Unsung community heroes honoured with awards

Residents who support groups, charities and businesses were bestowed with gongs at the eighth Town Awards organised by Knutsford Town Council.

The community was invited to nominate people during the summer.

Ian Cass, managing director of event sponsor, 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.

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"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.”

Sarah Flannery receives a Civic Award from mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner and Ian Cass, managing director of the Forum of Private Business

Duncan Jones was presented with the Youth Award, which recognises work of people aged 21 and under.

The explorer scout supports beaver and cub groups at 2nd and 5th Knutsford Scouts and received multiple nominations citing his positivity and being such a great role model for children.

Three Civic Awards were given to individuals who have worked to support the local community.

Russell Coulston was praised for his endless enthusiasm and inclusiveness in helping to reinvigorate Toft Cricket Club where he leads youth activities.

Sarah Flannery was commended for the endless hours she gives coordinating the diverse work Knutsford Hosts does and how valued she makes every individual feel.

Kevin Griffiths was thanked for his work improving the environment through a number of community organisations and projects. A long-serving member of Friends of the Heath, he played an integral role in setting up the Crosstown Community Orchard and co-leads a town wide tree mapping project.

Russell Coulston receives a Civic Award from the mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner and Ian Cass, managing director of the Forum of Private Business

Maggie Clayton from the Welcome Café, Paul Langley for Knutsford Music Festival and LOL Cheshire and Ian Robertson from Hope Central were shortlisted in this category.

Knutsford Rotary Club received the Community Award for 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.

Fresh Start Baby Bank and Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper were shortlisted.

Four businesses were shortlisted for the Business Award which recognises the support traders and shopkeepers give to the local community.

Boxed Red Marketing were nominated for creating the Knutsford High Street website.

TechnoType were cited for supporting community initiatives and events.

Dexter and Jones were congratulated for their impressive expansion.

The award went to The Tea Room in recognition of their wide involvement in community activity.

Five people were shortlisted for the Extra Mile Award, which recognises employees who go above and beyond the call of duty for the benefit of the town.

Kanoa Living receives the Knutsford Schools Award for Sustainability

Nominees included Jane Curbishley for her long service at Boots, Sandra Curties, town centre and marketing officer at Knutsford Town Council for supporting the business community throughout the pandemic, Anthony Naylor, watch manager at Knutsford Fire Station for delivering wide community support, Sarah Pownall for her efforts at the Welcome and Noey West for helping the local community at Waitrose. The award went to Anthony Naylor.

Alison Hooper, head of Egerton School presented the Knutsford Schools Award for Sustainability which recognises the achievements of local businesses in supporting the environment.

Two businesses Kanoa Living and the Bath House received the award.

Community organisations Crosstown Community Orchard, Friends of St John’s Wood and Friends of College Wood, formed in the last 12 months, gave presentations before the awards ceremony.

Town mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner announced the shortlists and winners of each category.

Nominations for the 2022 awards open in January.