In these perilous times of the cost of living crisis, and a society ever-reliant on technology, celebrating community is arguably more important than ever.

And a jovial afternoon in a town near Macclesfield has seen 11 community heroes be honoured.

Last weekend, The Mayor of Bollington, Cllr Helen Ellwood, led a Civic Parade in Bollington Cross and on to St Oswald's Parish Church for a Civic Service presided by Rev'd Nancy Goodrich.

The event, which took place on Sunday 24th September, was also an awards ceremony.

Bev Needham beams with pride as she receives her award.

The parade was accompanied by Bollington Brass Band and attended by a number of dignitaries including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Clare Haywood MBE, High Sheriff of Cheshire Dr Dennis Dunn MBE JP DL, Mayor of Cheshire East Cllr Rod Fletcher, Mayors and Chairs from around Cheshire East.

Macclesfield's David Rutley MP also attended, and gave out Civic Awards with Mayor Ellwood.

Local organisations such as the Sea Cadets, Guiding and Scouting units and Royal British Legion supported this special occasion along with Bollington Town Councillors and key people from the community.

During the Civic Service, the Town Mayor supported by David Rutley, presented Community Awards to eleven individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in the community.

Will Spinks collects his award.

Cllr Ellwood, Town Mayor, said, "I was honoured to host the celebratory occasion and present the awards.

"The Civic Awards acknowledge the work and contribution made by local organisations, groups and individuals who work selflessly to enhance the quality of town life in Bollington.

"Thank you to everyone for their attendance and involvement in organising Civic Sunday."

Award winners ranged from musicians, to volunteers, to businessmen and businesswomen.

Christine Kettlety receiving a Civic Award.

The full list of awards winners are as follows:

Christine Kettlety - Civic Award (Shuttle) For services over many years to the Civic Society and Bollington Discovery Centre.

Fabienne Donbavand - Mayor's Commendation for Services to the Community For setting up and managing Bollington Borrowers, terracycle sorting and all her work on increasing recycling and reducing waste.

Beverley Needham - Mayor's Commendation for Long Service in the Community For many years of involvement with Bollington Brass Band, including acting as Chair for 20 years, and coaching band members to reach their full potential.

Steph Evans receiving a Community Award next to Mayor Helen Ellwood and David Rutley MP.

Steph Evans - Mayor's Commendation for Services to the Community For years of involvement with The Bollington Festival Players; acting in and directing many shows, casting, painting the sets, lighting and writing scripts.

Will Spinks - Mayor's Commendation for Services to the Community For leading on the restoration and refurbishment of Water Street School.

Sandy Milsom - Mayor's Commendation for Long Service in the Community For years of voluntary service to the Bridgend Centre and as a Bridgend Buddy.

Phillip & Carole Bailey - Mayor's Commendation for Long Service in the Community For years of bearing standards at key community events such as Remembrance Sunday and the Kerridge War Memorial Parade. The Baileys couldn't attend, so their award will be presented on another occasion.

It is a 'well done' to the Well Dressers!

Well Dressing team - Mayor's Commendation for Long Service For the team's dedication to preserving the well dressing tradition and managing the week long festival.

Kim Creasey - Mayor's Commendation for Long Service in the Community For years of dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife and for over ten years' service to Bollington Arts Centre.

Geoff Atkin - Mayor's Commendation for Services to the Community For many years of service to Bollington Arts Centre, co-founding Bollington Beer Festival and as former treasurer of Bollington Festival.

David King – Bollington Based Business Award For education on and treatment of dental care, including regular visits to all the Bollington Primary Schools to give advice.

David King is delighted to recieve the accoldade.

Next year's Civic Parade will be extra special, as it will take place in the year of Bollington Town Council's 50th anniversary.

The event follows a similar ceremony in Macclesfield earlier this year.

Bollington Mayor Helen Ellwood will serve until May 2024.

To learn more about Bollington's current Mayor, please click HERE.

To learn more about Bollington's current Mayor, please click on the red link above. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

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