The Cabinet is asked to note any announcements made by Members of the Cabinet.

Tendring Youth Awards

The Portfolio Holder for Partnerships made the following announcement:-

“I would like to take a moment to recognise the fantastic Tendring Youth Awards, which this year marked its tenth anniversary with a brilliant celebration at the Princes Theatre in Clacton on Tuesday 7^th, just a couple of weeks ago.

The evening was a wonderful reminder of the talent, kindness and community spirit we have among young people across Tendring. From young carers and lifesavers to volunteers, performers, environmental champions and those who have shown real determination in their learning and personal growth. The finalists and winners were truly inspiring.

It was also right that the awards recognised the adults, groups and organisations who support young people and help them to thrive. Their work often happens quietly in the background, but it makes a real difference to families and communities across our District.

I would like to congratulate all of this year’s nominees, finalists and winners, and thank the Tendring Youth Awards committee, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and everyone involved in making the event such a success.

Above all, I want to say how proud we should be of the young people celebrated at these awards. They are a credit to themselves, their families and Tendring, and they give us every reason to feel positive about the future of our District.”

The Leader of the Council echoed those sentiments.

Harwich – Felixstowe – Shotley Foot Ferry

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism made the following announcement:-

“I bring some good news to Cabinet today on the back of Freeport East’s Board meeting on Wednesday of this week. There has been a long-standing call for support for the Harwich – Felixstowe – Shotley Foot Ferry. The Tourism Group in Harwich has continually lobbied for extra support to help, perhaps, the Ferry service to extend beyond its normal short period of operation during the summer.

The good news is that as one of the Freeport East Transport Masterplan’s priorities the Foot Ferry the Freeport East Board has now agreed to delegate authority to its Chief Executive to finalise a financial agreement with the owners of the Foot Ferry to extend its operating period into the winter. This will extend, and remove existing barriers to increasing, visitor footfall for Harwich, Felixstowe and Shotley. It will also “test the water” to see what commuter interest there is between those ferry destinations.

The funding is there for a three year period and it will be monitored on a yearly basis to see how successful it is. But if we don’t try it we will not know how successful it could be and what the need is. So, I am really pleased that we are going to make that connection and it is also what Freeport East is all about. It is making a direct connection between Tendring District and the Suffolk border. Freeport East was created on the back of deprivation and the need to create jobs and skills. What we have always said is if we can make that mutual connection between Felixstowe and Tendring it opens up opportunities for people taking on jobs and opportunities across the water. So, I am really pleased to report that news today.”

The Leader of the Council endorsed that this was a good news story.

Story Walks and Well-being

The Portfolio Holder for the Environment & ICT made the following announcement:-

“I wanted to take a moment today to highlight a wonderful initiative our Council recently supported – the Story Walks campaign delivered in partnership with Essex storyteller, James Lawrence, known as Man About Country.

I had the privilege of joining the guided walk at The Naze, Walton and as I shared on social media afterwords, the experience really brought home the deep, practical value of three simple things: ‘walking, talking and mindfulness’.

First, the walking. Getting outside and moving along our coast is not just about physical health – it is about discovering, preserving and taking genuine pride in Tendring’s extraordinary landscapes and natural heritage.

Second, the talking. Walking side-by-side creates a natural, unpressured space for people to chat, connect and share experiences. James’ brilliant storytelling reminded us that our local history and identity are rich, vibrant and something to be proud of.

And finally, the mindfulness. In a world that often feels rushed and screen-focused, taking three hours to walk in nature, listen and truly be present is one of the best preventative mental health measures we can encourage for our residents.

Initiatives like this touch on so many of our corporate priorities – from public health and mental well-being to local tourism, culture and community cohesion. I want to commend the team for backing this initiative and urge us to keep supporting opportunities that get our residents outdoors, connecting with one another and experiencing the best of Tendring.”

The Chief Executive expanded on those sentiments, and he mentioned that The Naze had featured in a recent episode of the BBC’s Countryfile TV programme.