Bedfordshire Freemasons Sign the Armed Forces Covenant

Members of our Province and guests packed the Stuart Lounge at the Keep yesterday to witness the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant by our Provincial Grand Master and Lieutenant Colonel Townley (representing the Armed Forces). The Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve or who have served, and their families, which says we will do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day to day lives. The Covenant relies on the people, communities, and businesses of the UK to actively support it in order to make a difference.

During the event there was a display of Bedfordshire Regiment militaria from the Great War including details of Capt Brian Cumberland killed in action during a battle in Gallipoli. Capt Cumberland was a member of St John the Baptist Lodge in Luton.

Our PGM also presented a cheque to W. Bro David Hargreaves representing HighGround. HighGround is a charity set up to improve the wellbeing and employment prospects of serving military personnel and veterans using the green environment. It provides horticultural therapy services at the Defence Remedial Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall, Loughborough. They also provide service leavers and veterans advice regarding vocational opportunities and careers in the land-based sector.

Following the Cheque presentation (after a short break for tea and coffee), the 35 attendees paraded at the Bedfordshire Regiment memorial opposite the Keep to lay a wreath in remembrance of our fallen servicemen and women.

The members of the Bedfordshire Province value our Armed Forces community, and we are proud to publicly show our support for them.