Chance to Celebrate Congleton’s 750th Charter Year

This year has been an exciting one for Congleton, full of events and activities to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the town getting its first Charter.

To celebrate the extraordinary year and recognise those who have worked hard to make the celebrations extra special, a unique Medieval Council meeting was held on Thursday 8 December at the Town Hall.

The audience, many of whom were dressed in their medieval finery were taken on a whistle stop review of 2022. The meeting featured reports from the Ale Taster, the Catch Pole and Chair of the 750-working group – Cllr David Brown.

Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Margaret Gartside said: “It’s great to see so many people here this evening joining together to reflect on the achievements and success of the phenomenal year. It’s definitely been a big and memorable occasion for us all. On behalf of the town council, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved for making the 750th charter year an extra special one for Congleton. We are lucky to have a town steeped in magnificent medieval history, full of fantastic talented people bound by the community spirit for which our town is renowned for. Finally, I would like to thank the sponsors for their kind generosity, the nine companies who sponsored the event and 32 that sponsored a heraldic banner.”

John Lindley, former Poet Laureate of Cheshire was invited to read a 750 inspired poem that he had written for the Charter year. Jo Money, Congleton Community Projects thanked all the artists and sewers who made the amazing heraldic flags to dress the town centre. Cllrs Suzy Firkin and Kay Wesley announced the winners of a Schools History Competition run by Congleton Museum. Special thanks were given to Jenny and John Unsworth for their exceptional help over the course of the year. Certificates were given to all the volunteers and sponsors.

The celebrations have included hand painted heraldic flags above shops, medieval style banners on Mountbatten Way, a ‘Beating the Bounds’ walk, ‘Medieval Festival Day’ in the park, a ‘Living History Exhibition’ and a ‘Medieval Banquet’. Benedict Goodale aka Paul Boswell was appointed Ale Taster which saw TV crews from the BBC, ITV and Channel Five descend on Congleton for filming. A beer festival is planned for next year, which will require Benedict to remain in post to share his expertise.

Documenting History Competition

Congleton Museum invited the young people of Congleton to enter the “documenting history competition”. There were 3 age categories under 8, 8-12 and over 12. Entries could be in any creative format - drawn, filmed, written.

Cllr Kay Wesley presented the under 8 category winner - Daisy Stone. The youngest competition entrant, with her fabulous picture inspired by the stocks. The runner up was Henry Proctor – for his picture of Congleton’s historic park.

Cllr Suzy Firkin presented the 8-12 category winner - Joseph Poulston for his fascinating project on Congleton Transport through the ages. The runners up were Emma Markin and Emily Van der Steen who created a fabulous video tour of Congleton. Highly Commended went to Holly Webb for her poster all about the charter year.

Cllr Kay Wesley presented the over 12 winner - Jasmine Smith. Her entry was inspired by Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy. Whilst runner up Abby Ratcliffe took inspiration from the architecture of the town hall with her detailed drawing.