There was plenty to celebrate at Braxted Park on 29 July as fundholders, donors, charity partners, trustees, civic leaders and supporters came together for ECF’s 30th Anniversary Summer Party.
Bringing together many of the people who have been part of the Foundation’s journey, the afternoon was a chance to celebrate 30 years of generosity, partnership and community impact, while also reflecting on the legacy of our founders Ian and Angela Marks, whose inspiration helped shape the Foundation we know today. Guests enjoyed performances from talented young musicians from the Essex Youth Orchestra, whose music provided a fitting reminder of the talent and potential that continues to shape Essex’s future.
Welcoming our guests, Caroline Taylor, Chief Executive of ECF, reflected on the Foundation’s 30-year journey while looking ahead to its future:
“Today is about celebrating our shared story of Essex – its talent, its potential, its generosity and its community spirit. Thirty years ago, a small group of people, inspired by Ian and Angela Marks, had a big idea: that by bringing together generosity and local knowledge, they could change lives across our county. Today, that idea has grown into the Foundation we celebrate together.
As we mark this milestone, we also remember those who helped make it possible, including Angela Marks, whose legacy continues through the Foundation and the many families who have chosen to continue giving back to their communities across generations.
While today is a chance to celebrate everything we’ve achieved together, it’s also a moment to look forward. Essex is changing, the challenges facing charities are growing, and we have more to do. If the last 30 years were about building something, the next 30 must be about making sure that this special something matters even more.
I hope today’s celebrations inspire new conversations about how, together, we can continue building a county where charities thrive and communities stay strong, inclusive and connected.”
While the afternoon celebrated achievements over the past three decades, it also looked ahead to the role philanthropy, partnership and community will continue to play in strengthening Essex in the years to come.
During her speech, Caroline also paid tribute to ECF’s Patron, Jennifer Tolhurst CVO DL, thanking her for her longstanding support of the Foundation throughout her time as Lord-Lieutenant and congratulating her on receiving a CVO in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. Guests also welcomed incoming Lord-Lieutenant Nick Charrington, who joined the celebrations.
Jennifer Tolhurst CVO DL, Lord-Lieutenant of Essex and Patron of ECF, said:
“I retire in December, marking my tenth year as Lord-Lieutenant. It has been an incredible experience and a tremendous honour to serve the late Queen and now His Majesty the King, recognising and supporting the causes that matter so much across our county.
Throughout that time, one thing has stood out above all else: the people who give their time and energy to make Essex a better place. When you look at it, so much of it is about community and volunteers. That’s exactly what is embodied in a community foundation, so there’s a real resonance there.”
Throughout the afternoon, guests also enjoyed viewing the entries to ECF’s #MyEssex photo competition, launched as part of the Foundation’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Displayed around the venue, the photographs celebrated the people, places and moments that make Essex special before ACE Music Therapy CIC was revealed as the winning entry, selected by Jennifer Tolhurst. Read more about the competition and the winning photograph here.
Reflecting on the day, Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF, said:
“Our Summer Party is a chance to celebrate the generosity of our fundholders and the incredible work of the charities they support across Essex. It’s a reminder of what can be achieved when people choose to invest in their local communities.
It was also a privilege to thank Jennifer Tolhurst for her longstanding support of the Foundation as she prepares to conclude her time as Lord-Lieutenant. We’re incredibly grateful for everything she has done and look forward to working with Nick Charrington as he begins his new role.”
Amongst those attending the Summer Party was Susannah (Susie) Dutton, High Sheriff of Essex. Reflecting on her time as High Sheriff so far, she said:
“I am absolutely loving being High Sheriff, and having the most amazing time. I love doing all the work with the police, emergency services, judges and magistrates. But the thing I love the most is going to see charities. I say this to my husband all the time, but it’s really true that going to visit charities is a real privilege because you’re just meeting amazing people every day. Sometimes the world can feel a little bleak, but for me, just now, I think humanity is a wonderful thing because I’m seeing the best of humanity every day as I’m flying around the county. I love it. It restores your faith in people, and Essex is a special place where so, so much is going on. It’s absolutely brilliant to see.”
For Jo Macaulay, Head of Stewardship at ECF, the Summer Party was a reminder of why bringing people together has always been such an important part of the Foundation’s work.
“Celebrating our 30th anniversary here at Braxted Park is a wonderful opportunity to bring together the people who have been part of ECF’s journey. Summer parties have always been an important part of what we do, giving our fundholders, donors, supporters and charity partners the chance to celebrate the difference we’re making across Essex. They provide an opportunity to share the impact of our work, strengthen relationships and connect people who care deeply about our communities. Seeing so many people here today is a wonderful reflection of how those connections have grown over the past 30 years.”
As the Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Summer Party was a chance to pause and reflect on everything that has been achieved together so far. More importantly, it was a reminder that the Foundation’s story continues to be shaped by the generosity of its fundholders, the dedication of its charity partners and the shared commitment of everyone working to strengthen communities across Essex.
