Knutsford community heroes honoured at annual awards ceremony

Knutsford Mayor Cllr Peter Coan told winners of the annual Town Awards they should ‘feel great pride for making a difference’.

The awards recognise people in the Knutsford community who work to make the town a better place for all.

READ > Knutsford police clock 21 drivers speeding on Chester Road

Knutsford Town Council hosted the event, sponsored by the Forum of Private Business.

The ceremony was held at Knutsford Little Theatre, with mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Ian Cass, managing director of the Forum of Private Business, announcing the winners of the 2024 awards.

Cllr Coan said: “This evening is a celebration not just of our winners, but of all those nominated and shortlisted.

“Each of those nominated should feel great pride that there are people in this town that see you, who see what you do and who value the work you do and the difference you make to Knutsford.

“To those who walk away with an award, I would like to convey the sincere gratitude of Knutsford Town Council to you for the work you do”.

The Youth Award went to Maya Chudley, known as ‘Peppermint the Elf’, who accompanies Santa around town each year with We Are Knutsford.

From left, Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business and mayor Cllr Peter Coan present the Youth Award to Maya Chudley (Image: Gemma Pepper of Creative Captures MCR)

She also serves as an art ambassador in a junior school and supports organisations such as The Childrens’ Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) with their activities.

The Community Award shield was presented to Knutsford and District Good Neighbours.

From left, Ian Cass, mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Doug Baker, from Knutsford & District Good Neighbours who won the Community Award (Image: Gemma Pepper of Creative Captures MCR)

The Good Neighbours scheme accompanies people who are unable to travel to attend medical appointments in Knutsford or further afield.

Retiring Knutsford Heritage Centre manager Val Bryant was ‘left speechless’ after being presented with a special award for her outstanding contribution to the town’s heritage.

Mayor Cllr Peter Coan congratulates Val Bryant, who won the Special Award (Image: Gemma Pepper of Creative Captures MCR)

Val was thanked for her work over the last 17 years, during which time she saved the centre from closing and ensured the preservation of the Millennium Tapestry.

Three recipients received a Civic Award, which goes to individuals or groups of individuals who work to make Knutsford a better place.

The first award went to Andrew Malloy, recognising his leading role in the community having stood down last year after 12 years as a town councillor.

From left, Ian Cass, mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Andrew Malloy, who won a Civic Award (Image: Gemma Pepper of Creative Captures MCR)

Andrew founded Knutsford Beer Festival, which has raised more than £50,000 for local charities.

He was also commended for his support, leadership or involvement in a variety of community organisations from friends’ groups to the Community Rail Partnership and volunteering with East Cheshire Hospice’s annual Christmas tree collection.

The second Civic Award was awarded jointly to Ann and John Long.

From left, Ian Cass, mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Ann and John Long, who won a Civic Award (Image: Gemma Pepper of Creative Captures MCR)

This couple has supported ‘Just Drop In’, a specialist youth mental health service in the town centre.

They provide the charity with free accommodation and have been promoting, supporting and fundraising its work to ensure its success.

Maggie Clayton, a long serving volunteer at The Welcome, who works for two days every week without fail, was shortlisted for an award in 2021 and took home the final Civic Award of 2024.

From left, Ian Cass, mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Maggie Clayton who won a Civic Award (Image: Gemma Pepper of Creative Captures MCR)

One of her nominations said: “The Welcome would not be the same without Maggie and we all absolutely love her.”

The Business Award was presented to Roberta Dyer, who been trading in Knutsford since 2008 and epitomises the adage 'if you want something done ask a busy person'.

From left, Ian Cass, mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Roberta Dyer, who won the Business Award (Image: Gemma Pepper of Creative Captures MCR)

Roberta is often first to volunteer to support business community events and initiatives and has been a staunch supporter and welcomer of new businesses to the town.

The final accolade 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.

From left, Ian Cass, mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Nicola Marshall, who won the Extra Mile Award (Image: Gemma Pepper of Creative Captures MCR)

Nicola Marshall won the award this year for outstanding leadership of Knutsford Together and helping people in the town to find the help they need in difficult times.

Nominations for the 2025 Town Awards will open in January 2025 and residents are encouraged to put forward people in the community they feel deserve recognition.