KNUTSFORD HERITAGE CENTRE!
SPRING 2017
NEWSLETTER
Produced by, and on behalf of, the Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre
FEBRUARY FORUM 2017
This year’s series of enjoyable and informative talks started with Professor John Prag, who explained how the
discovery of a Bronze Age wooden shovel and a hoard of Roman coins led to a 20 year project looking at the unique
landscape of Alderley Edge, and the growth of the village, especially after the arrival of the railway. John Prag was
the co-ordinator, and the research of several experts, with support from Manchester Museum, has been compiled
into a weighty hardback book entitled ‘Alderley Edge Landscape Project: From Sleeping King to Cotton Kings’ .
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The second talk was by Audrey Young, Chairman of Knutsford Historical Society, who shared with us her
research on Miss Winifred Comber, born in Knutsford in 1895. She was a keen traveller and photographer and her
photos were used for covers of Cheshire Life in the 1930s. At the same time she was writing a monthly WI column
for the magazine. We enjoyed a slide show of Winifred’s photos and saw images of Doddington castle near
Bridgemere, Anglo-Saxon crosses at Sandbach, the Norman chapel in Prestbury churchyard, alongside scenes of
people at work, such as peat-cutting at Lindow and a blacksmith shoeing at Sandlebridge. Comber Way in
Knutsford is named after this indomitable lady.
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Week three saw Knutsfordian Tony Leadbeater talking about his great grandfather, Henry Pemberton, a
builder who was responsible for over 100 houses and public buildings in Knutsford at the start of the 20th C. These
ranged from terraced houses, such as those in Middle Walk, to large detached properties such as the former Kilrie.
He also built extensively for Lord Egerton and local business man Tommy Beswick. Henry had 12 children, most of
whom benefited from the 49 properties he left to them in his will. Tony amused us with some vivid recollections of
his grandparents and various aunts, uncles and cousins, along with several interesting photos.
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Our final talk was entitled ‘Knutsford Past and Present’ and was a journey through Knutsford's history from
the time of King Cnut (who some think gave his name to the town) up to the present day. David Bryant gave a wellresearched presentation, including old photos and documents form the Centre’s archives along with modern photos
of his own. He explained how Knutsford prospered despite having no major industries. There were small silk and
cotton mills, but the town’s importance came from being on a major coaching route, providing services for the
surrounding wealthy estates, the holding of the Quarter Sessions and the popularity of the racecourse.
THANKS TO THE FRIENDS
The Friends of the Heritage Centre
recently purchased a new
cash register for the Centre’s shop.
The old till had been giving
problems and was well out of
date. The new one will enable us
to keep better records of sales
and separate income streams.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2016
Events
Most of the Centre’s events this year were linked to Canute. They included the Big Viking Weekend with themed ac>vi>es, and demonstra>ons by Viking re-­‐enactment friends, Liz & ScoF.
They also brought along their Viking Boat for the May Day procession. In July the Heritage Centre linked with TaFon Garden Society to create a garden at the RHS show depic>ng Canute !
THE SHOP
The volunteers love an excuse
to use the new till! So come
along and make our day!
There’s something for everyone among our extensive
range of books, cards, local
souvenirs & gifts. All profits go
towards the running of the Centre.
fording the River Lily. This won a Silver Medal and the wicker model of Canute is now a feature of the Centre’s garden. During Heritage Open Days Val B., the Centre’s curator, gave talks on King Canute.
October 18th was the anniversary of Canute becoming King of all England and on that day the Danish Ambassador, Claus Grube, visited Knutsford with his wife and enjoyed a guided walk round the town, a visit to the Canute exhibi>on and Millennium Tapestry and a meal at Gusto with 70 guests. (continued on P2)
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KNUTSFORD HERITAGE CENTRE!
(continued from P1)
Other events included stalls for the Lions Street Fair in May and one on the Heath during the Tour of Britain cycle race. The surprise guest at the ‘Big Draw’ fes>val was Ruby Barnhill, who featured in the film ‘ The Big Friendly Giant’.
Exhibi+ons
2016 was a busy year. In February we had Caldwell’s Nurseries exhibi>on. This was followed by our big exhibi>on ‘Canute: Viking Warrior and English King’ to celebrate the Canute Millennial.
SPRING 2017
Walks & talks
Thanks to the commitment of the volunteers involved, about 244 visitors were shown round the town or enjoyed tapestry talks. In addi>on 52 scouts and guides took walks, one of which was a new, specially requested ghost walk in mid-­‐October. Website
This year George, a new volunteer, has taken on the role of liaising with the Team Leaders and forwarding content to our website designers. As a result our website is always up to date and reflects the Archives
current ac>vi>es going on in and around During 2016 Vivien, our archivist, the Heritage Centre.
con>nued accessioning and cataloguing the items in our archives and collec>ons. Friends
This year she has undertaken research The Friends commiFee has con>nued to into H. ChaFels & Co, Caldwell and sons, organise events and raise money for the Major Henry Hill and more, to add to the Centre. Dona>ons this year have include a photos and documents in the archives. At projector stand, preserva>on materials the monthly Volunteers’ mee>ng she for the archives, a new Burco boiler and a discusses some of her work to give new printer and other IT accessories. everyone an insight into the documents Events have included a meal out in held and the stories they tell.
January, a 6th successful February Forum, a wine tas>ng, an ou>ng to the Anderton boat lib and the annual quiz night in November. The AGM was held in October when the serving officers were re-­‐elected. Membership stands at 87, including 11 honorary members.
Educa+on/Schools
The Schools wri>ng compe>>on has been running for five years now and this year six local schools entered. Thanks go to Waterstones and Mr Simms for dona>ng the prizes. Val D. has stepped down as the organiser and if there is anyone with educa>onal experience who would consider volunteering to further develop this compe>>on and encourage links with local schools this would be good.
Garden
Our outdoor space is a real asset to the Centre and much appreciated by our visitors. Spring>me brought a dazzling display from the pink camellia, summer was notable for the deep red pelar-­‐
goniums and fuchsias, and michaelmas daisies brightened up the autumn.
ANNUAL QUIZ EVENING
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The 9th annual Friends of the Heritage Centre fund-­‐raising quiz night was held at Toft Cricket Club on Nov 21st. The quiz was hosted by committee members, Mary & Wendy, and 58 brain-­‐storming individuals formed ten teams to try to win Iirst prize. The winning team was ‘The End of the Road’ …. a happy ending for them, as it turned out!
A two-­‐course supper was provided by Jane & Steve of ‘Foodies’. Plans are already under way for the 2017 quiz which will see a completely new team of compilers and presenters! T h a n k s t o t h e m a l l fo r stepping forward, as this event is an important part of the Friends’ fund-­‐raising and social calendar.
ARIGHI BIANCHI
The Friends’ next outing will be a guided tour of the iconic
Arighi Bianchi building at Macclesfield on April 27th.
The business was founded in 1854 and is housed in a Grade II*
listed building in Macclesfield. Its cast iron and glass frontage was
inspired by Paxton’s Crystal Palace of 1851, and was the work of
local builder George Roylance.
Our visit will start with tea/coffee and scones at 4.30, after
which Nick Bianchi will talk about the family, the business and
their GradeII* listed building. Cost: Friends £9, Guests £10
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KNUTSFORD HERITAGE CENTRE!
SPRING 2017
A GUIDE’S STORY
BITS & PIECES
(by George. W)
NEW GARDEN VOLUNTEER
Having re>red in the summer of 2015, I decided to take part in an event that I had never had the >me to do before …. take a walking tour of Knutsford, where I have been living for the last 14 years. Cakes and tray-­‐bakes have been an important part of my daily life, so turning up to go on the ‘ Trails, Tales and Teashops’ walking tour seemed to fit the bill! Alas, the teashops had ‘closed’, but such was the enthusiasm of my tour guide that I was ‘hooked’, and upon my return to the Heritage Centre I registered my interest in being a volunteer guide.
Time moved on to the following summer and an interview with tour guide leader Caroline beckoned. Would I pass the test? Would my northern Irish accent be suitable for the ears of the genteel clientele? Aber a couple of training runs (walks) I was accepted onto the rota, and my first solo flight loomed up on a summer Friday. Having built up my confidence and steadied my nerves, I strode confidently into the Heritage Centre with >me for another script rehearsal before the clock struck 2pm. Then …. nobody turned up to go! Tragedy!
My first real proper tour turned out to be ‘Cranford and Elizabeth Gaskell’, escor>ng a tour group combining English and German speaking visitors. So with a spring in my step I launched forward up Heritage Way, and never looked back. Some of the group were Elizabeth Gaskell enthusiasts; one visitor was able to translate for me (which helped … my German course at night class being insufficient to translate 19th century goings-­‐on in our lovely town.)
All is well that ends well, when some 70 minutes later I escorted my group safely back to the bosom of the Centre and on to their tour bus. Thereaber a welcome cup of tea was placed before me, and the rest (as they say) is history!
We are delighted to welcome Gail as the
new Garden Team Leader She is looking
forward to working with the garden
volunteers to maintain the ‘cottage
garden’ feel of our award-winning
courtyard gardens. When you are passing,
do pop in and see how things are
growing!
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“IT WAS OUTSTANDING.”
This was one of the comments from year
5 at Egerton Primary School after the
children had been taken on a guided walk
by two of the Centre’s experienced
guides. They also commented that “The
tour guide was so interesting” and the
only negative comment was that they
wanted it to last longer!
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NEW JIGSAWS
Are you a jigsaw fan? We now have a
new 1000 piece souvenir jigsaw of the
tapestry featuring key scenes, such as
Elizabeth Gaskell’s house, May Day on
the Heath and a King Street panorama.
COULD YOU BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT THE HERITAGE CENTRE?
George’s story shows one of the many roles for volunteers at the Centre. We welcome all volunteers, whatever you have to offer, but we are par>cularly looking for someone with teaching experience, or an interest in educa>on, to help develop links with the local schools. We consider it extremely valuable for children to be encouraged to take an interest in their local area and its history.
We are also looking for a volunteer to co-­‐ordinate an oral history project, interviewing local residents and recording their memories of Knutsford. If you are interested in these or other volunteering roles, please contact the Centre. .
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George enjoys a welcome cuppa after his tour of Knutsford. If you’d like a guided
walk round Knutsford with George or one of our other volunteers just call at the
Heritage Centre any Friday between June and October at 2pm for a ‘Turn up and
Go’ walking tour of the town. Cost is £5
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KNUTSFORD HERITAGE CENTRE!
SPRING 2017
A KIND OLD KING
Last autumn term a story-writing competition was held for local
school children. As we were celebrating all things ‘Canute’ the
children were asked to choose Vikings and King Canute as their
theme. Below is an excerpt from one of the winning entries, by
Tyger Parrish of Egerton school.
There once was a man called King Canute.
He was a kind old man and wise to boot.
With his army of Vikings he was a man who lead.
They came from Denmark where they had fled.
He arrived in England to become the king.
Now listen to my story because this is the thing.
It was 1016 when he came ashore
With hundreds of ships and men for war.
He had 10,000 men in his army
And all of them thought he was barmy.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
AND EXHIBITIONS
HERITAGE CENTRE AGM
Tuesday, March 21 at 7pm
Followed by
“Delve into your Past”
by Joan Irving of
Cheshire Family History Society
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WELCOME DAYS
21st - 22nd April
11am - 4pm
King Canute was old and wise
With a big grey beard and dark brown eyes.
Viking King Canute the great
When going to fight he was never late.
Everyone thought he was rather silly
But he was smart and discovered River Lily.
River Lily, you ask, where is that?
It’s near the park in Knutsford where people chat.
If you want to know what your local
Heritage Centre is all about then
come along to one of our
Welcome Days.
Discover our treasures, such as the
amazing Millennium Tapestry and
Lady Jane Stanley’s sedan chair.
Find out what we do and talk
with our experienced
Team Leaders.
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LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL
CENTENARY 2017
Exhibition in Garden Gallery
28 March - 4 June
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TODAY’S BUSINESSES ARE
TOMORROW’S HERITAGE
Exhibition in Garden Gallery
20 June - 16 December
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Knutsford Heritage Centre, 90A King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6ED Tel:01565 650506 www.knutsfordheritage.co.uk email:[email protected]
Reg Charity No. 107691
Opening times: Summer: Tuesday-­‐Saturday 11am -­‐ 4pm, Sunday 2pm -­‐ 5pm Winter: Tuesday -­‐ Saturday 11am -­‐ 4pm
Open most Bank Holidays 2pm -­‐ 5pm
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