25th October 2022
Suffolk Freemasons show their support to serving military and veterans
by signing the Armed Forces Covenant
The Suffolk Freemasons Almoners Conference 2022, which formed part of the ‘Year of the Almoner 2022’ celebration, took place on Sunday 16th October at Ashlar House, Bury St Edmunds. The 124 delegates from lodges all over Suffolk as well as many present and past military veterans, witnessed the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant by the Provincial Grand Master for Suffolk Ian Yeldham and Air Vice-Marshall The Honourable David Murray CVO OBE DL on behalf of the military.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a bespoke document specific to Suffolk which makes additional guarantees and promises above and beyond the basic principles of the standard Covenant. It is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, together with their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they reside.
Ian Yeldham explained “By signing this on behalf of all of the Freemasons in Suffolk, I am delighted to pledge our support to the Armed Forces Covenant, in this, our ‘Year of the Almoner’ and in the memory of all our own members that served, which is something very close to our hearts and being”.
Air Vice-Marshall Murray said “The Freemasons are really leading the way in signing the Armed Forces Covenant and showing their support for the Armed Forces community - both the serving and veterans - in Suffolk, they have certainly set an excellent example for other organisations and individuals to follow”.
The signing was followed by a presentation from ‘The Not Forgotten’ military charity which provides support to any serving man or woman who is wounded, injured or sick and any veteran with a disability, illness, or infirmity; whatever the cause and whenever it arose. Their Chairman David Cowley OBE said after the Conference “I was delighted by the offers of help received following my talk on the work of ‘The Not Forgotten’ for veterans of all three Services and the Merchant Navy. I am confident that with the support of the Suffolk Freemasons ‘The Not Forgotten’ will play an increasingly important role in helping those in Suffolk who have served in the Armed Forces and who now suffer. I am very grateful to be given this important opportunity to spread the word about our work”.
Jamie Gwatkin, Provincial Grand Almoner and organiser said “I am delighted that the Conference was such a success. The feedback has been excellent which was summarised by one attendee who said “A wonderful day all around, one you couldn’t buy”.
Military veterans at the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant by Suffolk Freemasons
For further information about the Armed Forces Covenant visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/about/