Citizen & Young Citizen of the Year 2022

Published: 04 May 2022

Billericay Town Council were pleased to announce the winners of the Billericay Citizen of the Year Competition at the Annual Town Meeting on 28 April.

We had some really worthy nominations before the deadline of 24 April. Congratulations to the winners and all those individuals nominated by residents who are listed below along with a shortened summary of their nomination:

Emily Jackson Bridge – Winner - Young Citizen of the Year.

Since 2020, Emily has been operating a “Pop Up Shop” outside her home in Perry Street standing outside for hours over the course of many days selling cakes and tray bakes and has raised over £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. In 2021 Emily held an 8 day “Pop Up Shop” over the Easter Holiday period, this time raising money for two more causes - the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, and the Basildon, Brentwood and District Cats Protection group. The attitude, dedication and generosity of this incredible young lady has made her a very worthy winner of Billericay Town Council’s Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Ken & Eleanor Tout – Winners - Citizens of the Year

April 2022 saw the 30th birthday of the Good Companions Club. This long running volunteer group is run by Ken Tout and his wife Eleanor and since 1992 has provided a much needed social event twice a month for senior citizens. The effort that Ken and Eleanor go to is impressive, their dedication inspiring. Their meetings consist of up to an hour's entertainment followed by an hour to chat and socialise. Every meeting they provide tea, cake and high quality entertainment.Ken and Eleanor provide a vital service in helping to alleviate social isolation, a service that is much appreciated as you can see from the faces of those that attend and makes them deserving winners of our Citizen of the Year Award.




Jane Robb

In 2021 Jane set up a Baby Basics centre in Billericay. Baby Basics is a volunteer led project aimed at supporting mothers and families struggling to meet the financial and practical responsibility of having a new baby. Each is provided with a Moses basket filled with the essentials for the care of a baby. April 2021 was not an easy time to establish a new project, but moved by the great need of many and by hard work and charismatic leadership Jane opened a Baby Basics centre in Billericay.

Gary Tilley

Gary has been an outstanding member of the Round Table and local community. Lately he organised the Easter event at Lake meadows at which over 400 children attended. He has also been passing on his knowledge and skills on matters such as the fireworks ensuring a longevity of the event within Table. Gary always is at community events and is a pillar of the community.

Jim Shrubb

Jim has lived in Billericay for 45 years and his 5 children have all been to school in Billericay or nearby. For many years he organised fund raising events for St Mary Magdalen and Emmanuel churches. He became the Billericay Town Crier in 2001 and has always represented Billericay with loyalty and much enthusiasm. Being a member of the Loyal Company of Town criers Jim has done a lot of work with the Billericay Rotary Club, from Summerfest on Sun Corner to the Christmas markets and the Soapbox Derby. He read out the Proclamation at the Queens Diamond Jubilee before the beacon was lit and was able to make a cry at the War Memorial for the Anniversary of VE Day and VJ day.