The New Year floods are a memory for many people, but far too many of our fellow citizens still continue to count the cost of the deluges, among the worst in living memory.

That’s why I am delighted that the 21 lodges and 10 chapters at the Marlow Masonic Centre have made regular donations to the Freemasons’ Grand Charity, which has just announced a £30,000 donation to help people hit by the bad weather this year.

The money is going directly to the British Red Cross, which is bringing its worldwide expertise in disaster relief to bear across much of the worst-hit counties in England, particularly those in the West Country.

So a big thank you from me to the Marlow Freemasons who have supported these efforts. They really have lived up to our principles of friendship, decency and charity.

My admiration also goes out to those people who rolled up their sleeves and helped their fellow neighbours to deal with the effects of the terrible flooding.

The English may have a reputation for being reserved but we always rise to the occasion when necessary. — Mike Stimson, Deputy Head, Marlow and Bucks Freemasons, The Masonic Centre, St Peter Street, Marlow