Get Started Art and Orsett Lodge make donation to Colchester Garrison

Essex Charity ‘Get Started Art’ and Orsett Lodge deliver creative donation to Colchester Garrison in support of the Armed Forces Covenant

The creative charity ‘Get Started Art’, with funding support from the Orsett Lodge No. 5424, that meets at Orsett Masonic Hall, has delivered a significant donation of art therapy and wellbeing materials to Colchester Garrison. This contribution strengthens the British Army’s welfare provision and reaffirms the commitment made by Essex Freemasons under the Armed Forces Covenant.

The donation was coordinated with the invaluable support of Lt. Col. Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison and Bronte Robinson, Welfare Administrator, whose assistance ensured the resources would reach the right teams and benefit those who need them most.

Designed to support both serving personnel and their families, the materials focus on creativity, emotional wellbeing, and family connection. The donation included:

Over 1,000 adult and children’s art therapy colouring and activity books

Zones of Regulation materials, supporting Special Educational Needs and emotional development

Hundreds of colouring pencil sets, crayons, markers, and paint kits

Sketch pads, mindfulness activities, and specialist arts and crafts kits

Loom bands, rock painting sets, watercolours, and paper-based creative resources

The items will be distributed by Welfare Officers to support workshops, family sessions, recovery activities, and wider community engagement within the Garrison, particularly among children who are disadvantaged, have learning difficulties, or special educational needs.

This initiative is a direct expression of the pledge made by Essex Freemasons when they formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2022 – a national commitment to demonstrate its support to members of the Armed Forces community

David Barton, Founder of Get Started Art and Essex Provincial Community Lead, noted:

“It’s a real privilege to know these resources will bring colour, creativity, and a sense of calm to military families. Whether it’s a child enjoying quiet time with a parent, or someone taking a mindful moment for themselves, we hope this donation brings smiles, inspires imagination, and supports emotional wellbeing.”

Steve Bruyel, Orsett Lodge and Essex Deputy Provincial Grand Charity Steward, added:

“We are incredibly proud to support this important donation, both as a way of helping Get Started Art continue their remarkable work, and as a demonstration of our deep respect for the men and women of the British Armed Forces. This contribution reflects our ongoing commitment under the Armed Forces Covenant, and it’s our privilege to stand beside those who serve, and the families who support them.”

Photos:

Top: L-R David Barton, Bronte Robinson, Martin Chapman with some of the items from the donation

Below: Colouring fun with the Art Book