Essex Freemasons step out in support of the Army Benevolent Fund
Festive fundraising walk around Colchester Garrison, united Service personnel, volunteers and Essex Masons supporting the Army Benevolent Fund
On Tuesday 16 December 2025, Chavasse VC House, the Army’s Personnel Recovery Centre in Colchester, hosted its annual Christmas fundraising walk around the garrison. 35 participants took part, representing a range of organisations that support the centre throughout the year, including Essex Masons, Chris Hicks, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Mike Barrett, Provincial Official Photographer accompanied by his wife Jully, and Brian Chenier MBE., Profile Development Officer with the Provincial Membership team.
After a traditional group photograph, the 2.5 mile walk around the Garrison perimeter was led by the Centre’s commanding officer, Major Kevin Fitchett MBE. Christmas jumpers - and even a full Santa outfit – were the order of the day. While the atmosphere was relaxed and sociable, the route was completed in an hour reflecting the Military efficiency in which the Centre operates.
The event raised £507 for the Army Benevolent Fund, with a sizeable sum coming from the sale of handcrafted wooden items made by resident service personnel during practical skills-based recovery programmes.
Chavasse VC House, a tri-Service facility, has supported around 300 service men and women during 2025. A mixture of 65 educational and vocational courses help injured or sick Service men and women to rebuild confidence, gain qualifications and prepare either to return to service or to transition successfully into civilian life
In 2026, the Centre aims to reach more Service men and women and increase the number of available courses to over 350. This will include health and safety and security industry qualifications, alongside established courses such as first aid, providing practical, transferable skills that benefit participants long after their time at the centre.
Speaking about the involvement of Essex Freemasons, Brian Chenier said,
“Our participation showed Freemasonry’s commitment to the Armed Forces community. While the distance was modest, each step was made worthwhile by knowing it was raising funds for the vital work done at Chavasse VC House.”
Chavasse VC House is one of five centres throughout the UK and you can read more by clicking this link to the Army Recovery Capability website:
Photos:
Top: Participants preparing for the walk
Left group: Chris Hicks’ (centre) festive footsteps - Major Kevin Fitchett MBE (centre) in Christmas uniform
Right: Mike Barrett and wife Jully along the route
