Brentwood Borough Council proudly announced the winners of the Civic Awards at a special ceremony held during the Civic Dinner on Friday 11 April, at the Mount Avenue Banqueting Suite in Hutton.
Sponsored by Savills, the awards shine a light on individuals whose dedication and service have made a meaningful difference to our local communities. The Civic Awards judging panel were moved by the inspirational stories within the nominations received, highlighting the wide range of volunteering and projects across the borough.
This year, the Service to the Community award was awarded posthumously to a highly thought of and much missed individual - Francesca Spiteri. Francesca was one of the founders of Butterfly Meadow and volunteered to support bereaved parents in Brentwood. The award was presented to her daughters, Jessica and Dawn-Marie.
The recipients of the Civic Awards are:
Service to the Community
- Francesca Spiteri – posthumous award
Lifetime Achievement
- Kim Messenger
- Mick Chapman
Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Mark Haigh said, “The awards this year were a chance for us to say thank you to Kim and Mick, individuals whose passion, dedication and kindness help shape our borough into the strong and caring community it is. It was also an opportunity to acknowledge and highlight the big impact and difference that Francesca made and her story was truly moving.
“Each one of our Civic Award recipients represent the very best of Brentwood. Whether it’s through decades of voluntary service, creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people, or inspiring others through personal courage and resilience, each of them has given so much of themselves in service to others and have made a lasting difference. Their stories remind us that it is the quiet, consistent acts of kindness and leadership that strengthen our community.”
More about the award recipients:
Francesca Spiteri
Francesca was a resident of Brentwood who sadly passed away last year. She created a positive impact on the community and the lives of many of its residents and was involved in so many projects within the Borough. The ultimate example of her commitment was the support she gave to bereaved parents and her enthusiasm for protecting nature, inspired by her own journey of devastating loss. Francesca became involved in Grieving Hearts, a bereavement charity in 2018. Her role was to help the running of each session and to raise awareness and funds for the group.
Francesca was an integral part in Butterfly Meadow and went above and beyond to champion and welcome people to this place she loved. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support for Butterfly Meadow and had a passion and drive towards this cause that was unmatched - making it what it is today. For many years she publicised the regular working parties to increase the number of volunteers who would carry out general maintenance. She raised funds and sponsorship, as well as providing a superb butterfly bench feature in the meadow. She then encouraged them to provide further volunteers and expertise, most notable among them being the Essex Wildlife Trust. Francesca fostered links with the Brentwood Art Trail, Our Grieving Hearts, Phoenix FM, as well as many other organisations and local businesses.
Those who knew her loved her vibrancy, found her story inspiring, and were impressed by her drive. Many described her bravery in sharing her story as a special and memorable experience. Francesca was described as a brave, kind, unforgettable woman, a supporter, a driver of ideas and someone who made things happen.
Francesca instilled and demonstrated all that civic pride represents.
Kim Messenger
Kim began volunteering with a Brownie Pack and, 47 years ago, became a Guider before soon opening her own Brownie Pack.
Since then, she has taken on many volunteer roles within the Brentwood Community, both within and beyond Girl Guiding. She is a Girlguiding Brownie Pack Leader for 1st South Weald Brownies, which she opened 37 years ago. Its continued success – evident in its ever-growing waiting list - is a testament to her dedication.
Kim runs weekly sessions for her 30 Brownies, alongside organising annual Pack Holiday’s, Brownie Activity Days, and large Division and District events. She spends countless hours selflessly planning and delivering these events for the enjoyment and benefit of all involved.
Since 2021, Kim has also volunteered as Division Commissioner for Brentwood, overseeing four Districts. She is committed to inclusivity, ensuring her Brownie pack welcomes children with additional needs. Highly regarded and respected within the community, she has worked tirelessly over her 47 years in Guiding to transform and enrich the lives of thousands of girls. The impact she has made single-handedly is truly inspirational. She is a positive role model, admired and loved by many in Brentwood.
Beyond Girl Guiding, Kim organising fundraising events, including efforts to raise money for a defibrillator for a Brentwood parish hall, where she serves as a trustee.
Kim continuously goes the extra mile to strengthen and develop the community.
Mick Chapman
Mick has been associated with the Essex Regiment and the Royal Anglian Regiment for over 50 years. For the past 25 years, he has served as Secretary, a role he inherited from his father while working at Blenheim House. He now carries out this role from the Army Reserve Centre in Warley.
For many years, Mick has organised and chaperoned trips for Brentwood veterans and their families.
As the Regimental Chapel Warden, he has played a vital role in revitalising the Chapel. Once unused, it now welcomes a congregation of hundreds and is in regular use most weekends, thanks to his dedication. He is instrumental in assisting visitors to the Chapel and supporting the Cadet Forces.
For over 20 years, Mick has voluntarily assisted at numerous events at the Army Reserve Centre and other venues. His commitment extends to personally supervising the gates of the Army Reserve Centre in all weather conditions, ensuring the safety and security of those entering and leaving.
A talented photographer, Mick generously volunteers his skills at various events and charity functions for 124 Squadron and the Royal British Legion. Additionally, he serves as newsletter editor and webmaster for the Royal British Legion (Brentwood Branch).
Mick is highly respected and truly deserving of this recognition.