Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of seeing Essex through your eyes.
To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we launched the #MyEssex photo competition, inviting people across the county to share what matters most to them in Essex. From community spirit and local places to friendship, nature and the people making a difference, the entries captured the many reasons Essex is such a special place to call home.
Thank you to everyone who shared their photographs and stories with us.
The photographs were displayed at our 30th Anniversary Summer Party at Braxted Park on 29 July, where guests enjoyed viewing the incredible range of entries before we announced the winner.
We’re delighted to share that this year’s winning photograph was submitted by Ace Music Therapy CIC, with the £500 prize going towards its Wiggles & Jiggles programme.
Based in Chelmsford, Ace Music Therapy CIC is a social enterprise that uses music therapy to support people of all ages and abilities.
In its competition entry, the team shared why the photograph captured what makes Essex so special:
“Some of the smallest moments have the biggest impact.
This photo was taken at Wiggles & Jiggles, our music & movement group for babies and their parents and carers.
Over the course of the programme, we welcomed families who often didn’t know anyone else in the room. Week by week, we saw confidence grow, friendships form, laughter fill the space and babies respond to music in incredible ways. For many families, it became so much more than a weekly session. It became somewhere they looked forward to coming, where they felt connected and supported.
Thanks to the Co-op Community Cares Fund, distributed by Essex Community Foundation, we were able to offer these sessions completely free, giving families access to specialist support during those precious early months without the worry of cost.
To us, this photo sums up what makes Essex so special. People coming together, supporting one another and creating spaces where families can connect and thrive.”
After being announced as the winner at our Summer Party, the team said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to win. It’s an amazing privilege to have won the competition and to be featured.”
Choosing a winner from so many inspiring entries was no easy task. Our Patron, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst CVO DL, judged the competition.
Explaining why she selected the winning image, Jennifer said:
“It was an unusual but effective composition with a very happy baby and carer fascinated by the red guitar – good bold colours. The storytelling was strong and whilst there were no actual references to Essex in the photograph, the image shows the strong caring characteristics of Essex and highlights the wonderful power that music can have for all ages.”
Every photograph tells a different story about Essex, celebrating the people, places, organisations and everyday moments that make our county such a vibrant and caring place. As we celebrate 30 years of supporting local communities, the competition has been a wonderful reminder of the pride people have in Essex and the incredible work taking place in communities across the county every day.