Knutsford shop windows in full bloom for RHS Tatton Flower Show

Knutsford is adorned in flowers to coincide with the RHS Tatton Flower Show as many local businesses have decorated their windows with foliage displays.

Two competitions were held over the 17th and 18th of July. One was organised and judged by the RHS, with a specific criterion for entering and a theme of ‘Raising Awareness’ to interpret. The second, less formal competition was organised by Knutsford Town Council.

Naturalmat was awarded ‘Best Overall Window’ in the RHS competition. Their display, featuring sheep sculptures made from wool and foliage, was all made by the Naturalmat Knutsford team with help from their families. The display is a complete sensory experience with a calming soundtrack of the countryside (a sound recording taken outside the Naturalmat workshop in Devon) as background noise.

The Manager of Naturalmat’s Knutsford store, Faye Ravenscroft said  “As a new store to the town, we have enjoyed being able to join in with other local business to take part in this competition. We, like everyone else who took part, have worked very hard to bring this together and are extremely proud to have won. Our awareness theme was ‘sustainability’ to reflect our company core values and demonstrate our materials in a fun and interesting way.”

“The local support has been fantastic! we have enjoyed all the fun new interactions with locals and visitors who have come to see our display and will look forward to more in the future.” 

Morgan Edwards was awarded ‘Best Floral Inspired Window’ in the RHS competition. This is the second year in a row that they have gained an award in this competition with an impressive floral display. The theme for their installation is  ‘Shop Local’ with the logos of Knutsford shops hanging from the display.

Winners for the Town Council’s floral walk were chosen after careful consideration from Knutsford Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr James McCulloch and Sam Youd, former head gardener of Tatton Park.

First place went to Detaljer for their beautiful display that aimed to raise awareness on mental health. Second place went to Gareth West for their abundant floral façade and third place went to Morgan Edwards.

A joint award went to Dafferns and Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe for ‘Best Small Window.’ Their displays cleverly used their space and reflected the identify of their shops.  And ‘Best Charity Shop Window’ went to the Age UK shop.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said: “Knutsford is looking beautiful just now thanks to the great efforts our local businesses have gone to with these displays.

“Touring the shop windows is a magical experience and I would highly recommend taking them in if you haven’t already’

Cllr James McCulloch, Deputy Mayor of Knutsford, said: “A huge congratulations to everybody involved in the Best Dressed Window Competition this year! The effort the businesses have put in is evident and the displays have brought a lot of fun to the town centre’

Sam Youd added “The quality of the displays have really shone through as they have all held up well despite the hot weather. Well done to all involved ”


 



Space Chickens to visit Knutsford Park

An open-air show of Space Chickens is headed to Knutsford this September as part of the Picnic in the Park event.

Earth’s unlikely hero: an adventurous chicken who is blasted into space to solve all our planet’s problems. Sounds ridiculous? Not for our heroic hen who will boldly go where no poultry has gone before…With stunning puppetry and original banjo synth music follow this rocket-fuelled tale all on top of a van. The show promises an intergalactic adventure from the henhouse to the milky way!

The Puppet Van has been confirmed for Picnic in the Park a new event from Knutsford Town Council that takes place on Sunday 22nd September on St Helena’s Field (Longridge, adjacent to Adeleide Heath Academy). Picnic in the Park is a day of theatre, music and community.

Also joining us will be the brilliant Steel Drum Band, keeping everyone entertained in between performances and whilst they enjoy the other amazing activities on offer such as a Literary Tent, hosted by local author Kirsty Duncan.

A community picnic area will be set up in front of the stage and residents are encouraged to gather their friends, family, a blanket and chairs and enjoy a FREE fun day out for all the family!

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Colin Banks will be making a visit to the Bake Off Tent to judge the best birthday cake creation. Keep an eye on social media for full details of how to enter the cake baking competition to mark 50 years of Knutsford Town Council.

Knutsford Town Council will be working with the community to build a Bug Hotel and they will need everyone’s help to create a 5-star luxury experience for the visiting insects so be sure to drop by and give us a hand with the construction!

More and more activities are being confirmed with our brilliant local businesses and community groups. For updates follow Knutsford Town Council social media pages or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Knutsford Christmas Market Invites Local Traders to Apply

The countdown is on for Knutsford Christmas Market which returns on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December! The popular market event is a two-day street market and local traders are now invited to apply.

The market features around 140 traders per day, selling an array of artisan handmade food and drink products, art, crafts, Christmas decorations and lots of gift offerings for your loved ones.

Alex Molloy Events Manager says “Every year the market gets better and better, and we’ve had potential traders contacting us to be involved since the start of the year!”

Any traders wishing to showcase as part of the event must submit an application setting out what is on offer and including photos to help assess the quality of your offer. Local traders will be prioritised.

If you are a local business or independent trader who is interested in trading at the market, you can now apply for a space to trade on either day of the event or for the whole weekend.

Stalls cost £80 per day which includes a gazebo space, table to use for your pitch and festive festoon lighting, as well as full site management. There is a separate pricing structure for instant consumables (hot food) traders, with all information available on the Town Council website.

Those who are interested in applying can head to the Town Council website for full details regarding what it’s like to trade at the event and to complete the application form.

The first deadline for applications is Friday 16th August, after which point most stalls will be filled. Traders can still apply to trade after this date, though they should note that spaces will be more limited.

A trader from the 2023 event said “It was an absolute pleasure to be in Knutsford and trade with you. Sadly, I only booked to trade with you on the Saturday, but lesson learnt, book both days in the future! The customers, vibe, set up to say the least was just an absolute joy to be around!”

To complete the application form, follow the link on the homepage of www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

For any enquiries relating to trading at the market, please email christmas@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

Cllrs Peter Coan, April Johnson and James McCulloch behind a gate

Evidence sought for right of way claim

Users of an obstructed footpath are being asked to complete a user evidence form to support an application for a public right of way.

The path from King Street to Church Hill has been open for over 140 years and is shown on Victorian OS maps of Knutsford. Whilst the path has been freely accessed, it is not a recorded public right of way and the land has no recorded owner. It is one of a number of historic cut throughs that survives from the mediaeval burgage plot layout of the town. 

Gates were installed at both ends of the path earlier this year, leading to frustration from some users. Whilst the gates are left unlocked during the day, their installation creates a challenge point in public footpath law, meaning a right of way claim needs to be established or the right to use the path could be lost.

The path, which is nestled between Evuna and the adjacent building, leads from King Street up to Church Hill next to Egerton Place and users who have contacted the Town Council already cited using it to avoid the steepness of Church Hill.

The Town Council is now collating user evidence to support an application to register the path as a public right of way. To be viable, the Town Council needs to evidence at least 20 years of uninterrupted use, through to the installation of the gates in 2024 i.e. from 2004 or earlier.

Those who have used the path since 2004 or earlier are being asked to contact the Town Council on 01565 653 929 or enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to request a user evidence form. If sufficient evidence can be obtained, the Town Council will submit the application to register the path to Cheshire East Council.

Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks presents a cheque to Ann Wright of Just Drop In

Just Drop In awarded grant for summer wellbeing project

A summer wellbeing programme for vulnerable young women has received support through the Knutsford Town Council Community Grant Scheme.

Knutsford based charity Just Drop In was awarded £1,126 towards the project which starts this August. The innovative project aims to provide a series of weekly group sessions based on the NHS’s widely recognized “5 Ways to Wellbeing” framework. Targeting vulnerable young women aged 14-17 during the potentially challenging August school holidays, the programme offers a diverse range of activities to boost emotional resilience and mental wellbeing.

Participants will engage in a variety of enriching experiences, including:

  1. Creative Therapies Art Workshops: 2.5-hour sessions allowing young women to express themselves through art, guided by professional art therapists.
  2. Youth Mental Health Aware Qualifications: A 4-hour course providing participants with valuable knowledge and skills in mental health awareness.
  3. Wellness Walks and Picnics: 3.5-hour outdoor sessions combining gentle exercise with social interaction and healthy eating.
  4. Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions: 2-hour workshops introducing participants to stress-reduction techniques they can use in daily life.
  5. Happy Place Wellbeing Day at Tatton Park: A 6-hour immersive experience in the beautiful surroundings of one of Cheshire’s most beloved parks.

Just Drop In, which has a strong track record of supporting young people in the north of Cheshire East, plans to work with up to 20 young women through this initiative.

Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks, who is fundraising for Just Drop In during this time as mayor, said “Supporting the mental health of our younger residents is both vitally important and, unfortunately, increasingly necessary. We’re proud to be supporting this project and hope the young women who participate greatly benefit from the scheme”

Ann Wright, Chief Officer of Just Drop In said “Our warm thanks to Knutsford Town Council for their grant and wider support to our charity as we work together to try and support local children who are finding life hard. The money will be used to fund summer activities for young women aged 14-18 to boost their health and wellbeing.”

Just Drop In will work closely with Knutsford Academy to identify and engage young women who could benefit most from the programme. They’re also partnering with The Welcome to ensure the programme reaches those in greatest need.

If anyone is interested in taking part in the weekly sessions they can contact Just Drop In on hello@justdropin.co.uk

The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town.  The next deadline for applications is 31st August.

Cllrs Peter Coan, James McCulloch and April Johnson at Gaskell Avenue

Councillors speak out against Gaskell Avenue Closure

Knutsford Town Councillors have spoken out against the impending closure of the Gaskell Avenue arm at the Canute Place roundabout, insisting that local knowledge has been overlooked by highway engineers.  

Planning permission granted to Crown Estate in 2019 required junction improvement works be undertaken prior to occupation of the 100th house at the Tabley Park development. The application included a scheme for the works based on a transport assessment which identified that without intervention, the development would lead to congestion on King Edward Road and Northwich Road.

For over two years, the Town Council has been calling on Cheshire East Council and developers Redrow to abandon the proposals to close the Gaskell Avenue arm, arguing it is a key route for school buses and local traffic. Whilst the Town Council recognises the need for realignment of the roundabout to improve traffic flow, it does not believe the need to close Gaskell Avenue has been justified nor the consequences for minor roads properly considered in the proposals.

Cllr Peter Coan, who also sits on the Cheshire East Council Highways and Transport Committee said “This is a ridiculous proposal and will cause massive inconvenience to both pedestrians and motorists alike. On street parking for residents will be removed and school coaches may well use residential streets as short cuts to avoid the gridlock. Knutsford Town Councillors with a wealth of local knowledge have long objected to this proposal”

Under the works, which are due to start at the end of July, the roundabout will be realigned and the Zebra crossing on King Edward Road replaced with traffic lights, another aspect of the scheme the Town Council has challenged. The plans also involve removing parking from Stanley Road to enable the section from Gaskell Avenue to become two-way for coaches to access the Academy.

Cllr Gus Watson, who lives on Cranford Avenue, said “Our roads are congested enough, without the illogical and inconsiderate closure to Gaskell Avenue”

The works have been commissioned by Redrow through a s278 agreement with Cheshire East Council which requires Redrow to complete the works at their cost.

Cllr Christopher Gray has criticised the lack of a clear justification for the proposals, “Cheshire East has not provided any definitive technical evidence to justify the closure nor do they appear to have taken into account the resulting necessity for large vehicles including refuse lorries having to turn round in deficient turning head in a location where pedestrians are numerous.”

Cllr Rex Mears added “We are asking Cheshire East Council and Redrow to stop the closure of Gaskell Avenue which is scheduled for two weeks’ time. This closure has not been justified and it is not supported by residents and workers of Knutsford. It is a useful route for local people when the A50 is busy and provides relief from congestion”

Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks also expressed concern stating “The junction of Stanley Road and Northwich Road will cause undue burden on traffic flow, especially as there is poor visibility turning out into Northwich Road. I’m concerned that school children crossing the roads in the area will have extra dangers to look out for too.”

Cllr April Johnson added “It’s not acceptable for Cheshire East Council to inflict this closure on us without proper consideration. If a road can be closed without justification that sets a dangerous precedent; Local knowledge is key to closures having minimum impact on our town and our views have not been taken into account”

Another great year for Knutsford Music Festival!

Knutsford’s own music festival hit the town in June for 4 days of music for the 7th year!

The festival, which was launched back in 2017 by Knutsford Town Council, returned between 13th – 16th June with a varied programme to please a variety of musical tastes. Many of the events were free of charge and hosted in the cafes and bars in the town centre.

A fantastic folk programme ran for its sixth year, hosted by BBC Radio’s Mark Radcliffe, who once again curated an outstanding programme of folk artists from the UK and beyond to entertain hundreds of attendees in St John’s Church and Knutsford Little Theatre.

Saturday Night Blues was back for a second sell out event, after the event also sold out in 2022. Blues artists from near and far, including two UK Blues Award winners, performed at the stunning Knutsford Little Theatre to a captive audience.

Music on the Moor was back on Saturday 15th June, the festival’s free event on the Moor which brings four hours of live music and activities for all ages. The event featured eight local artists and bands who performed a variety of original material, as well as performance workshops from Noodle Performance Arts and craft activities from Love to Craft Mcr. Despite the weather the crowds were in great spirits. More music hit the Moor on Sunday too, with free performances from City of Chester Brass Band.

Fringe events including an electronic night at Detaljer, the Music Train from Chester to Knutsford which arrived at The Angel at King Street, as well as programmes of music all weekend inside the Lost and Found, The Builders Arms and Evuna ran alongside the main programme, filling the town with music for 4 days.

As part of this year’s festival there was also the opportunity to engage in some Art themed events including workshops from CNC Cheshire, Olivia Goodwin Art and the sell out alcohol ink workshop from Steph Clare Art. The new Oil Art Advosry Gallery in town hosted works by the renowned photographer Scarlet Page, featuring iconic musicians.

Alex Molloy, Events Manager at the Town Council, said: “A huge thanks to everyone who got involved and supported this year’s events especially to the ticket buyers and attendees of Music on The Moor, the weather was against us, but the crowd were in great spirits! Thanks also goes to our sponsors this year Knutsford Hearing Cnetre, Ibiza Classics, Slater and Gordon and QV Skin care without which we would not have been able to produce the event! Here’s to 2025!”

The Town Council welcomes any feedback or suggestions for how the event can be improved for 2025. Simply email alex.molloy@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

To find out more about the other events organised by the town council, check out their events calendar on their website now: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events-calendar

Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks holds a giant postcard

Competition to draw a perfect park

Children at Knutsford’s primary schools have been set a challenge by Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks to draw a picture of their perfect park as part of the Town Council’s green spaces consultation.

Postcards went out in book bags this week with children having until 21st June to submit their entries to the Council Offices or their school. The competition will be judged by the Mayor and Mayoress with one pupil from each school winning a prize of art supplies.

The entries will help identify what is most important to children when using public open spaces and will help inform the council’s new Green Spaces Strategy.

The competition aims to promote the council’s Green Spaces Survey, launched last week, to parents and encourage more Knutsford residents to share their views of what is important when it comes to Knutsford’s parks, woodlands and green spaces. Completing the main survey enters residents into a draw to win £100 of Knutsford Vouchers and the survey can be completed online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/greenspacesurvey and paper copies can be found at The Welcome and Knutsford Library.

Cllr Colin Banks said “Our drawing competition is a fun way of getting the views of our younger Knutsfordians. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they draw and later on hearing what the parents say through our survey!”

If your child didn’t get a postcard in their bookbag, you can collect one from the Council Offices.

Mark Radcliffe & Co

Knutsford Music Festival – Less than one week to go!

Knutsford Music Festival is finally upon us! After months of planning and excitement the doors will soon be open for our first gig, on Thursday 13th of June followed by four days of fabulous music and community events with something to appeal to everyone!

Our Festival Gig Guides have been distributed around the town so be sure to pick up yours when you are out and about. Copies are also available in the foyer of the Town Council offices, so head on down and collect yours to plan your weekend. Alternatively, you can head to our website to download a copy and book tickets.

Returning this year are our ever-popular Folk music events curated by Mark Radcliffe, Saturday Night Blues and the free community event ‘Music on The Moor’. And, if that isn’t enough, the local venues of Knutsford have pulled together an epic line up for our fringe festival. It’s a weekend to remember, putting Knutsford on the music map!

Our festival opens Thursday 13th June at Knutsford Little Theatre with Frankie Archer and Virginia Kettle’s Rolling Folk.

Friday night at the beautiful St John’s Church Thea Gilmore and Andrew Rumsey will be putting on an awesome show.

Music on The Moor, from 12-4pm is a chance to bring along a picnic blanket and enjoy some local talent in one of Knutsford’s beautiful green spaces. Knutsford Beer Festival will be setting up a bar and the local Scouts are firing up the BBQ. Love to Craft Mcr and Noodle Performance Arts will be running workshops throughout the afternoon, bring the family and make musical memories.

Saturday Night Blues is headlined by the award-winning UK Blues artists Alice Armstrong. Supported by The Nightcreatures Duo, join us for a night of strong, soulful UK talent.

Closing the festival on Sunday evening are The Magpies and Paul Armfield. A fitting end to four excellent days of music.

Don’t forget to follow us on the socials to check out some of our artists and keep up to date with the festival as it happens!

Mayor of Knutsford Colin Banks said “Knutsford Music Festival is one of our key events of the year and offers a wide choice of music to suit everybody! Please support this fantastic live music event that will once again bring our community together!”

For tickets and full listings, including information of support acts and ‘Music on the Moor’, please visit the festival website at www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com.

Town Mayor Cllr Colin banks points to the Mayoress medallion on the exhibition panel

Exhibition records 50 years of council history

A new exhibition has opened at Knutsford Heritage Centre to mark the 50th anniversary of the town council.

Knutsford Town Council was created in 1974 through local government reorganisation which dissolved the Knutsford Urban District Council and created a new parish (town) council for Knutsford alongside a new Macclesfield District (Borough) Council. This was part of reform across the whole of the country.

The exhibition takes a decade-by-decade look at the work of Knutsford Town Council showing things that have changed and things that haven’t. The exhibition was put together by Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green who scoured the minutes of the council from 1974 to paint a picture of the council’s activity.

“It was fascinating to delve deeper into the work of the town council over the last fifty years as recounted through the minutes of meetings” Adam said.

“There has been a recurring theme of frustration at things outside local control, poor service standards from the borough/county council and a number of problems that haven’t been properly resolved for the town – such as debates over pedestrianisation and parking.”

The exhibition aims to highlight the role of the council in supporting the town over the last five decades and showing how the council changed.

“The central theme that is shown in the timeline we’ve created is that the council has consistently looked to address the local issues of the day, has been closely involved in planning matters and has had a long chain of councillors who have worked to make Knutsford a better place for all.” Adam added.

The exhibition includes a complete list of the 114 town councillors who have served over the last fifty years – compiled for the first time – and features a number of photographs across the decade themed boards. The exhibition also displays a small number of mementoes from the council’s history.

Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks visited the Heritage Centre to view the exhibition and said “We know not everyone will get excited about a council turning 50, but this exhibition aims to highlight the council’s role in serving the town. It’s an opportunity to recognise the importance of having a strong voice representing Knutsford and working for its constant betterment.”

The exhibition is available to view at Knutsford Heritage Centre until August. The Heritage Centre is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am to 4pm.