Proud Meggie’s efforts for Cleethorpes earn honour from The King
Knights of Malta return to meet in Cathedral’s Chapter House
June 12, 2026
The King’s Birthday Honours List includes a British Empire medal for Grimsby Freemason Matthew Jason Brown BEM.
The honour recognises years of service to Cleethorpes, where he is not only proud to be called a Meggie – the traditional nickname for someone born and brought up in the town – but also to have been known as Mr Cleethorpes.
But the award has come as a surprise as well as an honour. Said Matthew, pictured above: “I am deeply honoured, humbled, and, if I’m honest, surprised to have been given an honour by The King. To receive such recognition for doing something I have always believed to be a duty – serving others and supporting my community – is truly extraordinary.
“Being awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in Cleethorpes is especially meaningful to me. I am a proud Meggie. This town, its people, and its spirit have shaped who I am. This honour is therefore not simply recognition of my own efforts, but a reflection of the extraordinary community of Cleethorpes that has supported, challenged, and inspired me throughout my life.
“My values were forged from a young age by my Nana Barbara, who supported me. Later, the person who got me into politics was a gentleman called Alan Green who passed away in 2003. He was a councillor and had been awarded the BEM, so it’s quite humbling.
“I remain deeply grateful for that foundation, and I am committed to using the platform this recognition provides to further champion good causes and drive positive change.”
Coming back from near-fatal childhood asthma attacks, being confined to a wheelchair, and having left school with no GCSEs at Grade C or above, he went on to University and got a BA in Business & Management and a Master’s in Globalisation and Governance.
In spite of suffering dyslexia and autism he was elected as councillor for Cleethorpes’ Croft Baker ward in 2010, but was deselected in 2018 by a single vote – which brought him close to taking his own life.
Coming back from that he worked with Andy Cox to take over an abandoned youth centre, transforming it into Cleethorpes Community Sports & Education, where he was its Chairman until August 2024, when he turned to caring for father who was seriously ill.
Under their leadership, CCSE secured major investment and delivered a £3 million transformation of The Trin Centre, creating a hub for sport, education, and community support that continues to serve young people and families across Cleethorpes.
He says Freemasonry has played a vital and deeply personal role in his life. He said: “It is an institution built on the timeless values of brotherhood, charity, integrity, and self-improvement, and truly embodies the principle of making good men better. Through Freemasonry, I have found not only guidance but a genuine sense of belonging and purpose.
“The members of Astral Lodge have been a constant source of strength during some of the most challenging periods of my life. They have supported me with kindness, understanding, and unwavering friendship. In moments when life felt at its most difficult, they reminded me that I was not alone—that together, through unity and compassion, we can endure and overcome. That bond of brotherhood has sustained me in ways that are difficult to fully express, and it is something I will always treasure.”
Now Matthew’s looking for a new challenge. He said: “After stepping back from Cleethorpes Community Sports & Education to care for my father, I am now in a position to contribute again. I would welcome opportunities to support organisations where I can apply my experience to deliver real and lasting outcomes.”
