The Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre was set up in September 2007 to provide financial support for the Centre. Its aim is to raise funds for varied Heritage Centre projects responding to requests from the Trustees on what its most pressing needs are. It has purchased a much needed autofill water boiler, funded the rebinding of some rare books in the archives, and many other essential items needed to move the Centre forward.

Currently we have around 60 members. Joining the Friends is a great way to support the work of Knutsford Heritage Centre and at the same time enjoy a calendar of social events. We have four main seasonal fund raising events a year. A regular newsletter is published. The Friends are members of the British Association of Friends of Museums (BAFM). If you are interested in joining the committee, please call 01565 650506.

If you would like to become a member of the Friends, you can download and complete our application form.

Who are the friends?

They are individuals and families who care about Knutsford and its rich heritage. They share its aims to preserve, protect and promote the historic past of the town.

By joining the Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre, members can play an important role in conserving the cultural heritage of Knutsford for future generations.

What do the friends do?

The Friends provide valuable support in the form of an annual subscription, and by organising or supporting fund-raising events. All monies received go towards the enhancement of the Centre.

As a friend you will receive:

• A regular newsletter
• Advance notice of forthcoming events
• 10% discount on ticket price for Heritage Centre and Friends events

Friends Events

The Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre organise fund-raising events to enable the Centre to buy equipment or generally enhance the visitor experience, so do come along and support us.

5^th Annual ‘Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre’ Quiz Night

This was held on Nov 23^rdat Toft Cricket Club and was hosted as usual by Mary & Val, two of the Committee Members.

The theme was KNUTSFORD 2012 and teams were encouraged to show their fitness and competitive spirit …. much as the teams we saw competing in the London 2012 Olympics!

Twelve teams took part and the winning team was The Crafty Canuters who won three bottles of exclusively labelled wine.

An auction was held for a donated bottle of superb single malt whisky and the proceeds from that and the raffle have enabled the Friends to buy a new garden bench for the lower courtyard.

The annual subscription is
Adult: £10.00 per year
Joint: £15.00 per year

For ease of administration, our subscriptions are renewable in September each year. Anyone joining between April and August need only pay £5 (£7.50 joint) for this part year. The full subscription will be due in September.

Cheques should be sent to 'The Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre'

Contact us at friends@knusfordheritage.co.uk

We are always glad of help from the Friends. Please telephone us on 01565 650506 or email us at friends@knutsfordheritage.co.uk if you are able to offer any of the following:

• Raffle prize donation
• Give a talk or demonstration
• Help with baking and/or catering
• Display/deliver publicity material
• Help organise a fund-raising event
• Contribute an article to the newsletter
• Give occasional help at an event (i.e. stewarding, collecting tickets)
• Particular skills, interests, experience or useful contacts that you feel could benefit the Heritage Centre
• Any suggestions for events/functions/activities you would like to see organised

February Forum 2013

The February Forum was once again a great success.

David Bryant, a Heritage Centre volunteer, Friend and member of the Cheshire Guild of Woodturners, gave a fascinating talk on countrychairs and bought along several of his own making.

Alan Oakes, a room steward and guide at Tatton Hall, impressed us with his in-depth knowledge of Tatton and how it was used for the filming of the Brideshead TV series.

David Waters, a BBC assistant producer, gave a very entertaining insight into his work behind the scenes, with particular reference to his role on Songs of Praise and Blue Peter.

Diana Stenson, a Heritage Centre volunteer, guide and Friend, gave a ‘virtual tour’ of ‘Cranford’. Diana focused on venues in the town that linked with the characters in the book or to Mrs Gaskell’s actual life.

2013 Future Events 

Wednesday 12 June   

A visit to Peover Hall for Friends and volunteers

Tuesday 29 October                

AGM 

Friday 22 November   

“An Evening at the Heritage Arms”, in conjunction with Tatton Brewery, with a guest folk and country singer.