Audley Rural Parish Council Community Awards (Awarded Annually in April/May)
The awards are given out each year to individuals or groups that the Parish Council consider to have made an outstanding contribution to the parish.
Audley Rural Parish Council is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Annual Parish Awards, presented at Annual Parish Meeting held in April 2026.
These awards recognise the outstanding individuals and groups who make a real difference across our community.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to submit nominations. The standard this year was exceptionally high and all nominations were carefully considered. It was no easy task to select the winners, with so many deserving individuals and groups making a positive contribution across our parish.
The three awards were presented as follows:
R.W. Edwards Community Award
Mrs Linda Hunter – The Swan Inn, Bignall End
Linda has raised an incredible amount of money for charities and local community groups. From organising Easter egg and Christmas present collections for the Alice Charity, to supporting the Keep Warm appeal with winter clothing for those in need, her generosity has reached far and wide. She has also collected essential goods for women and children in Ukraine, raised around £1,000 each year for the Royal British Legion, funded a defibrillator outside the pub (and a new cabinet for it) and provides a warm space for those struggling with heating costs.
Alongside this, Linda has been recognised as CAMRA Potteries Bar Server of the Year, with The Swan Inn renowned for its excellent cask ales.
Elsie Kelsall Young Persons Award
Master Will Barnish – Audley Parish Newsletter (APN)
Will is recognised for his hard work, initiative and determination in creating the Audley Parish Newsletter – a community-led, non-profit publication created by local residents, for local residents.
The APN keeps the parish informed and connected, sharing local news, events, campaigns, business features, history and community stories across Audley, Bignall End, Halmer End, Miles Green and Wood Lane. Free to access at community hubs, it is supported through donations and sponsorship, with a clear aim to strengthen community spirit and give everyone a voice.
Capewell Naylor Trophy for Services to the Environment
Minnie Pit Commemoration Group
This award recognises the group’s dedication to maintaining and improving the memorial site honouring the 155 men and boys who lost their lives in the 1918 disaster.
Their work also extends to enhancing the local environment, including the planting of the “Tree of Hope” – grown from seeds of the Sycamore Gap tree, and Sakura Cherry Tree Project trees donated by the Japanese Embassy as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the UK.
Together, you help make Audley, Bignall End and the surrounding areas such a strong, supportive and vibrant community to be proud of.
The Awards for 2027 will be announced and presented at the Annual Parish meeting held in April 2027. Date to be announced.
To nominate someone for an award you can:
Send an email to clerk@audleyparishcouncil.gov.uk with your nomination/s, reasons why you wish to nominate the person and contact details
or
Send your nomination/s, reasons why you wish to nominate the person and contact details by post to Audley Parish Council Community Awards, The Parish Clerk, The Croft, Barthomley Road, Audley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 8HU
Closing date for entries will be 13th March 2027
The winners and their nominators will be invited to the presentation ceremony