This evening I had the pleasure of accepting an invitation from the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr. Darshan Sunger, alongside the Deputy Chairman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, to attend the Civic Awards Ceremony in Waltham Abbey.
This annual event brings together community leaders, volunteers and emergency services professionals to recognise the efforts of the remarkable people, who make a difference and inspire others to do the same. Selfless heroes that strive to make the world a better place, without looking for praise or tribute in their communities.
The event was attended by a wide range of community leaders, including the Lord Lieutenant for Essex, Mrs. Jennifer Tolhurst, Epping Forest MP, Dame Eleanor Laing who both presented awards.
Epping Forest District Council Leader, Cllr. Chris Whitbread, spoke passionately about his life-long love of Epping Forest and recalled memories of those who inspired him to volunteer and take on community leadership. He provided an overview of the investment the Council has made in a range of services across the district, which will ensure Epping Forest is a destination of choice for residents in the years to come.
I was extremely impressed with the quality of candidates and their achievements this year, in particular the young representatives. 24 years ago, I was honoured to received the very first Young Citizen of the Year award from then Council Chairman John Padfield. But listening to the stories and the impact that so many young people across the district are having can give us all hope for a bright future.
My thanks to the Chairman and Council for their hospitality and sincere congratulation to all award nominees and winners.
WINNER: Citizen of the Year – Phyllis Njuguna 
Phillis set up the Thrive Survivors Group to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse. She works tirelessly to run the group and support those who attend all in her own time. Phillis is very determined and motivated to support survivors of domestic abuse. Thrive is unique to Essex, making the work that Phillis does even more valuable. Attendees share their stories in a safe, friendly and non-judgemental environment with others who understand their experiences. The group offers confidential support and can signpost users to other services they may need, some of which we have heard about earlier tonight. Phillis has helped domestic abuse survivors regain their self-confidence and find their voices again. She has even inspired attendees to follow in her footsteps to help other survivors.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Citizen of the Year – Anne Munro & Patrick Ward
Anne Munro – Anne has dedicated decades to serving the Epping Bowls Club, where she not only mentors new players but also handles all administrative tasks as the long-standing secretary. At 80 years old, she continues to compete and has successfully raised funds for the club, including a significant amount to replace outdated equipment.In addition to her commitment to the bowls club, Anne has also devoted her time to the League of Friends of St. Margaret’s Hospital, where she has served as secretary for the past 10 years, contributing to fundraising efforts for the local hospital. Anne is actively involved in various local groups, such as the Epping Arts Society, a book club, yoga classes, and a gardening group that she hosts at her residence in Bell Common, where she has lived for over 40 years.Prior to her retirement from education, Anne served as a Deputy Head and Head Teacher, engaging in initiatives to support and train new heads while continuing to provide mentorship post-retirement.
Patrick Ward – For the past 60 years, Patrick has been an active member of the Chigwell community, organising initiatives such as street parties, neighborhood watch programs, and traffic working groups. His efforts have strengthened community bonds and improved safety and quality of life for residents. As a dedicated member of the Chigwell Resident Association, he continues to drive community cohesion and promote dialogue on important local issues, even in his 80s. Patrick’s passion for serving his community is evident in his embrace of technology, including setting up a neighborhood WhatsApp group.
Lynne Moir РLynne volunteers as an Epping Forest Community Champion for the Limes Farm and Chigwell area as she is passionate about improving the lives of her community members. With support from the EFDC Community, Development and Wellbeing team, Lynne has successfully set up a Community Cafe at The Limes Centre and a bereavement caf̩ at Limes Farm. In addition, her Chigwell Tea Room at Victory Parish Hall has gained a 5-star food hygiene rating, allowing her to offer snacks to the community. Recently, Lynne secured funding from Essex County Council to run a food education project with Youth Unity, aimed at teaching young people how to cook affordable meals. Through her various initiatives, Lynne helps combat loneliness, improve mental wellbeing, and support those in need during the cost-of-living crisis.
Lorraine Page – Lorraine’s passion lies in supporting older people in Nazeing, where she has served as a community champion for 6 years. She runs a day club at Hyde Mead House, Independent Living Scheme, where she organises tailored quizzes and outings to canal-ability for inclusivity. Lorraine ensured every resident received a Christmas present and went the extra mile to find alternate meeting locations during lounge renovations. She is dedicated to improving residents’ access to online services and also volunteers for Epping Forest Foodbank, all while balancing her part-time job.
WINNER – Young Citizen of the Year – Sydnae Smith
Sydnae received nine nominations for this years awards, including one by Jo Ashley of the 3rd Waltham Abbey Beaver Scouts Group and residents Susan and David Cole. Despite caring for her ill father, Sydnae still finds time to support her community, assisting partially sighted and color blind Susan Cole with daily tasks. Sydnae has dedicated over 10 years to the Beaver Scouts Group, now serving as a Young Leader and mentoring younger members. Sydnae also volunteers at a local foodbank and helps children with disabilities learn to swim at the Park Swim School every Saturday.
RUNNER UP – Young Citizen of the Year – Niza Dlawar Karim & Dilly Roth
Niza Dlawar Karim – Niza, a 15-year-old student at The Ongar Academy, has been living in temporary accommodation for families seeking asylum for the past 2 years. Nominated by Vicky Young from Essex County Council’s Education Access Team and Jordan Green, the Housing Manager for The Phoenix Hotel, Niza’s proficiency in multiple languages has been a vital resource to local professionals and families in need. Her translation skills have facilitated access to housing, education, health care, and charitable services for many. Niza volunteers her time daily, translating conversations and correspondence to support and advocate for those in need.
Dilly Roth – Dilly, a 14-year-old student at Braeside School, has a diagnosis of Autism, Hypermobility and Dyslexia. She has worked hard to raise awareness of the difficulties young people like herself face – challenging perceptions of difference and to improve their experiences in mainstream education and the wider community. She has actively participated in various projects, focus groups, and events to improve the experiences of individuals like herself in mainstream education and the wider community. Dilly’s dedication and contributions have been recognised through awards and opportunities to work with organizations such as the National Autistic Society and Essex County Council.
WINNER – Youth Cup – William Ayrton, Kaz Chu-Foon, Ahiyan Shah Kabir, Sydnae Smith and Eylul Ugur
Tonight, we celebrate and honour the outstanding achievements of 5 remarkable Youth Councillors who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, leadership and community spirit.
William Ayrton – A student at Chigwell School, has been a driving force in establishing strong connections between his school and the district council. His leadership was evident during the 2023 Youth Conference, where he took a lead role, and he even hosted a VIP visit to Chigwell School last summer.
Kaz Chu-Foon – A student at King Harold Academy. In their 2 years as a Youth Councillor, Kaz has showcased outstanding IT and media skills. Their creativity shone through in the latest Youth Council promotional film for secondary schools, and they played a crucial role in webcasting the recent youth debate at the Youth Conference.
Ahiyan Shah Kabir – A student at Roding Valley High School, Ahiyan has blossomed into a confident and eloquent speaker, contributing significantly to meetings and events. He even starred in the Youth Council promotional film, demonstrating his love for public speaking.
Sydnae Smith – Another student from Roding Valley High School, is our fourth awardee. Sydnae has been a Youth Councillor for 4 years and has dedicated her time not only to the Youth Council but also as a leader at the Explorers and a volunteer at her local foodbank.
Eylul Ugur – Also from Roding Valley High School. Eylul has shown exceptional growth in confidence since joining the Youth Council. She is an outstanding public speaker, and actively participates in discussions and debates where she makes a significant impact.
WINNER: Team of the Year – The Friends of St Andrew’s School
The Friends of St Andrew’s School is led by Ele Fox and Jane O’Leary. With the help of the school’s Eco-Warriors group, they designed a garden which won the people’s choice show garden at the BBC Gardener’s World Autumn Fair at Audley End. The garden is to be re-sited in the grounds of St Andrew’s Primary School for the children and their families to use. The team has also recently raised over twenty thousand pounds to build a new inclusive play sensory trail in the school. They have organised numerous pre-loved uniform sales to ensure all children and families have access to affordable uniforms, including many families who are new to the district and school. The team worked with St Andrew’s Church last December to ensure that the children living in local temporary accommodation all received a Christmas present.
COMMENDED: Team of the Year – 3Food4U
3Food4U volunteers run 5 food hubs on a weekly basis – 2 in Waltham Abbey, 1 in Loughton, 1 in Chigwell and the other in Ongar. These hubs also act as a venue for other services such as job clubs and numeracy sessions. The team also runs 4 monthly social and warm places across the district and organise free school supplies and Christmas presents for local children. The team started just over 3 years ago and has gone from strength to strength helping the community.
WINNER: Community Service Medal for Essex Police – PC Nicholas Travers
PC Nicholas Travers from the Loughton Local Policing Team volunteered to teach boxing as part of a 12-week programme for the Thrive Survivors Group in Epping. Thrive is a support group for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and offers a safe space for them to connect with others and learn essential life skills. During the programme, participants learned boxing techniques up to the GB Preliminary Level and gained an ASDAN Accreditation. Through Nick’s dedication and passion, the project helped empower survivors, instil self-confidence, and encourage positive changes in their lives.
WINNER: Community Service Medal for Essex Fire and Rescue Service – Jennifer Adelle
Jennifer Adelle has been an on-call firefighter at Epping for a year and was on her way home from her day job when she was flagged down by a neighbour. Moments later, Jennifer was in a stranger’s front room helping to deliver a baby. Jennifer’s ability to keep calm and focus helped someone through labour and bring a new life into the world. She credits her fire service training for preparing her to being able to deal with high-pressured situations such as this. This demonstrates how being an on-call firefighter is not a 9 to 5 job. You are always ready to help your community.
WINNER: Community service medal for the East of England Ambulance Service – Geoff Styles
After serving in the military, Geoff Styles joined the ambulance service 9 and a half years ago. He provides essential support to the rapid intervention service in west Essex, commissioned by the NHS to bridge the gap between GP surgeries and ambulance services for unscheduled care. Geoff’s role includes working with community resources and the coordination centre to ensure patients receive prompt and efficient care in their own homes, which helps free up hospital resources for critical cases. Geoff’s extensive knowledge and experience in the ambulance service greatly benefit the successful operation of the rapid intervention initiative.
WINNER: Creativity Award – Eyes Wide Theatre
This years Creativity Award is awarded to Eyes Wide Theatre, led by Imogen Dowding and Eve von Elgg for their inspiring work. Imogen has been writing and performing in London theatres, while Eve has been working on their debut play tackling the taboo around suicide. The prize money will be used to deliver an outreach programme to students at New City College. Congratulations to Eyes Wide Theatre on their well-deserved win!
WINNER: Active Epping Forest Sports Award – Woody South
The Active Epping Forest Sports Award winner this year is Woody South, a dedicated 17-year-old from Waltham Abbey studying at New City College. Woody excels in Canoe Slalom, ranked 21st in the premier division and part of the England National Talent Squad. He will be competing for Team GB selections in April to secure a spot on the Junior Team for the world and European championships. With his sights set on the Olympics, Woody is focused on gaining more international competition experience. The £500 prize money will help support his costs for international camps. Woody’s success is a testament to his hard work and passion for his sport.
WINNERS: Staff Recognition Award – Sandra Wilson, Suzanne Foster, Louise Warren, Darren Goodey and Mike Witham
As an employer, Epping Forest District Council is always proud of its employees. But this year there are a number of staff with us tonight, who the Chairman feels deserve special recognition.
Sandra Wilson – Sandra’s welfare check on a elderly resident revealed she was in poor condition and had been stranded behind a closed door for days. Thanks to Sandra’s persistence, the elderly woman was rescued and treated for dehydration at the hospital.
Suzanne Foster and Louise Warren – In a challenging situation, Suzanne, a homelessness officer, reached out to Louise, a member of the people team, for support when a woman expressed suicidal thoughts. Together, they coordinated assistance from community safety colleagues and provided specialised support to ensure the woman’s safety. The quick thinking and compassion shown by all involved highlights the importance of safeguarding awareness training and the dedication of our Mental Health First Aiders to handle difficult situations with professionalism and care.
Darren Goodey and Mike Witham – Last year, the Chairman visited the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Base to meet Ken Waylett, who suffered a cardiac arrest at North Weald Airfield in May 2023. Thanks to the quick actions of Darren Goodey, Mike Witham, and the Air Ambulance rapid response team led by Scott McIlwaine, Ken’s condition was stabilised. This incident highlighted the importance of lifesaving skills and training to achieve the best outcome for patients like Ken.
