The Provincial Grand Master for Dorset, Steve James, along with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Mark Burstow, and a group of Freemasons, all of whom are either serving or retired veterans, visited the Veterans Hub at Weymouth and Portland to establish a collaborative partnership. While Dorset Freemasons have previously provided financial support to the hub through charitable events, Steve James aims to further cement the relationship by creating tangible connections between veterans and Freemasonry.
During the visit, Andy Price, Founder/Project Manager, guided the Freemasons through the facilities and introduced them to some of the regular patrons. Members of the Loyal Manor Chapter in Portland, comprising military veterans, also seized the opportunity to present a donation to the hub, which had been recently raised by the Portland Freemasons.
Steve James said, “To serve is an honour and privilege, be it King and country, community, society or Lodge. That service is a reward in the doing, and we have a duty to acknowledge service where and when we find it. We found it at the Veterans Hub in Weymouth”.
Dorset Freemasonry is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant was signed by the Provincial Grand Master and the Commander of the Armour Centre and Bovington Garrison during a unique event at the AFV Gunnery School, Lulworth Camp in December 2021.
The Dorset Freemasonry acknowledges and values the contributions made by serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families to our organization and our country. We are committed to upholding the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset is dedicated to demonstrating its status as an Armed Forces-friendly organization to its members, colleagues, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the wider public. This commitment is reflected in our pledge and Covenant to support the Armed Forces community.
Freemasonry is guided by four fundamental principles: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service. Dorset Freemasonry takes pride in its dedication to excellence, integrity, respect, innovation, teamwork, and growth. Our membership is inclusive, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, with the aim of enabling members to reach their full potential.
With a history spanning 300 years, the United Grand Lodge of England and its members have fostered a positive relationship with the armed forces. This has involved establishing Lodges for both active and retired servicemen, often affiliated with specific branches or regiments of the armed forces. The influx of military personnel into Freemasonry following both World Wars was driven by the desire for the camaraderie found within the organization, both domestically and internationally.
Additionally, the United Grand Lodge of England actively supports the Royal British Legion by providing volunteers to assist with its Poppy Appeal, which raises funds for the support of the Armed Services.
Dorset Freemasonry actively supports Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day, celebrating the diversity of the military community through internal and external social media engagement. Remembrance Day is promoted within the organization, and members and Freemasons play a leading role in Remembrance activities across the UK and globally. Each year, Dorset Freemasons participate in parades across the County.
