Town Mayor | Knutsford Town Council

20Mar2023

Town Celebrates its 2023 Community Heroes

The Knutsford community celebrated its heroes last week at the 10^th 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 7^th 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.”

7Nov2022

Knutsford Town Mayor releasing Charity Ball Tickets

There is less than one month to go until Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton holds a Charity Ball to raise funds for Knutsford Scouts and the UK Men’s Sheds Association, his chosen charities for the year.

The Winter Wonderland Ball, which this year is being held at Cottons Hotel, will take place on Friday 25^th November. The ball is the Mayor’s biggest fundraising event of the year and promises to be a glamorous and fun filled evening with entertainment from DJ Pete Deane and a close up magician.

Cllr Houghton said “Please accept this as my invitation to each of you to all to come along and join me for an evening of good food and great entertainment. I hope to raise enough money on the night to help to secure the future of two important groups in Knutsford, both of which promote positive mental health within our community.”

Tickets are available for the night at £65 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. Get your tickets this week or you might miss out!

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.

8Apr2022

Mayor’s Cabaret Raises £2k for Local Charities

On Saturday 2^nd April, The Mayor of Knutsford welcomed over 50 guests to his Spring Cabaret at The Courthouse. Knutsford. Mayors from across the North West attended to support the Mayor of Knutsford with the penultimate fundraising activity for his chosen charities.

Guests were welcomed with a red carpet entrance where they were greeted by The Mayor and his consort, Mr Simon Hutchence before taking seats in front of the Courthouse’s grand stage from which they were dazzled with performances starting with the incredibly talented students of Fuchsia School of Dance following by a medley popular songs from Knutsford Beats. International Comedian Sully O’Sullivan served as Master of Ceremonies whilst singing duo Igloo Hearts and the acrobatic delights of the show-stopping Circus House completed the bill of entertainment.

The evening was a fantastic success and a combination of sponsorship, ticket sales, prize balloons, an auction, and raffle ticket sales has raised over £2,000 for the Knutsford and District Branch of the Royal British Legion and the Knutsford Branch of The St Vincent De Paul Society; the two charities which have been the focus of Cllr Gardiner’s fundraising efforts.

Prize were found hidden in balloons, each one containing a voucher for a fabulous prize donated by local businesses including gifts from The Botanist, Real Fruit Creamery, Rose and Crown, Shamoli, Pastiche, Eastern Revive, Pizza Express, Crewe Hall, The Lambing Shed and The Courthouse. The sound of balloons popping filled the reception space and started the party atmosphere.

The Raffle proved popular and prizes included donations from Elite Health, Pete The Pilot, Knutsford Directory, Knutsford Music Festival, White Orchid, Cheshire Quality, Rohan, Midas, Roberta Beauty, Sarah Jane King Photography, Tree Tops Holistics and Beauty and the Town Mayor too.

The Live Auction raised over £500 with bidding war between guests to win beautiful prizes donated by Pulse of Perfumery and Andrew Collier Photography.

Tables were decorated with decadent candelabras and were sponsored by Packaging Automation Ltd, Golden Stitches and Elite Health. All are local Knutsford businesses and who each gave incredible support to ensure The Mayor’s Charities have the funds they need in order to support local people.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner said: “What began as inspired thought, after some very hard work became an incredibly enjoyable event with some very impressive performances and delicious food. Everyone who attended told me how much they had enjoyed the evening. I would like to thank everyone who attended or supported me in some way to make the inaugural Cabaret event such a success. “

Cllr Gardiner’s final fundraising event will be a sponsored danceathon taking place in early May.

2Mar2022

Town Mayor to host a cabaret evening

Knutsford Town Mayor, Cllr Stewart Gardiner is looking forward to his Spring Charity Cabaret which takes place on Saturday 2^nd April at The Courthouse, Knutsford. The Mayor hopes that the Cabaret will be the biggest fundraising event of his mayoral year and promises to be a fun filled evening with performances from a variety of local and national entertainers.

The Spring Cabaret will raise funds to support the Mayor’s chosen charities – the Knutsford Royal British Legion and the Knutsford St Vincent De Paul Society.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner said: “Following the success of my autumn ball, I’m hoping to increase the funds that I will be able to share between my chosen charities. The Cabaret will be an opportunity for everyone to experience a variety of entertainment whilst enjoying dinner in the historic courthouse. Please accept this as my invitation to each you all to come along and join what will hopefully be a highlight of this year’s social calendar.

Tickets are available for the night at £50 per person for a delicious 2-course meal, and all the evening’s entertainment. To book your place you can contact the Civic Events Officer Michelle Bate as soon as possible before 7^th March on 01565 653929 or email michelle.bate@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

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

18Feb2022

Mayor plants tree for Platinum Jubilee

The 70^th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was marked in Knutsford on Sunday 5^th February with the Town Mayor and councillors planting a commemorative tree at the Council Offices.

Town Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner was joined by councillors and residents at a small ceremony on the day marking 70 years since HM The Queen took the throne. This marked the first act ahead of the official celebrations in June.

The council chose a Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ tree to celebrate the occasion. The tree will blossom with clear pale primrose yellow, fragrant cup-shaped flowers between April and May each year – covering the period of HM The Queen’s birthday.

The national celebrations of the jubilee take place over a four-day bank holiday weekend from 2^nd to 5^th June. The Town Council is organising a beacon lighting as part of beacon lighting across the nation on Thursday 2^nd June whilst Knutsford Lions will be hosting a Jubilee Fair on the Heath on Friday 3^rd June.

The 2012 Diamond Jubilee saw a specially commissioned arch installed at the Library Gardens and for the Platinum Jubilee the council is discussing holding a competition for children to design a new piece of public art. The Town Mayor will also be offering to plant a jubilee tree at each school in Knutsford ahead of the half term break.

15Dec2021

Over £300 raised at cinema night

The Mayor of Knutsford’s Charity Screening of Bridget Jones’s Diary was a fantastic success raising over £300 for the Mayor’s chosen charities, The Knutsford Branch of the Royal British Legion and The Knutsford Branch of The St Vincent de Paul Society.

The event, which took place on Wednesday 8th December, was hosted by the Curzon Knutsford and attended by 33 guests who were treated to an exclusive screening with wine and popcorn. The winners of the raffle prizes went home with goodies including an M&S Voucher, Wine, Chocolates and a Monet Bracelet.

Town Mayor, Cllr Stewart Gardiner said “from the raucous laughter of the audience, I clearly picked a winner when choosing to host the screening of Bridget Jones’ Diary. The seasonal ending added to the atmosphere of the experience. Thank you to all that supported the evening. We are hoping to reprise the experience in the spring”.

19Nov2021

Charity Screening of Bridget Jones’s Diary

The Mayor of Knutsford is inviting you to join him for special screening of the 2001 ‘hilarious blockbuster’ Bridget Jones’s Diary hosted by The Curzon.

The evening will help raise funds for his chosen charities, the Knutsford branches of the Royal British Legion and St Vincent de Paul Society and takes place from 6pm on Wednesday 8^th December.

“This iconic film has something for everyone; laughter and tears with a sprinkling of seasonal festiveness” said Town Mayor, Cllr Stewart Gardiner.

“Even if you’ve seen it before its worth another viewing and on this occasion you can enjoy the film after a glass of wine and help me raise money for my chosen local charities, so bring your friends and enjoy a pre-Christmas a mid-week night out and in the name of a good cause”

Tickets are £15 which includes a glass of wine on arrival, popcorn and one entry into the raffle where a selection of great prizes can be won. To secure your tickets contact Michelle Bate, Civic Events Officer on 01565 653929 or email michelle.bate@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

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

22Oct2021

Mayor’s Autumn Ball raises £3,000

On Saturday 9^th October the Mayor of Knutsford welcomed over 100 guests to his Charity Ball at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa. The evening was a fantastic success and a combination of sponsorship, tickets sales, prize balloons, silent auction, and raffle ticket sales has raised over £3,000 for the Mayor’s local charities: The Knutsford and District Branch of The Royal British Legion and the Knutsford Branch of The St Vincent De Paul Society.

Guests were welcomed by the RAF Air Cadet band playing on their arrival, before a red carpet entrance where they were greeted by The Mayor and his consort, Mr Simon Hutchence.

Local business owner, Tessa Carrol provided the photography for the evening and DJ Steve Lewis from ICE Entertainment made sure everyone had a great time on the dancefloor. Guests were also entertained by the fantastic Funtime Frankies band who gave everyone the opportunity to dance , which for some, was the first time back on the dancefloor in a long time.

Prize vouchers were found hidden in balloons, each one containing a voucher for a fabulous prize donated by local businesses and residents including gifts from Evuna, The Bears Paw, AutoDen Knutsford, Roberta Beauty, Curzon Cinema, Cranford Café, Pizza Express Knutsford, Diamond Nails, Fryers Roses, Kanoa Living, Sandra Gardiner, PR Jones Jewellers and Hal Whittaker. The sound of balloons popping filled the reception space and started the party atmosphere.

The Raffle proved popular and prizes included donations from The Mere, Elite Health, Gusto Knutsford, Sarah Jane King Photography, Woods Butchers, Courtyard Coffee House, Tree Tops Holistics and Beauty, Cheshire House, Olivia Hunter, and Mid Cheshire Rail Partnership.

A game of Heads or Tails in between courses made for a fun 5 minutes of fundraising with the winning guest winning a voucher from White Orchid Floral Boutique.

The Live and Silent Auctions raised a great amount of money and there was a bidding war between guest to win prizes donated by King and Allen, Cheshire Quality, Pulse of Perfumery, The Lambing Shed, Lloyd Hall Bespoke Tailors, Andrew Collier Photography and Wendy Diddams Optometrist.

Tables were decorated by Knutsford Bloom and were sponsored by Apus Peak, Packaging Automation Ltd, Pete the Pilot, Sheldons Dairy, Cheshire Quality and Elite Health who each gave incredible support.

Michelle Bate, Civic Events Officer said: “The ball has been a great fundraising success raising an impressive £3,000 after what has been a tremendously difficult year for many. 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 fantastic!”

26Aug2021

Front Garden Competition 2021 Winners

The winners are in for Knutsford Town Council’s annual Front Garden Competition and, the children’s competition for best decorated Plant Pot!

The annual summer competition is part of the town’s wider ‘In Bloom’ efforts which have seen Knutsford awarded Gold in the Northwest in Bloom competition since 2016. Residents were encouraged to nominate front gardens worthy of recognition – whether their own, a neighbour’s or a stranger’s.

This year the competition was extended to include children and young people with their own competition for the Best Plant Pot, encouraging them to decorate their own pot and choose what to plant in it. The competition was sponsored by T & S Riley Nursery and Fryers Garden Centre.

A judging panel of the Town Mayor, Chair of Knutsford in Bloom and representatives of the sponsors met to review the entries and were set the hard task of choosing the winners.

“It was a pleasure to be involved with the competition and I feel we came to a good decision with regard to the placements” said Sandra Riley of T & S Riley.

Tania Simpson, General Manager of Fryers added “On behalf of Fryers, Blue Diamond we are very pleased to be involved and supporting our local community, Knutsford, with judging such a relative and creative competition, so thank you for involving us.”

The winner of the 2021 Front Garden competition was Jackie Edwards of Grove Park who was awarded £100 of gardening vouchers from the sponsors, 2^nd place went to George Walton of Blackhill Lane who received £80 of vouchers with 3^rd place went to David Coppack & Madelin Brooks of Chelford Road who have £60 of vouchers to spend.

Town Mayor presents a certificate — George Walton, 2nd Place

Town Mayor with the 3rd place winners in a garden — David and Madelin Brooks, 3rd Place

Town Mayor, Cllr Stewart Gardiner said: “I was very impressed by the high standard of green fingered talent that we have in the town and the artistic quality of the garden competition entries. It was a tough decision to choose the 3 winners, they really did extremely well. I would like to thank our sponsors Fryers Garden Centre and T & S Riley for their contribution to the judging and providing the prizes for our winners and I was pleased to meet the recipients to award their certificates and prizes.”

There were five winners in the Best Plant Pot Competition, with a £20 voucher being awarded to Edward, Ebony, Mya and Oscar Howard and Eliza Buxton.

Town Mayor with a group of children holding plant pots — The Howard Family

Town Mayor holding an umbrella with the manager of Fryers also holding an umbrella presenting a certificate to a child in its mother's arms stood in a doorway — Eliza Buxton

“The children’s entries were inspiring, and I hope that their contribution to the competition will continue to encourage their love of gardening.” Cllr Gardiner added.

23Jul2021

Cemetery Chapel Reopens following Refurbishment

Knutsford’s 120-year-old cemetery chapel was officially reopened on Thursday 22^nd July by Town Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner following an extensive refurbishment by Knutsford Town Council.

In stark contrast to the thick snow in which the chapel was first opened in December 1901, Cllr Gardiner cut the ribbon at a small ceremony in hot sunshine, inviting local clergy, funeral directors and special guests to enter the Grade II listed building to see the transformation.

The chapel was built as part of creating a new cemetery for Knutsford at the start of the 20^th century and until 1974 was administered by the Knutsford Urban District Council. Following local government reorganisation in 1974 the chapel and cemetery were run by Macclesfield Borough Council, although the new Town Council retained ownership.

Cheshire East Council handed the building back to Knutsford Town Council in 2016 in a poor condition. A structural survey highlighted £52,000 of essential structural maintenance and the building was visibly tired with peeling paintwork, stained floors and cracking plaster. The Town Council secured the £52,000 needed to undertake the work to the Grade II listed building from Cheshire East Council but set its aspirations higher to undertake a full refurbishment and bring the chapel back into active use.

BEFORE

AFTER

The total refurbishment programme included the installation of new water and electricity supplies, the creation of a kitchenette and accessible toilet in the anterooms and a thorough redecoration including repointing, stonework repairs, replastering, sanding and varnishing the parquet flooring and installing new heating. Various repairs were undertaken to structural beams, gutters and drainpipes and a new glass door was installed to the front. The majority of the old pews were removed to create a more flexible space with new lighting installed alongside fire and intruder alarms and a new septic tank. The total cost of the renovations, including professional fees, was £145,000 with the £93,000 balance being drawn from the proceeds of the sale of the Cemetery Lodge in 2018.

The chapel is available to hire for funerals and other suitable uses including remembrance services, community meetings and appropriate activities. The chapel will be routinely open for visitors to the cemetery for quietly reflection.

Cllr Jan Nicholson, who oversaw the project as part of the Cemetery working group said “After many years of neglect, I am absolutely delighted with the refurbishment of the Cemetery Chapel, a project instigated by my late husband Clive and I am looking forward to seeing the chapel used by the community of Knutsford.”

“Over several years our working group has toiled many hours to achieve and restore this wonderful chapel.”

During the works the council discovered the damaged remains of the original weathervane stored in the tower and is now exploring having this refurbished and reinstalled alongside the restoration and reinstallation of the chapel bell.

For information on hiring the chapel please see the Cemetery Chapel page

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