The 2025 Pride of Essex Awards took place on 14 October at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, celebrating the very best of kindness, courage, and community spirit across the county.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Susie Cornell MBE, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Essex and Founder of the Awards, alongside the High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh. They were joined by local councillors, business leaders, civic representatives, and other distinguished guests, all gathered to recognise those who make Essex a better place to live.
In a remarkable outcome, local community groups and volunteers connected through Essex’s network of Freemasons received four separate honours, an unprecedented quadruple success that reflects the growing civic contribution of these volunteers across the county.
David Barton, Essex Freemason and Provincial Community Engagement Lead, was Highly Commended in the Community Champion Award category, recognising individuals who consistently put others first, raise vital funds, and strengthen community life. David was honoured for founding and leading Get Started Art, a creative initiative supporting young people’s wellbeing through the arts, as well as for his broader leadership in community engagement across Essex. His dedication has previously earned him a Mayoral Roll of Honour Award and the Essex High Sheriff’s Award, both acknowledging his long-standing commitment to creativity, wellbeing, and social inclusion.
David Barton said:
“The evening was absolutely wonderful, a true celebration of everything that makes Essex such a special place. To stand side by side with so many exceptional nominees and winners, each showing such courage, kindness, and dedication to others, was both humbling and inspiring. The Youth and Children’s categories, in particular, were deeply moving, they remind us that Essex has a very bright future, full of young people who already understand the importance of courage, creativity, and community spirit.”
The Cross Keys Community Fund (CKCF), chaired by David Barton, was also Highly Commended in the Team of Pride Award category, celebrating collective impact through voluntary action. The Fund’s recognition highlights the tireless work of local volunteers supporting a range of good causes across Essex. CKCF has itself received a Mayoral Roll of Honour Award for fostering collaboration and civic participation within the community.
Joe Lane, Highly Commended in the Star of Essex Award, was recognised for his extensive voluntary work beyond Freemasonry. As Vice Chair of BOSP (Brighter Opportunities for Special People), an Essex charity supporting children and young adults with complex disabilities, Joe plays a vital role in ensuring families receive essential care and respite. BOSP was awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in 2022, the nation’s highest accolade for volunteer-led organisations.
Completing the quartet, Pesh Kapasiawala, founder of 3Food4U, was also Highly Commended in the same category for his humanitarian efforts. Since 2020, 3Food4U has grown into a multi-award-winning community initiative providing essential food, support, and dignity to those in need. The charity has received both the British Citizen Award (BCA) and the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
Collectively, these achievements showcase how civic-minded volunteers, many of whom are also members of local lodges, contribute quietly but powerfully to Essex life, strengthening communities, supporting families, and inspiring others to give back.
Elliott Chevin, Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Essex and Executive Lead for Community Engagement, said:
“This wonderful result reflects the genuine spirit of service that drives our members and their partners. To see Essex volunteers recognised across multiple categories is a testament not just to their effort, but to the compassion, creativity, and commitment they bring to every project. It shows that when people come together with purpose, the impact on local communities can be extraordinary.”
This unprecedented success marks a proud milestone for civic volunteering in Essex, demonstrating how creativity, compassion, and collaboration can transform lives and strengthen community spirit across the county.
