More than 100 members and guests travelled from all over Essex, Suffolk and beyond to the St Giles Masonic Centre in Colchester for a meeting of the Richard Clowes Lodge No. 2936.  

Guest speaker, Natasha Ward, gave the non-members an insider's view of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), where she has worked for nearly 20 years, explaining how Freemasonry's national charity has made a difference to so many lives. 

More than £12.8 million in 2023 was given to help give relief with a range of support for the education of children, access to medical treatment, financial support to families and the provision of a range of care options for the elderly. In addition, local and national charities receive on average £5.5 million each year.

Natasha said "One of the things that I find even more amazing about this support is that the work is entirely funded through the generous donations of Freemasons, their families and friends."

After the meeting, everyone listened to a talk entitled 'For Valour - The Story of the Victoria Cross' given by Mark Smith, the BBC's Antiques Roadshow's Arms and Militaria specialist.

Mark, a former curator of the Royal Artillery Museum, started collecting medals when he was six years old. In his superb presentation about the history of the Victoria Cross, Mark dispelled many myths and vividly described the heroic deeds and actions of some of the recipients.

Listening in was serving Warrant Officer Class 2, Johnson Beharry VC, the next Worshipful Master of Richard Clowes Lodge.

Twenty years ago, in May and June 2004, as the driver of a Warrior tracked armoured vehicle in the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, Johnson carried out two acts of outstanding heroism which saved the lives of thirty of his companions. As the VC is the highest award in the British honours system, its award takes precedent at investitures even before knighthoods, so in 2005 Johnson received his VC before General Mike Jackson received his knighthood, and became the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross for nearly 40 years.

Among the guests a warm welcome was given to Jeremy Forrester, who recruited Johnson when he walked into an Army Careers Recruiting Office in 2001. Both are from Grenada and have become close friends.

Over £1,040 was raised for charitable causes at the meeting and the lunch afterwards. The Lodge Treasurer, Gary Hostler said "It is a magnificent sum of money. Thank you to everyone who donated and also Natasha Ward and Mark Smith for their outstanding presentations."

Gary added: "We all feel highly honoured as we look forward to Johnson Beharry VC being our next Worshipful Master. He is such a kind person who never stops thinking about how he can help other people"