Bonds of Friendship remembered by Clacton Freemasons
Remembrance Sunday Lunch to celebrate and remember the fallen from all conflicts
Southcliff Lodge No.4230 was formed in March 1921 by men returning from the First World War who wanted to maintain the bonds of friendship and support they had experienced in wartime. They found that Freemasonry offered a place where those bonds could continue.
On November 12th 2023, the Lodge held its annual Remembrance Sunday Lunch at Clacton’s Masonic Centre, the Colvin Memorial Temple. Worshipful Master, Gary Teer, welcomed 47 members, guests, partners and three widows of former lodge members to celebrate and remember the fallen from all conflicts. Among the guests were members from the local Army Cadet Force.
Southcliff is one of nearly 300 lodges in Essex which meet at 26 Masonic centres. It is a bustling Lodge with a healthy growing membership of over 30 strong, albeit there are not many members now from the armed forces. All new members are made very welcome especially those who would like to help re-establish some of the Lodge’s military traditions.
At the Remembrance Sunday Lunch event, the Lodge raised £151 towards one of the many charities it supports locally and nationally. With around 7,500 members, Essex Freemasons regularly donate over £1million each year to charities and local communities and its members contribute a considerable number of hours in volunteering. This fits in well with ‘service’ which is one of the four key values of Freemasonry along with integrity, friendship and respect.
Meeting on the fourth Saturday in October, November, January, February and March at around 5:00pm. Southcliff is a wine lodge and members still meet in a Tux. To find out more please contact Terry McConnell on
Photos
Top: Lest We Forget – Southcliff Lodge members, partners, widows and guests proudly bear the banner
Bottom: The annual Remembrance Sunday Lunch at Clacton’s Masonic Centre, the Colvin Memorial Temple
