A MEMBER of a family dynasty involved with a Clows Top company has been recognised for his dedication to his local community.

The village of Hopton Wafers paid tribute to George Poyner, chairman of M&M Timber, who was invited to a surprise tree-planting ceremony to mark his 64 years as treasurer and secretary of the village hall.

Mr Poyner, 92 and his wife Elsie were joined by 22 committee members to witness the planting of a copper beech tree in the village hall field.

The field holds a special significance for the couple. Mr and Mrs Poyner grew up together in Hopton Wafers and earlier this year celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary at the hall, which stands on the same spot where they held their wedding reception in 1941.

“It’s an honour I shall treasure for the remainder of my years,” said Mr Poyner, “This is where we chose to put down our roots and I wish this young tree the same happiness and long life we have enjoyed here.”

Former chairman and financial director of Forest Fencing Limited, Mr Poyner was awarded an MBE in 2002, in recognition of his lifelong services to his local community.

Since the early 1950s, he has notched up over half a century’s service to his local church as church warden, to Hopton Wafers School as chairman of the governors, to the village hall committee as secretary and to the parish council as a councillor and former parish clerk.

He retired from Forest Fencing 12 years ago at the age of 80 and became chairman of M&M Timber Ltd, managed by his son, Nigel Poyner.

During his early career he worked at Cleobury Mortimer’s Pains Sawmill, then moved to E & B Timber Products at Stanford Court, which was eventually acquired by Forest Fencing, where he helped steer the business turnover to £30 million as company chairman.