Nominees gathered on Monday (April 22) for the annual Maldon Town Community Awards.

Maldon Town Council received nearly 30 nominations for this year's community awards, with ten awards up for grabs.

Each award aims to recognise the efforts of individuals or groups who contribute to the town of Maldon, and for the enormous amount of work and voluntary assistance that is undertaken within the community.

Winners were chosen by a panel including the Town Mayor and Council representatives, who considered all nominations and chose worthy ambassadors for the town, whose contribution to Maldon improves life for residents and visitors, and whose commitment is outstanding. 

Following much deliberation by the panel, the following winners were chosen:

Art, Culture & Heritage Award - Jean Yardley 

Jean was credited for her exceptional artistic contributions. Living near the Browning Corner Community Garden, her seasonal decoration displays have enriched townspeople's lives since 2019. From the Passing of the Queen to Royal Celebrations and Christmas, her imaginative creations have captivated residents and passers by alike. Through her artistry, she commemorates these special occasions and brings joy to our community. Her imagination illustrates the spirit of creativity and community involvement. 

Citizen of the Year - Rob Sefton 

Rob is a true community champion. In 2011 he recognised there were families struggling with food poverty and sprang into action, founding the Maldon Food Pantry. Through tireless work, he rallied volunteers, forged partnerships with social agencies and businesses, and secured vital funding to keep the pantry's shelves stocked. Even during the challenging times of the pandemic, the pantry remained a beacon of hope, offering not just sustenance, but also support to those in need. 

Best Business Contribution to the Community - Maldon Bookshop 

A gem nestled in our High Street; this is an independent business that has flourished to become a cherished destination. With captivating window displays that beckon passers by, this establishment has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This business has woven itself into the fabric of our community, engaging with local schools and offering a diverse selection that appeals to all ages.

Educator of the Year – Zoe Franklin 

A beacon of inspiration who has been a Volunteer at 1st Maldon Scout Group for the last nine years. Zoe has enriched young lives, with fun-filled activities and mentored older scouts to become young leaders. Her creativity shines, organising everything from Christmas parties to daring adventures like climbing towers and cooking over open fires. With boundless enthusiasm and a contagious smile, she instils invaluable life skills in our youth. Her impact resonates far beyond scouting, fostering confidence and resilience in every child she guides. 

Sporting Volunteer Award – Mark Piper 

Mark has devoted himself to transforming Maldon Bowls Club into a beacon of excellence for the last three years and boosting club membership. His tireless efforts have elevated the green to one of Essex's best and environmentally friendly green, attracting high-level County and National games. Last summer he reached out to foster partnerships with local schools like Plume Academy and enriched the lives of young students boosting their confidence and self-esteem through bowls sessions. His recent honour as Greenkeeper of the Year at the Bowls England National Awards is a testament to his dedication. 

Young Achiever of the Year – Unity Richardson 

Unity's strength and compassion shines brightly despite the challenges she faces at home. Despite her caregiving responsibilities, she has demonstrated exceptional academic skills with unwavering determination. Her commitment to personal growth is truly inspiring as she pursues qualifications while balancing her caring duties. Supported by Action for Family Carers for over seven years, her selfless nature has led her to volunteer with our organisation and others. This will allow her to share her wisdom and support other young carers on their journey. Her dedication to helping others is a true testament to her character. 

Long Service Volunteer Award – Sholto Morton 

Sholto is a community stalwart whose 50-year dedication to the Poppy Appeal has been nothing short of remarkable. Overseeing two hundred outlets and an army of volunteers, he orchestrates a seamless operation from March to November, culminating in last year's impressive £53,000 total and he has raised nearly a quarter of a million pounds over his lifetime of fundraising. His enduring commitment and generosity extend beyond fundraising; he treats all volunteers to a yearly lunch, embodying the true spirit of charity. 

Community Impact Award - Geraldine Courtney 

Geraldine was a remarkable soul who dedicated herself to countless initiatives aimed at encouraging involvement and improving our community. As a member of the Maldon Harbour Commissioners for 13 years, and later as Chairperson, she played a pivotal role in shaping the future of our cherished harbour. Her leadership was instrumental in revitalising the Maldon Town Regatta, transforming it into a vibrant celebration that brought joy to visitors and locals alike. The award was collected by Julie Clarke on behalf of Geraldine, who is sadly no longer with us. Geraldine's legacy and service will continue to inspire us all. 

Carer of the Year – Stewart Bayford 

Stewart is a true hero whose unwavering commitment to serving his fellow veterans embodies the spirit of compassion and selflessness. As a veteran himself, his journey instilled in him a deep sense of duty and camaraderie. In 2018, his compassion led him to establish the Maldon & Heybridge Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, a lifeline for serving and veteran service personnel in our community. Despite his own struggles his resilience and empathy know no bounds. He organizes events, offers support, and facilitates individual members facing challenges, providing much-needed camaraderie and assistance.

Town Mayors award for Community Service – Gary Ridgeway 

The Town Mayor's award for community service went to Gary Ridgeway, a remarkable individual. For nearly seven years, he has been an invaluable member of Maldon and District Sea Cadets, leading the Royal Marine Cadet Detachment with excellence. His dedication has resulted in recruiting and training numerous new cadets, maintaining high standards, and organising training events and competitions. Beyond his leadership role, he supports his wife, the Commanding Officer, and contributes to the unit's maintenance, including boats and the minibus. His selfless service has made a significant impact on our unit and community. 

Maldon Town Mayor, Cllr Andrew Lay, said: "Maldon Town Council would like to congratulate all the people who took the time to nominate a person, the nominees, and the winners.

"We thank them for their tireless efforts in the community. These unsung pillars of the community help to create the good spirit and exhibit their selflessness which is part of the fabric of our town.

"The Community Awards provide them with much-deserved recognition for their work."