by Carol Sparkes, Knutsford Photographic Society & Steve Hayward (ex-Knutsfordian, now living in Australia)
The story behind the building of the shield came to light in 1999 as a result of the publication of Carol's reminiscences about Knutsford's Coat of Arms on the Knutsford Photographic Society's web site. Carol's article was stumbled across by an ex-Knutsfordian, Steve Hayward, living in Australia. As a result of Steve's discovery of the article, the history of the shield unfolded, through e-mail exchanges between Carol and Steve.
As unfolded by e-mail in August & September 1999.....
Steve to Carol
Dear Carol,
This is attempt number three to send you a photograph re the
Coat of Arms. If you got the other one you will know why I have got in touch with you. If not here is the short version.
My name is Steve Hayward and I think I made the Coat of Arms you were talking about. If you get this please reply ASAP and
I will give you more details.
Steve Hayward
Ex Knutters fordian
Carol to Steve
Steve
Great to hear from you.... I'm interested in the summarised version you sent me below
above but I'm afraid this is all that arrived. Any chance
of trying again to send the photo and the longer version.
When you said that you made it do you mean designed the Coat of
Arms or made the plaque that I remember in the Civic Hall?
Do tell me more!
thanks
Carol Sparkes
Knutsford Photo. Soc.
Steve to Carol
Dear Carol,
So great to here from u. For a minute there I thought I would never get this right. Anyway will stick to the answer routine and hopefully we will get through
again.
The story is that in about 1963 I returned to Knutsford after growing up in South Africa. My Grandmother was one Lillian Allan who used to live at 22 Racefield
Road, Knutsford. We stayed in Knutsford for about four years and during that time I lived at Cranford Avenue and went to Knutsford Secondary School. Towards
the end of my stay (about 1965) another lad, who I believe was called Andrew
Goulburn, and myself took up the offer to make a reproduction of the Knutsford
Coat of Arms. It was a combination woodwork and arts project and if memory serves me right it turned out rather well.
At the completion of the project we made a presentation to Council and the object
de art was placed above the movie screen. It was still there when I left for Australia in 1966 and I never thought about it much after that.
One day whilst visiting a friend of mine who just happens to be on line (I am still in the dark ages and not connected to the rest of the world) I happened
to look up Knutsford and found your article. From what I can gather the Coat of Arms you recall is the one young Andrew and I made.
This spurred me on to find documentary proof and lo and behold I still had the photograph of the presentation. I have no idea of the names of the teachers
or the Council representative that are depicted. One was the woodwork teacher, the other the art teacher, the Principal or Deputy Principal and the other guy
was from Council. I dare say if you checked the school records around that time you would be able to find out.
The picture itself appeared in the Guardian so I assume they may have a record of it. Hopefully you will be able to print out the attachment and see the picture
in question.
Well that is about all I can tell you about it all except to say it was rather nice to find out that it gave you and possibly other people a few fond memories.
I look forward to hearing from you again
Yours in cyber space
Steve Hayward
And finally, in response to Carol's request of Steve to allow reproduction of his story here .....
Steve to Carol
hi there carol,
go ahead and use what you would like for the web. Look forward to hearing what else
you find out....cheers, steve
-- End --
Link to Carol's original article
Return to the Knutsford Photographic Society