25^th 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

Over 50 local young people from across Herefordshire who have learning disabilities or more complex needs will receive tailored help and support thanks to a grant from Herefordshire Freemasons to ECHO for Extra Choices in Herefordshire.

The £60,000 grant will support ECHO’s Transition and Taster Day Programme over the next three years. The project will support young people through their transition from Children’s Support Services into Adult Services, which can be a very challenging and confusing time for those with learning and other disabilities. The focus will be to provide a smooth and stress-free transition process that starts whilst they are still at school and is tailored to each individual’s needs. Whilst in their familiar school environment, each young person and their family will get to know ECHO staff members who will provide all the information they need, taking them through the changes that will happen and the choices they need to make.

ECHO’s experts will provide specialist support to help each person to navigate the systems and gently introduce them to the adult services that ECHO provides through attending taster days. Once an individual has completed their transition and is an ECHO participant they will continue to receive as much support as they need as they progress.

The funding will make a significant difference to the lives of young people with disabilities across Herefordshire and will also promote ECHO’s services and raise awareness. The impact on young people who do not receive ample support at this stage in their lives is significant. Without a support network and direction from service providers it is very easy for young people to lose confidence and to choose to stay at home – shrinking their world. The effects of this isolation and potentially slipping through the system can be detrimental to their general wellbeing and mental health.

Alongside supporting young people through their transition, this project will encourage them to join social and sports activities and to make new friends. They will benefit from independent skills training and support to become active in their community – utilising local shops and cafes and joining local groups and events. This in turn will support the families and carers who will gain essential respite time whilst the young people are attending services.

There were 1,050 people registered as having a learning disability at GP practices in Herefordshire in 2020/21 (0.6 per cent of the population). Modelled estimates suggest that GP registers reflect less than a quarter of all adults with learning disabilities, and that the true number in Herefordshire is likely to be around 3,800 people (2.3 per cent of the adult population). This is predicted to increase by around 8 per cent by 2035.

People with learning disabilities are more vulnerable to physical, emotional and financial abuse, coercion, hate crime and harassment. In supporting young people as they progress into adulthood, these issues are talked about openly to provide the skills they need to recognise when they may be being targeted and when they should reach out for support. Other areas of ECHO’s work in the community is focussed on educating children in local schools about hate crime and talking through how everyone can be part of changing this corrosive impact on communities.

The grant from Herefordshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

ECHO’s Chief Officer, Mike Cook said:

“We’re very grateful to Herefordshire Freemasons for their generous grant. Our programme will support many young disabled people to move into adulthood with confidence and the skills they need to lead an active and fulfilling life.”

Michael Holland the Head of Freemasons in Herefordshire, said:

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help ECHO with their vital project. It can be such a difficult time trying to navigate the many changes and can be far more challenging for those with learning disabilities. ECHO’s work will reduce stress and anxiety, providing comfort, support and direction for young people in our county. It’s hugely important for those with learning disabilities that this vital project is supported.”

The second Drive in Concert for The Not Forgotten brought them to Brinsop Manor in Herefordshire. The event was part of a week long programme of concerts in partnership between the Charity and a number of different Masonic Provinces.

Hosted at Lulworth Castle (Dorset), Brinsop Court Manor House (Herefordshire), Syon Park (Middlesex), Idlerocks Farm (Staffordshire), and Grimsthorpe Castle (Lincolnshire), these events were made possible through a powerful strategic partnership with the Freemasons—recently honoured with the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award for our outstanding support to the military community. From coast to urban-fringe to countryside, veterans parked up, tuned in, and sang and danced in a safe space among a community they trust—surrounded by camaraderie, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of being valued.

The event in Herefordshire entertained over one hundred guests who were with music from Annie Riley, Max Fox and Gary Goodmaze aka Freddie Mercury.  Also sensational acrobatics, delicious food, a raffle and of course the company and camaraderie that military veteran gatherings do best!

To many of the veterans attending, this was not just an entertaining afternoon out, it was a mental lift and a boost to confidence money can’t buy. Feeling valued for their service and spending time in a safe, supportive community of other veterans who understand them and their experiences. Others could sit back in the safety of their car and feel the sense of achievement in simply leaving the house and attending an event.

Richard Walker the Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten commented.

“This September, The Not Forgotten, in proud partnership with Freemasonry, delivered five spectacular Drive-In Concerts across the UK—bringing music, joy, and connection to hundreds of veterans living with injury, illness, and isolation. The Not Forgotten values our role within Freemasonry’s strategic ambition to engage communities in need and we are committed to helping expand our collective reach and deepen our social impact. As a small charity with a big heart and a vast network, we consistently deliver social value through partnership—maximising both reach and impact. We are extremely grateful to the Freemasons for their generosity, hospitality, and boots-on-the-ground support. Together, we’ve not only entertained—we’ve transformed lives.”

For more photos please visit the The Not Forgotten Gallery below:

Hereford Drive In Concert

We are proud to announce that the United Grand Lodge of England has been awarded the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest honour given by the MOD for outstanding support to the Armed Forces community!

This recognition extends across the whole of UGLE – meaning that every Province and District is also a recipient of the ERS Gold Award.

This achievement is a reflection of our collective commitment to those who serve, and we extend our thanks to every member whose support has made this recognition possible.

We are very proud in Herefordshire to be part of this initiative and have a long association with the Armed Forces and providing support for many Veteran’s charities.

Watch our latest video to see how Freemasons continue to support the brave men and women who have served our nation.