Knutsford Hosts celebrate 10th anniversary at Tabley House

Knutsford Hosts, the town’s innovative community volunteering scheme, celebrated its 10th anniversary in the splendid state rooms of Tabley House, where they often help out.

The idea for this novel approach came from the London Olympics.

Knutsford Hosts mark their 10th anniversary with a special celebration at Tabley House (Image: Newsquest)

Chairman and founder Sarah Flannery said: “I was inspired by the way that the Gamesmakers of 2012 captured the public imagination.

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“I thought that Knutsford, with its brilliant community spirit, might be a great place to trial a new approach to community volunteering.

From left, Sarah Flannery, David Briggs and MP Esther McVey (Image: Newsquest)

“Fast forward a decade and the answer is a massive yes!

“Many polls would have you believe that volunteering is in decline. What’s in decline is the number of people who can commit a regular timeslot to the same charity every week.

From left, Lions representative Peter Willgoose, John Wells-Bradshaw, Paul Buttrick and Vivien Deveney (Image: Newsquest)

“But there are hundreds of people who want to give something back by donating an hour here and there and want variety.

“That’s where Knutsford Hosts steps in.

From left, Raye Brooke, Janice Fegan, Angela Hurst, Viv Fraser and Alison West (Image: Newsquest)

“We don’t ask for a minimum time commitment, just for people to be part of an ad hoc community resource.”

The response from residents willing to help has been phenomenal.

From left, Marion Downes, Sarah Flannery, Helen Baron, Bridget Knight, Clare Hildred, Diana Judd, Janice Fegan, Viv Fraser and Karen O'Neil (Image: Newsquest)

Sarah said: “By pooling our cumulative time, we have contributed more than 20,000 hours of volunteering to Knutsford, supporting just about every local charity, group and activity along the way.

From left, Dee Griffiths, Stephanie Freeman and MP Esther McVey (Image: Newsquest)

“I cannot tell you how much I value each and every host that has contributed their time to help us reach this milestone.

“Their contribution has been immense. I take my hat off to every one of them.”

In 2019, Knutsford Hosts received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their contribution to the town.

From left, Andrew Malloy, Debbie Jamison, Louise Rhodes and David Briggs (Image: Newsquest)

An afternoon tea at Tabley House, attended by hosts and Tatton MP Esther McVey, marked the charity’s achievements.

Tributes were also paid to former members who have died.

The event was funded largely by Knutsford Lions, who work closely with the hosts.

From left, Bess Rhodes, Louise Rhodes, Lesley Sneesby and Vanessa Mior (Image: Newsquest)

Sarah said: “Volunteering is a fantastically rewarding way to engage with your community and give something back to support community life.

“That’s why I am such a huge advocate of volunteering.

“I’ve seen friendships forged and community relationships strengthened.

From left, Mike Morton, Colette Clarke, Erica Goggins, Lucy Kitcher, Margaret Ellis, Helena Muskett, Louise Rhodes, Sarah Flannery, Andrew Malloy, Sonia Amos and Debbie Jamison (Image: Newsquest)

“If anyone has a little time to spare, we would be thrilled if they would donate their time to joining the Knutsford Hosts, becoming a Knutsford Lion, helping at Tabley House or any of our many other opportunities.”

Knutsford Hosts will be supporting the Town Council at the RHS Tatton Flower Show this week.