Knutsford's community heroes for 2026 were celebrated at the Knutsford Town Awards last week. Organised by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business, the awards recognise and honour the Knutsford community and the individuals who collectively make Knutsford a thriving and dynamic place. Every winner was chosen from nominations submitted by local residents.
Mayor's Praise for Community Spirit
Councillor Bryan Hartley, Town Mayor, said: "The Town Awards are always a highlight because they remind us of something we don't always stop to say out loud. Knutsford is not just a beautiful town - it's a caring community. And that community is built by people like you: the volunteers, the organisers, the people who quietly get on with things, and those who step forward when something needs doing, often without expecting any recognition. So let me say this clearly - you are what makes Knutsford so Knutsford."
Community Award: Knutsford Hosts
The first award of the evening went to Knutsford Hosts, who received the Community Award. Now in their 13th year, Knutsford Hosts has become an integral part of the town's volunteering base and was recognised as a standout example of community volunteering.
Youth Award: Jackson King
Jackson King, aged 11, won the Youth Award after going on a trip with The Welcome. He told his mother he was having such a good time and decided to raise more money so that more children could enjoy trips with their families. Jackson followed through and raised more than £500 to fund day trips for other families.
Volunteer of the Year: Christine Skinner
Knutsford's Volunteer of the Year for 2026 was Christine Skinner, who volunteers with Knutsford in Bloom and the Friends of Knutsford Railway Station. Christine organises all the station maintenance volunteers who look after general upkeep and planting of flowers, and puts a huge amount of effort into planning and executing the work.
Business Award: Linden Stores
The Business Award went to Linden Stores, recognised for being a successful business that actively supports and participates in community events and supports local wellness initiatives in collaboration with organisations such as The Men's Shed and Stable Minds.
Extra Mile Award: Fergal Owens
The Extra Mile Award recognises someone who, in their paid employment, goes above and beyond for the benefit of the community. This year's award went to Knutsford Town Council's cemetery groundskeeper, Fergal Owens. Fergal was recognised for his key role in transforming the cemetery since the town council took back management, and his flexibility to maintain the cemetery, ensuring he works during the Christmas break for visiting families. He is also mindful of Mother's Day and Easter, ensuring visitors find the cemetery in good order.
Civic Awards
Three Civic Awards are presented each year - Knutsford's own MBE recognises individuals who give their time to the betterment of the community.
John Finnan
The first award went to John Finnan for his community leadership in seeking to protect land at Longridge. John has been leading local opposition to the proposed housing development at Longridge, not in opposition to housing in general, but in opposition to this specific site being developed. John has stood up for the wildlife and local amenity value of this land, emphasising that the land should never have been allocated for development. His tenacity has seen the site designated as a local wildlife site, and Cheshire East Council is considering his application to record new public rights of way. Although the development was approved by the Planning Inspectorate and may go ahead, John continues to push for openness and transparency in the process and speaks for a large part of the community who do not wish to see the development happen.
Pat Heath
The second award went to Pat Heath, a stalwart of Knutsford Lions who has worked with the organisation for more than 30 years. Pat has been a president of Knutsford Lions and was one of the first managers for the then-new Knutsford Heritage Centres. Through Knutsford Lions, Pat has supported Great Places and The Welcome, and along with other Lions, Pat has given up Christmas Day for many years to provide lunch for those who would otherwise be alone. Pat joins her husband Clive, who was presented with a Civic Award in 2015.
Frances McGhee
The final award of the evening went to Frances McGhee, trustee and secretary for Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper. Frances helped guide the charity through the Covid-19 pandemic and ensured it continued operating through the challenges the pandemic presented. She is also the liaison officer for the charity, the first contact who works with the listener and their family to get the right set-up for them to hear the newspaper each week. If an envelope isn't returned with the USB recordings, Frances contacts the listener to ensure they are OK, and if listeners have a problem with their device, it's Frances who heads out to help. Her nominee said: "Every group should have a Frances, but they cannot have ours as we value her too much."
Closing Remarks
Speaking on the night, Cllr Bryan Hartley said: "Thank you for being here. Thank you for everything you do in this town - often quietly, often without recognition, but always making a difference. Knutsford is at its very best when people come together like this, and tonight is a celebration of exactly that." The awards were organised by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business.
