Threads of joy and community

29th October 2024

Essex has a rich tapestry of cultural events and festivals that light up the county throughout the year.

Christmas is on the horizon, bringing celebrations in December for Christians, as well as those who do not follow any religion.

For Muslim communities, the end of the year is marked by the celebration of Mawlid, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, where homes are adorned with lights and families come together for feasts and prayers.

Hindu families, meanwhile, honour the spirit of Diwali with the Festival of Lights around the beginning of November, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.

In China, the Lunar New Year is celebrated at the end of January and begins in earnest as families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and gather to share elaborate meals, awaiting the dawn of a prosperous new year.

These celebrations offer a glimpse into the diverse ways people come together to embrace the festive spirit. Whether it’s through prayer, feasting, or simply spending time with loved ones, these traditions highlight the universal threads of joy and community that tie us all together during the year and the festive season.

The independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF) supports a wide range of local charities and voluntary organisations who not only celebrate dates in their cultural calendar, but also reach out to their wider community, engaging people of all ages in projects, events and activities.  This work helps to strengthen community cohesion and tolerance and improve education and understanding of different cultures.

Caroline Taylor, CEO of ECF, said: “Essex is enriched by the many charities and voluntary organisations that celebrate our diverse cultures, and we are proud to support their efforts. These charities have a unique ability to connect different communities to cultivate understanding and tolerance. Festivals and annual celebrations are powerful ways to build a more inclusive, curious and compassionate county.”

Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) 

ECDP is based in Rochford and since 2011 they have been working with various festivals to provide new and exciting platforms for artists from different backgrounds to present their work and celebrate the diverse communities that call Essex home.

From Diwali festivals that light up the streets with colour and music to Chinese New Year parades filled with dragons and lanterns, they ensure that these significant events are not only celebrated but are also shared with the wider community.  In doing so, they help to keep traditions and customs alive and accessible to people of all ages.

Inderjit Sandhu is the creative director and CEO at ECDP.  He said, “One of the cornerstones of our work is support for cultural celebrations across Essex and creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together in mutual respect and joy.  By fostering these events, we encourage residents to learn about and appreciate the many cultures that coexist within Essex, and they are also great fun.

“One highlight in our summer calendar is our Global Village stage, a multi-art form and music festival, held in July and August each year in various outdoor locations across Essex.  The event brings together outstanding acts from Essex and all over the world to create a truly unique festival spectacular, celebrating music, dance, storytelling, art and performances from BAME artists in the UK and all corners of the globe.  Artists include Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, UK African Acrobats, Bollywood dancing and many more.

“Funding from ECF and two of the charitable funds they manage, the Essex Fund and the Diana Tinson Fund, helped us with the costs of putting on the festival.”

Harlow Hindu Society  

The Harlow Hindu Society was formed in 2021 and has become an active community organisation that plays a central role in preserving and promoting Hindu culture and traditions within Harlow and its surrounding areas.

The society has become a focal point for the Hindu community and those looking to connect with their heritage, while engaging with the broader community. ECF was pleased support their annual dancing festival, Navaratri and Dussehra, which celebrates good triumphing over evil and typically lasts around 10 days.

Nishall Garala, President of the Society, said, “Throughout the year, we organise a variety of cultural events that are not only cherished by members of the Hindu community, but are also warmly embraced by people of all backgrounds.

“Navaratri, a festival that includes lots of traditional dancing, is celebrated around the autumn period, it is one of the society’s most significant celebrations where families gather to worship and enjoy traditional music and dance. This event is full of vibrant colours and a joyous atmosphere and draws in people of all ages and families from across Harlow.

“Another one of the festivals that people most enjoy celebrating, especially the children, is Holi, the festival of colours, which marks the end of winter. Everyone loves the tradition of throwing coloured powders at each other which symbolises the arrival of Spring and the victory of good over evil.”

As well as these major festivals, the society also hosts different events, such a charity quiz night and health and wellbeing day, that bring together people, whilst ensuring that the rich traditions of Hinduism are passed down to future generations, while promoting understanding and respect within the wider community.

Colchester Chinese Cultural Society 

The Colchester Chinese Cultural Society (CCCS) has been in existence for over 20 years and supports more than 100 families in the District.

ECF has supported various aspects of their work which, as well as preserving ancient traditions and celebrating important dates in their cultural calendar, aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese heritage among the wider Colchester population.

One of the most anticipated events of the year organised by the CCCS is the Chinese New Year celebration held in January, which brings the streets of Colchester to life with colourful parades, traditional lion and dragon dances and a showcase of Chinese music and martial arts.

Simone Xue, Manager at CCCS said: “This festive occasion not only marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year but also provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to experience the richness of Chinese culture.  It is such a vibrant event which creates a wonderful atmosphere, and we have lanterns and fireworks, as well as delicious traditional foods like dumplings and spring rolls.”

In addition to Chinese New Year, the CCCS also organises events for the Mid-Autumn Festival which celebrates harvest.  Mooncakes are shared among friends and families while gazing at the full moon and cultural workshops introduce the community to Chinese arts, language, and cuisine.

Masterclass for young clarinettists

Essex young musicians aged 12-26 and of at least Grade 6 standard are invited to join a Masterclass hosted by renowned clarinettist, Emma Johnson, MBE.  This will be held on 10 November in the Budworth Hall, in Ongar, starting at 2pm.

The Masterclass has been organised by Ongar Music Club with support from the Belinda Starling Memorial Fund, the Essex Young Musicians’ Trust and the Brian and Julie Cue Fund.

During the afternoon, Emma will work with the young clarinettists, and at 6:15 pm, selected applicants will present a short recital. Following this, the EYMT Norman Harper Bursary of £1,000 will be awarded to a student showing the most promise in the 12 to 18 age category, and the Belinda Starling Award of £1,500 will be awarded to the student showing the most promise in the 19 to 26 age category and deemed most worthy by Emma Johnson.

Applicants should: 

• be aged between 12 and 26, and of at least Grade 6 standard
• have lived or studied in the county of Essex.  This includes any town or village that was part of Essex prior to 1965.  Also villages or towns which straddle the Essex border and which have an Essex-based postcode will qualify.

Places are limited and applicants are asked to email Jane Webster, Chair of Ongar Music Club in the first instance.  For selection, applicants will be required to submit a CV and a short video recording of no more than five minutes duration if possible by 31 October.

Successful applicants will be asked to pay an entry fee of £30.

The Masterclass is open to the public and there will be a limited number of tickets available on the door.  Tickets can be purchased ahead of the day by using this link.  Alternatively, go to ticketsource.co.uk and search Ongar Music Club.  Tickets are priced at £15 (all day) or £8 (evening recital only).  Under 18/Student all-day-ticket, including evening recital: £5.  Soft drink refreshments will be available throughout the event.  Doors open at 1pm.  If you wish to reserve a ticket at the door, please call the box office on 07970 791945.

Emma Johnson is one of the few clarinettists to have established a career as a solo performer. Emma grew up in London and her career was launched when at the age of 17 she won BBC Young Musician of the Year followed by the Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York. She studied Music and English at Pembroke College, Cambridge before embarking on music full time and since then she has performed all over the world. Emma was the first woman to be made an Honorary Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge and in 2017 the college commissioned a portrait of her. She was honoured by the Queen with an M.B.E. in 1996.

Saffron Community Fund hits giving landmark

The Saffron Community Fund, set up by Saffron Building Society has exceeded a “landmark” £250,000 milestone in its grantmaking.

The Fund was set up 12 years ago and has donated to more than a hundred regional charities, community groups, and volunteer organisations, granting on average almost £21,000 per year.

Colin Field, CEO at Saffron Building Society, said: “We’re delighted to hit such a significant figure for Saffron in giving back to our communities – this is a real landmark moment for us all, and a core reminder of why community remains important to us. This £250,000 has gone straight to supporting the groups and organisations that need it most, ones that are sometimes overlooked when finances and times are tough.”

“Since launching our Community Fund more than a decade ago, we’ve asked and worked with our members, residents, and partners to identify where we can make a real difference in our communities.”.

This phase of grants from the Saffron Community Fund supports a wide variety of requirements, from funding towards large projects, new and updated software, renovations, equipment and essential running costs, from the four corners of Essex, as well as Suffolk and Hertfordshire, where Saffron has branches.

The Saffron Community Fund has moved past the £250,000 mark, with the latest nine grants given to:

• Craftability, a recreational activities group for people with physical disabilities in Uttlesford
• Grove Cottage, an organisation supporting people with learning disabilities based in Bishop’s Stortford
• Saffron Walden Mencap society, supporting the yearly costs of a community allotment project
• Crossroads, help with running a day centre for carers and vulnerable people in Braintree
• Citizens Advice, East Herts, independent, impartial advice
• Suffolk ArtLink, therapeutic art sessions for children in hospital
• FairyCroft House, supporting utility bill costs for a community hub in Saffron Walden
• Memories Are Golden, supporting new premises for a dementia day centre in Haverhill
• The Voluntary Network, supporting a befriending service in West Essex.

We are pleased to administer the Fund and work in close partnership with Saffron Building Society and their community panel made up of employees and members who carefully review the charitable organisations that are presented for consideration.

Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager at ECF, said: “Saffron Building Society is a great example of a local business that is committed to supporting its community. This is a significant milestone for the Fund and we are delighted to have helped them give this vital support to local charities and voluntary groups.”

Apply Now

The deadline for applications is Friday 6 December at 5pm for its first round of 2025 grants.

If you would like to talk to one of our grants officers before submitting your application, please use one of the options below:

• 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

Apply here

Legacy fund gives first grants

‘Firsts’ are a lovely thing to recognise and the Ron and Elsie Odden Legacy Fund, set up with us earlier in the year, has just given its first grants to support five local charities.

Support 4 Sight who provide information, advice and guidance to people experiencing sight loss across Mid and West Essex, received £3,000. They work hard to improve the wellbeing of not just the individuals, but their families and carers as well.

Barrow Farm Riding & Carriage Driving for the Disabled near Chelmsford which is one of only two specialist riding schools in Essex and the only one to offer carriage driving as an alternative to riding, received £3,000 to support their running costs, including food and shelter for the horses and ponies, and equipment.

A grant of £4,000 was also given to Cancer Fitness CIC towards the cost of providing free fitness sessions to individuals with a cancer diagnosis in Southend, and £1,000 each was awarded to St Francis Hospice and the Essex Heart Fund (essexheartfund.org.uk). EHF was set up to support charities working with cardiac patients in the community, the development of new clinical services in Essex and local cardiovascular research and teaching.

Ron and Elsie met through a friendship group in the East End of London enjoying nights out a local dance halls. They married in 1955 and Ron’s early career was spent in the Royal Navy, later taking up photography professionally.  Elsie was a clerk straight out of school, with a love of knitting and dressmaking.

Ron and Elsie were active members of Masonic lodges and involved in various charitable organisations their lodges supported. They enjoyed watching sport and home based holidays, and while they did not have children themselves, they doted on their nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Sadly, Elsie passed away in 2019 and Ron had previously died in 1996. Their estate was to be split with half going to Ron’s godson, John, and half to a specified charity. By the time Elsie died, the charity was no longer in existence and the Will failed so the whole estate went to John.

John didn’t feel comfortable about receiving the whole estate when the intention of his godparents was to make a gift to charity, but he had no idea which charity to give the money to.  John discussed this with his neighbour, Ann Coutts, who is also a private client solicitor and she suggested that ECF could be a suitable option.

Following advice from the Charity Commission, John got in touch with us and after a couple of meetings we set up the fund in Ron and Elsie’s memory.

Their legacy will continue to support causes and charities in Essex that they cared most about, including health, improving fitness and wellbeing and helping people with disabilities.

If you would like to leave a gift in your Will to support local charities, there are different ways you can do this. Call Perry Norton on 01245 355947 to have a conversation and disccuss the causes matter most to you.

Support for charities keeping Harlow residents active

11th October 2024

Voluntary and community organisations in Harlow are being encouraged to apply for grants from the Harlow Recreation Trust.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available for projects and activities that support recreational activities, knowledge and talent for the benefit of people living in Harlow.

The Trust has been managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF) since 2010 and has awarded grants totalling over £530,000 to support local charities and voluntary groups.  ECF assesses all applications to the Trust and works with a panel of local people who share their local knowledge and expertise to help make decisions on which applications to support.

Andy Payne Worpole, director of policy and programmes at ECF, said: “The grants awarded from this Trust help to keep people active in their communities through sport and social projects.  Over the past 14 years, a wide range of activities have been supported, including horticultural, bowls, arts and crafts, cricket and cookery.

“Our grants team are always happy to discuss ideas and funding needs with local charities and voluntary groups.  Grants are generally awarded for one year, but for exceptional projects the panel may consider projects over multiple years.”

Previous organisations that have received support include Michael Roberts Charitable Trust, (MRCT), Action for Family Carers and Harlow SteelBand.

MRCT runs services for local residents experiencing food insecurity or living with disability.  A grant of £3,500 helped them to continue their Maybury Open Door drop-in where people can participate in a variety of activities which help them to build their confidence and forge new friendships.

Andy Thornton, CEO at MRCT said, “Our work at Maybury Open Door is a lifeline for people who are struggling or feeling isolated. Many of our members have limited finances so taking part in our wide range of activities helps to boost their mood and helps them feel part of their community.”

Action for Family Carers (AfFC) also received a grant of £8,000 from the Trust.  This funding enabled them to run their popular fortnightly respite group for young carers.

James Clarke, CEO of AfFC said: “Many of our young carers are unable to commit to attending regular activity clubs or sports due to their caring responsibilities.

“Attending our club gives them a break and enables them to take part in recreational activities that they might not otherwise be able to attend.  They also connect with other young people in the same situation, and who understand what they are going through.”

Also in receipt of support was Harlow Steelband who received £2,000 to give performances of steelpan music to schools and at events. This unique style of music brings together participants of all ability levels and cultural backgrounds and fosters the same sense of togetherness in the crowds at its performances.

Jackie Nicoll, a trustee for the group, said, “Harlow SteelBand offers local young people the chance to channel their time and their energy productively. We don’t charge for lessons, or expect any prior knowledge, we just ask for commitment and enthusiasm.

“We’re so lucky to have former members keep returning to help out new members. It is also great to see how our band members’ confidence has grown when they take their music into the community. There are not many free activities young people in Harlow, so the band provides a great opportunity.”

For more information on how to apply for a grant or contact the team, visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk. The deadline for submitting applications is 5pm on Friday 8 November. 

Help the most vulnerable in Essex this Winter

30th September 2024

• One in four people could be forced to turn off their heating and hot water when energy bill increases come in this autumn
• One in seven people in the UK face hunger due to lack of money, equating to 9.3 million people nationwide.

Food for thought

People in need in Thurrock have access to vital support thanks to a local charity called Necessities UK.  Set up in 2021 and based in Grays, the group not only provides food parcels, but also much needed personal hygiene items.  This additional support is almost as important as the food, and contributes to giving people back their pride and of hope.

Everyone is welcome at Necessities and this aligns with their mission, to break the cycle of poverty while leaving no one behind. They are also challenging the institutional policies that are at the root of escalating poverty, to inspire real change and equality in their community.

We were pleased to support them from our Surviving Winter Appeal and the funds helped to cover running costs, allowing Necessities to keep working hard and help more people in need of support.

Sarah Wilson, managing director and founder of Necessities UK said, “The number of people requesting help from foodbanks has been steadily increasing over the past ten years.  In 2022 we helped 387 people and in 2023 we gave away nearly six tonnes of food and hygiene products to families and individuals in need.

“We have become known locally as an emergency relief service and thanks to the grant we received from ECF we have been able to expand our reach in Thurrock and have become even more visible to those who need additional help.”

Support our Surviving Winter Appeal

Our ‘Surviving Winter Appeal’ is one way of supporting vulnerable people in local communities and since the annual Appeal was first launched in 2011, we have given nearly £130,000 of support to local charities and voluntary groups.

The Appeal invites donations to raise vital funds that can be used to support older and vulnerable people, keeping them healthy and well during the colder months.

Zoe Brampton, grants manager at ECF, said: “The Winter can be a difficult time for people who are already struggling financially, but also for those who are elderly or vulnerable due to issues including homelessness, disability or illness.

Local charities and voluntary groups can provide a lifeline of support, but the rising cost-of-living, increased food prices and energy bills is making it difficult for them to continue providing their vital services.

“But, you can help!  All donations to our Surviving Winter Appeal will enable us to support local voluntary organisations and activities to help reduce loneliness and isolation, contribute to fuel and food costs, and assist those in need to get access to specialist services and community groups.

“If you receive the Winter Fuel Allowance or the Energy Rebate and don’t need it to pay your own bills, please consider donating some or all of this to our Appeal.”

How you can help

• Donate your winter fuel payment if you don’t need it
• Give a one-off donation
• Set up a regular monthly gift
• Give online here

Cheques can be sent to the Essex Community Foundation offices: 3 Hoffmanns Way, Chelmsford, CM1 1GU. To ask questions about the Appeal and other ways to make a donation, please call us on 01245 355947.

Does your charity need funding this Winter?

If you are a local charity or community group that needs funding to support your work during the colder months, including core costs (such as rent and salaries), please call our grants team on 01245 355947.