A man holding a map

2023 Town Map Launched


A new handy sized town centre map of Knutsford has been launched just in time for spring!

The fold out map includes a brief overview of Knutsford including its markets, the Knutsford voucher, cafes and restaurants, Taste Knutsford, and lists key town events. It opens to unveil a hand drawn A3 map of the town centre 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 and Knutsford Heritage Centre and used as a promotion tool throughout the year at events. The map will also be distributed to tourist information offices across the county. 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”.

Knutsford Market Hall welcomes a barber!

Knutsford Market Hall has welcomed a new trader last month as The Market Hall Barber opened its doors. Opening in March, the new stall adds a gents’ hairdresser to the Market Hall portfolio.

Pino Tracanna who has been cutting hair for over 30 years offers affordable cuts for £10 and a beard trim for £5. He said “I am excited to be a part of the friendly team at Knutsford Market Hall and offer my services to the market customer”.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre and Manager said, “We are delighted to welcome a new trader to our Market Hall family adding a much-needed service to our repertoire. The market hall is home to a range of stalls offering purse friendly essentials to the shoppers of Knutsford.  We are sure Pino will become well-known and well-loved in Knutsford!”

There are currently two stalls to available to rent in Knutsford Market Hall.  Both offer an ideal platform to launch a fledging business with rent as little as £211.81 including VAT and utility bills.

Press contact – laura.anderson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Stall enquiries- Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Style Loft Boutique, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg,  The Market Café, Sabrina’s Baby and Toddler Boutique, Slipped Discs, Grandad’s Attic and NX Cat Crystals

Photo: Pino Tracanna

Photo Credit Sabrina Cowley

Council Offices

One ward contested for Town Council Election

Nominations for the Town Council elections closed yesterday with 16 Knutsford residents putting themselves forward for election to the council.

Only one ward is contested, meaning there will be a poll for Cross Town on Thursday 4th May with four candidates seeking election to the three seats.

In Bexton and Town Centre, Norbury Booths, St John’s Wood and Nether wards there was no contest, with three candidates being elected unopposed in each ward.

Bexton and Town Centre Ward

Uncontested – those listed below will be elected unopposed.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
GARDINER, StewartConservative23 Queen StreetJacqui Elliott
JOHNSON, AprilIndependent25 Mobberley RoadLewis Baron
WATSON, GusIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastPoppy Higham

Cross Town Ward

Contested – poll to be held on 4th May.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
COAN, PeterConservativeMereside, 2 Birch GroveKeith Hamilton
DALZELL, LesleyIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastDeborah Jamison
MEARS, RexIndependent25 Mobberley RoadBarry Wardle
REGAN, TimConservative22 Legh House, Hollow LanePaul Grimbaldeston

Nether Ward

Uncontested – those listed below will be elected unopposed.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
HARTLEY, BryanIndependentBesom Hill Cottage, Tabley RoadAnthony Hewitt
LOWE, ScottIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastJames Pulham
WOOD, MatthewIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastBennett Wilkinson

Norbury Booths Ward

Uncontested – those listed below will be elected unopposed.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
GRAY, ChristopherConservative8 Glebelands RoadChristine Gray
ROBERTSON, MatthewConservative17 Beggarmans LanePeter Raynes
RUSSELL, SuIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastSebastian Russell

St John’s Wood Ward

Uncontested – those listed below will be elected unopposed.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
BANKS, ColinIndependent77 BoothfieldsMadeleine Knowles
FORREST, JenniferConservativeAddress in Cheshire EastClive Rustage
MCCULLOCH, James 10 Gaskell RiseDavid Larenzo-Law

Seven of the current town councillors are not seeking a further term, Neil Forbes is retiring after 16 years alongside Andrew Malloy (12 years), James Power (8 years), Liz Beswick (6 years), Quentin Abel (4 years), Mike Houghton (4 years) and Millie Morris (2 years).

Residents of Cross Town ward have until 17th April to register to vote if they are not already on the electoral roll (www.gov.uk/register-to-vote), until 18th April to request a postal vote and until 25th April to apply for a voter authority certificate if they do not have ID (www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate).

All councillors remain in office until Tuesday 9th May, when all existing councillors retire and the new councillors come into office.

Silhouette of performers at Knutsford Music Festival

Knutsford Music Festival Tickets on Sale

Knutsford Music Festival is back this year with another jam-packed weekend for music lovers!

The festival is back for its sixth edition this summer from 9th to 11th June 2023 and takes place across a long weekend bringing a varied programme of music to venues across Knutsford. The event is organised by Knutsford Town Council and aims to bring the community together for a weekend of music events on the doorstep. s

The 2023 programme is set to include four fantastic nights of folk music hosted in partnership with close friend to the festival BBC Radio presenter Mark Radcliffe, including an exclusive pre-festival show on Thursday 8th June.

Friday Night Blues also returns to the programme after a sell-out show in 2022, bringing blues acts from around the country to Brook Street Chapel Hall for a night of funky blues music.

A Classical Music Evening will return to the programme featuring a wind sextet and piano support act, also due to be held at Brook Street Chapel Hall on Sunday 11th June.

Music on the Moor will return to the Moor on Saturday 10th June as a free, open to all session celebrating up and coming local talent, with workshops and activities in addition for all ages.

The fringe festival made up of events hosted by local businesses such as bars, cafes and restaurants (plus shops and more!) will also feature as a way to increase engagement with our fantastic business community.

Tickets for the headline festival events are now on sale for £15 for general admission and £10 for those aged 16 and under. Tickets can be purchased in person via the Council Offices on Toft Road, next door to the Library, or via the festival website by visiting www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com

Enquiries regarding this year’s programme can be sent to info@knutsfordmusicfestival.com or call 01565 653 929.

Business owners with shopping bags standing outside the Lost and Found

Flash Fashion Knutsford returns in time for summer

Flash Fashion Knutsford is set to return this year on the 20th May, providing the perfect opportunity for shoppers to get inspired and refresh their wardrobes for summer.

The day-long event started in 2019 as a collaboration between Knutsford Town Council and local boutiques to highlight the wonderful collection of independent fashion retailers in Knutsford.

The day will kick off at Lost and Found at 10am with a fashion show featuring the latest looks from local boutiques, curated by Knutsford based stylist Laura Davies (Smook Styling). Attendees can then peruse the shops and enjoy a variety of complimentary services instore including on-hand stylists, beauty treatments, a glass of fizz and goody bags.

Participating stores include;

  • The Edit Boutique
  • Cocaranti
  • Redress at Dexter and Jones
  • Blossom Boutique
  • Paris Ladies Boutique
  • Glamorous of Knutsford
  • Willow Boutiques
  • Smook Styling
  • Chalk 33
  • Milania Boutique
  • Roberta Beauty Redefined
  • Kanoa Living
  • The Thrifty Ginger at Cancer Research
  • Zapatos

Davina Armitage from Cocaranti said “We are so excited to be involved in Flash Fashion Knutsford again this year. The shop always has a lovely vibe with customers enjoying an extra special shopping experience from all the fashion indies in town. And we can’t wait to show everyone our Spring Summer collections”.

Maps will be available from shops and eateries around Knutsford shortly to allow shoppers to plan their day. There will also be free parking for the day at Silk Mill Street, King Street and Princess Street car parks from 10am.

Flash Fashion is sponsored by Knutsford Dry Cleaners which is celebrating its 30th year in business this year.

Child with a spade during the tree planting

Half-term heroes help plant trees

The half-term break saw volunteers plant over 30 trees across Knutsford.

Following the success in 2022, ‘Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob’ week ran again this year encouraging residents to become an active part of developing the landscape of the Town. Over the February half-term break, Town Ranger, Bob Garner was joined by volunteers across a range of ages to plant a further 36 trees across 10 sites over the two-day event, as part of the Knutsford Town Council Nature Action Plan

Knutsford Town Council has an ambition to see 13,000 trees planted across the Town as part of its Nature Action Plan and as part of its commitment to reduce the town’s carbon footprint. So far, the Council have planted over 1,500 trees and they are keen to keep that number growing.

Bob Allen, Planning and Facilities Officer, said: “It is excellent to see support from the community and everyone that came out to help should feel proud to have made a positive difference to the biodiversity and green infrastructure within the town. The trees planted will develop to provide food and homes for a wide array of insects and birds and will provide oxygen and capture carbon for years to come.”

The Town Council is now liaising with Cheshire East Council regarding the preparations for its fourth phase of standard (1.5m-2m) tree planting on open spaces and highways across the town.

To find out more about tree planting or the Nature Action Plan you can visit www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/natureactionplan

A group of people holding awards with the mayor

Town Celebrates its 2023 Community Heroes

The Knutsford community celebrated its heroes last week at the 10th Annual Knutsford Town Awards.

The award ceremony took place at Knutsford Little Theatre, with Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton and Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business, announcing the winners of the 2023 awards.

First up was the Youth Award, with a joint award being made to twin sisters Liv and Jess Johnson, who received the award for their voluntary work with 7th Knutsford Brownies as part of their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Community Award shield was presented to the Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper who for over 45 years have been supporting the visually impaired community by providing a free audio recording of the Knutsford Guardian to ensure they are kept informed of community news. The Talking Newspaper has only ever missed four editions (due to Covid) over the past four decades!

Three recipients were presented with a Civic Award; this award goes to individuals or groups of individuals who work to make Knutsford a better place.

The first award went to Rob Lyons for over a decade of leadership at 1st Knutsford Scouts and volunteering his skills as a joiner and plumber to undertake much of the fit out of the new 1st Knutsford Scout Hut.

The second Civic Award was for Judy Clifford who was described in a nomination as being a “mother figure and friend to many” at the Welcome. Judy, who has also taught many people to knit and supported neighbours through challenging times, was unable to attend the award ceremony.

The final Civic Award of 2023 was presented to Gemma Jackson, founder and leader of the Wrap Up Knutsford group. Gemma’s many nominations praised her dedication in supporting local families and ensuring good coats are recycled for those who need them

The 2023 Business Award was presented to Tatton Perk. Proprietor Mark Lee-Kilgariff has ensured Tatton Perk is a central part of the local community, using their Moor Park site as a warmth bank over winter, introducing free bike checks for visitors and supporting a number of community organisations with prizes.

Before the Business Award was presented a Mayor’s Special Award was announced for Dan Belcher of Guy’s Barbers. Dan received the award in recognition of delivering outstanding customer service whilst battling challenging personal circumstances.

Tatton Perk was called back onto stage for the Knutsford School’s for Sustainability Award, and was presented this award by Alison Hooper, head of Egerton School, on behalf of the local schools. This award recognises sustainable business practices.

The final award was the Extra Mile Award which goes to someone who, in their paid employment, has gone above and beyond for the benefit of the local community with the 2023 award going to Jack Street of Johnsons the Cleaners. Jack was singled out for his kind and patient support to customers which has enabled the older members of the community who may struggle with some of the technology they are asked to use to access the various services on offer.

Speaking at the awards, Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton said “I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to submit a nomination this year. These awards would not happen without you. I know previous Mayor’s have said this too but it really is true – those who were shortlisted should be so incredibly proud.”

Two people holding a poster outside a sweet shop

Knutsford Bunny Hop

Knutsford’s favourite Easter event will be hopping back to town in just under a month’s time!

Knutsford Bunny Hop is an annual Easter themed trail event which has been organised by Knutsford Town Council since 2018. The event invites local families to search for 10 cardboard bunnies hidden around the town outside local shops and hospitality businesses and find the letter pinned to each bunny. The letters can then be used to spell a hidden phrase and completed entry forms are submitted in a designated post box to enter a special prize draw!

The event runs annually on Easter Saturday which this year falls on Saturday 8th April 2023 and will be held between 10am-4pm. As well as the main trail, families can enjoy additional entertainment including balloon modelling in Knutsford Market Hall on Silk Mill Street and freebies from local businesses.

The Angel on King Street are hosting a special Easter colouring competition during the event, with an Easter egg hamper up for grabs as first prize and prizes for two runners up! You can also visit The Courthouse Hotel on Toft Road to visit their exciting cupcake decorating station hosted in their restaurant between 12-4pm!

Attendees can also bring their Easter bonnets along and enter the Easter Bonnet competition opposite Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe on King Street, hosted by owner Julia and judged by the Mayor of Knutsford at 10.30am on the day of the event. Participants will all receive a small gift each for joining in and there are three prizes available for first place and runners up for the best bonnet!

Alex Brown, Events Officer at Knutsford Town Council, said: “We are so excited already for Knutsford Bunny Hop which will be taking place next month. The Bunny Hop is a lovely Easter event where many of our local businesses get involved in the fun. Bring your Easter bonnets along and don’t forget to pick up your entry form in advance from many town centre businesses or our office! Huge thanks to Neptune Ltd and Slater and Gordon Lawyers for sponsoring the event and making it possible.”

For more information regarding the event, follow the Bunny Hop on social media or head to the town council website. Enquiries can be sent to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Davina Armitage holding a Knutsford Voucher

Knutsford Voucher needs you!

The Knutsford voucher scheme was launched in November 2020 and has proved extremely popular with over £10,000 worth of vouchers bought since 2020.  The idea behind the scheme is simple – don’t buy an Amazon voucher, buy a gift voucher that can be spent in Knutsford and goes direct to local shop owners and into the town’s local economy.

The voucher is accepted in around 50 Knutsford businesses ranging from toy shops to pubs to butcher and fruit and vegetable shops.  However, the Town Council would love more to join the scheme and are urging the newer businesses to get in touch.

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s Town Centre Manager, said, “The voucher scheme is simply run and works alongside the shops’ own schemes.  We do not take commission and pay the shop back in full the value of every voucher collected. It is easy to join but we’d love to see more shops accepting them as it helps showcase the variety of choice in our town”.

A full list of business accepting the voucher can be found on the town council’ website alongside how to purchase vouchers.

If any Knutsford based business is interested in the scheme, they should contact Sandra Curties on 01565 653929.  Please note only Knutsford based shops (not surrounding villages) can take the vouchers.

Vouchers can be purchased on the Town Council website or from the Town Council offices.

Notes

Press enquiries to sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Photo by Sandra Curties of Davina Armitage of Cocaranti

A photo of a polling station sign

Election Process Commences

Potential candidates for this year’s Knutsford Town Council elections have 19 days to complete their nomination papers and submit them to Cheshire East Council as the election process commences.

The formal notice of election for the five town council wards has been published today by Cheshire East Council and candidates have until 4pm on 4th April to get their papers in.  All 15 seats on the council are up for election with candidates able to stand in any one of the five electoral wards (Cross Town, Norbury Booths, St John’s Wood, Nether or Bexton and Town Centre). Each ward will elect three councillors.

Nomination papers can be obtained from the Electoral Commission website, or the Town Council offices. Candidates will need a proposer and seconder from the ward they are standing in and all nomination papers must be hand delivered to Cheshire East’s Sandbach office to the election staff.

On 5th April Cheshire East Council will publish the list of nominated candidates, where wards are contested (more than three people standing for election) a poll will then take place on 4th May.

Qualification to stand for election

To be eligible to stand for election, candidates need to:

  • be a registered elector in Knutsford OR
  • have lived in the town or within 4.8km for the last 12 months OR
  • have had Knutsford as their primary place of work OR
  • have occupied premises in Knutsford for the last 12 months.

There are also criteria which disqualify candidates from standing, such as being subject to bankruptcy restrictions, having been convicted of a criminal offence with a sentence of three or more months imprisonment within the last five years and having been convicted of certain sexual offences.

Full guidance on standing for election is available on the Electoral Commission website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/parish-council-elections-england