This issue we are proud to announce the launch of the first in a series of special features highlighting our fabulous Essex communities.
In virtually every community in the county there is sure to be a band of volunteers, often unacknowledged, who are busy working to improve the quality of life for their neighbours.
It is these men and woman – and even children – we want to celebrate, recognising their efforts and the difference they make to where they live.
We kick off with the village of Alresford in Tendring (pictured above and left), which we visited to find out why it exemplifies community living at its best. Alresford was voted this year’s Essex village of the year by the Rural Community Council of Essex after it impressed judges with its very strong community spirit and drive to improve the quality of life for local residents.
Cllr John Jowers, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for communities and planning, said: “Alresford is a wonderful example of what a village can achieve when everyone pulls together. If you read our special feature you will see how they have all joined forces to really make things happen.
DEDICATION
“And I know this kind of dedication is not unique in our communities across Essex. Over the years, through my involvement with Essex County Council’s former Community Initiatives Fund and, more recently, its Big Society Fund, which helps fund deserving projects, I have seen first-hand the hours put in by volunteers who make huge sacrifices to make a real difference to their communities.”
Your EssexWorks magazine will feature an in-depth look at an Essex community in each of its future quarterly issues, highlighting those which boast a range of initiatives plus some wonderful volunteers who make a positive contribution to the quality of life for local residents.
Cllr Jowers added: “And you do not have to be a village to be featured in a future issue - we want to hear from any community whether you are tucked away in an isolated corner of Essex or a distinctive area surrounded by a busy metropolis.”
So if you think your community is special drop us a line at ew@essex.gov.uk telling us why. We cannot promise to visit everywhere but we will try to feature as many as possible.
- Find out all about Alresford in our In the Spotlight section here
- For more opportunities to volunteer visit www.goodforessex.org