Orsett Masonic Hall receive Mayoral roll of honour
Representatives from the Orsett Masonic Hall proudly receive a Mayoral Roll of Honour for their dedication to community wellbeing
On Monday 4th August, Orsett Masonic Hall received the Mayoral Roll of Honour, one of Thurrock’s highest civic awards. Members attending the ceremony were treated to a personal guided tour of the civic office by the Mayor, Sue Shinnick gaining a unique perspective on local government and civic life.
The award recognises the Hall’s dedication to community wellbeing, inclusive events, and strong local partnerships. Following the earlier recognition of the Cross Keys Community Fund, it highlights the growing role of Essex Freemasonry in supporting practical initiatives that strengthen communities across the borough.
“This recognition shows that our work in the local community is having a genuine impact,” said David Barton, Essex Provincial Community Lead. “With Elliot Chevin, Assistant Provincial Grand Master and Executive Lead of our Third Pillar Strategy*, we are turning our focus on Centre engagement, community support, and outreach into practical actions that make a real difference in people’s everyday lives.”
Richard Bowyer, Chairman, and Jackie Firman, Centre Manager, commented: “We are thrilled by this honour. It’s a celebration of the collaboration, energy, and goodwill of everyone involved in the Hall’s projects. Being acknowledged in this way inspires us to do even more in Essex.”
Orsett Masonic Hall has become a hub of community activity. Its seasonal fayres bring together local schools, charities, and residents, while monthly charity quiz nights raise funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind. These initiatives foster connections and leave a lasting impact, from guide dog puppies named in memory of loved ones to friendships built through shared service.
Building on this work, the Hall launched the Orsett Masonic Community Fund (OMCF) in June 2025. The Fund supports grassroots charities, youth programmes, food banks, and care providers, tackling issues such as social isolation, mental health, and food insecurity.
“The Fund is about supporting those already making a difference and helping their efforts reach further,” said Steve Bruyel, Chairman of the OMCF and Deputy Provincial Grand Charity Steward, “We want to make practical change happen, not just offer good intentions.”
With this accolade, Orsett Masonic Hall and the Cross Keys Community Fund set a benchmark for community engagement in both Essex and throughout the UK, demonstrating how local initiatives can have a lasting, positive impact on communities.
Read earlier story when Orsett Masonic Hall received notice of the honour with this link:
https://www.essexfreemasons.org.uk/news/orsett-honour
‘*’ The Third Pillar Strategy is the community engagement aspect of the United Grand Lodge of England strategic plan ‘2022 and Beyond’, signifying a move from solely focusing on financial donations to actively engaging members' time, skills, and resources in addressing local issues.
Photos:
Top: Madam Mayor, Sue Shinnick with members of Orsett Masonic Hall committee and the OMCF
Left: Madam Mayor, meeting Orsett Masonic Hall Manager, Jackie Firman and Chairman, Richard Bowyer
