Durham Freemasons join National Service of Remembrance

The event, held in Staffordshire on Saturday, November 1, brought together Freemasons, their families, and military representatives for a collective act of remembrance.

John Watts, head of Durham Freemasons, said: "It was both an honour and a privilege to represent Durham at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Lt Col John Henry, Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons (Image: Keith Blundy)

"To stand alongside Freemasons from every corner of the country, united in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed, is a deeply moving experience.

"Freemasonry has always stood for service, duty and community, and today’s act of remembrance reflects those values perfectly."

The ceremony featured the Act of Remembrance, the Last Post, two minutes' silence, and the laying of wreaths at the Freemasons’ Memorial Garden.

Durham Freemasons travelling south (Image: Keith Blundy)

Mr Watts was one of 48 provincial leaders to lay a wreath in tribute to Freemasons who served in the armed forces.

The national service, now in its second year, was led by the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London and presided over by Assistant Grand Master John Thompson.

Mr Thompson is a former head of Durham Freemasons and now serves as UGLE’s national lead for membership and the Armed Forces Covenant.

Some of the Durham Freemasons present at the remembrance service (Image: Keith Blundy)

Also present was Lieutenant Colonel John Henry, assistant head of Durham Freemasons and a serving officer in the Ministry of Defence.

The ceremony reaffirmed Freemasonry’s ongoing support for the Armed Forces community and its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Attention now turns to remembrance services taking place across the Durham Province on Sunday, November 9.

National Masonic Remembrance Parade gets underway with Hartlepool's Assistant Grand Master John Thompson being led out along with the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire (Image: Keith Blundy)

Members of the Durham Freemasons executive and leaders from companion orders will attend 26 services across the region.

Mr Watts will lay a wreath in Sunderland, home to one of the largest remembrance services outside London.

Lt Col Henry will attend the service in Durham City, where he will accompany His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Dame Susan Snowdon, as part of the parade organising committee.

John Watts with other area Heads lay their wreaths of remembrance (Image: Keith Blundy)

These regional events will reinforce the province's dedication to the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, and those who have lost their lives in service.

The Freemasons will pay particular tribute to members of their fraternity who died serving their country.

Mr Watts encouraged public participation in this year’s remembrance events.

John Watts with other area Heads gather for an act of remembrance (Image: Keith Blundy)

He said: "Please come and join us at one of the parades on the 9th of November and show your support.

"Don’t wait to be asked."

John Watts lays a wreath in remembrance of all Freemasons from the Durham Area (Image: Keith Blundy)