TIME stood still at Knutsford Heritage Centre on September 23 as volunteers and guests turned out to celebrate the centre’s 25thanniversary.

To mark the momentous occasion, a 2014 time capsule with various items important to Knutsford, including a 150th May Day programme, a copy of Knutsford Guardian, Knutsford Heritage Centre memorabilia and the Town Guide, was buried in the grounds.

Lord Ashbrook, of Arley Hall, and Chris Henretty, chairman of Knutsford Heritage Centre, did the honours of lowering the time capsule during the centre’s quarter of a century anniversary celebrations last Tuesday.

“It was a wonderful evening and everybody enjoyed themselves,” said volunteer Val Bryant.

“Everyone has come back and said what a lovely evening it was. I think it did a lot of good in helping to promote the centre and what we do here.

“A huge thank you to Don Giovanni for wine and canapés.”

As well as the celebration event last week, volunteers also created a special display charting the centre’s growth and development over the years.

Children were asked to design bunting to decorate the display, with the three best designs buried with the rest of the time capsule contents.

Evie I’Anson took first place, Daisy Mabbott, came second, and Rein Crawford came a close third. The three winners also received sweets from King Street store, The Candy Workshop, for their efforts.

Now as the celebrations wind down, trustees and volunteers have their focus firmly on the future.

Diane Lomax, Knutsford Heritage Centre trustee, said: “The 25 year anniversary is of great importance and in addition to this being a huge milestone for the centre, it also marks the starting point for its future.

“With valued support from our landlords, Tatton Estate Management, we are planning to develop the centre further and look forward to working with partners including Knutsford Town Council.”

  • TV presenter Diane Oxberry visited the Heritage Centre before Tuesday event to film yesterday's episode of BBC's Inside Out North West.  The centre, along with other familar Knutsford sights, feature briefly in the programme.  

  The episode, which also explores the newly-restored Manchester home of Elizabeth Gaskell, is available on BBC iPlayer until the end of the week.  Click here to watch.