Winners of the 2024 Town Awards announced

The Knutsford community celebrated its town heroes on Tuesday (23rd April) at the annual Town Awards.

The Town Awards is an annual ceremony aiming to recognise those in the Knutsford community who work to make the town a better place for all, it is led by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business.

The award ceremony took place at Knutsford Little Theatre, with Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business, announcing the winners of the 2024 awards.

The first award went to Maya Chudley, who took home the Youth Award. Maya, who is also known as “Peppermint the Elf”, accompanies Santa around town each year with We Are Knutsford and also serves as an art ambassador in a junior school and supports organisations such as CAFT with their activities.

The Community Award shield was presented to Knutsford and District Good Neighbours. Whilst many of us may take for granted the ease in which we can travel to attend medical appointments for many people this can be a great challenge – whether that is accessing an appointment in Knutsford, Macclesfield or further afield. The Good Neighbours scheme are there to support those who cannot make this journey alone.

Retiring Knutsford Heritage Centre manager Val Bryant was “left speechless” after being presented with a special award for her Outstanding Contribution to the Heritage of Knutsford, to thank her on behalf of the whole town for her work with the centre over the last 17 years over which time she prevented its closure and ensured the preservation of the Millennium Tapestry.

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 Andrew Mallow, recognising his leading role in the community having stood down in 2023 after 12 years as a town councillor, having founded the hugely popular Knutsford Beer Festival which has raised over £50,000 for local charities and 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. Ann and John have supported Just Drop In, the specialist youth mental health service in the town centre. They kindly provide the charity with free accommodation and have been promoting, supporting and fundraising for the charity to ensure its success in the town.

Maggie Clayton – a long serving volunteer at The Welcome who is there two days every week without fail was shortlisted for an award back in 2021 and took home the final Civic Award of 2024. One of her glowing nominations said “The Welcome would not be the same without Maggie, and we all absolutely love her.

The 2023 Business Award was presented to Roberta Dyer. Roberta has been trading in Knutsford since 2008 and epitomises the adage 'if you want something done ask a busy person'. Roberta is often first to volunteer to support the business community events and initiatives and has been a staunch supporter and welcomer of new businesses to the town.

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 2024 award going to Nicola Marshall for outstanding leadership of Knutsford Together and helping people in Knutsford find the help they need in difficult times. 

Speaking at the awards, Town Mayor Cllr Peter 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”.

Nominations for the 2025 Town Awards will open in January 2025 and residents are encouraged to make note of those in the community they feel deserve recognition next year.

Pictured - Left to Right - Nicola Marshall, Doug Baker from Knutsford & District Good neighbours, Val Byrant, Cllr Peter Coan, Maya Chudley, Roberta Dyer, Ian Cass, Maggie Clayton, John Long, Ann Long and Andrew Malloy.