Amy Travis of Kanoa Living holds up a red dress

Flash Fashion lands in one week

Knutsford independent fashion shops have been busy putting the finishing touches to the third Flash Fashion Knutsford which takes place on Saturday 20th May.

Different for this year, the day commences at the Lost and Found at 10am with an informal catwalk show showcasing the latest spring/summer womenswear from a selection of independent fashion retailers. Guests 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.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “There is no need to pre-book onto the catwalk show, guests can just turn up and enjoy! We are looking forward to the day, each shop has worked hard curating their SS23 looks – from casual and beach holiday to workwear and special occasion. There is something for everyone and for every budget”.

The shops taking part on the day are:

  • 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
  • Second hand Styling
  • The Thrifty Ginger at Cancer Research
  • Zapatos

A selfie frame will be placed in Cotton Shop Yard for shoppers to enjoy.  The best selfie using the hashtag #knutsford and tagging @pulseofperfumery and @flashfashionknutsford will win a bottle of fragrance from Pulse of Perfumery.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday 23rd May and will be asked to collect their fragrance from Pulse of Perfumery’s shop on King Street.

Sandra Curties, continued, “We would like to thank Hot Cocoa, Kanoa Living, Pulse of Perfumery and Roberta Beauty Redefined for providing items for the goodie bag and the volunteers helping with the fashion show.  It is truly a collaborative event.”

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.

The Town Mayor is shovelling soil into a freshly dug hole which now contains a small oak tree

Coronation Tree Planted

To mark the coronation of HM King Charles III, the Town Mayor planted a commemorative oak tree on the Heath in advance of the coronation barn dance. This continued a tradition dating back to the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.

Town Council volunteer researchers Jenny and Mary recently uncovered old documents, Knutsford Guardian reports, and a map giving details of four oak trees which had been planted to commemorate the coronation of our last four monarchs, they began looking back at previous celebrations and sought the help of Friends of The Heath in identifying the exact whereabouts of the trees.  Jenny and Mary also spoke to the Town Council about the possibility of continuing the tradition of planting an oak tree for King Charles III on coronation day, 6th May.

The Town Council was keen not to break the tradition and in the week leading up to the coronation set about making swift preparations. Representatives from Knutsford Heritage Centre and Friends of The Heath, together with Mr Henry Brooks of Tatton Estates, and members of the public, watched as Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton performed the ceremony and dedicated the tree to the new King.

In 1902 an oak was planted by the drinking fountain in honour of Edward VII, the commemorative plaque for this tree was replaced by the council in 2022.

The 1911 tree was planted in the centre of the heath for the coronation of King George V, unfortunately it is there no longer and was likely removed c1944 when General Patton’s US troops camped on the heath.

Iron railings near the bowling club boundary wall circle a dead stump which was the tree planted in 1937 for King George VI. And Friends of the Heath have recently found a healthy oak tree in iron railings a short way across from Warren Avenue which was the tree planted in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II.

The 2023 tree for HM King Charles III is adjacent to Tabley Road and a commemorative plaque will be installed shortly.

Crosstown Community Orchard sign with bunting

Cross Town Election Results

The votes of Thursday’s (4th May) Cross Town ward election have been counted and the results declared. Completing the council’s membership for the 2023-2027 term.

Four candidates stood for election for three seats. The results were as follows:

CandidateDescriptionVotes
Peter CoanConservative393 (E)
Lesley DalzellIndependent473 (E)
Rex MearsIndependent484 (E)
Tim ReganConservative340

The Nether, Norbury Booths, St John’s Wood and Bexton and Town Centre wards were each uncontested, returning three councillors each unopposed. The new council takes office on 9th May and comprises ten Independent and five Conservative councillors.

The full list of councillors is:

  • Colin Banks (Independent) – St Johns Wood
  • Peter Coan (Conservative) – Cross Town
  • Lesley Dalzell (Independent) – Cross Town
  • Jennifer Forrest (Conservative) – St Johns Wood
  • Stewart Gardiner (Conservative) – Bexton and Town Centre
  • Christopher Gray (Conservative) – Norbury Booths
  • Bryan Hartley (Independent) – Nether
  • April Johnson (Independent) – Bexton and Town Centre
  • Scott Lowe (Independent) – Nether
  • Rex Mears (Independent) – Cross Town
  • James McCulloch (No Description) – St Johns Wood
  • Matthew Robertson (Conservative) – Norbury Booths
  • Su Russell (Independent) – Norbury Booths
  • Gus Watson (Independent) – Bexton and Town Centre
  • Matthew Wood (Independent) – Nether

Contact information for new councillors will be published shortly.

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.”