Cllr Stewart Gardiner hands a giant cheque to Lisa Barcroft-Lee

Support given to new Scout Hut

1st Knutsford Scouts has received a grant worth £1,500 from Knutsford Town Council to support the development of their new HQ. The council’s grant will fund the purchase of the toilet facilities including toilets, sinks, hand dryers and accessibility safety rails.

The new scout hut, nestled in the corner of the Moor on Moorside, will be the new home for 1st Knutsford Scouts, a group which has been supporting children in Knutsford for over a century.

The new timber clad scout hut, with its large glass windows overlooking the Moor will be a drastic improvement for the community compared to the previous hut which was suffering from damp, vermin and a rotten floor.

“We are very grateful to Knutsford Town Council for their welcome contribution to our new Scout Hut” said Lisa Barcoft-Lee, Chair of 1st Knutsford Scouts.

Once complete the new hut will be available for wide community use from local meetings and events to children’s birthday parties.

“Our vision for the hut is that it becomes a community resource that all of Knutsford can benefit from and therefore it is really important to us that we work with all our local partners to get the hut up and running as soon as possible” Lisa added.

Due to the impact of coronavirus and global price increases for materials, the scouts need to raise several thousand pounds of additional funding to get the scout hut completed. Anyone who is able to help get them over the line can contact Lisa at lisa.barcroftlee@knutsfordscouts.org.uk

A view of an under construction scout hut whilst two people converse in the background

The Town Council Community Grant Scheme is open to community organisations delivering services or running assets which benefit Knutsford’s residents. It looks for projects which provide improved services/opportunities for those under 18 or over 65, which provide a new or improved asset or service or projects which enhance the profile or reputation of the Town.

The council operates two schemes; a small grants scheme makes awards of up to £1,500 three times per year and a large grant scheme which considers applications for over £1,500 annually. The next deadline for the small grants scheme is 29th October and the 2021 large grants deadline is 31st August.

The Town Mayor wearing a bright jacket and the mayor's chain stands outside the Mere Hotel

Mayor’s Autumn Ball now on Sale

The Mayor of Knutsford’s Summer Ball has been postponed. The glamourous fundraising event promised to give Knutsford residents a welcome opportunity for fun and dancing while supporting The Mayoral Charites but to comply with government requirements the event will now be a fabulous Autumn Ball.

The ball is the Town Mayor’s biggest fundraising event of the year and promises to be a fun filled evening with entertainment from Fun Time Frankie’s band, a DJ and a close up magician.

Town Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner said; ‘While I am clearly disappointed at having to cancel the Summer Ball, I am hoping that moving the event to early Autumn will be an opportunity for everyone (including those who have been reticent about getting out and about in July) to come together for a fabulous evening of good food, fine wine and quality entertainment.

“So put the date in your diary, dust off your glad rags (or even use it as an excuse to splash out on some new ones) polish your dancing shoes and limber up to make some shapes on the dance floor. 

However, let us remember the reason for this event is to raise lots of money for two local and worthwhile charities while celebrating being out and having some fun. I would like to thank the Mere and all those involved in the Summer event for agreeing to the rescheduled date and I look forward to working with you all to make October 9th a night to remember.”

Tickets are available for the night at £48 per person for a delicious 3-course meal, arrival drink and entertainment.  To book your place you can contact the Civic Events Officer Michelle Bate on 01565 653929 or email michelle.bate@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Raffle tickets are also now on sale for the Mayor’s Prize Draw at £2 each with a range of great prizes up for grabs. The raffle will be drawn at the Ball but anyone can purchase tickets by contacting Michelle or visiting the Council Offices.

Any businesses wishing to make a prize donation for the raffle or auction can contact Michelle at the details above.