WINNER - Marple Carnival Charities Committee

Marple Carnival started in 1962 and it is the longest consecutively organised carnival in the UK raising thousands for local charities, which an amazing achievement.
When the carnival is mentioned people forget that it is not just the parade, but there is all the activities, stalls and attractions in the Memorial Park as well as an arena for the Crowning of the carnival royals.
There is so much organisation needed to make all these elements come together on the day, it is a credit to the small group of volunteers who deliver year on year.
Over the last 61 years many people have contributed a great deal of time and effort and families like the Burtons, Arderns, Bluffs and Armitts and many more have dedicated 20 years or more to this amazing success story.

2nd - Mellor March

The Mellor March was founded on the back of St Thomas's church boundary walk by Tim Lowe, Richard Jones and Paddy Whitham who registered the charity in 1994 to raise funds for cancer-related charities.
They have raised in excess of two million pounds over the years and every penny raised is given to the charities.
It is a family event aiming to get as many people walking on the day and doing as little or as much as they can.
The event is well-supported by the local businesses and community who donate over £12,000 each year.

This year’s march will be on Sunday April 30th.

3rd Stockport Canal Boat Trust - New Horizons

New Horizons are now committed to a significant refurbishment programme and this will require an additional £30k of funds over and above the 16k which is normally needed. New Horizons was launched by the King when he was The Prince of Wales in 1981. It is operated as a registered charity established by the Mayor of Stockport, Gordon Bayley MBE. He organised the fund raising, design and building of the boat as well as ensuring a wider accessibility for all.
The charity is managed by a Board of Trustees, a Skipper and a willing band of volunteers. Over the lifetime of New Horizons it is estimated that over 80,000 passengers have been carried by the boat.
The Trust receives no support from any statutory body so finances are arranged through a variety of fundraising activities which include sponsorship through the Float the Boat scheme, an on-board shop and Father Christmas arriving on the boat.

WINNER - The Marple Poppy Appeal

The Marple Poppy Team has raised £118,000 since 2017 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

The team comprising Kevin Murray, Mike Openshaw, Neville Phillips and Brendan O’Herlihy have been instrumental in increasing the awareness of the Poppy Appeal with unique ideas and events including the Ride of Remembrance, The Who Was I campaign and the introduction of Street Poppies on lampposts with the names of the fallen men.

Kevin would like to say a special thank you for Ron Townley who sadly passed away in November 2020 after a short illness. Ron was the lynchpin and organiser of the annual Marple and District Poppy Appeal for 12 years and played the Last Post for 40 years at the Stockport Remembrance Day Service. He will always be remembered warmly.

Kevin and his team are forever grateful to the local businesses, organisations and general public for their continued support, especially in these difficult economic times.

2nd - Marple Health

Jean and John Dickson owners of Marple Health for raising monies for Stockport Wellspring

Jean and John have been staunch supporters of The Wellspring for many years, a Stockport charity helping local people who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.
They have now passed the £10,000 mark for donations made to The Wellspring through their counter collection box, loyalty points’ scheme, Christmas promotions and raffles.
Viridian, a supplier to Marple Health, asked them to name a charity to make a donation on their behalf and The Wellspring was chosen resulting in several generous donations being made.

Alex of The Wellspring comments: "Reaching such a huge landmark for donations is a huge event for both Marple Health and us at The Wellspring. It's often easy to forget that every pound we receive goes directly to changing people's lives. So, when we think about amounts such as the incredible £10,000 they have raised, it really highlights how much positive change that has encouraged. Every day, this kind of support brings hope to people when they need it most, and it simply wouldn't be possible without it."

3rd - Macnair Trust

The Macnair Trust supports good causes in the Marple area including Marple Bridge, Mellor, Rose Hill, Hawk Green and High Lane.
The aims of the Trust are to preserve the local environment, promote the arts, benefit young people and encourage activities in health and social welfare.
The Trust has supported a wide variety of causes including the provision of musical instruments in primary schools, funding to Scouts and Guides and improving facilities in sports clubs.
The Trust has financially supported local arts events and groups including Marple Local History Society's Iron Bridge Restoration; Marple Civic Society and Friends of Marple Memorial Park.
This year sees the trust celebrating its 50^th anniversary.

WINNER - All Saints' Church

All Saints’ Church looks to serve the community of Marple in a variety of ways. At the CONNECT building on Queen’s Street they run a foodbank most Saturday mornings.  They also run Connect Help on Monday mornings which is a place for people to get help in seeking a job or to receive personal advice. Over the winter months, they ran a Warm Space providing a weekly warm place and a hot meal for anyone who needed it.
To support families and their children they run a variety of Children’s groups throughout the week. They have also set up an adoption and fostering support group in conjunction with a charity called Homes for Good.
All Saints’ run a Prospects church monthly for adults with learning difficulties and offer bereavement support and  organise free meals for those who are struggling.
All Saints’ enjoys an award winning relationship with All Saints’ Primary School and they look to support the primary schools in Marple in any way they can.
All Saints’ are thankful to the wonderful church community who make this all happen and they want everyone to know that all are welcome to come to church or to watch online on a Sunday morning at 10.15am.

2nd - Marple Dementia Drop-in Group

The Marple Dementia Drop-in was launched in 2014 as part of a council-led initiative to help make Marple more dementia friendly. Lesley Mason has been instrumental in developing and running this group at Marple Sports Club. She is an unsung hero.
The group was set up to provide a network of support and friendship for people living with the condition including their friends and family.
They work closely with EDUCATE who use their personal experience to help promote better understanding of dementia in and around Stockport.
They meet weekly providing a relaxed, social gathering but do not provide personal care or supervision. They provide a safe and familiar environment to relax, chat and make friendships.
They host a range of activities including arts and crafts, exercise classes, bingo, guest speakers and entertainment.

3rd - Marple Baby Walks

Katie Bennett set up Marple Walking Mums in 2020 after the birth of her first son Lucas to meet like-minded local parents.
Maternity leave and motherhood can be a very lonely place, especially with the struggles and challenges that come with caring for a baby or a toddler.
Friends and family are often working or don’t live close by. Katie is passionate about creating the opportunity for parents to spend time in the outdoors to promote mental and physical wellbeing while socialising with others in a similar situation.  It is hoped that the group creates a sense of community, fun and friendship for people in the area.
One mum said that the regular walks on a Tuesday have been a lifeline and she always feels better after a walk and a chat.

WINNER - John Harrison

Marple Rugby Club established in 1972 and club chairman John Harrison (or Senior to those in the know) has been with them every step of the way.
He has put in over half a century of hard work to make it what it is today.  Now in his seventies, he is ever present at the club, be it tidying up after a club social or riding his tractor preparing the pitches.
He has played for the club well into his sixties which is no mean feat and both his sons have followed in his footsteps.
Club head coach and friend, Mark Bateson said: “John is an ex-military man so his fitness sessions resembled a squaddies’ boot camp and there was no such word as “can’t”.
His famed stews go down in Marple RUFC folklore as being culinary delights. He’s part of the furniture and the club would not be as established as it is today without John’s outstanding contribution.
He’s an absolute legend and deserves recognition for his hard work over five decades.”

2nd - Brian Platt

Brian Platt for his services to Marple Runners.
Brian has volunteered an amazing 457 times and taken part in over 650 park runs in support of Marple Runners.
Marple Runners are a friendly and enthusiastic group of people who love running and enjoy the company of other runners.

They were founded in 2016 by a group of runners who met through Marple parkrun and have been pounding the streets and trails of Marple ever since.
Their distinctive red and black ‘Dennis the Menace’ shirts are easily recognisable.

Brian’s devotion to the club both as a volunteer and a participant is truly amazing.

WINNER - Friends Of Marple Memorial park

Friends of Marple Memorial Park were instrumental last year in making the park’s centenary year a spectacular success.
They received a 2022 "Favourite Park in the Northwest" Award from Fields in Trust and the skate park they worked so hard to extend and refurbish was listed as one of the Top 15 in England.
Last year they raised almost £15,000 of funding for park projects too!
Friends of the Park commissioned artwork on the former bowling pavilion using photographs from 1922.
They also worked with a local resident to erect two School Gardens near to the library with All Saints' and St. Mary's Primary Schools.
The 100th Birthday Family Treasure Hunt raised almost £4,000 for outdoor exercise equipment.
Other events included the Brass Bands of Marple playing a Concert in the Park.
Among many other accomplishments they funded Skatepark Art Workshops with Marple Youth Project, relocated the canal frogs Rose and Bud and contributed over 1,000 hours of volunteer labour.
Quite a year – would you not agree?

2nd - Marple & Romiley District Lions

Marple and Romiley District Lions have served the local community for over 40 years. Each year their fundraising allows them to donate thousands of pounds to local people in need, charities and numerous worthy causes.
They organise various events locally and have for many years brought Father Christmas to Dobbies Garden Centre. An important part of the Club’s Christmas activities is their annual Santa Dash and a total of £1,665 was donated to Kidneys for Life.
The Lions staffed the Dragon Miniature Railway's Christmas Grotto which proved popular with over 2,500 children meeting Santa.
Local charities that have benefited include New Horizons, Mellor Country House, Reuben’s Retreat, Christie Hospital and Marple Park Run to name but a few.

3rd - Marple Youth Project

Marple Youth Project is an exciting new social enterprise.
This has been achieved by the hard work of the dedicated directors Helen Middleton, and Aron Thornley and a team of willing volunteers.
The Project was started to make a real difference in the lives of young people and their communities, providing a safe, friendly space to develop new skills, try new activities and, most importantly, have fun.
The youngsters are encouraged to contribute to the running of the project, helping to give pride, confidence and restore their health and well-being in their individual.

WINNER - John Perkins

Many will know John Perkins as the popular ‘lollipop man’ at All Saints Primary School.
One of the nominees said: "John is truly amazing – he is there in all weathers. He truly cares about the children and the school.
He dresses up at Christmas and brings a smile to everyone that knows him. He has been a lollipop man for over ten years and we all love him.”
John’s caring nature and dedication means that he has given his time in many voluntary roles over the years including the Red Cross where he became an instructor.
He joined 1st Marple Scouts in 1988 as an assistant leader and in 2001 he took over as Akela of 1st Marple Cubs and is still a leader in the group today.
John has been an enthusiastic volunteer for the Poppy Appeal and Marple Carnival as well as being President twice for Marple & Romiley Lions Club.

2nd - Ian & Julie Smith

Julie and Ian Smith have been at the heart of Marple life for 25 years.

They have been nominated for their enthusiasm, determination and commitment in organising and helping well over 50 events in Marple. The events include the Marple Carnival from 1998, Marple Christmas Cracker, Marple Food and Drink Festival and the Marple Lock and Heritage Festival.
Not only have they been an integral part in all these events they have like many other volunteers helped causes close to their heart including Marple Poppy Appeal and New Horizons' Father Christmas.
In addition to all the volunteer work and helping to raise thousands of pounds for local charities they produce a truly local community newspaper which profiles all the positivity that Marple and district have in abundance and they are proud to be involved with such a positive and caring community.
Kevin Murray said:  "I would like to nominate Julie and Ian who are real unsung heroes of our community. They have worked tirelessly on many of the special events that have featured in Marple over the years.
"Their efforts really do need to be recognised, for events like these don't 'just happen' and without their hard work and dedication they wouldn't happen at all. They're proud of Marple and Marple should be proud of them.”

3rd - Alan Chin

Alan Chin is a well-known personality in Marple and Marple Bridge.
He was a popular deputy head teacher at Ludworth Primary School and since his retirement he has championed many local charities.
He is an integral part of the organisation of Marple Carnival and many people will see Alan driving around on the day of the carnival with his orange flashing light on the top of his car, organising all the road closures as the parade starts its journey.
He also helps with great enthusiasm events such as Marple Bridge Winter Wonderland, the Ride of Remembrance and the formation of the Marie Curie branch in Marple.
He was also an active volunteer when he helped drive vaccinators to local care homes during the pandemic.

WINNER - Harley Wright

For the last two years Harley Wright has collected donations of money and items for Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home.
He has raised the awareness of this good cause and engaged with his neighbours, businesses and supermarkets asking for their help and support for the dogs home's
He personally collected every donation offered and visited every pet shop willing to help his campaign.
Harley is very passionate about all animals, but dogs are his absolute favourite.
Two years ago when he saw his mum collecting clothes for the Wellspring Homeless Shelter he asked if he could help dogs in need.
He managed to fill four cars full of donations and raised over £2,000!
Last Christmas, he raised another £1,000 and filled a seven-seater car with treats, beds and food for the homeless dog shelter.
The Cheshire dog’s home said it was the biggest collection they had ever had from an individual – especially from an eight year old!
Last year he raised over £100 for the Alzheimer’s Society with his own sponsored memory walk!

2nd - Lily Tennant & Penny Hallas

Like many young people, Penny Hallas and Lily Tennant were worried about what they had seen and heard about the war in Ukraine and wanted to be able to help in some way.
They decided to use an inset day from school to make peace ribbons and sell them to friends and family to raise some money for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Word quickly spread on social media and orders from a very supportive Marple community came flooding in including some great support from the members of Marple Golf Club and teachers, pupils and parents and All Saints School.
As well as enjoying delivering their ribbons locally, the girls were delighted to send them further afield to London and Scotland and some even made the trip to Poland.
Everyone’s extremely generous donations meant that the girls raised a total of £1,062.50.

3rd - Aoife Wood

Aoife Wood is eight years old and loves sewing. Throughout lockdown she taught herself how to sew on a sewing machine by following You Tube tutorials.
She has made lots of different items such as tissue holders, scrunchies, drawstring bags, reusable make-up remover pads and scented lavender pouches.
Aoife had stalls at her house and raised money for Cafod. She has also had a stall at her school fair at St. Mary's in Marple Bridge.
She gave half her earnings to the PTA. In addition, she raised £120 for the school PTA in lockdown by selling tissue holders online.
Last Easter Sunday she did a stall at Holy Spirit Church in Marple at which she raised £115 for Cafod.
Whilst she has mostly done all her work for charity, Aoife has done a couple of stalls to make her own money to pay for some new roller blades.
However, she always gives a percentage to Cafod. Aoife loves raising money for those in need and is dedicated to it.

WINNER - Isaac Chrippes

Isaac is an amazing young man and his list of successes and accomplishments are both extensive and humbling.
He is part of the Jendan Karate club in Marple and gained his purple belt in karate which means he holds the highest belt at the club (other than the instructors) and is currently working towards his brown belt.
He is a great role model for the younger children.
He has completed all the standard swimming badges up to Level 4 and has chosen to do the ASA challenge swim awards. He has completed bronze, silver and gold and is now going for his honours award. He also represented his school St Marys Marple Bridge which is part of the Ralph Sherwin Academy in the inter-school swimming competition and was awarded first place in the front crawl.

He represents the school in Cross Country and came runner up by one point in the Stockport Schools cross country championships.
He was also chosen to represent Stockport Schools Cross Country team for the times and positions he achieved during the 2022 season.
He participates in the Marple junior park run where he has achieved a regional age grading rating for his time and distance.
Isaac is a keen footballer and was awarded UK Sports parents' player of the year for the previous season for his consistent performance.

He plays for Rosehill Junior Football Club where he is a regular winner of the Player of the Week.
He also plays tennis every week, attends Stockport Harriers for athletics training, trains at junior sports stars for two hours a week.
Isaac participates in a sporting activity every evening of the week.
He truly deserves this award.

WINNER - Marple Rugby Club, Junior & Mini Section

Established for over 30, Marple RUFC Minis and juniors provide access to rugby for young people across Marple and the surrounding areas.
The club currently has over 170 members from age 4 to 18 with squads taking part in regular matches across all ages.
Entirely run and organised by volunteers, the club caters for all ages and abilities through a combination of tag/touch rugby with players progressing to full contact rugby as they move through the age groups.
The focus is on encouraging young people to be active and to also develop other key life skills (Teamwork, Respect, Discipline and Sportsmanship) via the game of rugby.
Testament to the success of the club is the fact that over 90% of the current Marple Rugby Senior 1st XV are graduates from the Minis and juniors