert offerings such as warm cookies, churros and crepes, plus a selection of local beer, wine and cocktails. The outdoor market will feature a seating area as well as a small stage with entertainment featuring local talent.

King Street will turn alfresco in the evening with the return of the al fresco dining event ‘head out not home’ where hospitality traders in the town bring dining onto the streets of Knutsford to continue the festivities. Princess Street and Minshull Street will have set things off the night before.

Events Officer at Knutsford Town Council, Alex Brown, said: “We are really excited to bring the first food and drink festival to Knutsford this summer. Knutsford is home to a fantastic selection of hospitality businesses and traders, and we hope this event will showcase and support this important trade which has faced hard times over the last couple of years.”

To find out more about the festival, visit www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk, or alternatively you can call 01565 653 929.

29Jun2022

Join the Knutsford Market Hall Family

Calling all small businesses owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring traders! There are currently two exciting opportunities for you and your small business to become a part of the Knutsford Market Hall family.

In Knutsford, we are proud to offer an array of local and independent retail opportunities. We believe in shopping small, shopping local and supporting the vitality of our town centre.

Knutsford Market Hall has been an active part of our community since 1964 and with a refurbishment looking to be undertaken, now is a great time to get your foot in the door, support the ongoing project and join what is already a fantastic group of traders.

We are currently searching for a trader to re-establish the options of occasional cards, balloons and more. The large space of stalls 10 & 11 is ideally laid out and readily equipped for a new owner to make it their own. The current monthly fees are £415.74 inc VAT.

Alanah Mudie, Town Centre and Marketing Officer explains: “This particular stall has been dearly missed by our regular customers. We always have people coming in to the Market Hall to ask who they can buy cards from. It would be fantastic to reinstate this stall, especially at such an exciting time for the market as we look to transform it with a new refurbishment.”

We are looking for traders who are available 4 days a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 8am-4pm, with the options to open on additional days with agreement.

Applicants are invited to discuss their idea with the Town Centre and Marketing Officer on 01565 653 929 or alanah.mudie@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Applications can be made online at: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade where potential applications can find the current Market Hall Regulations which govern market licenses.

Photo Stall 10/11, Opposite the Market Butcher

Press contact: Alanah Mudie, 01565653929

alanah.mudie@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

28Jun2022

Knutsford Music Festival celebrates another huge success

Between 10^th– 12^th June, the town was drinking and dancing at Knutsford Music Festival, which has once again been hailed a huge success by the community and those who travelled far and wide to attend. This was the fifth year of the festival and involved a variety of incredible artists, activities, and venues across Knutsford.

Launched with fantastic folk and brilliant blues, the weekend started with headliners Zervas & Pepper at the Little Theatre for the return of Folk at the Theatre whilst Mat Walkate & Alex Haynes headed Friday Night Blues over at the Brook Street Chapel Hall. The star event was a sensational performance by Kate Rusby and Damien O’Kane, whose delicate folk and audience interaction stole the hearts of the crowd at St John’s Church.

Closing the weekend was Gary Stewart’s Graceland who lit up the Little Theatre with their vibrant performance. Brass bands filled the streets of Knutsford with summer music, while DJs and local talent filled bars with music in the evenings. Visitors were also able to enjoy a wonderful outdoor session on the Moor on Saturday 11^th June, enjoying music, activities and delicious local food and drink in the sunshine. Venues including Regent Street, The Angel, April’s Kitchen, The Lost and Found, The Old Sessions House and the Lord Eldon hosted some very entertaining fringe events throughout the weekend.

Knutsford Town Council Events Officer Alex Brown said, “It was fantastic to have the festival back in full swing this year, with music in so many venues across Knutsford. The town was bustling all weekend and it was lovely to see the support for the festival from so many local people, and also those who travelled from across the country to enjoy the music.”

The Town Council welcomes any feedback on the event and suggestions for how it can be improved for 2023.

Full photos from this year’s festival are available on the Knutsford Music Festival website and social media platforms. Enquiries for next year’s event can be sent to info@knutsfordmusicfestival.com

28Apr2022

Sabrina’s Baby Boutique

An exciting, stylish, and affordable baby boutique can now be found at the heart of Knutsford Market Hall, thanks to Sabrina Cowley and her array of baby, toddler and childrenswear.

Sabrina’s Baby Boutique became the newest addition to Knutsford Market Hall at the beginning of April 2022. Sabrina prides herself on her exclusive selection of Spanish Baby Outfits, New-born Baby Wear, and other unique children’s clothes – including some bespoke pieces altered by Sabrina herself.

On the opening of her stall, Sabrina said: “Twenty-two years ago when I had my first child, there was nowhere in Knutsford that sold baby clothes. I didn’t drive and, in those days, it was either a train journey to Northwich or Altrincham. Being a single mother, I really struggled for money and my only way back then to buy clothes without having to travel was using a catalogue.

“Fast forward to the birth of my 3rd child in 2018, I had a brain wave of opening an affordable baby store, but motherhood was very busy. This year, there was the opportunity of a taking on a market stall at Knutsford Market Hall.

“I want to offer parents of Knutsford what I struggled to find – high quality baby and childrenswear at very affordable prices… especially with what’s happened in the last couple of years with covid; it has hit us all hard.

“Moving to the market has been a joyful experience. I know a lot of people in Knutsford and my family were born here. Every time I’m open there is always someone I know popping by. My grandad was a very good customer to Knutsford market they loved him. And I love meeting new people – everyone at the market is absolutely amazing and like family already!”

Alanah Mudie, the new Town Centre and Marketing Officer at Knutsford Town Council said: “It’s great to welcome new an exciting trader into the Market Hall and we recognise the importance of promoting high quality yet affordable options in a market full of independent, hard-working traders. Sabrina is the perfect addition to the growing family within the market.”

Be sure to head to Knutsford Market Hall, located on Silk Mill Street, to pay a visit to Sabrina’s Baby Boutique and all of the fantastic stalls, including:

The Market Café
Morgan Edwards Fine Wine & Spirits
Slipped Discs
Plastic Free Weigh
Deliveroot
The Market Butcher
Jonty’s Fruit & Veg
Style Loft Boutique

To find out more about what’s on offer at Knutsford Market Hall, head to www.knutsfordmarket.co.uk

Photo Sabrina Cowley of Sabrina’s Baby Boutique

Press contact: Alanah Mudie, 01565653929

alanah.mudie@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

27Apr2021

2021 Annual Town Meeting

Knutsford Town Council is inviting residents to join its first virtual Annual Town Meeting next Tuesday evening and has booked two special guests for the evening: Claire Sawyer of We are Knutsford and Davina Armitage, owner of Cocoranti.

Claire will be giving a talk on how We are Knutsford was founded to support the community through the first lockdown and the great work it has been doing for Knutsford over the last year. Davina will be interviewed by Town Centre and Marketing Officer Sandra Curties as a special edition of her ‘behind the door’ talks with local businesses on how Davina adapted her business to survive the pandemic.

There was no town meeting in 2020 due to the coronavirus restrictions but legislation allows for the meeting to be held virtually for 2021. The meeting, which is chaired by the Town Mayor, is not a council meeting but an opportunity for the town to come together to raise and discuss issues affecting the community.

“The Town Meeting goes back over 100 years when it was how town councillors were elected; now it is an opportunity for residents to directly raise any issues that they feel need to be addressed by the council or wider community. It could be to draw attention to an issue, or to see if there are others in the community interested in working to tackle a problem” said Town Clerk Adam Keppel-Green.

The meeting starts at 7pm on Tuesday 4^th May. Residents can either join via Zoom or watch live on Facebook. The agenda and more information is available at https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/council/town-meeting.

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