Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Stroke and Wellness Foundation

Holland-on-Sea Lodge present £1,400 donation to charity marking a major refurbishment, growing community support, and its 50th anniversary year

During his year as Master of the Holland-on-Sea Lodge No. 6639, that meets at Colvin Memorial Temple, Clacton, Steve Payne selected The Stroke and Wellness Foundation (formerly Tendring Specialist Stroke Services) as his chosen charity for the year.

To celebrate the completion of recent refurbishment works to their centre in Frinton Road, Holland-on-Sea, the Foundation held a grand re-opening and Ribbon-Cutting ceremony also in attendance Steve Payne, together with Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM) Geoff Turpin, the current Master Keith Francis-Beaumont, and Treasurer Neil Field. During the event, Steve proudly presented a cheque to Diane Boyd, Head of Operations, for £1,400, comprising £900 donated by the Lodge and a further £500 from the Province of Essex.

The Foundation recently adopted its new name in response to the forthcoming devolution of councils and the increasing demand for its rehabilitation services, emotional counselling, stroke awareness programmes, and movement and exercise sessions, all delivered as part of its wider ‘Wellness Services’ for stroke survivors, carers, and the local community.

Each week, the charity supports patients and families on the Stroke Unit at Colchester Hospital and on Waverley Ward in Harwich. In addition, its weekly outreach project in Dovercourt provides support to an average of 15–20 clients and carers.

Despite these successes, the charity faced a significant challenge from 1 April 2026 when the NHS terminated the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust contract and brought the service back in-house as part of its 10-year plan. The decision resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in funding and the loss of four staff members through the NHS TUPE process. Like many organisations and charities across the UK, the Foundation has been affected by wider changes linked to the NHS reforms.

However, the charity remains optimistic about the future. Demand for its services continues to grow, with membership activity doubling over the past 12 months. Approximately 150 clients are now registered, while a further 85 clients regularly attend through various friendship projects.

The Foundation has also secured two new partnership collaborations to support joint funding applications, while fundraising targets and donations have increased substantially and the recent refurbishments to the centre have significantly improved accessibility and created a more welcoming environment for clients, visitors, and the wider community.

The Foundation expressed its gratitude for the support and recognising the dedication of its staff, trustees, and 21 volunteers who provide weekly assistance and help ensure the charity continues to move forward with confidence.

This year also marks the Foundation’s 50th anniversary as a charity, with a programme of fundraising events and celebrations planned for clients, carers, and the wider community as it looks ahead to a new chapter and a brighter future.

Essex Freemasonry is deeply committed to supporting the communities it serves. Through strong partnerships with local groups, charities, and volunteers, it can identify genuine need and provide meaningful, lasting support where it can make the greatest difference. Guided by a spirit of service and compassion, Essex Freemasons continues to play an active role in strengthening communities across the county.

To read more about the Stroke and Wellness Foundation together with videos and photos, click this link to their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Stroke-and-Wellness-Foundation

Photos

Top: Cheque presentation L-R Keith Francis-Beaumont, Geoff Turpin APGM, Diane Boyd (Foundation Head of Operations), Neil Field, Steve Payne

Left: The Foundation’s dedicated mural ‘Tree of Hope’ symbolising community support

Right: The Foundations crest