Outstanding Members of the Community Celebrated at Maldon Town Awards 2025
On the evening of Monday April 14, esteemed members of Maldon's community gathered in anticipation of finding out which individuals and groups' invaluable contributions to the town were to be recognised and celebrated at the Maldon Town Community Awards.
The annual Maldon Town Community Awards serve as a vital platform to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of those who tirelessly support and enrich the town of Maldon. The awards shine a light on the vast amount of voluntary work and selfless assistance that forms the backbone of our community.
This year's awards attracted close to forty worthy nominations, highlighting the numerous individuals and groups within Maldon whose acts of kindness, resilience in the face of adversity, and inspiring community initiatives have made a significant impact.
The difficult task of selecting the winners fell to a panel made up of the Town Mayor, Deputy Town Mayor, and Chairs of Council Committees, who carefully reviewed each nomination to identify outstanding ambassadors for the town.
These individuals and groups have demonstrably improved the lives of residents and visitors alike through their unwavering commitment to Maldon.
Following much deliberation by the panel, the following winners were chosen:
Art, Culture & Heritage Award – joint winners – Louise Markham and the Maeldune Heritage Centre
Louise Markham was given an award for her exceptional artistic contributions.
As a dedicated member and organiser of the local pantomime society for many years, and leader of a successful dance group, she also runs a highly regarded private tuition business, which has produced excellent GCSE results for local students from a variety of Essex schools.
The Maeldune Heritage Centre is a wonderful facility within the centre of the town, housing historical artifacts, providing display areas for local artists to exhibit and sell their works, as well as the tourist Information centre.
This organisation could not operate without the dedicated team of volunteers, who act as ambassadors for Maldon and its heritage.
Community Impact Award – Save Maldon's Medical Services
This fantastic group worked tirelessly to protect the health and wellbeing of not only the current community but future generations also.
The protection of St Peter's Hospital is essential to the public and this group gained support from the town through campaigning, fundraising, and raising awareness about the need for continuing medical services in Maldon.
It is largely through their efforts to make Maldon's community voice heard that has led to a positive outcome for the town.
Best Business Contribution to the Community – Bra Consultancy Maldon
This High Street business provides excellent service to their customers, with going that extra mile to support customers when they have had breast cancer or going through it, giving them the body confidence and self-worth to make them feel incredible, powerful, and confident.
They have a sympathetic approach and give an incredible support to all those women and other local businesses who need their expertise.
These individuals and groups have demonstrably improved the lives of residents and visitors alike through their unwavering commitment to Maldon.
Citizen of the Year – Jo Phillips
As a true community champion, Jo helped create Save Maldon's Medical Services in 2024, last year in response to plans to close our local hospital with the risk of losing local medical services.
Jo was instrumental in informing and engaging with the community and other important parties to raise awareness, whilst fundraising to pay for legal services.
Their work ultimately enabled pausing of the NHS Integrated Care Board consultation and setting up of a working group by the body to give voice to the community's needs and wishes.
Educator of the Year – joint winners – Keith Bannister and Kim Callaghan
Keith Bannister has a remarkable career spanning over three decades. As a school governor at Wentworth Primary, he has used his extensive expertise to maintain and support the school's high standards. In his leadership role, he has been instrumental ensuring all pupils receive the necessary support to thrive. Because of his enduring support of local sports, he has fostered strong links promoting inter-school sports and encouraging physical activity for students.
Kim Callaghan is an exceptional and inspirational educator of 30 years in Maldon. Currently working at Maldon Court School , she has successfully led her team to achieving the highest accolade of gaining 'Outstanding' in every single Ofsted inspection. Her wealth of experience and knowledge and her love of her job shines through. She is much loved by the children, parents, and staff alike.
Long Service Volunteer Award – joint winners – John Hill and Alfred Knightbridge
John Hill is a founding member of Maldon Cricket Club being involved with the club for 50 years. In his role he acts as the ambassador the Club and encourages the sport to be played in the right way.
He is always encouraging to all members of the club, as well as taking an active role in the local cricket festival to bring the sport to local primary school pupils.
Alfred Knightbridge embodies the spirit of Maldon, having been weaving himself into the fabric of the community for more than ten decades.
His love for local theatre through the Maldon Drama Group has spanned over seven decades; even today, he remains actively involved supporting local performances. Alfred's impact extends beyond the stage as he is trustee for both the Plume library and school.
Approaching his 90th birthday this June, his lifelong dedication to keeping our local arts and culture thriving is an inspiration to us all.
Sporting Volunteer Award – Paul Height
Paul Height has volunteered at Maldon Saints Football Club for eight years, and gradually become more and more involved as manager of various teams and now vice chairman of the club. He has been instrumental in giving up his time supporting children to learn, keep active and enjoy football as well as organising kit for the club and summer tournaments. This is all in his spare time outside of work and family commitments.
Young Achiever of the Year – Ella Rose Burgess
Despite facing personal health challenges, Ella has been raising awareness and fundraising for the Lennox Children's Cancer Fund, to support children enduring long hospital stays due to cancer.
In October 2023, having been diagnosed with lung cancer and undergoing surgery to with a prolonged hospital stay and months of recovery, she continued her learning with the help of the hospital and Wentworth school staff.
Having recently celebrated her first-year milestone of cancer-free, Ella continues to work with the charity, all while aiming to fulfil her dream of cheerleading in Florida.
She has inspired her fellow pupils promoting the importance of remaining positive and understanding that cancer can be treated, spoken to the wider community on radio about her cancer journey and the importance of staying positive.
The impact she has made on her school and community makes her a true role model for young people everywhere.
Town Mayors award for Community Service – Brian Farrington
Brian has been involved with Maldon Mud Race for many years; as chairman since 2009, he has almost single-handedly grown this free to attend community event into an internationally recognised day in the events calendar with donations of £500,000 to local charities. The race is full year on year with some 350 competitors.
Brian has also been instrumental in raising sums of £250,000 for local charities from Rotary Club's Maldon Fireworks in Prom Park, and has been on the fundraising committee for the 1st Maldon Scout Group for over 10 years, arranging fundraising events such as jumble sales, car washes and the Donkey Derby.
Maldon Town Mayor, Cllr Andrew Lay, said: "Maldon Town Council extends its congratulations to everyone involved in the 2025 Community Awards – those who thoughtfully nominated individuals and groups, the deserving nominees, and of course, the inspiring winners.
"We are deeply grateful for their tireless dedication to our community. These often-unsung heroes are the foundation of Maldon's strong spirit, embodying a selflessness that is woven into the very fabric of our town. The Community Awards offer a well-deserved moment to celebrate and acknowledge their invaluable contributions."
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