Nurturing local talent through Bee’s legacy

27th June 2025

Gifted musician and author Belinda Starling-Trim was using her creative talents to the full, when a tragedy cut her life short at the age of 34.

Her creative skills inspired her family to set up a fund in her memory, so that other talented young people could be given vital support to reach their full potential.

Belinda, affectionately known as Bee, lived in Wivenhoe and was a successful singer, songwriter and author. In 2006 she went into hospital for a routine operation to remove a cyst on her bile duct. Following the operation she tragically died, leaving behind her husband, musician and producer Mike Trim and two small children.

To honour her memory and the talent she embodied, the Belinda Starling Memorial Fund was established in 2007. The fund is run by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF) and gives grants to other gifted and inspirational young people to help them fulfil their dreams.

The fund is a fitting legacy and tribute for Belinda, who was best known for her critically acclaimed novel The Journal of Dora Damage. She died knowing that her book would be published by Bloomsbury, but did not know how successful it would be.

Belinda’s father David said, “When Bee died it was a tragedy for the whole family, but we knew that she would not have wanted us to sit around moping.

“We decided to establish the Belinda Starling Memorial Fund with Essex Community Foundation to help young people in Essex whose ambitions and talents, particularly in literature, drama or music, just cannot take root without help, encouragement and money.

“We flagged up our intention to launch a memorial fund at Bee’s funeral in August 2006 and it was heartwarming the way people kept on saying, “You will let us know when it is up and running, won’t you?”

The fund grew and has already distributed almost £180,000 in grants. The first was to the London Bus Theatre Company (LBTC), based in Hockley, that works with marginalised young people to reduce crime, improve community safety, tackle inequality and instigate social change through the arts.  A grant of £3,188 from Bee’s Fund helped LBTC to develop a drama project working with talented young men from Southend and Castlepoint who were at risk of offending and train them in the art of acting, helping to build their confidence and skills and increase their employment opportunities.

Other grants from Bee’s Fund have been given to support around 64 individual young people in Essex who have a wide range of talents.

“Deciding to set up a fund in Bee’s memory was a no-brainer, but who to set it up with had been a more difficult decision. We did not want to run the fund ourselves, because of the complexities of dealing with a charity.

“I knew of Essex Community Foundation through a friend, and it was reassuring to find that the money from the fund would get to where it was intended and the administration was first rate, and the costs involved were reasonable.

“Essex Community Foundation’s real strength is that they can identify young people who need support and they can help us spend the money with precision and maximum effect.

“It would have made Bee very happy to know that a fund in her name was giving young people opportunities to realise their full potential.”

By the age of 19, Belinda was already proving that she had immense talent. English literature, drama and music were her great loves. She taught Romeo and Juliet to teenagers in Kwazulu, one of South Africa’s rougher areas, a place where, as Belinda said, “they all know what tear gas smells like.”

Belinda regularly sent letters home that summer and made it clear how much she enjoyed sharing her intellectual gifts with others less fortunate and that she had discovered a truth that for some, remains hidden all their lives.

“I can’t explain how much I love them,” she wrote. “They can be obnoxious or stroppy and I may tell them off strictly, but they have my love and trust, I have theirs and I just love them.

“Why does everyone go round as if love is a scarce commodity that must be rationed? There’s a huge reserve of love waiting to be tapped into and it will never run dry.”

Belinda’s talents, her love for life and passion to help others was inspirational and her legacy will inspire and foster new generations of creative young people.

One of the first young people to benefit from support was an outstanding law student, who lived in Braintree and was one of the first members of her family to attend University.  Having achieved her degree, Laura set her sights on very specialised areas of law.  A grant from Belinda’s Fund meant that she could go to the University of Melbourne, Australia, to undertake coursework for her Masters degree in law.

After she graduated and started work for a London based law firm, she said, “Without the support of the Belinda Starling Memorial Fund and ECF, I would not have the future ahead of me that I had always dreamed about. It has propelled me into a career that I love and with which I can help so many other people.”

Belinda’s father, David said: “If in years to come people can look back and ask: “Who was this Belinda Starling who helped me get to where I am today?” and also realise that there are still young people being given help because of her death, then we will have done OK.”

 Supporting Local Talent

 Other grants from Bee’s Fund are supporting young people who are pursuing careers in music and dance.

Having achieved his Grade 8 clarinet at just 16, Nathan Quilter from Canvey Island is currently studying at the Royal Collect of Music (RCM), furthering his skills and after which he intends to pursue a career as a musician.  He has been a regular member of the Essex Youth Orchestra, Essex Youth Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Aldeburgh Young Musicians and a volunteer with the Essex Marching Corps.

Nathan received £1,500 from the Belinda Starling Memorial Fund to help pay accommodation and equipment costs while studying at RCM.

At just six years old, Elijah Jones was already part of the National Ballroom Competition Squad and following his dream of being a professional dancer.  Elijah, now aged eight, lives with his family in Great Wakering and received £1,500 from Belinda’s Fund to enable him to compete in the Ballroom and Latin juvenile national and international competitions in the UK and Europe.  The Principal of Essex Academy of Dance said, “Elijah shows huge potential and is placing in all regional competitions.  He is a future ‘Strictly” star!

Ameile Gruar is 13 years old and a talented Ballroom and Latin dancer.  Her dream is to become a professional dancer, and she trains four times a week with her dance partner, River. They have competed in many competitions, including at the Blackpool Tower in 2024.  To help with the cost of dance lessons, workshops and dresses to enable her to compete at national level, Ameile has received £3,000 from Belinda’s Fund.

Anna Nesvitii is 19 and studying a level 3 music performance and production course at Colchester Institute.  Prior to this she was studying music in Ukraine before she was forced to flee because of the War.  Anna lives in Dovercourt near Harwich, and Belinda’s Fund has given her £2,000 to help with travel and associated costs to complete her

course and follow her dream of becoming a professional musician.

Laurie Rothwell is 22 and a talented young musician from Manningtree.  His passion is Classical and Jazz and his principal instrument is the clarinet, although he also plays the saxophone and flute. He successfully completed a degree at the Guildhall School of Music, and a grant of £2,990 from Belinda’s Fund, along with £1,200 from the Essex Young Musician’s Trust is helping with the cost of undertaking a two-year post graduate Masters course in Jazz in Berlin

The King’s Birthday Honours List has been revealed

The rich tapestry of life in Essex is truly reflected in the list of recipients in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.

The honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public life, or committed themselves to serving and helping the country.

In Essex, recognition is shared between individuals whose lives and careers stand as role models for others in the community, Many different contributions have been recognised, including in the fields of national defence, local government, business, education, race relations, the emergency services, culture, the environment, sport and local community service.

Gavin Jones, (left), former Chief Executive of Essex County Council, is made a CBE for services to local government. Widely acknowledged for his leadership, he is an advisor to councils elsewhere in the south east and makes a positive difference for people in many walks of life, including as a trustee for charities involving health, wellbeing and community development.

Elsewhere, for services involving young people,

Rebekah Liyambo, Chief Executive Officer of EKO Trust, is awarded an OBE for services to education. She has been with the Trust since 2016 and has overseen the growth of a high performing academy trust responsible for 10 schools in Essex and elsewhere;

Alex Boucher receives an MBE for services to the gaming industry and entrepreneurship. He is the founder and managing director of Analog and recognised for encouraging and promoting young talent that might otherwise have gone unrecognised;

Richard Titchener receives an MBE. Richard is Chief Executive of the Sea-Change Sailing Trust and captain of the “Blue Mermaid”, a Thames sailing barge based at Maldon. He is recognised for his contribution to sailing and, in particular, his work with young people.

Commenting on the list of recipients, Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, the King’s personal representative in the county, said:

“As a county, we can be justly proud of all the individuals who have received national honours. Each person in their unique way will have done something exceptional. It is right that they should be recognised in this way.

“I would encourage anyone who knows someone, who is making a big difference to others in their community, to nominate them for a national honour and so to seek public recognition at the highest level of their contribution to society.”

Full list of Essex Honours:

Order of the British Empire

Officers of the Order of the British Empire

Mr Wayne Alan Bantick: Programme Manager, Defence Equipment and Support. For services to Defence

Ms Deta Hedman: For services to Darts and to Charity

Ms Rebekah Jane Iiyambo: Chief Executive Officer, Eko Trust. For services to Education

Members of the Order of the British Empire

Mrs Linda Belgrove: Founder and Chair, Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund. For services to Charity

Mr Alex Robert Boucher: Founder and Managing Director, Analog. For services to the Gaming Industry and to Entrepreneurship

Mr Matthew Clare: For services to the community in Saffron Walden, Essex

Mr Frederick John Hudson: For services to the Arsenal Football Club Community

Mr Muhbeen Hussain: For Political Services to Integration, Cohesion and to British Society

Professor Noor Ul Owase Jeelani: Professor of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. Forservices to Neurosurgery and Global Child Health

Mr Jeffrey Charles Pope: Writer, Director and Producer. For services to Drama

Mr Richard Donald Titchener: Chief Executive Officer, Sea-Change Sailing Trust and Captain, Blue Mermaid. For services to Disadvantaged Young People and to the community in Essex

Mr John Paul Wilkinson: Director of Young People, Volunteer and Business Support, Marine Society and Sea Cadets. For services to Young People

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire

Dr Muhammad Ahsan: Community Safety Officer, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Essex

Mrs Patricia May Baker: For services to the community in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex

Mr Paul Raymond Cotgrove: Ms Anna Fiorentini Founder, Southend-on-Sea Film Festival and Founder, Horror-On-Sea Film Festival. For services to Film and British Film Heritage Founder, Fiorentini4ni Foundation and Anna Fiorentini Performing Arts School. For services to Young People from Under Privileged Backgrounds

Mr Andrew David Gee: Volunteer, Whoosh Explore Canoe Club. For services to Floating Pennywort Removal

Ms Alison Natalie Harle: Police Constable, City of London Police. For services to Policing

The Reverend Brian Jennings: For services to the community in Walton-on-the-Naze

Mr Peter David Kelly: For services to the community in Shoeburyness, Essex

Mrs Susan Mary Mapp: Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-Educator, Cooks Spinney Primary Academy, Essex. For services to Special Educational Needs

Mrs Gloria Brenda Nichols: For services to the community in Chelmsford, Essex

The King’s Police Medal for Distinguighed service has been awarded to Keith Baldwin, lately Assistant Chief Constable, Essex Police

Apply now to join our team!

5th June 2025

Marketing Manager

Are you a creative and strategic marketing professional who wants to make a real difference in your local community?  Join us and help us inspire generosity, support local causes, and drive positive change across Essex.

As our new Marketing Manager, you will lead the strategic promotion of the Foundation’s services, charitable initiatives, and donor development opportunities. Your role will be central to increasing engagement, growing philanthropic support, and enhancing ECF’s visibility across the county. 

You will develop and deliver a comprehensive marketing strategy that brings our brand to life, promotes our grantmaking and donor services, and communicates the impact of our work to key audiences. Working as part of our Fund Development team, your expertise will directly support income generation, donor retention, and the delivery of key events. 

What you’ll bring: 

• Experience creating and implementing successful marketing strategy and campaigns 

• Strong brand creation, digital marketing, and client engagement 

• A collaborative, hands-on approach and the ability to lead on multiple projects 

• A passion for building connections and communicating impact 

You’ll work closely with colleagues across the Foundation, including our Policy & Communications Manager and Head of Stewardship, to ensure all marketing activity is aligned and effective. 

Why join us?
We are a highly regarded, professional and passionate organisation that connects people who care with local causes that matter. We work closely with philanthropists, manage charitable funds and award grants to voluntary and community organisations tackling some of Essex’s most pressing social issues. This is your chance to use your skills to help us grow our reach and deepen our impact. 

Ready to apply?
Download the application pack here.
For an informal chat about the role, contact Perry Norton on 07495 548383 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.  

Renewed energy given to local charities

22nd May 2025

Four charitable projects in Harwich and Tendring are receiving a welcome boost, thanks to the latest round of grants from the Galloper Wind Farm Community Fund.  From outdoor education and school essentials to community hubs and respite care, these initiatives are having a strong impact on the lives of local people.

The Galloper Wind Farm Community Fund, established in 2018 by the Galloper Wind Farm with the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF), has now awarded over £93,000 to local voluntary and community organisations. The fund focuses on supporting groups operating near Galloper’s Operations and Maintenance base at Harwich International Port.

Located approximately 30km off the Essex and Suffolk coast, Galloper Wind Farm generates enough clean energy to power up to 444,000 UK households annually. Demonstrating a commitment to community investment, Galloper established three charitable funds to benefit surrounding communities, with the Essex-based fund managed by ECF.

Conor Nicholson, Business & Stakeholder Coordinator at Galloper Wind Farm, said: “It’s important to support the communities where we work. Many of our team live locally, and awarding these grants shows our long-term commitment to the area. We’re proud to back projects that address a wide range of needs and benefit people of all ages. The real impact is seen in the lives improved by these services, this is why we do what we do.”

The latest charities to receive support are:

• Birch Hall Adventures received £3,380 to support the building of a new dining room space, which provides outdoor education and adventure days for children and young people in Tendring.
• Clacton School Uniform Bank received £4,302 towards the cost of running their uniform bank, ensuring those from disadvantaged or low-income backgrounds can access school clothing.
• Elmstead Parish Council received £2,512 to continue providing a warm space and social hub for local residents in need.
• The Hut Mersea Island CIC received £3,000 towards the running costs of their accessible caravan in Clacton, that provides free and subsidized respite breaks for families who have members with disabilities or life limiting/life threatening conditions.

Carolyn Doyle, from Clacton School Uniform Bank said, “This grant means school uniforms can be accessible for families regardless of income, easing stress and reducing landfill waste. Our service is vital in areas of deprivation across Tendring, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. It’s a far cry from the jumble sales of the past, we offer dignity and hope for both today’s children and tomorrow’s planet.”

The Hut Mersea Island received £3,000 to help with the running costs of their accessible ‘Harry Caravan’ in Clacton.  They provide inclusive holidays and beach hut days to the community with the emphasis being on increased understanding and support for families with health or disability needs that may require additional access or facilities.

Ty Bowring who runs the group said, “This grant will really help me keep offering special breaks to my special visitors.”

Galloper Wind Farm continues to be a strong presence in the community. Operating from its purpose-built facility at Harwich International Port, the O&M team supports local initiatives and fosters strong partnerships with neighbouring businesses and groups.

Find out more about the Galloper Wind Farm and their charitable projects here.

If you want to make a lasting difference in the community, you can work with us in a variety of ways, ranging from setting up a named fund, making a one-off or regular contribution to our Acorn Fund, or by leaving a legacy. For more information on how to set up a fund or ways to give, click here. If you want to apply for support, click here.

Our donors are community heroes

21st May 2025

Essex people have been hailed as heroes for their generosity, which has resulted in almost £60 million worth of grants for good causes across the county.

Our achievement is a milestone, proving that families, individuals and businesses want to give locally to support charities and voluntary groups close to their hearts and homes.

A total of 200 charitable funds have been set up through us since we launched in 1996 as one of the first organisations of its kind in the UK.

Nick Alston, our chairman, said: “Our donors really are heroes, as without them, we would not have been able to give this money in grants to support the vital work of charities and voluntary groups that are the bedrock of our communities.

“Next year will be our 30^th anniversary and it is remarkable what has been achieved over the past three decades. We are so grateful to the generous people of Essex who have helped us give over 10,000 grants, totalling nearly £60 million.”

Having in-depth knowledge of organisations working at the grassroots of the community means that we can highlight the best ways for people to achieve their charitable aims to make a tangible and lasting impact.

Those who set up funds are given the chance to see at first hand the difference their generosity is making. Families, businesses and individuals have all set up charitable funds through us, which also administers funds for public agencies and other foundations. Several trust transfers and legacies are also in our safe hands, we can carry on the good work people have established in the past, and ensure that the original intentions remain valid in a changing world.

Our team also work with a growing number of professional advisers in Essex who are well placed to advise their clients about the tax incentives associated with making gifts to charity and as part of estate planning.  This is helping us to raise awareness of how we can help people to achieve their charitable aims in their lifetime as well as part of a legacy.

There are many examples of the various ways people can link with us and support their local community.

The Clark Family Fund was set up by Charles and Sue Clark in 2009.

Charles and Sue, who live near Maldon, are delighted that their family fund helps to support a wide range of community and voluntary groups in Essex, especially those helping children and young people.

Charles was a founding trustee and later chairman of the Foundation and is now a now a much-valued vice-president. During his long career in the Essex police force Charles faced several life-or-death situations and gained plenty of accolades, including an OBE and Queen’s Police Medal.

The events were defining moments for Charles, who rose through the ranks to become the county’s Deputy Chief Constable, combining his career with voluntary work in the community.  As his career progressed Charles became more and more aware of issues involving young people and for 10 years he led the work for youth justice for the police service nationally.

He said, “I came across kids who were as bright as a button but who had little chance in life because of their circumstances, and I knew that most could achieve more with the right help and support”.

“So many experiences during my police service have left an indelible impression on me. My involvement with the voluntary sector, particularly with Essex Community Foundation, has also been one of the most profound experiences of my life.”

One of Charles’ greatest achievements was his idea in 2014 for Essex Police to work with us and set up the Proceeds of Crime Matched Funding Scheme. The initiative means that we can match donations from people, who want to support community safety initiatives, with money from seized criminal assets and the sale of stolen property recovered by the police.  Over the past decade, we have set up funds currently valued at £1.5 million.  As the funds are invested for the long-term, and continue to grow with new donations, we can give away an increasing amount each year to a wide range of voluntary organisations and charities in Essex.

Caption: Charles collecting his OBE with his wife Sue and their two daughters.

The Montpellier Fund was set up in 2024 Jill and Andy Vicary, who currently live in Roxwell.

The couple have also lived and worked in other areas of Essex as well as abroad, in Greece, Sudan, Belgium, Algeria, Germany. Their love of travel and diverse cultural experiences inspired them to buy a house in France near Montpellier, which led to the name of their fund.

Witnessing extreme poverty in Africa and hardship in Europe motivated them to help those less fortunate. Through fundraising and the Chelmsford Round Table they have actively supported many charities. They were introduced to the Foundation by friends a few years ago and decided to become more involved and support smaller local charities, where a relatively modest donation can really make a difference.  They recently supported their first charity, Essex Youth Build, based in Chelmsford, helping them to deliver training courses that will enhance the employability and life chances of vulnerable young people.

Jill and Andy said: “We are excited to start this journey and learn more about how we can not only help now but also encourage our families to continue this support when we are not quite so hands on.”

The Ron and Elise Odden Legacy Fund was established in 2024, when the Foundation became a solution to a dilemma.

Ron and Elsie met through a friendship group in the East End of London and were married in 1955.

The couple did not have any children and after they died their estate was to be split, with half going to Ron’s godson, John and half to a specified charity. But by the time Elsie died, the charity was no longer in existence and the will failed. This meant that the entire estate went to John.

John felt uncomfortable about receiving the whole estate, when the intention of his godparents was to give a gift to charity. But he had no idea which charity to give the money to. Over supper with his neighbour, Ann Coutts, a private client solicitor with Thompson Smith & Puxon Solicitors in Colchester, he shared his dilemma. Ann already knew of us and suggested this route could be a suitable option. Following advice from the Charity Commission, John worked with us to establish a fund in Ron and Elsie’s memory.

The George Courtauld Educational Charity is among several pre-existing charitable trusts transferred to and now managed by us, which is well-placed to ensure that future grant making is true to the spirit of a trust’s original objectives.

The George Courtauld Educational Charity continues to support young people under the age of 21 who live, or whose parents live, in the Braintree District.

George Courtauld was born in Pebmarsh in 1830.  After being educated at University College London, he became a partner in the firm of Samuel Courtauld & Co, a textile manufacturing company that had been established by his grandfather in 1798.

George was very much a member of the local community, holding appointments such as Justice of the Peace and High Sheriff of Essex in 1896.  In December 1878, he was elected as the Liberal MP for Maldon, a position that he held until 1885.  He was married three times and had 13 children.  He died in 1920.

As well as George’s trust fund, we manage four other trusts set up by the Courtauld family; The Marion Ruth Courtauld Educational Fund, William Julien Courtauld Medical Fund and the Cecily Courtauld Scholarship Fund. All the fund transfers were instigated by George’s great grandson, also called George.

He said: “I am delighted that my ancestor’s trusts are in the safe hands of ECF, so that their legacies can continue to benefit people in Braintree.”

The Saffron Community Fund is a great example of the good a company can do by channelling their charitable giving through the Foundation.

Saffron Building Society has a long history going back over 150 years with branches in Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk. The company has always supported local charities and initiatives and in 2011 started working with us.

Colin Field, CEO at Saffron, explains, “We’re proud to be part of the communities surrounding our branches. So many people rely on the care provided by charities and community groups, and we know a little can go a long way. Establishing an invested fund with ECF means that we can give now and in the future.

“Since launching our fund we’ve worked with our members, residents and partners to identify where we can make a real difference. It’s a real privilege to be able to support our local communities and to see the impact this makes first-hand.”

The Society regularly makes donations to its invested fund and also organises fundraising activities to boost the amount they have to give away.

Claire Hunnable, Community Business Partner said: “Working with ECF means that we are being introduced to some of the smaller, grassroots charities that do so much in local communities, but often don’t have the profile or the resources to be able to attract the funding they need.

“ECF does all the due diligence and makes recommendations for us to consider and our panel, made up of employees and members, makes the final selection.”

Photo Caption:  Members of the Saffron team visit Mencap to see how their support is making a difference

If you want to support your local community, either in your lifetime or as part of a legacy, contact Perry Norton on 01245 355947 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk

Saffron Community Fund opens for applications

12th May 2025

The Saffron Community Fund (SCF) is offering a lifeline to smaller local charities, announcing that applications open today to apply for a grant from the Saffron Building Society initiative.

We receive and manage all grant applications on behalf of Saffron Building Society and work in partnership with them to ensure funds are distributed fairly.

Since it was set up, the Saffron Community Fund has delivered over £250,000 in grants. Its mission is to bolster the crucial work of smaller charities, community groups, and volunteers across Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk.

Grants are open to charities, not-for-profits, community, and volunteer groups who specifically support the elderly, children and young people, environmental and green causes. Each application for a grant is assessed individually to ensure all funding is fairly distributed to charities.

Applications close on Friday 20th June 2025.

Claire Hunnable, Saffron’s Community Business Partner, explains: “Our Fund is an essential source of funding for some of the smaller charities and community groups around our branches. We have developed a unique and important working relationship with Essex Community Foundation that ensure all grant decisions made by our panel are undertaken with expert guidance from them.

“Every year we are amazed by the diversity of the applications and are always delighted to be introduced to groups we may never normally have been aware of. I also have the pleasure of meeting the people behind the projects and to see the amazing work that is happening all around our communities.”

Charities who have recently benefitted from a grant from the Saffron Community Fund are Dig It Allotment project, also based in Saffron Walden, which hosts members of the community on a weekly basis at the allotment, to learn how to plant, tend, harvest and maintain their fruit and vegetable plots across the seasons.

Reach Group Community Projects also received funding from SCF, to support the costs of a boxing project for children at risk of permanent exclusion, for two schools based in Saffron Walden and Braintree.

Hourglass (Safer Ageing) are able to continue delivering a 24/7 helpline for older people at risk of abuse across Essex, thanks to funding from SCF. Their work also covers Suffolk and Hertfordshire, as demand for their services grow.

How to apply

• If you would like to apply, please fill out this application form
• Chat with us instantly using the button in the bottom right hand corner (9am-4pm)
• Call us on 01245 355947
• Click here to book a time slot to speak with a grants officer
• E-mail grants@essexcf.org.uk