Town Mayor | Knutsford Town Council

3Apr2024

Town Mayor opens new memorial garden

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan unveiled a new blue plaque and heritage board as part of the opening of a new Memorial Garden.

Local retirees in Knutsford joined McCarthy Stone to celebrate the opening of the memorial garden in the grounds of the new Centennial Place development on Northwich Road which has been built on the historic site of the community-built war memorial hospital.

Knutsford Town Council supported McCarthy Stone to put in place plans to ensure as much of the heritage of Memorial House was retained. The plinth from the Haron Baronian statue forms the focal point of the new memorial gardens with the marble dedication plaque from the Knutsford and District War Memorial Cottage Hospital proudly on display alongside the newly created interpretation board that tells the history of the site. To further keep history alive, McCarthy Stone has used bricks saved from the hospital as part of the gate piers.

Cllr Peter Coan said: “The blue plaque and memorial gardens help to ensure that the important history of this site will never be lost. Visitors to Centennial Place will be reminded of what stood before and we were pleased to work with McCarthy Stone on the detailed panel which records a full history of the site from 1922 to 2022. I ”

The memorial gardens are at the front of the site on Northwich Road and open to all members of the public to visit.

The Town Mayor and three other people stand in front of a new blue plaque

Fiona Brooks, Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy Stone, added: “We think that it’s vitally important to honour the local communities that we build in, so it was no question that we paid tribute to the longstanding war memorial hospital that stood here.”

28Mar2024

Mayor’s Ball Raises over £5,000

On Friday 22^nd March, the Mayor of Knutsford welcomed over 90 guests to his Charity Ball at Cottons Hotel and Spa. The evening was a huge success which raised over £5,000 for the Mayor’s chosen charities, the UK Men’s sheds association and Knutsford GROW.

Guests were welcomed with a glass of prosecco, kindly sponsored by Slater and Gordon Lawyers with close up magic performed by Chris Hickey.

Creative Captures provided the photography for the evening whilst DJ Pete Deane made sure everyone had a great time on the dancefloor. Guests were also entertained by local family band, The Avenue. The entertainment was sponsored by Mesoestetic UK.

Prize vouchers were found hidden in balloons, sponsored by Love the Dentist, Mobberley. Each balloon contained a voucher for a fabulous prize donated by local businesses including meals from Evuna, The Lost and Found, The Botanist, Linden Stores, Café on The Corner, Tatton Perk, The Chester Grosvenor and Sigiriya, to name just a few.

The Raffle proved popular, with prizes which included donations from Cottons, Elite Health, Gusto Knutsford, Angel on King Street, The Bath House, Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe, Arley Hall, Tatton Park, Andrew Collier Photography, Pulse of Perfumery, Redrow, Clarity, Majestic Wines, Lanigan and Hulme, PR Jones and many more

A game of Heads or Tails in between courses made for a fun 5 minutes of fundraising. The game was won by Cllr Rod Fletcher, the Mayor of Cheshire East who went back to his table with a bottle of wine.

The silent auction raised over £1,000 and with a bidding war between guests to win prizes donated by King and Allen, Manchester United Football Club, Bartley Portrait Studios, Everton Football Club and local jewellers Geralds of Knutsford.

Each table was sponsored by a local business which contributed further funds to the evening: Cumming Group, Redrow, Manchester Airport, Lanigan and Hulme, Love the Dentist Mobberley, Dexter and Jones, and Knutsford Beauty.

Gemma Jackson, Civic Events officer said: “The ball has been a great fundraising success raising an impressive £5,000, guests truly ‘had a ball’ and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of all the local shops, restaurants and businesses who have so generously supported and donated products and vouchers for the event. Thank you to all who attended on the night for helping to make the evening so enjoyable!”

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan added “I would like to thank everyone who supported this incredible evening of fundraising. Raising so much for these two great causes was truly one of the highlights of my year serving as your Town Mayor”.

6Feb2024

Philanthropist behind Knutsford almshouses honoured with blue plaque

A blue plaque dedicated to the founder of a local almshouse charity has been unveiled on Silk Mill Street.

Town Mayor, Councillor Peter Coan, and former Town Mayor Valerie Young JP MBE, the longest serving Trustee of the Charity, cut the ribbon to unveil the new plaque dedicated to Marjorie Hurst.

The Charity of Marjorie Hurst provides almshouses for older residents of Knutsford and owns a row of flats and cottages on Silk Mill Street. The plaque was installed following extensive research by Jenny Collis of Knutsford Heritage Centre into the origin of the town centre almshouses and the life of Marjorie Hurst.

“We knew very little about Marjorie Hurst and how she established the almshouses so we are delighted with the research put in by Jenny Collis and the support from the Town Council in providing the plaque which is now there for everyone to see” said Rick Dallimore, the Chair of Trustees.

The plaque commemorates Marjorie Hurst who was a spinster and life-long Knutsfordian who spent much of her life looking after her parents. Her father, Frederick Hurst, had been the manager of the Union Bank on King Street but it was through the line of her maternal grandfather that Marjorie inherited property. In her will she left property and money upon trust to the then Knutsford Urban District Council with the bequest that the dwellings she owned on Silk Mill Street be used as “almshouses for the deserving” of the town.

Initially the almshouses were provided rent free to the occupiers, but over time the dwellings fell into disrepair. In the 1980s the Town Council received permission from the Charity Commission to charge the residents a weekly maintenance contribution provided that a separate new trust was set up. The Charity of Marjorie Hurst was established and in the 1990s the Trustees secured a Housing Corporation grant to renovate the four remaining cottages and to build the six flats that exist on Silk Mill Street today.

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan said “It was an honour to unveil our new blue plaque honouring the legacy of Marjorie Hurst with the trustees and residents of the charity that bears her name. Through Marjorie’s philanthropy, Knutsford has a charity providing housing to those who might otherwise not be able to afford a home of their own – what a forward-thinking Knutsfordian.”

The Charity of Marjorie Hurst is today managed by a board of five trustees. More information about the charity can be found on their website: www.marjoriehurstcharity.org.uk

22Dec2023

Mayor’s Christmas Message from Cllr Peter Coan

Throughout this year I have been continually humbled by the passion and generosity of our community. We are a resilient and strong town, and I want to thank everyone for their community spirit and kindness. That’s what sets this place apart and makes Knutsford such a fantastic place to live.

As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, we know this year will bring particular challenges for families trying to cope with the increased cost of living and rising fuel bills. Internationally, many face even more daunting conditions. We should all embrace the Christmas message of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Mankind.

Christmas is also about celebrating a message of hope for a brighter future.

I would like to extend my personal thanks and greetings to those who continue to look after us, and keep us safe, particularly throughout the festive period – Police, health staff, Fire Service, and carers. Thank you, for all, that you do.

A special thanks to the many wonderful people across our network of voluntary organisations, who give their time and effort to bring cheer to those who’s Christmas can be particularly difficult or lonely.

Without this fantastic network of our voluntary organisations, life would be so much poorer in Knutsford and they deserve our support for their work in the community.

As Mayor I am honoured to have met so many inspiring people this year.

As I look forward to 2024 it’s with a renewed sense of love and appreciation for all those family, friends, and colleagues that I am so lucky to have around me. I simply couldn’t do it without you all.

May Christmas be a time of good cheer, companionship, and celebration, for you, and those you love.

I would like to wish you all, a very happy and healthy Christmas and a peaceful and positive New Year. And as we encounter our townsfolk take a moment to smile at each other.

20Nov2023

Community invited to Crib Service

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan is inviting Knutsford families to join him outside the Lost and Found on Saturday,9^th December, for the annual community crib service. The service, which is led by Mayor’s Chaplain Revd Paul Deakin, starts at 4pm and includes a festive Christmas message from the mayor who has chosen some of his favourite carols for the event. The carols will be led by the Chester Brass Band and St Vincents Primary School Choir.

Peter said: “I’m looking forward to attending the Community Crib Service, this is event is for all: young and old, and I hope you can join me as we get into the festive spirit.”

Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies will be served by the Knutsford Catenians.

31Oct2023

Remembrance Sunday

Knutsford Town Council and the Knutsford Branch of the Royal British Legion invite the community to join the services of remembrance on Sunday 12^th November.

The programme for the day is as follows:

0845 Parade assembles at King St Car Park, WA16 6DX

0900 Parade from King St Car Park to St John’s Church

0930 Remembrance Service at St John’s Church

1030 Procession to Centennial War Memorial

1045 Remembrance service and wreath laying at Centennial War Memorial, WA16 0PG

1100 Two minute silence

1145 Remembrance service and wreath laying at the Crosstown War Memorial, Junction of Mobberley Road and Thorneyholme Drive, WA16 8WS

1300 Tatton Park Parachute Regiment Memorial

1300 Refreshments at Council Offices, WA16 6TA

This year the parade departs from King Street car park and parades to St John’s Church. The parade will not reassemble and instead the congregation will be led from the church to the Centennial War Memorial for the main service.

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.

10Oct2023

Join the Mayor of Knutsford this Christmas at Tatton Park

Fall down the rabbit hole and find yourself in the magical world of Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland and be entertained by charming characters along the way all whilst raising money for the Mayor of Knutsford’s chosen charities.

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan is inviting the town to step into the winter wonderland at Tatton Park with him this November as he raises more funds for his Knutsford GROW and a Knutsford Men’s Shed.

The event, which takes place on Saturday 25^th November at 1pm, is a special edition of Tatton Park’s Christmas Mansion. Tickets are £24.95 per person which includes admission, parking and soup, mince pies and hot drinks.

Opening sales for the event, the Town Mayor, Peter Coan, said “I do hope you will be able to join me for this fundraising event. We will celebrate the festive season together, enjoy exploring the winter wonderland and then warm up with delicious soup and mince pies. There will be, great company, and a chance to win prizes in the fundraising raffle”.

To book your space simply contact Civic Events Officer Gemma Jackson before November 10th on 01565 653 929 or at Gemma.Jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

26Jul2023

Civic Sunday Parade

Residents of Knutsford are being encouraged to come out to see their Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan, at his Civic Sunday parade on Sunday 30th July. The Mayor of Knutsford will be processing through the streets for the first time since he became Mayor in May.

The parade assembles at 1.30pm at King Street Car Park and sets off at 1.45pm processing down King Street, up Minshull Street, along Princess Street, taking a left down Church Walk and across the Moor before heading up to St Cross Church where the Civic Service will take place led by Reverend Paul Deakin

The parade will be led by Warrington Brass band and include dignitaries and Town Mayors along with Chairs from Town and Parish Councils across Cheshire.

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan said: “My Civic Sunday is open to anyone who wants to attend. All are welcome to join me as I parade through the town with my fellow councillors and Cheshire dignitaries and the church service is open to everyone! Please feel free to come along. Let’s hope the sun keeps shining for us all!’

During his term of office, Cllr Coan is raising funds for Knutsford GROW and for UK Men’s Sheds Association.

For more information about the above events contact the Civic Events Officer on 01565 653929 or email laura.phillipson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

5Jul2023

A feast for the senses as Flowers in Wallwood returns

Wallwood, the woodland area at the top of King Street in Knutsford, will soon be decked with decorated flowers for the third Flowers in Wallwood display.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council, the Town Ranger, Bob Garner crafts the flower bases out of sustainable materials. The flowers are then sent to local primary schools, retirement, and care homes to be decorated. The brief for this year’s creations is ‘The Senses’ to reflect the RHS theme for the flower show at neighbouring Tatton Park.

The designs will be unveiled at Wallwood on 18^th July with a visit from the Mayor of Knutsford, Peter Coan. Afterwards the Town Ranger will ‘plant’ the flowers in Wallwood where they will remain on display throughout the summer.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said “We are excited to see how each participant has decorated their flower. In previous years, this initiative has created a wonderful decoration in Wallwood. We anticipate this year will be no different and the display will be well worth a visit.”

Sandra added “We are grateful to the sponsors of this display without whose support this project wouldn’t have been possible”

The installation has been sponsored by local independent businesses, Detaljer and The Tea Room.

Caterine Hooper from Detaljer said “We are delighted to be working together with The Tea Room to support this lovely community event. We can’t wait to see the results and look forward to visiting the display in Wallwood”

Harriet Henry from The Tea Room said “We have always loved to visit Flowers in Wallwood and are proud to sponsor this beautiful community exhibition”

9May2023

Coronation Tree Planted

To mark the coronation of HM King Charles III, the Town Mayor planted a commemorative oak tree on the Heath in advance of the coronation barn dance. This continued a tradition dating back to the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.

Town Council volunteer researchers Jenny and Mary recently uncovered old documents, Knutsford Guardian reports, and a map giving details of four oak trees which had been planted to commemorate the coronation of our last four monarchs, they began looking back at previous celebrations and sought the help of Friends of The Heath in identifying the exact whereabouts of the trees. Jenny and Mary also spoke to the Town Council about the possibility of continuing the tradition of planting an oak tree for King Charles III on coronation day, 6th May.

The Town Council was keen not to break the tradition and in the week leading up to the coronation set about making swift preparations. Representatives from Knutsford Heritage Centre and Friends of The Heath, together with Mr Henry Brooks of Tatton Estates, and members of the public, watched as Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton performed the ceremony and dedicated the tree to the new King.

In 1902 an oak was planted by the drinking fountain in honour of Edward VII, the commemorative plaque for this tree was replaced by the council in 2022.

The 1911 tree was planted in the centre of the heath for the coronation of King George V, unfortunately it is there no longer and was likely removed c1944 when General Patton’s US troops camped on the heath.

Iron railings near the bowling club boundary wall circle a dead stump which was the tree planted in 1937 for King George VI. And Friends of the Heath have recently found a healthy oak tree in iron railings a short way across from Warren Avenue which was the tree planted in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II.

The 2023 tree for HM King Charles III is adjacent to Tabley Road and a commemorative plaque will be installed shortly.

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