THE MAYOR OF KNUTSFORD

The Mayor of Knutsford (Town Mayor) is elected annually from amongst the councillors at the Annual Town Council meeting in May (also called the Mayor Making). The Mayor serves as both Chairman of the Town Council and the ceremonial figurehead for Knutsford

The title Mayor of Knutsford was first established in the late 13th century when the town was granted a charter however it became extinct and little is known of the early  mayors; the title was revived in 1974 when the Town Council was formed.

Addressing the Mayor of Knutsford

The formal way to address the Mayor is Mr or Madam Mayor.

A female Mayor is never called a Mayoress – this is an optional title for the Mayor’s Consort.

THE ROLE OF THE TOWN MAYOR

As first citizen of Knutsford, the Town Mayor fulfils an ambassadorial and ceremonial role representing the town. The mayor is invited to attend around 150 events every year, ranging from opening fetes and new shops, attending community events and representing the town at events such as the North West in Bloom awards.

The Town Mayor also chairs meetings of the Full Council and by virtue of office may attend and vote at all council committee meetings.

Each year the Town Mayor also raises funds for chosen charities by hosting a number of community fundraising events and an annual Civic Ball.

Cllr Peter Coan, Mayor of Knutsford

Cllr Peter Coan
Town Mayor 2023/24

INVITE THE TOWN MAYOR

Click the button below to submit an invitation for the Town Mayor to attend your celebration, opening or event please

COUNCILLOR PETER COAN

Peter Coan was elected Town Mayor in May 2023.

‘My objectives for the year ahead – I will continue to work closely with our Town Clerk, our Civic Events officer and indeed all officers. I will work alongside our Councillors, and you, the residents of our wonderful town, to make things as best they can be.

I will make a start on our new ten year corporate plan, bring back into use 60 King Street, support vulnerable adults and families by trying to keep the Stanley Centre open, fight for adequate medical provision and dentistry access for all, protect, improve and maintain public green spaces, and maintain and hopefully improve our leisure centre. I’ll attempt to address the provision of affordable starter homes in Knutsford, and protect our towns heritage. Some of these may be unachievable, or pipe dreams, but let’s, together, try!

The first charity I have chosen to support this year is Knutsford GROW. Knutsford Grow is a charity whose Coordinators bring together two groups of people for their mutual benefit.

On one hand, they tend the gardens of people living in Knutsford who, by reason of their age, infirmity, or disability, are unable to do so themselves, or pay for gardening services. On the other, they offer opportunities for volunteers of all abilities, to deliver a community service, in a supportive environment, with access to training.

This charity reduces stigmatization, social isolation, they are unique, in that their workforce is made up of a mixture of the able-bodied, disabled, those with adult learning or mental health difficulties, and those attempting to start or return to work following unexpected life events. And, they have been doing this for over 20 years!

Another good cause I’ll continue to support is Mike Houghton’s Men’s Shed initiative. Research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing. Recently more evidence has come to light that shows loneliness and isolation can be as bad for our health as obesity and excessive smoking. Surveys from mental health charities are finding that millions of people report feeling lonely on a daily basis.

Sheds are akin to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills, and enjoy making and mending. They’re all about social connections, friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course laughter.

Many Sheds get involved in community projects – restoring village features, helping maintain parks and green spaces, building things for schools, libraries and individuals in need, repairing stuff and include activities such as woodworking, metalworking, repairing and restoring, electronics and model building, Sheds typically attract older men, but, many have younger members and women are particularly welcome.

Sheds should be considered vital to our wellbeing and I already have good indications of support’.

Cllr Mike Houghton, Mayor of Knutsford

Councillor Mike Houghton
Town Mayor 2022-23

Cllr Stewart Gardiner, Mayor of Knutsford

Councillor Stewart Gardiner
Town Mayor 2020-22

Cllr Andrew Malloy - Town Mayor

Councillor Andrew Malloy
Town Mayor 2019-20

Councillor Peter Coan
Town Mayor 2018-19

Neil Forbes Town Mayor 2016

Councillor Neil Forbes
Town Mayor 2017-18

MAYOR OF KNUTSFORD HONOUR BOARD

Year of OfficeTown MayorYear of OfficeTown MayorYear of OfficeTown Mayor
1974/75Roger Parr1991/92James Jordan2008/09Jennifer Holbrook
1975/76Roy Shepherd1992/93Jennifer Holbrook2009/10Tony Want
1976/77William Walker1993/94Barbara Austin2010/11Peter Coan
1977/78John Walley1994/95Derek Squirrel2011/12Stewart Gardiner
1978/79John Gledhill1995/96David Davies2012/13Vivien Davies
1979/80Sheila O'Brien1996/97Jennifer Holbrook2013/14Barbara Hamilton Coan
1980/81Val Young1997/98Derek Squirrel2014/15Neil Forbes
1981/82Beth Page1998/99Hilda Gates2015/16Tony Dean
1982/83Bert Grange1999/00Bert Grange2016/17Jan Nicholson
1983/84Anthony Mazzeo2000/01Jennifer Holbrook2017/18Neil Forbes
1984/85Barbara Crossley2001/02George Walton2018/19Peter Coan
1985/86Barbara Phibbs2002/03Tony Ranfield2019/20Andrew Malloy
1986/87Sheila Forbes2003/04Val Boston-Davies2020-22Stewart Gardiner
1987/88Ken Fairhurst2004/05Barbara Austin2022-23Mike Houghton
1988/89Marjorie Howarth2005/06Wilson Hamman2023-24Peter Coan
1989/90Beth Page2006/07Tony Ranfield
1990/91Bert Grange2007/08Jan Nicholson