Essex Freemasons launch ‘Essex 250’ ahead of 2026 Anniversary
Essex Freemasons £425,000 pledge to support five remarkable charities has already begun
In 2026, Freemasonry in Essex will reach a historic milestone - 250 years of service, brotherhood, and charity and to mark this momentous anniversary, the Provincial Grand Master, Paul Tarrant, has pledged £425,000 to five carefully selected charities through a major fundraising initiative known as Essex 250. This isn’t just about celebrating the past — it’s about building a meaningful legacy for the future.
Friends of Essex and London Homeless — A Lifeline Delivered
One of the flagship beneficiaries of Essex 250 is Friends of Essex and London Homeless (FOELH) - a volunteer-run organisation providing hot meals, essential supplies, and compassionate support to those living on the streets.
As part of a £100,000 pledge to homelessness and housing-related causes, Essex Freemasons have provided FOELH with a life-changing package of support, including:
- A brand-new van to replace their ageing and broken-down vehicle
- Two years’ insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover for the van - giving the charity security and stability
- Thermal food bags to keep meals warm during delivery
- Fully funded volunteer training, including:
- Food Hygiene Certification
- Mental Health First Aid
- GDPR Compliance
- Safeguarding Awareness
- Fire Safety Training
The van and support provided so far represent just under half of the total donation pledged to FOELH, with the Essex Provincial Charity Team continuing to work closely with the charity to develop lasting infrastructure and sustainable solutions that will benefit their operations for years to come.
Freemasons on the Ground
To see the impact for themselves and lend a hand, Chris Hicks, Provincial Grand Charity Steward (PGChStwd) – Steve Bruyel, Deputy PGChStwd and Steve Hall, South and Central Charity Representative (SCChRep), visited FOELH during one of their outreach evenings. They didn’t just observe - they got stuck in, joining volunteers in preparing and distributing food and witnessing the real difference this work makes.
In response, FOELH shared this heartfelt message:
“The donation of our brand-new van has been a gift beyond our wildest dreams. Being selected as one of the five charities for the Essex Freemasons 250-year anniversary celebrations is an incredible honour. Your support has renewed our strength, morale, and hope for the future. Much love - Team FOELH."
Essex 250 – More Than a Milestone
FOELH is just one of the five incredible causes being supported through Essex 250. Others include:
- Headway (Colchester) – funding an extension to their brain injury rehabilitation centre
- Essex First Responders (Chelmsford) – supplying and supporting frontline emergency response vehicles
- Essex Wildlife Trust – helping create a new re-forested site at Abbotts Hall Farm
- Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) – receiving a £25,000 donation to mark their 25th anniversary in 2026
A Legacy of Action
The Provincial Charity Team is continuing to develop long-term projects under the Essex 250 banner - each one designed to deliver real, lasting benefit to the communities Essex Freemasons serve.
As we look forward to 2026 and beyond, Essex Freemasonry remains committed to honouring our past by investing in our future - not with words, but with meaningful action.
Read more about FOELH https://www.foelh.com/
Photos:
Top L – R Chris Hicks PGChStwd – FOELH representative - Steve Bruyel, Deputy PGChStwd - Steve Hall, SCChRep
Below: Chris and the team getting involved and volunteers preparing meals