The Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Michael Lilley, hosted the Mayor's Awards 2026 at Colchester Town Hall on Wednesday 13th May.
The awards celebrated residents and organisations whose efforts have had a lasting and positive impact on daily life in the city.
This includes those who support vulnerable neighbours, help bring communities together, and preserve Colchester’s heritage.
Mr Lilley said:
"Colchester is full of people who give their time, energy and compassion to others, often without expecting thanks.
The Mayor’s Awards are about shining a light on those everyday acts of kindness and commitment that make our city a better place to live.
These are the people who remind us what community really means."
This year’s Making a Difference Awards highlighted organisations whose work frequently goes unnoticed but is deeply valued across the city.
Among those recognised were Colchester’s Rotary Clubs, praised for their long-standing commitment to community service, fundraising, and practical support for local events and causes.

'What We Do' Main Pages:
A friendly competitive festival for individuals, voice, instrumental, ensembles and choirs. St Botolph's Church 20th - 21st March 2027. Young Musician and Singer go forward to Rotary Essex event, and possibly the Rotary National Finals
moreIn June each year, as part of the national day for Rotary KidsinMind. we organise a trip to Colchester Zoo for groups of disadvantaged children from local schools
moreThe Rotary Club of Colchester provides volunteers to help Action for Family Carers to run a Young Carers club in the city
moreWatch this presentation of the story of our involvement with the Mulanje Hospital in Malawi
moreAt the first Club meeting of every month we collect foodstuffs and toiletries which we donate to local charities
moreThe club runs a number of competitions for the schools of the city
more