The Poynton Awards 2026
Published: 02 October 2026
The 2026 Poynton Awards
The Town Council would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2026 Poynton Awards, which were presented by the Town Mayor, Cllr Hayley Whitaker, at the ceremony on Thursday 1st October 2026. The Poynton Awards are a celebration of those who freely give their time for the benefit of the community and were presented to:
Youth Award
McKenzie Wells volunteers at Poynton Baptist Church Youth. He gives his time to several groups at the Church, including the Home Education Group and Youth Group, Sound Desk Team and Clay Coffee House. McKenzie sets events up and down, helps with Youth discussions and has been described as ‘injecting energy into Youth events.’ He has inspired other members, including one nominee who describes McKenzie as encouraging his confidence and self belief. (Next card)
Stephen Hall also volunteers at Poynton Baptist Church. He supports with general running of the group – from cleaning up to carrying to helping the leader of the Youth Group. He has been described as very polite and pleasant and always one of the last to leave. He serves with a smile at Clay coffee and helps on the sound desk – even turning up ad-hoc to help where he can. The person who nominated Stephen describes him as a thoroughly pleasant young man, always willing to help without prompting.
Community Award
Before I present the community awards for this year, I would like to acknowledge the community award winner for 2025, Alma Haughian, for running the St Paul’s Friendship and Bereavement Group for nearly twenty years.
Poynton Round Table is a registered charity that has served the Poynton community since 1972. It is run entirely by volunteers.
Their two flagship events are institutions in the local calendar. The Poynton Bonfire & Fireworks Display — now in its 52nd year — is a major highlight for the Poynton community. All profits go directly into a charitable trust fund, which is then distributed throughout the year to local charities, schools, community groups and individuals in need. Every December, the group also brings Father Christmas to the streets of Poynton in a custom-built sleigh – a much-loved local tradition. Since its inception, Poynton Round Table has raised and donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to local causes — a remarkable achievement for a small volunteer group, and a testament to their hard work and longevity.
Living Well has been a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable in our community for many years now. Meeting every two weeks on Tuesday afternoons, the group provides a friendly, supportive environment where attendees can join in with games, singing, crafts, prayers and more. The group supports anybody who needs it; from those experiencing loss, to those living with dementia and their carers. Dedicated volunteers look after everyone at the group, providing what residents have described as a steady source of support at a difficult time. In one nomination, an attendee explains, “I first discovered the group when my late wife was living with dementia. Attending regularly gave us a warm and welcoming place to go.”
Members Dave, Ann, Stephanie and Colin could not attend this evening, but were presented with their Community Award at the Town Council meeting on the 21st of September.
Poynton Home Education group enables young people of all ages to meet others who were educated other than at school. The sessions are run on a donation-only basis by Gayle Wells, who originally set the group up, alongside Liz Blaydon and a group of volunteers. The group has grown from weekly sessions for 11-17 year olds to two sessions a week, inclusive of all ages. Many children and their parents describe the sessions as warm, welcoming and inclusive. They include social activities, games, art therapy, crafts, STEM projects and an annual sports day and nativity. All of this takes considerable planning and resources, and many, many hours of preparation each week behind the scenes. One person who nominated Gayle and the Home Education Group said, “it is Gayle’s ability to make children and their families feel safe that stands out the most.”
Nature and Environment Award
'Friends of Poynton Station' was formed in October 2025 by Sue Berzins and has since gained a passionate team of volunteers. The group work hard to make the railway station’s gardens and the surrounding area an attractive and welcoming space. The main garden has been planted with perennials and bulbs, and wildflowers have also been sown. The space is regularly maintained, with volunteers arriving early to keep things watered and weeded. The group have branched out further into the community and encouraged schools and local families to create seasonal displays, as well as engaging local businesses to sponsor planters. A resident who nominated the group said it all: that the work of Friends of Poynton Station has brightened the station up for the whole Poynton community. The group, including Sue Berzins, were presented with their Community Award at the Town Council meeting on the 21st of September.
Business Award
Just-Ice is an ethical Ice-Cream Café and registered charity based in Poynton that exists to support survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking as they rebuild their lives. Through its unique combination of social enterprise, community engagement and practical support, the registered charity provides opportunities that help people rebuild their lives. Beyond its direct support for survivors, the organisation actively raises awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking through talks and presentations to local community groups and schools. The organisation also provides a welcoming and inclusive space for the wider community. As part of its commitment to supporting the local community, Just-Ice hosts two weekly Chatty Café tables, providing regular drop-in coffee mornings for people who may be at risk of loneliness or social isolation. The charity also facilitates a bereavement support group, offering encouragement and companionship to individuals coping with loss. Through its daily presence in the Just-Ice continues to make a meaningful difference to Poynton.
Extra Mile
Raj Modi has been the pharmacist at Well Pharmacy in Poynton for many years and is a familiar face in the community. Understanding, calm and knowledgeable in his role, Raj has been known to go above and beyond for residents in the town. Those who have nominated him describe moments of panic and anxiety soothed by Raj’s compassion and times when Raj took time outside of his shift to ensure patients feel heard. His vigilance and swift action have saved patients with serious symptoms, both in context of their appointments at the chemist and through urgent hospital referral when danger signs are spotted. Raj’s patience and professionalism have made him a reliable and reassuring figure in the community… but it doesn’t stop there. Raj supports several charities in his own time, and even gives talks to community groups to promote health, wellbeing and preventative care. In one of his nominations, he is described as “not just a pharmacist, but an asset to Poynton. Someone who embodies service, compassion and integrity.”
Mayor’s Commendation
Sue Bennison, owner of HunnyBuns, is described by those nominating her as a caring member of the local community, always willing to help others and consistently kind and compassionate. Having a presence on the high street with her shop is one thing, but Sue has the ability to make members of the community feel consistently supported, heard and welcomed. Sue’s reputation is one compounded by her regular volunteer work as a Poynton first responder. A role that can take her from her home or work at any time, often into high stress situations. This doesn’t stop Sue, who still approaches her role with a bright, sunny and ‘can do’ attitude.
Matt Leigh owns ‘Leigh Fencing Services’. Over the years, he has dedicated many hours to support the running of Poynton Show. Matt has fulfilled many roles at the Show, taking on more and more responsibility as the years have gone on. Beginning as a general helper, Matt has moved up to Show Ground Manager, Director and now Trade Director. He has been involved with the Show since he was a child – not missing a single one.
Matt’s work in the community does not stop here. He also volunteers at the Scouts, has provided new planters for Poynton’s Heritage Garden, and donated bird, bat and hedgehog boxes, built by his apprentice team, to support the Town’s biodiversity and be distributed where needed in the Town. In his nomination, Matthew’s attitude to his community is highlighted in one statement: Poynton matters to Matthew.
Lifetime Achievement
Glyn Derbyshire is familiar to all in the Poynton Community as the Station Master of Poynton Station for some thirty years. Now retired, Glyn leaves behind an incredible legacy, of honouring Poynton’s railway history with his passionate caretaking of the station and its historic roots.
Under Glyn’s keen eye, the station became a railwayana time capsule… with Glyn himself sourcing and decorating the station at his own cost with vintage suitcases, original signage, framed photographs and a beautifully curated garden. Indoor spaces like the waiting room and ticket office were transformed to near their original glory, with models, displays and original ticket machines welcoming commuters. Poynton Station became legendary in the local area and beyond, bringing so many people to Poynton to enjoy it and the Town.
For giving so much of his time, energy, passion and knowledge to Poynton’s one and only train station, with his recent retirement, we thank Glyn for what has truly been the achievement of a lifetime.
Barry Watson joined Poynton Round Table in 1993 and has been the driving force behind the Poynton Bonfire & Fireworks Display for 30 consecutive years. Throughout that time Barry has not just participated — he has led, innovated and improved the event year on year, all as an unpaid volunteer with a genuine love for his community.
In the early years Barry personally oversaw the firework and pyrotechnic displays — including launching the largest firework ever fired in Poynton. He also championed the move to a professional fireworks company and introduced live music to the Bonfire. He has overseen catering, merchandise, and has even been known to store things in his garage. On event days, he coordinates a large group of volunteers and is key to the safe running of the event. Without Barry, Poynton Bonfire wouldn’t be what it is today.
Alma Haughian
Alma has been running the St Paul's Friendship and Bereavement group for nearing twenty years, all on a completely voluntary basis. The group brings together people who might otherwise be lonely and provides different activities and opportunities to socialise. Alma prepares each monthly session alone, as well as organising a Christmas get together too. For some members of the community, the group is a rare opportunity to socialise and is a lifeline.
Alma received her award in 2025 at our Town Council meeting.