The winners of the awards (9 people) stood with the Town Mayor and Awards Sponsor, all holding their awards

Winners of 2024 Town Awards announced

The Knutsford community celebrated its town heroes on Tuesday (23rd April) at the annual Town Awards.

The Town Awards is an annual ceremony aiming to recognise those in the Knutsford community who work to make the town a better place for all, it is led by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business.

The award ceremony took place at Knutsford Little Theatre, with Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business, announcing the winners of the 2024 awards.

The first award went to Maya Chudley, who took home the Youth Award. Maya, who is also known as “Peppermint the Elf”, accompanies Santa around town each year with We Are Knutsford and also serves as an art ambassador in a junior school and supports organisations such as CAFT with their activities.

The Community Award shield was presented to Knutsford and District Good Neighbours. Whilst many of us may take for granted the ease in which we can travel to attend medical appointments for many people this can be a great challenge – whether that is accessing an appointment in Knutsford, Macclesfield or further afield. The Good Neighbours scheme are there to support those who cannot make this journey alone.

Retiring Knutsford Heritage Centre manager Val Bryant was “left speechless” after being presented with a special award for her Outstanding Contribution to the Heritage of Knutsford, to thank her on behalf of the whole town for her work with the centre over the last 17 years over which time she prevented its closure and ensured the preservation of the Millennium Tapestry.

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 Andrew Mallow, recognising his leading role in the community having stood down in 2023 after 12 years as a town councillor, having founded the hugely popular Knutsford Beer Festival which has raised over £50,000 for local charities and his support, leadership or involvement in a variety of community organisations from Friends groups to the Community Rail Partnership and volunteering with East Cheshire Hospice’s annual Christmas tree collection.

The second Civic Award was awarded jointly to Ann and John Long. Ann and John have supported Just Drop In, the specialist youth mental health service in the town centre. They kindly provide the charity with free accommodation and have been promoting, supporting and fundraising for the charity to ensure its success in the town.

Maggie Clayton – a long serving volunteer at The Welcome who is there two days every week without fail was shortlisted for an award back in 2021 and took home the final Civic Award of 2024. One of her glowing nominations said “The Welcome would not be the same without Maggie, and we all absolutely love her.

The 2023 Business Award was presented to Roberta Dyer. Roberta has been trading in Knutsford since 2008 and epitomises the adage ‘if you want something done ask a busy person’. Roberta is often first to volunteer to support the business community events and initiatives and has been a staunch supporter and welcomer of new businesses to the town.

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 2024 award going to Nicola Marshall for outstanding leadership of Knutsford Together and helping people in Knutsford find the help they need in difficult times. 

Speaking at the awards, Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan said “This evening is a celebration not just of our winners, but of all those nominated and shortlisted. Each of those nominated should feel great pride that there are people in this town that see you, who see what you do and who value the work you do and the difference you make to Knutsford. To those who walk away with an award, I would like to convey the sincere gratitude of Knutsford Town Council to you for the work you do”.

Nominations for the 2025 Town Awards will open in January 2025 and residents are encouraged to make note of those in the community they feel deserve recognition next year.

An aerial view of the Moor

Shortlist for 2024 Town Awards Announced

Drumroll please…. the shortlist for the 2024 Knutsford Town Awards has been announced.

The Knutsford Town Awards celebrate Knutsford’s incredible community spirit and the individuals and organisations which make the town so special. The awards are hosted by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business.

This year’s nominees are another shining example of the dedication, innovation, and kindness that can be found in the Knutsford community – all have been nominated by people who have seen what they do and been impressed.

Speaking on the announcement of the shortlist, Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan said “I am always amazed by incredible commitment we see in the nominations submitted for these awards, there are so many deserving people that shortlisting is never easy. Our huge congratulations to those who have been shortlisted and we look forward to presenting the awards in a few weeks time”

The shortlist is:

The Civic Award

  • Val Bryant – for leadership of Knutsford Heritage Centre
  • Maggie Clatyon – for dedicated volunteering at The Welcome
  • Emma Hamilton – for service to Junior Cricket at Toft Cricket Club
  • Vanessa Hatton – for service to 5th Knutsford Rainbows
  • Ann and John Long  – for their support to young people’s mental health services
  • Andrew Malloy – for broad involvement in various organisations
  • Milly Peel – for establishing Stable Minds CIC and supporting the mental health of the community

The Business Award

  • Roberta Dyer of Roberta’s Beauty Redefined – for support to the business community
  • Love the Dentist – for outreach services and support to local organisations
  • Peter Murray of Pulse of Perfumery – for being a continued ambassador for Knutsford Town Centre

The Extra Mile Award

  • Mia Lucas, Tatton Perk – for outstanding customer service
  • Nicola Marshall, Knutsford Together – for leadership of Knutsford Together
  • Lucy Page, The Welcome – for tireless service at The Welcome

The Community Award

  • Knutsford and District Good Neighbours – which provides transport to enable people to access medical appointments
  • Knutsford GROW – which those who are unable to look after their gardens and provides volunteer opportunities for those from all walks of life
  • Stable Minds – for support to the mental health of Knutsford residents

A winner for the Youth Award will also be announced on the evening.

All nominees are now being contacted to invite them to attend the awards ceremony which takes place on Tuesday 23rd April at 7pm in Knutsford Little Theatre.

A group of people holding awards with the mayor

Nominations sought for 2024 Town Awards

The call has gone out for residents to nominate their community heroes for the annual Knutsford Town Awards.

The Knutsford Town Awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellence, community spirit, and positive contributions within Knutsford. Established to honour individuals, businesses, and community organisations, the awards showcase the efforts and achievements that collectively make Knutsford a thriving and dynamic community.

Nominations can be made online at the Town Council website by 22nd March or by filling in a paper form, which can be found at Knutsford Library, The Welcome or Knutsford Market Hall.

Nominations can be submitted for any of the following categories:

The Civic Award which recognises the work of individuals. Last year’s winners included Rob Lyons who was honoured for leading 1st Knutsford Scouts for a decade.

The Youth Award which recognises those aged 21 and under. Last year the award was jointly awarded to Twin sisters Liv and Jess Johnson for their voluntary work with 7th Knutsford Brownies as part of their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Business Award recognises businesses who give something back to their community, such as last year’s award winners Tatton Perk who were praised for being a “warm hub” providing free drinks and a friendly welcome to those who may need it.

The Community Award shines the light on local charities, committees, and other groups. Last year it went to the Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper, who provide a free audio version of the Knutsford guardian to people who are visually impaired.

Finally, the Extra Mile Award is for those who go above and beyond in their paid work for the benefit of the local community such as 2023 winner Jack Street, who works at Johnsons the Cleaners and was commended for his kind and patient support to customers, particularly helping older people to use new technology for various services on offer.

Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan urges local residents to take the time and put forward those who make a difference to the Knutsford community, from litterpickers to leaders and everything in between.

“Our town is filled with special people who go out of their way to make a difference to the community they live in. Each year we ask the Knutsford residents to nominate those who make the town a better place and without your nominations these awards would not be able to take place. We want to let these people know that they are valued and appreciated and the work they do, does not go unnoticed”.

Thanks to the Forum of Private business for sponsoring the event.

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.”

Town Mayor and Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business

2023 Town Awards Shortlist Announced

The spotlight is being shone on Knutsford’s community heroes this month with the shortlist being announced for the 10th annual Knutsford Town Awards.

The awards, which are sponsored by the Forum of Private Business, recognise the work individuals, community groups and businesses undertake for the Knutsford community.

A special award ceremony is being hosted at Knutsford Little Theatre on Wednesday 15th March from 7pm as part of the Annual Town Meeting.  The event starts with a short talk from Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper about the work the group does to bring the Knutsford Guardian to the visually impaired of Knutsford and surrounding villages before featuring an open forum for residents to raise any issues they want to see discussed in the community.

Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Houghton and Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business then have the honour of celebrating the shortlisted nominees and announcing the winners of the 2023 awards.

This year’s shortlist is as follows:

Civic Award (3 awards)

Three Civic Awards are presented to individuals who give their time voluntarily to undertake work in the community there are 7 shortlisted for the awards this year:

  • Judy Clifford
  • Joe Godden
  • Gemma Jackson
  • Rob Lyons
  • Ken and Louise Rhodes
  • Claire Sawyer

Business Award

One business will be recognised with the Business Award, which goes to a business or business leader who has supported or worked with the community, four businesses are in the running for the 2023 award:

  • Detaljer
  • Dan Belcher, Guys Barbers Knutsford
  • Morgan Edwards
  • Tatton Perk

Community Award

The Community Award goes to a community organisation, this year three worthy groups have been shortlisted:

  • Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper
  • The Welcome
  • Wrap up Knutsford

 Extra Mile Award

The Extra Mile Award is presented to someone who as part of their paid job is going above and beyond to the benefit of the community. This year sees three shortlisted nominees:

  • Alison Hooper, Egerton Primary School
  • Jack Street, Johnsons the Cleaners
  • Miriam Wilson, Knutsford Medical Partnership

On announcing the shortlist, Cllr Mike Houghton said: “I know we say this every year but everyone on the shortlist should be incredibly proud that someone has taken the time to put their name forward for recognition for what they do for Knutsford and I am really looking forward to celebrating their achievements with them at the awards ceremony later this month”

Town Mayor and Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business

Forum of Private Business on board for the Town Awards

A national business support organisation located just outside Knutsford has once again pledged their support and sponsorship to the Knutsford Town Awards.

The Forum of Private Business, based at the Ashley Hall Showground, has sponsored the Town Awards since their inception in 2013. The Town Awards recognise those who give back to the local community and make Knutsford a better town for all.

Managing Director, and Knutsford resident Ian Cass said “The FPB are relighted to be sponsoring the Knutsford Town Awards again, particularly the business award.

“Knutsford businesses are always very supportive of each other, and I hope lots of them will be nominated for these awards this year.”

Over 50 nominations have been submitted in the Town Awards so far this year with a number of different individuals, community groups and businesses having been put forward by the community. The awards rely on the community to submit their nominations so more nominations are always encouraged.

Nominations for the 2023 Town Awards close on Monday 20th February and can be made online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/town-awards. The awards will be presented in mid-March.

2022 Town Award Winners with Stewart Gardiner

Nominations Open for 10th Annual Knutsford Town Awards

The call has gone out for residents to nominate their community heroes for the 10th annual Knutsford Town Awards. The awards have been sponsored by the Forum of Private business once again.

The awards recognise those who make the Knutsford community so special with awards presented across five categories. Nominations can be made online at the Town Council website by 17th February.

Nominations can be submitted for any of the following categories:

The Civic Award which recognises the work of individuals. Last year’s winners included Eileen Podmore for her long and dedicated service at the Knutsford Royal May Day Committee.

The Youth Award which recognises those aged 21 and under. Last year the award was jointly awarded to Brooke McAteer and Ben Ormerod for their public speaking at Cheshire East Council calling for reduced speed limits.

The Business Award recognises businesses who give something back to their community, such as last year’s award winners Co-Op Knutsford for their proactive engagement with local groups.

The Community Award shines the light on local charities, committees, and other groups. Last year it went to the Knutsford Friendship Café for their work supporting carers and those with dementia.

Finally, the Extra Mile Award is for those who go above and beyond in their paid work for the benefit of the local community such as 2022 winner Ximena Massam who won the award for going the extra mile as chef at the Welcome Café.

“I have said before what a wonderfully vibrant community Knutsford has, and these awards aim to shine a light on those who make it so. We need you to tell us who you believe deserves an award this year, so please take the time to submit your nomination” said Cllr Mike Houghton, Mayor of Knutsford.

Nominations can be submitted at https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/town-awards/nominate

Town Mayor Cllr Gardiner with Ian Cass outside the Council Offices

Town Awards 2022 Shortlist Announced

Residents are invited to celebrate their community heroes at the 2022 Town Awards which take place on Wednesday 4th May from 7:30pm in St John’s Church.

The Town Awards scheme is delivered by Knutsford Town Council to recognise the contributions of the individuals and organisations working in the Knutsford community. Launched in 2013, the annual awards programme sees awards made across five categories: the Civic Award (individuals) the Community Award (community groups), Youth Award (individuals under 21), Business Award (businesses supporting the community) and Extra Mile Award (individuals in paid employment going above and beyond for the community).

The awards have once again been sponsored by the Forum of Private Business, a non-profit organisation which campaigns for the interests of small and medium sized businesses across the UK. The Forum of Private Business has sponsored the Town Awards since their inception.

Three Civic Awards will be presented on the night and seven individuals have made the 2022 Shortlist. These are:

  • Paul Buttrick, President of Knutsford Lions for his leadership of the Knutsford Lions.
  • Terry Griffiths for her work leading the Nether Ward Community Group and involvement in an array of community organisations
  • Laura Jennings for her work at 5th Knutsford Scouts
  • Vicky McKinnon for her work leading the Run Knutsford community group
  • Eileen Podmore for her service to Knutsford Royal May Day, Cranford WI and the Knutsford League of Hospital Friends
  • Claire Sawyer for her leadership of We Are Knutsford
  • Cathryn Walley for leading the establishment of Friends of St John’s Wood and her involvement on the governing body and PTA of Manor Park School

Three organisations have been shortlisted for the 2022 Community Award:

  • Knutsford and District Good Neighbours
  • Knutsford Friendship Cafe
  • Knutsford Heritage Centre

 The Youth Award has a shortlist of two, one of the shortlisting being a joint nomination:

  • Poppy Newall for her litter picking around Longridge and designing an anti-littering poster
  • Brooke McAteer and Ben Ormerod for their passionate speech about speeding at the Cheshire East Highways Committee meeting

It is the local branches of three national businesses which have made it to the shortlist for the 2022 Business Award, they are:

  • Coop Knutsford
  • Little Waitrose
  • Natwest

The final award of the evening is the Extra Mile Award. This year four people have been shortlisted:

  • Sandra Curties, former Town Centre and Marketing Officer at Knutsford Town Council
  • Adam Linett, Wild Communities Officer at the Cheshire Wildlife Trust
  • Ximena Massam, chef at the Welcome Café
  • Nick Sherburn, manage of the Welcome Café

Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Greens said “We say it every year but it really is true that just being shortlisted for the awards is a great honour in itself. It means someone recognised the work that they do and took the time to put them forward for an award. We hope that those in the community will congratulate those shortlisted and come along to the awards presentation to find out who the lucky winners are”.

Winners of the 2021 Knutsford Town Awards

Town celebrates its community heroes

Knutsford’s community heroes were celebrated this month at the presentation of the eighth Town Awards in St John’s Church (15th September).

The special awards evening started with presentations community organisations formed in the last twelve months: Crosstown Community Orchard, Friends of St John’s Wood and Friends of College Wood before the Town Mayor, Cllr Stewart Gardiner announced the shortlists and winners of each category.

The awards, organised by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business aim to recognise the work individuals, community groups and businesses undertake for the Knutsford community. Nominations for the awards were submitted by the community over the summer.

The first award presented was the Youth Award, which recognises the work of those aged 21 and under. The award went to Duncan Jones for his work as a leader with Knutsford Scouts through which the Explorer scout supports the Beaver and Cub groups at both 2nd and 5th Knutsford Scouts. Duncan received multiple nominations which cited his positivity and praised him as a great role model for the children he works with.

Three Civic Awards are presented annually going to individuals who have worked to support the local community. The first Civic Award was presented to Russell Coulston for his work leading the youth activities at Toft Cricket Club through which his endless enthusiasm and inclusiveness is helping reinvigorate the club.

The second award was presented to Sarah Flannery for her work creating and managing the Knutsford Hosts. Sarah’s nomination highlighted the endless hours Sarah gives coordinating the diverse work the Knutsford Hosts do for the town and how valued Sarah makes the individual hosts feel. 

The final Civic Award went to Kevin Griffiths for his work improving the environment of Knutsford through a number of community organisations and projects. Kevin is a long-serving member of Friends of the Heath, played an integral role in setting up the Crosstown Community Orchard and co-leads a town wide tree mapping project. 

Russell Coulston receiving his award
Russell Coulston receiving his award from Cllr Stewart Gardiner and Ian Cass

Three people were shortlisted for the award: Maggie Clayton for her work at the Welcome Café, Paul Langley for his work with Knutsford Music Festival and LOL Cheshire and Ian Robertosn for his work with Hope Central.

The 2021 Community Award was presented to Knutsford Rotary Club for their work coordinating the marshalling of the COVID vaccination clinics. Thanks to this excellent support, Knutsford was notably ahead of other parts of the country in ensuring the community was vaccinated.  Also shortlisted for the award were the Fresh Start Baby Bank and Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper, with the Fresh Start Baby Bank receiving a commendation.

Four businesses were shortlisted for the Business Award which recognises the work businesses do to support the local community. In the running were Boxed Red Marketing for creating the Knutsford High Street website; TechnoType for their support of community initiatives and events; Dexter and Jones for their impressive expansion but the 2021 award went to The Tea Room in recognition of their wide involvement in community activity. Dexter and Jones received a commendation in recognition of their strong business growth over the last 12 months.

The final award presented was the Extra Mile Award, which recognises those who, in their paid work, go above and beyond the call of duty to the benefit of the town. Five people were shortlisted: June Curbishley in recognition of her long service at Boots, Sandra Curties, Town Centre and Marketing Officer at Knutsford Town Council for her support of the business community throughout the pandemic, Anthony Naylor, Watch Manager at Knutsford Fire Station for delivering wide community support through his role, Sarah Pownall for going above and beyond at the Welcome and Noey West for her role in supporting the local community at Waitrose. The award went to Anthony Naylor.

After the main awards were presented, Alison Hooper, Head of Egerton School presented the Knutsford Schools Award for Sustainability which aims to recognise the achievements of local businesses in supporting the environment through their business. This year two businesses received the award: Kanoa Living and the Bath House.

Speaking on the evening, awards sponsor Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business said “I sometimes don’t think we realise just how lucky we are, this community really is fantastic. I deal with lots of communities across the UK, who struggle to get engagement, struggle to get projects off the ground, can’t get funding for things or have businesses which don’t support the community.  We are so lucky in Knutsford that we have this great community, with great people in it and great businesses in it. It’s my absolute pleasure to support the awards.”

Kanoa Living receiving the Knutsford Schools Sustainability Award
Kanoa Living receiving the Knutsford Schools Sustainability Award from Alison Hooper and pupils of Egerton School.

Nominations for the 2022 awards will open in January.

Town Mayor Cllr Gardiner with Ian Cass outside the Council Offices

Nominations open for the 2021 Town Awards

Nominations are sought for the 2021 Town Awards with the community encouraged to put forward their unsung heroes for consideration.

The awards, which are organised by the Town Council, were launched in 2013 and aim to shine a spotlight on those who make Knutsford a better place to live. The awards cover five categories recognising the efforts of individuals, businesses and community groups for their service to the wider Knutsford community.

The Civic Award which is presented to individuals who give their time voluntarily to undertake work in the community. Previous winners in this category have included Beryl Jenyons for her voluntary service at the Welcome and Gary Davies for his role supporting Knutsford and District Scouts for over 40 years.  Three Civic Awards are presented each year.

The Business Award goes to a business which has supported or worked with the community, last years winner were the traders of Knutsford Market Hall for their work supporting the most vulnerable in the community during the first coronavirus lockdown.

The Youth Award is presented to someone aged 21 or under who early in their lives have already started supporting the community. Previous winners have included Lillie Bryers and Lucas Cronan for their litterpicks on the Moor and Emily Coffey for her voluntary work with the Kntusford First Responders.

The Community Award recognises the importance of the various voluntary organisations operating in Knutsford with awards having previously been presented to We Are Knutsford (2020), Knutsford Lions (2013) and Knutsford Beer Festival (2015).

The final category is the Extra Mile Award which is presented to someone who as part of their paid job is going above and beyond to the benefit of the community. The first award went to Knutsford’s Town Ranger Bob Garner in 2019 with former PCSO Chris Pountain receiving the award in 2020.

The awards have been sponsored by the Forum of Private Business since inception. Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum said: “The Forum of Private Business are delighted to be sponsoring Knutsford’s town awards again after what has been a very difficult year for the town and the businesses in it, but Knutsford is a great community which works together, innovates to get through tough times like these, the Forum have been part of this community for over 40 years and are proud to support the town and the awards!”

Presented as part of the main Town Awards is the Knutsford and District Youth Council School’s Sustainability Award. The Youth Council introduced the award in 2020 and are looking for businesses which demonstrate environmental awareness in their products and supply chain and work to minimise their carbon footprint.

Nominations for all awards are open until 31st July and can be here: Town Awards Nomination Form or in writing to Council Offices, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 6TA. Nominations need to be accompanied by a citation outlining why the nominee deserves an award. All nominations will be reviewed by a panel with awards presented at a special awards evening in September.