Brotherhood, friendship and a cut above the rest for TLC Essex

Two Clacton Freemasons go the extra mile—and lose a little hair—to support children in need

In 2025, Ki Ellwood of Holland-on-Sea Lodge No. 6639 bravely volunteered to shave off his beard in aid of Teddies for Loving Care Essex (TLC Essex). Thanks to the magnificent support of the brethren in Clacton, he raised an impressive £1,600 for the charity.

This year, Ki was joined by Joe Franklin of Colvin Lodge No. 5734. While Ki committed to going one step further by shaving both his beard and hair, Joe initially agreed only to part with his beard, remaining rather attached to his youthful, wavy locks.

Last weekend, on a gloriously sunny day at Colvin Memorial Temple in Clacton, brethren, friends and supporters gathered to witness the challenge. Among those in attendance were Provincial Grand Master (PGM) Paul Tarrant, a passionate advocate for TLC Essex, and Paul Reeves, Chairman of TLC Essex, both of whom came along to support the two intrepid fundraisers.

Joe was first in the chair, with Ki expertly wielding the clippers to remove his beard. Joe then returned the favour and appeared—perhaps a little too enthusiastically—keen to remove first Ki’s beard and then his hair, dramatically severing his top knot with a flourish of the scissors.

Although the pair only met last year, they have formed a strong friendship both within and beyond their respective lodges. Ki, who affectionately refers to Joe as his “Brother by another Mother,” was deeply moved when Joe surprised everyone by shaving his own head in a remarkable gesture of solidarity and friendship.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who attended, donated and supported the event, including TLC Centre Representative Simon Rollings and his partner Natalie, who spent the day fundraising and selling merchandise.

Thanks to everyone’s outstanding generosity, Ki and Joe raised more than £2,000 on the day. This sum will provide enough TLC Teddies to keep Clacton Hospital supplied for at least four months. In recognition of their efforts, Ki received a personal Silver Patron certificate, and Joe received a Bronze certificate.

Congratulations and well done to both Ki and Joe for their commitment, camaraderie and outstanding support of TLC Essex.

Read last years story of Ki and his beard shave https://www.essexfreemasons.org.uk/news/ki-002

Read more about the Freemasons TLC charity https://www.tlcessex.org.uk/

Photos:

Top: Ki and Joe proudly holding their certificates L-R Paul Tarrant - PGM, Ki Ellwood, Joe Franklin, Paul Reeves - Chairman TLC Essex

Right: Collage showing the cutting ceremony in full swing

Left: Paul Tarrant enjoying the afternoon with Jeff Palmer, Provincial Communications officer