Colchester City Council is proud to announce the recipients of the first annual Mayor of Colchester Awards, presented last night (Thursday, 8 May) at a moving ceremony led by the Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell.
This new annual addition to the civic calendar recognises and celebrates individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond for the Colchester community. Set against the poignant backdrop of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the evening honoured contributions that continue the legacy of service, dedication and unity.
Speaking at the event at the Town Hall, the Mayor said: “Colchester is full of people who quietly get on with the job of making our city better. These awards are about recognising that work – whether it’s creating safe spaces, preserving our history, serving the most vulnerable, or teaching future generations to stand against discrimination. We need to shine a light on these efforts, because community doesn’t happen by accident – it happens when people care.”
Guests in attendance included the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Mr Simon Hall, the High Sheriff of Essex Mrs Julie Fosh DL, Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, Colchester Garrison Deputy Chief of Staff Major Saroj Rai, MP Pam Cox, and council leaders and officers.
Award recipients included:
- Certificate of Recognition
- Mayor’s Cadets: Leading Cadet Jarman from the Sea Cadets and Cadet Warrant Officer Freyja Ferrier from the Air Cadets
- Colchester Town Watch, for their service to Mayors of Colchester, past and present
- Dr Ian Ray, for his service as Borough Organist and his role in preserving Colchester’s musical heritage
- Council Employee Award 2025
- Planning Enforcement Team – for achieving national distinction in planning compliance with a small but dedicated team
- Making a Difference Award 2025
- The OutHouse – for championing LGBTQI+ inclusion and support
- Colchester Foodbank – for providing holistic, proactive support to those in need
- Colchester Deaf Club – for offering a welcoming space and educating about diverse deaf experiences
- Outstanding Achievement Award 2025
- Professor Rainer Schulze, founder of the Dora Love Prize, which encourages students to stand against discrimination by learning from the Holocaust
- John Lazenby MBE (posthumous) – for his service linking the military and civilian communities of Colchester
The Mayor added: “From tackling planning breaches to breaking down prejudice, these awardees are united by their commitment to a better Colchester. As Mayor, and as someone who believes deeply in inclusion and fairness, I couldn’t be prouder to honour them tonight.”
The ceremony closed with a heartfelt invitation for all to attend the VE Day beacon lighting in Castle Park, reflecting both on the past and on those shaping the city’s future.
Pictured above: The Mayor, flanked by members of Colchester Town Watch.
Page last reviewed: 9 May 2025