Community heroes from across Tendring have been recognised in the district’s version of an honours list.
The 17 recipients – a mixture of groups and individuals – of this year’s Pride of Tendring Awards, now in their 12th year, have been unveiled today (19 January, 2024).
This year’s Pride of Tendring winners include litter pickers, youth group organisers and community initiative supporters, who all work hard to better the lives of others.
All the recipients will be officially celebrated and presented with their award at a special ceremony at Clacton’s Princes Theatre, being held on Friday, 16 February 2024.
Aimed at celebrating people who make a real difference to their communities, the awards are run by Tendring District Council (TDC).
District councillors put forward nominations from a wide variety of groups, organisations and individuals throughout Tendring, all of whom are very deserving of an award.
Gary Scott, TDC Chairman, praised the 2024 Pride of Tendring recipients.
“There are so many fantastic people doing wonderful things across Tendring, and these awards are a way to recognise some of those unsung heroes and reward them for their positive community spirit,” Councillor Scott said.
“These people do not look for recognition, thanks or praise but act from the goodness of their hearts; we want to pay tribute to them and give them the recognition they deserve.”
Nominated by Councillor Matthew Bensilum
The Street Keepers are a fully voluntary organisation who clean and tidy the streets of Manningtree, getting on their hands and knees on a weekly basis to pull up weeds, rubbish and debris from the streets, paths, and gardens of the area. The oldest member is 89, and the group has been going for more than 10 years. One of the members has even published two booklets concerning Manningtree’s pavement plants and the history and folklore associated with them.
This is a great organisation who do a thankless task and are a well-kept secret.
Nominated by Councillor Jayne Chapman
Tony has been a Poppy Appeal collector for more than 12 years, standing all day outside a local shop collecting for the veterans’ charity. He starts very early to catch people on their way to work and sometimes continuing until the daylight fades, and his humour, friendliness and banter attract locals and visitors alike. Despite his mobility he is always the first to be on "duty" whatever the weather. He collects many thousands of pounds, the public like his manner and friendliness and trust him explicitly.
Nominated by Councillor Mike Bush
The Wix Wednesday Wafflers is the inspiration and determination of committed resident Anne Schofield, whose ambition was to re-establish a community social group and warm hub following the isolation created following the Covid pandemic.
Supported by Wix Parish Council and community stalwart Ray Murray, around 30 Wafflers meet every week for free refreshments and activities to engage the wider community to meet, chat, make friends and have fun.
It is a crucial social hub that connects and engages the rural community to reduce isolation for those alone and vulnerable.
Nominated by Councillor Bill Davidson
Started by Parkeston Welfare Park more than eight years ago, Every Can Counts helps to raise much-needed funds to pay for the park to remain open – covering costs such as various insurances and open space annual inspections which are required.
A volunteer-based group, with the youngest being just seven years old, they strive to recycle cans that would otherwise end up in landfill – therefore helping with recycling and protecting our environment, as well as generating money for the long-term sustainability of the park.
Nominated by Councillor Carrie Doyle
Alan is an amazing role model, always willing to support any new initiative including Ipswich Road Garden – Cakes and Rakes; where he keeps everyone's morale up.
He is a natural community champion helping in so many ways. Historically, he has volunteered at groups including the Holland Residents’ Association, the Alzheimer Society following the death of his beloved wife, and RNLI Clacton.
He is an active, enthusiastic gentleman part of so many community groups including dancing and cycling group, contributing with vigour and a passion.
Nominated by Councillor Adrian Smith
Sheila has contributed to improving the lives of stroke survivors for nearly 20 years across Tendring, giving her time freely using her skills as an occupational therapist to enrich the lives of others. Sheila also set up a charity to support orphans in Romania and build facilities supporting children’s development.
Sheila’s legacy is making life bearable, enjoyable, and improved immeasurably for stroke survivors. A lot of Shelia's work has been around communication and people are confidently finding their voice and this ensures their quality of life is better.
Nominated by Councillor Ann Oxley
Kevin is involved in numerous youth groups, the Frinton and Walton Community Minibus, is currently secretary, driver and Rotary Club member for youth, supports Tendring Wellbeing services, and helps run a Walking Men's Club for men's mental health issues.
Kevin has been involved in the Frinton and Walton community for over 10 years, serving as a mentor and positive role model for young people – teaching social and life skills, boosting confidence, resilience and self-esteem, and instilling values like empathy, compassion, and responsibility. He serves as a source of inspiration and motivation.
Nominated by Councillor Mick Barry
Terry has been involved with Brightlingsea Regent FC for more than 20 years, Chairman for 18, steering it from a small football-based outfit to a high-level community organisation. Along with his committee of dedicated volunteers Terry has raised the club’s profile, grown community outreach and increased its social value.
Facilities have been improved – including a unique stroke rehabilitation project which also hosts other adult fitness. The club is inclusive, promotes civic pride, and supports other fundraising and community activities – while running 15 junior teams and its senior side plays at highest level of any in Tendring.
Nominated by Councillor Andy Baker
Terry set up the Clacton Then & Now Facebook page which has over 18,000 members, and is also on the Clacton & District History Society committee. Terry also built and administers websites for the museum and Tendring U3A, and also takes displays to outside events.
Terry leads walks for Community Voluntary Services Tendring, Tendring U3A, Tendring Wanderers and Weeley Walkers; and also assists Active Essex.
In addition Terry is part of the Clacton Volunteer Litter Picking Group, out most weeks ensuring the area is free from blight.
Nominated by Councillor Terry Barrett
A local entrepreneur, Rowan currently manages Estuary Wine Bar and The Stour Store in Manningtree, and in June this year organised the inaugural ‘MANNINGTREE HAS PRIDE’ event.
This saw 10 locations host a range of events to both entertain and educate, raising awareness and celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and diversity within the local community. The events were very well attended and the atmosphere was positive, fun and inclusive; a show of diversity which inspiring at a time when hate crime is on the increase in many areas.
Nominated by Councillor Gina Placey
A charity founded by Elizabeth Barritt, and based at Clacton’s Rush Green allotments, Sailship Training and Learning for Life supports the whole community championing work and life skills training for people living with a learning disability. They also support therapeutic pathways for improved mental health and well-being for the wider community for people of all ages, and offer dementia friendly spaces within their site.
They have developed to deliver outreach, and deliver bespoke life-enhancing opportunities for those in need within the community.
Nominated by Councillor Gemma Stephenson
Volunteers who run the Clacton Carnival Association have been raising money for local charities since 1953; there are currently around 25 of them, some of whom have been involved for decades.
They ensure Clacton has a carnival every summer to the delight of locals and tourists alike while fundraising for local charitable organisations – giving out more than £250,000 since 2000 to groups including local Girlguiding and Scouts, the Clacton RNLI, St Helena Hospice and the West Cliff Theatre.
Nominated by Councillor Peter Kotz
Since launching in June 2021, Essex Pedal Power in Clacton and Jaywick Sands has provided almost 1,000 bikes to residents in seven of the most deprived wards in Tendring. The scheme has increased cycling participation to level up inequalities, increased sustainable travel through cycling and developed local cycling infrastructure. It has increased the employability of local people and helped improve the local economy, including access to employment, education, and training opportunities.
Nominated by Councillor Dan Casey
Jean has been active in the Clacton community since 1963 when she moved to the area. A member of St James Church, Brown Owl for the local Brownies, and active in the Townswomen’s Guild, furthering the education of women, Jean has also been a member of the PTA at Pathfields School, chairman for the Hotel and Guest House Association, and vice-chairman of Clacton Town Football Club, which later became Clacton Social Club.
When she retired Jean continued to cook for the Stroke Association until becoming a full-time carer for her now late husband, and still today supports the Royal British Legion’s Clacton branch.
Nominated by Councillor Mark Stephenson
Ron has been a volunteer with Scouting for 56 years, and is currently Deputy District Commissioner for Tendring. Throughout that time, in addition to volunteer management roles he has worked directly with young people at 1st Weeley and Little Clacton Scout Group, and Ron will have personally impacted the lives of well over 4,600 young people in this role alone.
Through various roles Ron has led the growth and development of Scouting across the district, and was instrumental in ensuring groups’ access to their own meeting spaces – personally overseeing the design and build of multiple Scout premises.
Nominated by Councillor Graham Steady
Urgent repairs have been needed over many years to make sure the Tower of All Saints in Brightlingsea could be accessed once again by residents and visitors alike. The success of the Tower of Strength Project has ensured that local heritage has been saved and this Grade One Listed Building will be safe for many more centuries. The project team, led by Elizabeth Foss-Smith, has accessed more than £500,000 from the National Lottery and £124,000 from local fundraising and various other grants to pay for repairs and the addition of an accessible toilet and kitchenette – allowing far greater community use.
Nominated by Councillors Ivan Henderson, Pam Morrison, Maria Fowler, Jo Henderson, Garry Calver
The Harwich Litter Picking group started with Toni Smith and her husband Alan picking litter in The Hangings, a pretty lane sadly often marred by litter. They received such positive feedback from passers-by, and were often asked if they had a group; this birthed Harwich Litter Pickers, two-and-a-half years ago.
It has now grown to 52 members with dedicated equipment who between them do a pick fortnightly – sometimes even donning waders to clear rivers and ponds.
The group is a very happy band of volunteers who really do make a difference to the local landscape.
