30/10/2025
Essex Armed Forces held their regular meeting on Tuesday 21st October 25 at St Giles Masonic
Centre Colchester.
Forming for a 3pm opening the Lodge welcomed the Provincial Grand Master to rapturous
applause who was accompanied by 20 Active Officers. Onto the agenda for the afternoon and
the ballot proving in his favour, the assembly welcomed W.Bro. Ian Foster as a Joining member
to congratulations by the Master & Prov.G.M alike.
After a short calling off for refreshment the Lodge was called back on again and another ballot
proved in favour of the Candidate for Advancement, Bro.Terry Longstaff.
A wonderfully executed ceremony by W.Bro. Andy Sylvester and the Officers made it a
memorable occasion for Bro. Terry who, after taking his place amongst the Lodge membership,
took very easily to the 'banter' from the service personnel that form the very foundation of
Essex Armed Forces Lodge; those all too readily telling us 'civvies' we wouldn't understand......I
now understand all about tea-cosies!
The Installation of the Master for the ensuing year was another memorable affair for W.Bro. Les
Thurston who then Appointed and Installed his Officers. All done in a very sincere manner and
the new Officers for the year taking their places in the Temple; this produced a very interesting
scenario as Bro. Terry Longstaff, our Advancee, became the fastest Mark Man on the day, going
from zero to Inner Guard in some 18 minutes! Well done, Terry!
The business of the afternoon being concluded, the Lodge was closed but, not before due
respect was paid to those unable to be with us. Brethren, as an Armed Services Lodge that
formed on this occasion as close to the 11th month, the 11th day, the 11th hour, we all rose and
stood in solemnity as the Last Post was played.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them”
Impeccably observed, we stood in silence in reflection, solemnity & perfect respect……….
Now, the Festive Board was something else, toasts given we seamlessly moved into a
wonderfully charitable affair overseen in inimitable style by W.Bro. Dave Todd.
After the usual items were won in the raffle and a characteristically chocolatey prize won by the
Prov.G.M, 3 items were presented to be auctioned.
Masonry, and our beautiful order in particular, places a wonderful charitable ethos in the
forefront of our hearts, so amply illustrated by W.Bro. Pat Southin’s selfless contribution to the
evening in the form of 3 prints, signed by the artist. Now, Pat’s Brother-in-law is an aviation
illustrator who also runs an aviation museum in Shoreham, near Sevenoaks Kent which bears
witness to his passion for W.W.2 warplanes, items displayed being excavated by him in his
search for items to honour the memories of those that went before. I have personally visited
this museum and if you’re ever in the area or you have more than a passing interest, then it is
well worth a trip to the village of Shoreham, a delightful place, to see the work he has created.
The first print was signed to Pat’s Father-in-Law “Wag” from fighter pilot Robert Doe D.S.O. D.F.C.
flying alongside the German he shot down.
The second painting showing the young lady looking at the fighter plane over head was Pat’s wife’s
sister in her younger days (now deceased sadly).
The last one was a tribute to the “Few”……..
As you can now realise, the selfless act of contribution to the Essex Mark Benevolent Fund by W.Bro.
Pat Southin is both deeply personal and most appreciated and I thank you here, publicly on behalf of
the Appeal.
The prints went to auction and raised over £300 for the E.M.B.F., well done all!
Now Essex Armed Forces is a Lodge that has, in its relatively short existence, forged tradition.
At this point in proceedings W.Bro. Dave (Todd) presented to the Lodge a Pith helmet, adorned
with the names of previous Masters around the rim, a picture is below. This sits resplendent on
a mannequin head and I initially struggled to consider an appropriate name for this.
However, for my ease of reference & mental recognition I named this mannequin, 'Dave' in due
deference to its' contributor, W.Bro. Todd. I think this nickname may stick, what say you
Brethren? I can't think of a better name for it!
At the conclusion of festivities, the Prov.G.M addressed the assembly of which the Mark
Benevolent Fund and its' great work, of particular note for us in our wonderful Province in Blood
Bikes & Sailability. Both being in need of support given that Sailability had a rescue boat stolen &
Blood Bikes having a new motorcycle added to their ranks.
I have added a few pictures below, one is the Pith helmet another is the W.M, W.Bro. Les
Thurston, 'Dave' & W.Bro. Dave Todd, and the last is the 2 Dave’s together.
For the avoidance of doubt W. Bro. Dave Todd is on the left in the picture.
A splendid affair, rich in friendship, thick with banter, overwhelmed by generosity.
Well done E.A.F!
