For the love of Essex

29th January 2025

Love is in the air for Valentine’s Day in February, but many people also show their affection for Essex and their community throughout the year.

Essex has inspired several couples to demonstrate their passion for Essex by supporting charities and voluntary groups in the county by setting up a charitable fund with us.

They enjoy deciding together where to channel their charitable giving and can see firsthand the difference their philanthropy makes to causes close to their hearts and homes.

Working with ECF is an easy way to support your community and the causes that matter most to you.  It is estimated there are around 10,000 voluntary groups working in Essex that are providing a wide range of help to people in need.  These include activities for children and families, mental health support for young people, respite for carers, shelter for people who are homeless, social groups where people of all ages can meet, and keeping community facilities running for the benefit of local residents.

Whatever your area of interest, ECF can work with you to ensure your gift stays in Essex and makes a difference to the lives of local people.

Two couples who are showing their commitment to Essex are:

Simon Hall and Nicki Bolton – NS Community Fund

Simon Hall and Nicki Bolton have both been involved as trustees and volunteers in supporting local charities and community work for many years, with a particular focus on homelessness and social exclusion.  They established the NS Community Fund with ECF in 2019 to focus on these areas of need.

Simon and Nicki, who live near Colchester, both lost their spouses to cancer and were introduced to each other by mutual friends.

Simon, a former High Sheriff of Essex, is also a trustee with ECF and is very aware of the varied needs in the county and voluntary organisations that are tackling local issues.

Nicki set up and managed a homeless lunch facility. She is also a trustee of a private charity that has supported causes close to her heart including Cancer Research and Outpatient support and education and literacy.

Nicki and Simon said: “The fund we set up with ECF brings together our combined interests in supporting our local community in a direct and tangible way.

“It has benefited from ECF’s Proceeds of Crime Matched Funding Scheme set up by Essex Police, so the grants awarded from our fund will have a community safety focus, recognising how homelessness and social exclusion contribute to these issues.  We plan to grow our fund with proceeds from the sale of our accumulated clutter of many years.”

Grants from their fund include £2,500 to the Sanctus charity in Chelmsford, helping to fund the salary of a full-time staff member working in their café.

Sanctus have been helping disadvantaged people in Chelmsford for several years. The café acts as the frontline service of the organisation, providing a safe warm place for those in crisis to seek comfort, food and a listening ear, connecting those who need further support to their Hub.

The Fund also supported Ormiston Families and their Breaking Barriers project, an early intervention programme delivered throughout Essex, that supports vulnerable children and young people aged 4-19 years who are affected by the imprisonment of a close family member.

Sandra and Bill Hollis – Hollis Family Fund

Living in Essex for three decades inspired Sandra and Bill Hollis to set up a charitable fund to give something back and create a legacy for the county.

The couple, who live in Mundon, near Maldon, established the Hollis Family Fund with ECF in December 2019.

Sandra, now retired, has had a successful two-stage career. She grew up in North Wales and, after graduating from Durham University in 1978 with a degree in modern languages, she joined Reuters Ltd.  Over the next 20 years she took on strategic business development and marketing roles.

The second stage of her career, after gaining a master’s degree in marketing, saw her in senior marketing and development roles in the academic world, at the University of East London and at Anglia Ruskin University, where she became Pro Vice-Chancellor.

Sandra joined ECF as a trustee in November 2017, so is fully aware of the positive impact the organisation makes by channelling grants from the funds it manages to support voluntary and community groups in Essex.

“My husband Bill and I got to know about ECF through some friends,” said Sandra.

“I thought that my background and experience could be of help, and I became involved with ECF as a trustee.

“Having lived in Essex since 1988, Bill and I wanted to give something back and decided to start a fund with ECF. Our intention is to grow and develop the fund over time and leave a legacy here in Essex.

“One of the themes we are interested in supporting is community safety and our fund has already had the benefit of some match-funding from ECF’s Proceeds of Crime Scheme. We have been able to create our fund with full confidence in ECF, who make it so easy to get started.”

Sandra and Bill, who had his own international trading business, first met in London.  On moving to Essex, their first home was in Thurrock where Sandra says they were given a very warm welcome by kind, generous and hospitable people.

“Over the past 30 years we have enjoyed getting to know this great county,” said Sandra.

“It has so much to offer, and we are still uncovering places, history and things we didn’t know about local communities. Being a trustee at ECF has given me an insight into local issues and the wide range of support that local charities give to people who are in need.  We will be looking at the various areas we want to support over the coming years.”

Their grants include support for the charity Lads Need Dads based in Clacton, to run a reading mentor programme in Tendring Primary Schools for boys who have an absent father.

Some funds with ECF now act as a lasting legacy and tribute, when one member of a partnership has died:

Fay Cherry – Alan and Fay Cherry Fund

Alan Cherry CBE DL was founder chairman of Countryside Properties Ltd and was a strong supporter of ECF’s work.

After Alan passed away in 2010, his wife Fay, set up a charitable fund with ECF to continue their shared passion for supporting good causes in Essex.

Alan was an extraordinary man who achieved an enormous amount during his lifetime. He was a founder partner of Bairstow Eves which went on to become one of the largest estate agencies in the UK.  During his early career Alan became interested in housebuilding and property development and in 1958 he launched Countryside Properties Limited which he successfully floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1972.  His work led to him being awarded an MBE and a CBE for his services to Housing and Urban Regeneration.

Fay studied nursing in Portsmouth where she gained her State Registered Nurse qualification.  After six years Fay decided to move to London where she joined British Overseas Airways Corporation (now British Airways) as an air stewardess and spent the next few years travelling the world on various long and short haul flights.

In 1971 whilst visiting friends Fay was introduced to Alan.  They married in 1976 and in 1985 moved to Fryerning where Fay continues to live.

Grants from their fund support charities whose work is contributing to the environment, young people and education, as these were important issues to Alan.  The Fund recently supported the Country Trust to run a 10-month food discovery programme for 90 pupils in a school in Basildon.  The Country Trust, based at Moulsham Mill in Chelmsford, specialises in connecting disadvantaged children with the land, through sensory and educational food, farming and countryside experiences.

Tinneveld Family Fund

A chance meeting on a train introduced Joy Harvey to Theodorus (Theo) Tinneveld, who, two years later, became her husband of 48 years.

Joy’s family had been farmers in Essex for generations and her family lived in Elmstead.  She liked farming but developed a love of dance at a young age, and which continued throughout her life.  She ran a dance studio in Clacton, and also taught classes in Brightlingsea, Dovercourt, Elmstead and Wivenhoe, and keep-fit in Colchester.

Theo was born in Holland where his family ran a smallholding.  In his early twenties Theo would come to England on a regular basis to improve his English. It was on one such visit in 1962 that he boarded a train at Harwich and sat down next to Joy who was travelling home after teaching a dance class.

Two years’ later they were married at St Peter’s Church in Colchester.  They settled in Elmstead and ran Keelars Farm together, becoming the first farm to commercially grow and sell Discovery Apples.

As well as running the farm, Theo developed his interest in stocks and shares and became a member of Lloyds of London. Joy continued to manage her dance studio and classes, offered a riding stable for children of all abilities and was an active member of the local WI.

Theo and Joy spent 48 happy years together until Theo died in 2014. The fund in their name supports voluntary and community groups which are keeping people of all ages and abilities active and engaged, in and around the areas where Joy and Theo lived and worked.

Grants from their fund include £5,220 to The Friends of All Saints Church, Brightlingsea.  The charity is focused on ensuring thatfuture generations will continue to experience the history and heritage of the church through varied activities such as art, culture and other activities.

The fund has also helped Wivenhoe Youth Choir, enabling a high-quality professional musician to run the choir and also to keep cost down for parents, to be as inclusive as possible for children from all social backgrounds.

If you enjoy supporting your local community and Essex is important to you, get in touch with ECF to discuss your ideas or how to leave a legacy.  Call 01245 355947 or email Perry Norton, perry@essexcf.org.uk  Find out more at essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk

Essex heroes recognised in New Year Honours list 2025

13th January 2025

More than 1200 people from fields including sports, business, entertainment and politics have been awarded in this year’s New Years Honours list.

Out of those, 24 Essex residents have been recognised for making major contributions to their local community and charities, an increase from the previous year.

Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, the King’s personal representative in the county, said, “The range of services represented in these awards is once again a powerful reminder of the power of community and the difference an individual can make.

“Without people such as those who are honours, our loves, our county and country would be much the poorer. But these honours reflect and recognise only a small part of the huge contribution made by many who work tirelessly for their communities.

“I would encourage anyone who knows someone who makes a big difference to others in their community work, to nominate them for an honour which recognises the contribution and the extraordinary effort made by exceptional people in Essex.”

Included in the honours are Richard Gregory, who receives the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his work to improve the lives of disadvantaged adults and young people with special educational needs in Basildon.

Michael Ballinger, treasurer and studio manager for Wickford and District Talking Newspaper for the Blind, also receives a BEM for his services to the community.

Kevin Macey, Head of Essex Police’s Serious Case Review team, receives the BEM too, for his services to policing after an almost 50-year career.

Here are all this year’s Honours recipients:

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

• Michaela Benzeval: Professor of Longitudinal Research and Director of Understanding Society, University of Essex. Awarded for services to Social Science.
• Michelle Jarman-Howe: Chief Operating Officer of Prisons, HM Prison and Probation Service. Awarded for Public Service.
• Mala RAO, OBE: Senior Clinical Fellow, Imperial College London. Awarded for services to Public Health, the NHS and to Equality and Diversity in Colchester.
• Peter Shilton, OBE: Awarded for services to Association Football and to the Prevention of Gambling Harm.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• Christopher Jolly: Publisher, Jolly Phonics. Awarded for services to education.
• Gillian Millane: Co-Founder of Love Grace. Awarded for services to Charitable Fundraising and Tackling Violence Against Women.
• Hannah O’Callaghan: Co-Founder of Love Grace. Awarded for services to Charitable Fundraising and Tackling Violence Against Women.

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Sara Browne: For services to the Arts and to the community in Southend-on-Sea and Westcliff on Sea.
• Christopher Hunter Gordon: Chairman, Resources for Autism. Awarded for services to People with Autism and their Families.
• Joseph Galliano: Director and Co-Founder of Queer Britain. Awarded for services to Heritage, Charity and to Diversity and Inclusion.
• Donna McWilliams: Deputy Group Co-Ordinator of Stepping Stones Play and Learn. Awarded for services to Early Years and Special Needs Education.
• Anne White: Volunteer Director of Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions Community Interest Company. Awarded for services to People with Impairments, based in Purfleet.
• Jonathan White: Economist for Department of Health and Social Care. Awarded for services to Social Care Policy.
• Claire Whiting: Founder of Two2One. Awarded for services to Bereaved People in Southend-on-Sea.

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Moses Ayoola: Director of Estates and Facilities at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Awarded for services to Leadership in the NHS.
• Michael Ballinger: Awarded for services to the community in Wickford and Dunmow.
• Moira Brock: Founder and Principal of La Danse Fantastique. Awarded for services to Young People in Basildon.
• Christopher Eaton: Awarded for services to the community in Wakes Colne, Colchester.
• Robert Erith, TD DL: Awarded for services to the Environment in Dedham Vale.
• Marc Grayston: Chief Instructor at Maru Karate Kai. Awarded for services to Disadvantaged Young People and to the community in Basildon.
• Richard Gregory: Awarded for services to the Basildon community.
• Kevin Macey: Head of Major Crime Review, Essex Police. Awarded for services to Policing in Chelmsford.
• Brian Mooney: Member of Common Council, City of London Corporation. Awarded for services to the community in the City of London and in Coggeshall.
• Pauline Young (Holden): Lately Watch Manager of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for Services to the community in Great Baddow, Chelmsford.

Essex Young Musicians’ Trust supports next generation’s talent

10th January 2025

In 1984, the Friends of the Essex Youth Orchestra was created, successfully running programmes for young and upcoming musicians in the county.

For many years, funds were raised by a group of Essex Youth Orchestra parents, however, it was felt by those involved that more should be done to help young, local musicians, so in 1995, their name was changed to the Essex Young Musicians’ Trust (EYMT).

Through events, donations, subscriptions and sponsorships, EYMT raised funds to provide Full Fee Bursaries, Tour Bursaries and occasional Discretionary Awards and “top-ups”, ensuring that talented young musicians, who may not have the financial backing or opportunity to do so otherwise, can fulfil a career in music and the arts. The EYMT was transferred to us, to continue the 30 year legacy of the Trust and provide support for the next generation of musical talents.

Carrie Penn recently received support from the Trust to support her  two-year Masters course in Composing for Film and Television, which she is about to graduate from at the National Film and Television School (NFTS).

Carrie said, “I really appreciate the Essex Young Musicians Trust and Essex Community Foundation for helping to make this possible.

“For the final year of my course, I have been busy composing the music for six different graduation projects, a documentary, a fiction film, a game, a nature documentary, an animation and a television show. These projects have given me the opportunity to compose in a wide range of styles and have given me a strong portfolio which will help me as I enter the industry in the next few months.

“In October, our games projects were showcased at EGX (Eurogamer Expo) in London and in March, our films will be screened to industry professionals at the BFI in London. Completing this course has not only improved my composition and music production abilities but has given be the skillset I need to confidently work as part of a post-production team. I am now well versed at working with directors, sound designers and editors to help shape projects in the post-production stage and feel confident about how to carry myself in the industry.

“I have made many contacts while working at the school, both with the students I will be graduating alongside and with industry professionals who have come to the school to visit. When I graduate, I will continue to work on projects with some of my collaborators from NFTS and am also applying to assistant composer jobs in London. I already have an assistant composing job lined up with a games composer I met as a result of a project I worked on at NFTS. I know it will take a lot of hard work to find my way in this line of work, but I am confident of my next steps.

“None of this would have been possible if I had not been able to find the funding to study at NFTS, so I am very grateful for the help!”

To help more individuals like Carrie or if you want to find out more about how to give back to your local community, you can donate through us. We make it easy for you to support specific causes you care about, so together we can make a long-lasting, positive difference across Essex.

Click here for more information on giving. 

Our 2024 Annual Review is here!

28th November 2024

We are excited to share our newly published Annual Review!

This is a round up of our work over the past 12 months and features our new 2030 Strategy, as well as stories about local groups we have supported, and the new funds set up with us during the year.

If you would like a hard copy of the report, please email hello@essexcf.org.uk with your address details.

A summary – our 2024 charity Symposium and AGM event

25th November 2024

Our Charity Symposium – The Importance of Resilient Communities 

On 20 November we brought together around 100 representatives from charities, voluntary organisations, funders, public services, local government, private companies and our donors for our second charity Symposium.   

The event was held in the amazing conference venue at Hatfield Place and guests engaged in meaningful discussions and heard from four inspiring speakers:  

• Immy Kaur (CIVIC SQUARE)
  

• David Scurr (CAST)
  
  

• Sebastian Rocca (Micro Rainbow)
  
  

• Ruth Ball  (Centre for Public Impact Europe)
  
  

The theme of the day was the importance of resilient communities. Communities that are not only able to pick up the pieces of local needs and issues, but creating places where everyone feels valued, safe and included. 

Big issues were addressed at the event, including the need to find a safe way to use and develop new technologies, including AI (artificial intelligence).  We also talked about climate action and its impact on infrastructure in deprived economic areas, as well as increased challenges to creating equal opportunities for the LGBTQ+ communities. 

The importance of authentic leadership was highlighted and how to deal with the considerable pressure currently faced by the voluntary sector as it manages increased demand, financial challenges and volunteer recruitment issues.  The urgent need for sustainable funding and resources was underscored, to ensure and maintain the sector’s impact and we encouraged all stakeholders to recognise and reinforce the vital role of the VCS in meeting Essex’s evolving community needs. 

Our Trustee, Jo Wells, who chaired the day, summed up the Symposium using two words, “Resilience” and “Reimagine” and it is easy to see why with a host of change-makers and creative thinkers in the room.   

Conclusions were that we need to be bold and more determined to try new things, recognise that we might fail, but try again, in order to help us all adapt and innovate. It felt like everyone had a common purpose, all aligning with our mission to inspire philanthropy and charitable giving – matching people, ideas, resources and needs, to make a lasting difference. 

Annual General Meeting 

After the Symposium, we were joined by further guests and Members for our Annual General Meeting (AGM).  

During the meeting, Members approved the appointment of two new Trustees, Graham Chapman KC and David Guest and we look forward to working with them during their first trustee term. 

After the formal proceedings, we launched our new 2030 Strategy, developed following consultation and discussion with representatives from all our stakeholders over the past year.  We have identified some big issues to tackle and to do this we will need to be bold in our ambition, collaborate and work in partnership with all sectors and neighbourhoods. 

Our guest speaker was Carol Mack OBE, CEO of ACF (Association of Charitable Foundations) who gave a thought-provoking speech about the state of the sector and the challenges for Foundations and Trusts in trying to tackle needs in communities. 

You can read our 2030 Strategy here.  In addition, our latest Annual Review can be found here.  If you would like to receive a printed copy of either of these documents, please email Megan Reeves at megan@essexcf.org.uk. 

Have a heart this Christmas

21st November 2024

Being prepared for serious and unexpected incidents was a way of life for George Cook as he rose through the ranks and became chief officer with the Essex Police Special Constabulary.

During his 47 years of distinguished service, he attended many incidents ranging from a highjacked aircraft at Stansted Airport, murders and serious and fatal road accidents, but suffering a heart attack in June was something he was not expecting.

George, 79, who lives in Southend, where he was born and bred, was so delighted with the treatment he received that he has pledged his support for the Essex Heart Fund, to help other patients in the county.

“My heart attack, which happened at home, was completely unexpected,” said George. “Although I have had other health issues, I didn’t have any history of heart problems. I called an ambulance when I realised that what I was experiencing was more than just indigestion.

“Following excellent treatment from the ambulance service I was taken on ‘blues and twos’ to Basildon Hospital’s heart unit. I was amazed by the speed with which I was assessed and treated.

“I was lucky that a major artery was not involved, but it was still a heart attack, which was treated by the insertion of a balloon. From arrival at the heart unit to being back on the ward after successful treatment, was approximately three hours and I was able to go home two days later.

“My attitude is that you have to get on with life and I am doing my best to stay fit and active, with an exercise regime every day, including a two-to-three-mile walk.

“The treatment I had from Dr Thomas Keeble and his team at the heart unit at Basildon Hospital was world class, which is why I am supporting the Essex Heart Fund. I want the people of Essex to be more aware of the fund and how it can help heart patients and their families.”

George combined a career in merchant banking, shipping, charity work and the public sector at executive level, with the outstanding service he gave to the Special Constabulary in Essex.

“Having a full-time paid job and also a demanding role within the Special Constabulary often meant that my social life suffered,” he said.

“I was fortunate to have understanding girlfriends and to have employers who allowed me time off to carry out police work. When I reached the age of 60 in 2005, I decided to take early retirement from my paid job to devote my time to the increasing demands of directing the Special Constabulary in Essex, whose numbers at that time were approaching 600. I also founded the Association of Special Constabulary Chief Officers and in the last two years of my service I spent the majority of my time on national issues.”

George was made an MBE in 2002 for services to the police and charity. He now wants to spread the word about the Essex Heart Fund and, as well as giving his personal support to the cause, says he is willing to give talks to local groups about his experience following his heart attack.

The Essex Heart Fund, which is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation, was launched in 2020 by renowned consultant cardiologists, Dr Gerald Clesham and Dr Thomas Keeble, along with charity specialist Fred Heddell.

Dr Clesham and Dr Keeble both work at hospitals in Essex, including Basildon Hospital and Fred has wide experience of the charity sector in the county.

They developed the idea for a new charity in Essex with the aim of meeting the needs of Essex heart patients and their families and bringing major improvements to their lives.

Dr Clesham said: “Heart conditions are still the commonest causes of premature death and are a major cause of disability.  Our cardiac services here in Essex serve a population of about 1.8 million people and we are fortunate to have the internationally-recognised Essex Cardiothoracic Centre in Basildon, along with some great work going on in our other hospitals the county.

“Money donated to the Essex Heart Fund is spent solely in the county, on community services and support groups for patients and their families, the development of new hospital-based clinical services and to support local cardiovascular education and research.”

The Fund has already awarded grants totalling nearly £15,000.  The latest grant of £3,580 has enabled the purchase of a bedside lung function assessment device to monitor a patient’s vital signs while they are undergoing a TAVI (Trans Catheter Aortic Valve Implantation) procedure.  This is particularly helpful for patients experiencing aortic stenosis which is when the aortic value in the heart has become narrowed.  This is usually caused by a build-up of calcium deposits on the valve over the course of a lifetime.

The assessment device will help improve efficiency and decrease waiting list times at the Cardiothoracic Centre in Basildon.

Other grants from the Essex Heart Fund include support for:

• the Tickers Cardiac Support Group to help provide cardiac fitness training for heart attack survivors at a venue in Chelmsford.
• a training defibrillator for Essex Community First Aid, whose volunteers give first aid cover at community events across Essex.
• the installation of defibrillators at Essex locations, in former telephone kiosks in Terling, Fairstead and Audley End and a bowling club in Thurrock.
• a heated defibrillator cabinet for the three villages of Little Yeldham, Tilbury-Juxta-Clare and Ovington Parish Council.
• the Saffron Walden Community Shed to buy a defibrillator for use by them and the local area.
• to provide counselling for individuals impacted by Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) in Colchester, Southend-on-Sea and Basildon

Did you know?

• Heart conditions are still the commonest causes of premature death
• 7,500 heart procedures are performed every year at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre
• In Essex someone dies of heart disease every two hours
• 20,000 people in Essex have heart failure

Support the Essex Heart Fund

It is easy to make a donation and lots of ways that you can give support:

• Donate online via essexheartfund.org.uk
• Include EHF in your will
• Choose EHF as your charity to support if you take part in a fundraising event or nominate EHF as your corporate charity of the year.
• Organise an event in aid of EHF

Main photo:  The Seniors section at Burnham on Crouch golf Club was pleased to raise money for the Essex Heart Fund during the club’s centenary year with Bryan Lorimer, Seniors captain (left) and James Smyth, vice captain (right) holding the banner, alongside members of the club.