Cheshire Independent Issue 202

9 JUNE 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk SAT 13 SEP 7.30PM BOOK : 0161 477 7779* STOCKPORTPLAZA.CO.UK* BOOKING FEE APPLIES * SCAN & BOOK CONGLETON’S town mayor Kay Wesley pre- sented a ‘High Street Award’ to a business celebrating 50 years serving the community. Jantex Furnishings received the honour in rec- ognition of its long-service as a retailer. Established in 1975, it was named after current proprietor Janet McDon- ough, who has worked in the business for 40 years. Janet said: “We are thrilled to receive this award on our 50th birth- day, and proud to have remained an independent company, providing excel- lent customer service for all these years. “We are not quite on the High Street, but we are certainly not ‘out of town’ as our business is in the beautiful Grade II listed Salford Mill, in the centre of Congleton.” Outgoing mayor Kay Wesley said: “The idea is to recognise businesses who have stayed in Congleton town centre through thick and thin, even as so much shopping is going online or out-of-town. “Especially during the Covid years it was tough for high-street shops, so we wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ to those who still provide a local, walk-in service for our Congleton residents, and keep the town centre alive. “Like many local peo- ple, I have shopped at Jantex and always been delighted with the quality and service. “I hope this scheme will shine a light on the fact that you don’t need to go to Manchester or Stoke, or even Amazon, to get fab- ulous products and great customer service. It is all right here in Congleton.” WILMSLOW ’ S 2025 community champi- ons have been officially recognised at a special awards ceremony. Outgoing town mayor Tim Higgins presented ten awards to this year’s winners at the event held at Wilmslow United Reformed Church. The awards recognise and thank the valuable work carried in the community by individuals. Wilmslow Town Council received 40 nominations for the awards – each one Half a century of service is recognised Presentation: Mayor KayWesley presenting the award to the Jantex team Champions’ work that makes a difference Just champion: This year’s winners with the mayor (Photo credit: Wilmslow Town Council) ! Outstanding Contribution toYouthDevelopment: Angela Ross (7thWilmslow Guides) ! Outstanding Contribution to CharityWork: David Cash (WilmslowWells for Africa) ! Outstanding Contribution toWilmslow’s Natural Environment: Sue Worthington (Wilmslow In Bloom) ! Community Organisation of theYear: Friends of LindowMoss (award accepted by Co-Chair, Gary Parker) ! Outstanding Service to Community Groups: ChrisMcClory (Wilmslow CivicTrust, The Green RoomTheatre, Transition WilmslowRepair Café, Chapel Lane‘Love the Lane’ events, the Rex Revival Group andmore) ! Outstanding Contribution to a Local Neighbourhood Area: Julie Dawn Potts (Chapel Lane‘Love the Lane’) ! Outstanding Contribution to Community Sports: Jim Lethbridge (Handforth, Wilmslowand Alderley Athletics Club) ! Outstanding Contribution to a School Community: Michael Hulse (Wilmslow High School) ! Outstanding Contribution to Community Events: MiraculousMeliza (Circus fun) ! Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution toWilmslow: Helen Battilana (Wilmslow Wells for Africa, Transition Wilmslow,Wilmslow CleanTeam, Cycle Wilmslow, Friends of LindowMoss,Wilmslow Historical Society and WilmslowCharity Christmas Card Shop) THE ROLL OF HONOUR highlighting someone mak- ing a meaningful difference in the community. Councillor Higgins said: “It was a real privilege to present this year’s Commu- nity Awards and to recog- nise the individuals who go above and beyond to make Wilmslow such a vibrant and caring place to live. “We’re incredibly grateful to all ten award recipients, and to everyone who was nominated, for the inval- uable work they do within our community. “Now in its second year, this award programme con- tinues to highlight the ded- ication and spirit that make Wilmslow so special.”