THE collective depression into which the country has fallen following England’s disgrace in the World Cup is understandable – but let’s harness that emotion in positive ways.

One of the reasons that we feel so strongly about such matters is because a football team harnesses our sense of identity.

But soccer is not the only way of cultivating a sense of belonging and team work.

Community activities, such as freemasonry, also provide a focus for identity. We practice friendship, decency, and charity, and are among the top five donors to charity in the country.

Representatives of around 40 masonic groups based at St Peter Street in Marlow and another 40 at Windsor End in Beaconsfield have been taking part in Freemasonry in the Community Week, which involves a variety of projects in the local area, which we manage and execute ourselves.

So you may not be able to be the next England centre-forward. But you can make a difference to your town, and yourself, by getting involved in projects which provide tangible benefits to other people.

Think about it when the hang-over wears off...

Ray Reed, Head of Bucks Freemasons, Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield.