25th October was a truly momentous and humbling day for the Taurus Chapter of the Widows Sons MBA, as they had the honour of collecting and transporting the Herefordshire Provincial Wreath to the National Memorial Arboretum.
The Taurus Chapter members were met at Hereford Cathedral by the Head of Freemasonry in Herefordshire, Michael Holland, and his Deputy, Stuart Jones, to officially collect the wreath on behalf of Herefordshire Province. After a few photos and some warm words, it was time to saddle up.
The first stop was Hopwood Services, where they met up with Brethren from Worcestershire, Brycgstow, and East Kent Chapters and continued on together to Tamworth Masonic Centre, where they were greeted by an incredible sight — over 200 Widows Sons and associates, double the number expected! The sound of engines, the sea of cuts, and the feeling of shared purpose was something truly special.
After tea, coffee, and a riders’ brief, they set off again — a convoy of over 200 bikes heading to the National Memorial Arboretum. Credit must go to the marshals, who did an incredible job keeping the group safe and together along the route.
Arriving at the NMA was an emotional moment. The Chapter members gathered for group photos with the wreaths before making their way to the Masonic Memorial Garden for a few moments of reflection and remembrance. It was a poignant reminder of those who served, those who sacrificed, and those whose memory they honour. On returning home the chapter members were able to reflect on an unforgettable day and the great honour to be asked to take part in this first-ever national wreath ride on behalf of Herefordshire Province and the United Grand Lodge of England.
The following weekend twenty members of Herefordshire Freemasons travelled to the National Memorial Arboretum for the Freemasons Service of Remembrance. A very moving day of remembrance attended by around 300 Freemasons and their families from across the country. They were blessed by good weather and a great turnout to represent Herefordshire.
The Head of Freemasons in Herefordshire, Michael Holland, and his Deputy, Stuart Jones, were present accompanied by a number of Brethren and their Families. The National Memorial Arboretum is situated near Alrewas in Staffordshire, although this year’s host was Metropolitan Grand Lodge. The Head of Freemasonry for each Province represented together with the Standard Bearer, paraded to form a double line outside the Freemasons Garden, which is a permanent memorial in remembrance to fallen Freemasons.
The Assistant Grand Master RW Bro John Thomson was in attendance and took part in the ceremony, as well as the Metropolitan Grand Chaplain and Brigadier W Shackell. The procession also included representatives from the Royal British Legion, the armed forces including Johnson Beharry VC, Companion Orders, The Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons.
It was a very poignant moment when the standards and flag were lowered while the bugler played the Last Post followed by two minutes silence and Reveille. After this the procession formed to lay the wreaths in the Freemasons Garden. Music was provided by the Gresley Colliery Band.
Did you know?
The Masonic Great War Project records the names of around 4173 Freemasons who were killed in WWI. Further details can be found here.
https://www.masonicgreatwarproject.org.uk
Around 1 in 10 Victoria Crosses awarded in WWI were Freemasons. Their names are recorded here:
https://www.masonicgreatwarproject.org.uk/victoria-cross.php
Freemasons were classed as political prisoners by the Nazis in WWII. It is estimated that between 80,000 and 200,000 Freemasons were killed in concentration camps
