Tendring District Council (TDC) celebrated its most inspiring staff members at the ninth annual Tendring Stars Awards, held at Clacton’s Princes Theatre.
The event, on Tuesday 24 February, brought colleagues together from across the organisation to recognise the remarkable efforts of staff working both on the frontline and behind the scenes over the past year.
From innovative new starters to long serving team members, the ceremony showcased the dedication, professionalism and community spirit that drives TDC’s work.
The event also served as a reminder of the invaluable contribution made by all TDC employees, whose daily work underpins essential services for residents across the district.
This year introduced two new categories — the Leader of the Council Award and the Learner of the Year Award — recognising staff who have made an immediate and positive impact.
Long Service Awards were also a highlight of the evening, with 11 employees honoured for an extraordinary 30, 35 or 40 years at TDC, marking decades of service to local residents and colleagues alike.
Ian Davidson, TDC Chief Executive, commended all those who were nominated for an award.
“Every member of our workforce plays a vital role in serving our community, but Stars gives us the opportunity to recognise those individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond over the past year,” he said.
“We are immensely proud of all our 2026 nominees and finalists, whose dedication, innovation and professionalism continue to set an exceptional standard.
“The stories of their impact — on the public, on their colleagues, and across the council — have been truly inspiring. Their commitment is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.”
Staff once again had their say with the Valued Colleague Award, decided by an internal vote, while an independent judging panel selected the winners and runners up for all other categories.
The ceremony’s atmosphere was further lifted by live performances from TDC’s in house band, 10DC, featuring Amy Henshaw, Gary Guiver, Sean Biswell, Jamie Timms, John Fox, Mike Carran and Milly Lehain.
Guests enjoyed catering from 2Hearts Catering, while Brunel Trophies and Awards supplied the trophies and Photovogue Studio captured the event’s standout moments.
Award Finalists
Rising Star: Winner: James Gill. Runner up: Faye Morrissey.
Extra Mile: Winner: Cathy Calder. Runners up: Alison Newland, Jessica Bryan.
Employee of the Year: Winner: Paul Woods. Runner up: William Lodge.
Making a difference to our community: Winner: Sean Biswell. Runner up: John Pateman-Gee.
Learner of the Year: Winner: Malcolm Hackney. Runner up: Megan Blake.
Valued Colleague: Winner: Charlene Haynes. Runner up: Chris Smetherham-James.
Bright Beginnings: Winner: Grace Gorrell. Runner up: Leanne Parkin.
Leader of the Council Award: Winner: Katie Wilkins. Runner up: Tim R. Clarke.
Team of the Year: Winner: Legal Team. Runners up: Engineering Team, Airshow Team
Chief Executive’s Award: Winner: David Ballard. Runner up: Terence Kemp.
30+ years: Damian Williams, Sharon Harwood-Bee, Patricia Edwards, Nicola Miller, Ian Ford
35+ years: Kathleen Cobb, Michelle Bruce, Joanne Needham, Joanne Miller
40+ years: Sue Taylor, Pat Henshaw
