Town Mayor | Knutsford Town Council

29Oct2026

Get Festive with the Mayor at his Christmas Bingo Night

Guests can expect a fun-filled evening of bingo, with cash prizes, festive silliness and a chance to get into the Christmas spirit, with Peter taking on the role of bingo caller. Whether you’re a seasoned bingo player or just fancy a different kind of night out, everyone is welcome to join in.

Tickets cost £15 for a book of five games, with proceeds supporting Peter’s chosen charities: Men’s Shed Knutsford and the PTAs of Manor Park Primary, Bexton Primary, Egerton Primary and St Vincent’s Primary School.

The charities support a range of community needs, from tackling loneliness and social isolation to helping local children access opportunities and experiences that enrich their school lives.

The evening will also feature a raffle and a cash bar, making it a great opportunity to get together with friends, enjoy some festive entertainment and support good causes in the Knutsford community.

Cllr Coan said: “I’m looking forward to a night of festive, friendly competition. I can’t promise everyone will go home a winner, but I can promise we’ll have a good laugh while raising money for some brilliant local causes. I’ll try to keep my Christmas costumes under control, but no promises!”

Event details

Event: Mayor of Knutsford’s Festive Bingo Night at Knutsford Market Hall
Date: Friday 27 November 2026, doors open 7pm
Tickets: £15 per person over 18s only).
Includes: Festive bingo, raffle and cash bar

For tickets and further information, visit https://buytickets.at/mayorofknutsford/2205959 or contact Gemma at Knutsford Town Council gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk 01565 653 929

28Oct2026

Mayors’ cadet Jenson Webb embarks on a life changing Nepal expedition

Jenson Webb, the Mayor’s Cadet and a member of Knutsford Fire Cadets, flew out at the weekend on Saturday 24 October for an incredible 14-day volunteering trip to Nepal.

Jenson will join 14 other Cheshire Fire Cadets and eight leaders to help build classrooms in the remote Himalayan Solukhumbu district. Each cadet has had to raise £3,600 to help cover building materials and travel costs, while learning valuable skills in teamwork, leadership and community service.

Working alongside UK charity Classrooms in the Clouds, the team will help build earthquake resistant classrooms and support local teacher training, giving children in remote Nepalese villages a safer place to learn. The trip will also include a challenging trek through the Himalayas with local Sherpa guides.

As Knutsford’s Mayor’s Cadet, Jenson’s duties involve attending the Mayor Making event, participation in Mayoral Processions / Civic Service, participation in the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Services and other occasions as requested by the Town Mayor.

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan said: “Jenson is a brilliant example of the young people we have in Knutsford’s uniformed groups. What he and the rest of the team are doing is a fantastic achievement, and we wish them all the best for their adventure”.

Applications for the next Mayor’s Cadet will open in February 2027. Young people involved in local uniformed groups, including Air, Army and Fire Cadets, Scouts and Girlguiding, can apply through their unit leaders. Groups are welcome to nominate more than one person. Civic Events officer Gemma said, “The Mayor’s Cadet role is a great opportunity to experience the civic role, meet new people and gain experience, confidence and public speaking skills.”

Anyone interested in applying can contact Gemma Jackson, Civic Events Officer at Knutsford Town Council, for more information:

Email: gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
Telephone: 01565 653 929

Knutsford Town Council wish Jenson and the whole Cheshire Fire Cadets team the very best of luck on their adventure!

Want to support their fundraising? You can donate through their GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/0a862e90a

27Oct2026

Remembrance Sunday 2026

Knutsford Town Council and the Knutsford Branch of the Royal British Legion invite the community to join the services of remembrance on Sunday 8^th November.

The programme for the day is as follows:

09:00-10:00 Community Remembrance Church Service at St Johns Church

10:10-10:25 Parade assembles at King St Car Park

10:25-10:45 Parade to Centennial War Memorial

10:55-11:35 Service at the Centennial War Memorial

12:00-12:25 Service at the Crosstown War Memorial

12:45-13:05 Service at the Tatton Park Parachute Regiment Memorial

13:30-13:35 Town Mayor to lay wreath at Centennial Place Memorial Garden

The church service at St John’s will take place before the parade and the parade will march to the Centennial War Memorial.

The whole community is welcome to join any or all parts of the day.

The principal wreath laying will take place at the Centennial War Memorial and organisations wishing to lay a wreath are requested to advise Gemma Jackson, Civic Events Officer, in advance by emailing gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk. Only those who have notified the Civic Events Officer in advance will be called up to lay a wreath on the day.

After the main services of remembrance, the Town Mayor will also lay a wreath in the Centennial Place memorial garden at 1:30pm.

23Sep2026

Young Treasure Hunters Help Raise Over £250 for Pirate Pete’s (Mayor of Knutsford) Charities

Families across Knutsford took to the streets during the summer holidays to follow the clues, discover hidden treasure, and explore some of the town’s local businesses.

The trail, which ran from 18 July to 2 September, proved a hit with families, with the event receiving a very warm response from residents and visitors.

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan, said:

“It has been fantastic to see so many children and families getting involved with Pirate Pete this summer. We wanted to create something fun that encouraged people to explore our town while also raising money for Men’s Shed Knutsford and the four primary school’s PTAs.

A huge thank you to everyone who bought a booklet, followed the clues and took part. Most importantly, thank you to all the local businesses who helped make Pirate Pete’s adventure possible.”

The treasure trail was sponsored by Satya Sanctuary, Knutsford Heritage Centre, York & Co, Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe, Linden Stores, Detaljer, Dexter & Jones, Tatton Perk, Booths and Real Fruit Creamery.

Children who completed the trail could hand in their completed booklet to be entered into the Grand Prize Draw, with one lucky treasure hunter taking home the main prize.

Beatrix Bird aged 5 was drawn as the grand-prize winner.

The mayor’s charities for 2026/27 are Knutsford Men’s Shed and the PTAs of Knutsford’s primary schools, with funds raised from the trail being shared between these causes.

The mayor added:

“Pirate Pete may be sailing off for now, but I think he has left his mark on Knutsford! We’re delighted that the trail has not only given families something fun to do over the summer but has also raised over £250”.

The mayor will also be hosting a bingo night on the 27^{th of} November, with a bar and cash prizes to be won. Tickets are £15 and can be purchased here

1Sep2026

LOL Cheshire X The Mayor of Knutsford Returns For Its Third Year

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan, and Paul Langley of LOL Cheshire are excited to announce LOL X The Mayor is back for its third year. This special fundraising comedy night is to be held at Knutsford Little Theatre on the 9^thOctober with doors opening at 7:15pm, featuring some of the finest comedians from LOL Cheshire, including MC Chris Brooker, Karen Bayley and local lad Mundo Jazz.

Paul Langley says “After the success of the previous events, I am thrilled to be supporting the Town Mayor again at LOL X The Mayor. You can expect not only a brilliant night of stand up from the very best comedians around but also raising funds for all four Knutsford Primary School PTAS and Men’s Shed Knutsford”.

Civic Events officer, Gemma Jackson, says “Those who haven’t been before can expect hilarious, sometimes risqué acts in a lovely local venue. I would like to thank Paul and the volunteers at Knutsford Little Theatre for supporting the Mayor’s fundraising efforts again this year”.

Tickets are priced at £15.05 (including booking fee), with proceeds going to the Mayor’s chosen charities. They can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/socialpromotions.

Cllr Peter Coan added “The beauty of a comedy night is that you can come alone, or with your friends or family. One of my aims during my mayoral term is to host events where everyone will be made to feel welcome”.

For more information, please contact civic events officer Gemma Jackson by email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or by telephoning 01565 653929

1Jul2026

Brian’s Bench installed dedicated to Knutsford Community Champion

A memorial bench has been installed at the entrance to Windmill Wood in honour of the late Brian Chaplin, recognising his many years of dedicated service to the Knutsford community. Situated close to where Brian lived, the bench provides a lasting tribute to a man whose passion for Knutsford helped shape the town for future generations.

Brian led the South Knutsford Residents Group for more than a decade and regularly attended Planning Committee meetings at both Knutsford Town Council and Cheshire East Council to speak on behalf of residents. He was a key contributor to the development of the Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan and worked closely with other planning-focused residents’ groups to ensure Knutsford had a clear and consistent voice during the development of the Local Plan. In recognition of their outstanding contribution to community life, Brian and his wife Sylvia were presented with a Civic Award at the 2017 Knutsford Town Awards.

The new bench, affectionately known as ‘Brians Bench’, offers visitors a place to pause and rest before or after exploring Windmill Wood, while remembering Brian’s lasting contribution to the town he cared so passionately about.

Sylvia Chaplin said “Thank you so much to Ranger Bob and Ranger Alfie for installing Brian’s Bench. The bench looks wonderful and my thanks go to Knutsford Town Council for commemorating Brian’s service to the community in this way. I’ve already received numerous messages from people telling me it is being put to good use, which is exactly what Brian would have wanted.”

Town Mayor Councillor Peter Coan joined Sylvia Chaplin to mark the installation of the bench, reflecting on Brian’s commitment to Knutsford and the difference he made through his years of voluntary service.

Councillor Coan said, “It’s not unusual to spend a sunny afternoon sitting and chatting on a bench; but this bench is special, and so was the person it commemorates, Brian Chaplin. Brian did so much for our lovely town, offering planning advice at every level, from infrastructure to heritage. Sitting with his wonderful wife Sylvia, the equally involved other half of ‘Team Chaplin’, we chatted, reminisced and laughed. It was a fantastic moment to share: a thoughtful moment with a thoughtful Sylvia.”

The Town Council hopes residents and visitors alike will take a moment to enjoy Brian’s Bench the next time they are passing through Windmill Wood, whether to rest, listen to the birdsong or simply pause before continuing with their day.

29May2026

Former Mayor announces £4,480 raised for local charities

Former Mayor of Knutsford, Bryan Hartley, concluded his mayoral year by presenting cheques totalling £2,240 each to his chosen charities, East Cheshire Hospice and Knutsford in Bloom, following a year of fundraising events.

The former Mayor thanked residents, businesses, and volunteers for their generous support throughout the year. Reflecting on his time in office, Cllr Hartley praised the community’s continued kindness and support. He said: “Every contribution, large or small, has made a real difference and reflects the incredible community spirit that makes Knutsford so special. It has been an honour to support two organisations that do such valuable work within our community:

Among the highlights of the year was the mayor’s sold-out Bingo Night at Knutsford Market Hall, along with the ever-popular Mayor’s Quiz Night, where Tatton Velo were crowned champions. Cllr Hartley also thanked The Angel at King Street for their hospitality.

The year concluded with the Mayor’s Charity Ball at Cottons Hotel & Spa, where guests, sponsors and local businesses helped raise further funds through donations and prize contributions. Special thanks were given to Law by Sophie as principal sponsor of the event.

Funds raised during the year will go directly to support the valuable work carried out by East Cheshire Hospice and Knutsford in Bloom.

Barry Tilby from Knutsford in Bloom said: “On behalf of Knutsford in Bloom, we would like to thank Cllr Hartley not only for choosing us as a beneficiary during his term of office, but also for the support and encouragement he has given us over the past twelve months. His enthusiasm is infectious, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside him in the coming year.”

Claire Gorton from East Cheshire Hospice said “We’re so grateful to Cllr Bryan Hartley for selecting East Cheshire Hospice as one of his chosen charities for his mayoral year. The efforts of him and the officers at Knutsford Town Council have helped to raise over £2,000. This is a fantastic achievement that will make a big difference. It was wonderful to see Cllr Hatley volunteering for our Christmas Tree Collection too as this is a huge fundraiser for us. The Hospice receives only around 21% of running costs from the government, meaning that £9,362 must be raised daily to be able to run our vital services. Support from our community is so important, we are immensely proud of the Knutsford community for their generosity.

Cllr Hartley with volunteers from Knutsford in Bloom

Cllr Hartley with Claire and Gill from East Cheshire Hospice

12May2026

Cllr Peter Coan elected Town Mayor

Cllr Peter Coan has been elected Mayor of Knutsford for the fourth time following a civic meeting held at Manor Park Primary School on 11th May. The ceremony also saw the appointment of Deputy Mayor Lesley Dalzell, and Mayor’s Cadet Jenson Webb of Knutsford Fire Cadets; both will support Cllr Coan throughout the year in delivering his civic programme.

Peter announced his two chosen charities for the mayoral term as the Knutsford Men’s Shed and the PTAs of Knutsford’s four primary schools.

Knutsford Men’s Shed plays an important role in supporting men’s mental health and tackling loneliness by providing a welcoming space where people can meet, talk, and take part in practical activities. It offers a simple but effective way of building connection and reducing social isolation in the community.

His second charity is the PTAs across Knutsford’s four primary schools, which he recognises for the significant contribution they make to children’s wider educational experiences. He mentioned a recent example of Manor Park Primary School’s whole-school trip to Chester Zoo, an opportunity that would not have been possible without PTA fundraising and support. Peter said how PTAs enhance school life beyond the classroom, creating shared experiences that benefit all pupils.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Coan said: “It is an incredible honour to be elected Mayor of Knutsford for the fourth time. This town means so much to me, and I am deeply committed to giving back to a community that gives so much to others. Knutsford is special because of its people, and I want to ensure that spirit continues to grow and thrive throughout my mayoral year. I will be hosting a programme of fundraising events, designed to be inclusive to all, whether you come along on your own or with a group of friends, everyone is welcome. These events aim not only to raise funds for my chosen charities, but also to bring people together in a friendly atmosphere”.

The first two fundraising events of his year are now open for bookings. It kicks off with Linden Stores x Dine with the Mayor on Wednesday 10^th June. You can join the Town Mayor and Knutsford Town Awards Business Award 2026 winner Linden Stores for a special menu designed for the mayor. Tickets are £50 per person with limited availability. You can book at: https://buytickets.at/mayorofknutsford/2158342

To celebrate the upcoming World Cup, a sweepstake is also being run. It’s £10 per team – with every entrant being given a random team, drawn on 9th June. There are cash prizes to be won. You can join in at https://buytickets.at/mayorofknutsford/2192371

For more information contact Civic Events Officer Gemma on 01565 653 929 or email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

1Aug2025

Silence to honour VJ Day 80

Knutsford Town Council will be holding a short two-minute silence at 12 noon on the 15^{th of} August to honour the 80^th Anniversary of VJ Day.

Led by the Town mayor, Cllr Bryan Hartley it will take place at the Centennial War Memorial, Library Garden, Toft Road.

We hope the Knutsford community can join us as we pay tribute to all those who served in the Far East and the Pacific.

For more information contact Gemma Jackson, Civic Events officer gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

28Jul2025

LOL Cheshire event to support Town Mayor’s Charities

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Bryan Hartley and Paul Langley of LOL Cheshire are excited to announce a special fundraising comedy night to be held at Knutsford Little Theatre. This collaboration is now into it’s second year, with tickets selling out super-fast in 2024.

The LOL X Mayor of Knutsford Comedy Night takes place on 19^th September at Knutsford Little Theatre with doors opening at 7:15pm, featuring some of the finest comedians from LOL Cheshire, including MC Dom Woodward, Joe Zalias and Gavin Webster.

Paul Langley says “After the success of the event in 2024, I am thrilled to be supporting the Town Mayor again at LOL X The Mayor. You can expect not only a brilliant night of stand up from the very comedians around but also raising vital funds for the Knutsford in Bloom and East Cheshire Hospice.

Civic Events officer, Gemma Jackson “Last years event was hilarious, my face hurt from laughing so much. The event was such a success due to Paul and the volunteers at Knutsford Little Theatre. I would like to thank them for supporting the mayors fundraising efforts”.

Tickets are priced at £15, with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s chosen charities, East Cheshire Hospice and Knutsford in Bloom. They can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/socialpromotions.

Cllr Bryan Hartley added “I encourage you to buy your tickets early, as this event is expected to sell out quickly”

For more information, please contact civic events officer Gemma Jackson by email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or by telephoning 01565 653929

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