Herefordshire Freemasons have recently received feedback on two of the donations made in support of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Howle Hill Memorial Garden

Vitruvian Lodge from Ross on Wye recently donated funds to help maintain and upgrade the Howle Hill Memorial Garden near Ross. This included water butts to enable the plants and foliage to be watered regularly Pictured here is the Lodge Charity Steward Craig Morgan with the Project Lead Yolande Watson at the Royal British Legion AGM where the cheque was presented.  This was followed by a presentation on the local soldiers who sadly lost their lives during the World Wars.

124 (Hereford City) Squadron RAFAC visit to the Normandy Battlefields

The second donation was to 124 (Hereford City) Squadron RAFAC in support of a trip to see the Normandy Battlefields. In July 2025, 4 adults and 11 cadets from 124 (Hereford City) Squadron RAFAC undertook a trip to the Normandy Battlefields.

The objectives were to:

• introduce the cadets to the history and scale of the D Day landings
• reflect on the impact of the campaign to society and the individuals involved
• to build unit esprit de corps and contribute to cadet personal development  

For a few it was their first overseas visit, for more it was their first trip on a ferry. Time in the minibus enabled everyone to get know each other, exchange stories, tell some awful jokes, sing songs and listen to an eclectic music catalogue.

Flying Officer Andy Taylor OBE DL | 124 (Hereford City) Squadron wrote:

“I have two lasting memories of the visit:

Firstly ,the visit to Omaha Beach, the cadets almost skipped onto the sand probably thinking of previous visit to the seaside. Then, as the story of ‘Bloody Omaha’ unfolded the mood palpably changed, they became quiet, attentive and contemplative, clearly thinking of the time 81 years previously when the sand had been stained by the blood of so many men, some not many years older than they were.

Secondly everyone sat around a picnic table outside the hotel on a lovely summer’s evening, playing simple card and numbers games, everyone joining in, laughing and clearly enjoying ‘the moment’.

The cadets have all drawn something from the trip and learnt something about the enormity of the operation and the commitment and sacrifice of the individuals involved, but also thoroughly enjoyed their time making and strengthening friendships; they will have lasting knowledge, memories and experiences to take forward with them into their futures.

We are all most grateful to those that supported us – Herefordshire Freemasons, West Midlands RFCA Cadet Welfare Fund and our own Squadron’s Civilian Management Committee – a big thank you to you all”

We have received updates from two of the Guide Dogs sponsored by Herefordshire Lodges based in Hereford.  

Bailey, sponsored by Coningsby Lodge is now one year old and still in training.  He has grown up to be a strong and loving young dog who is full of potential. He has certainly grown from the first picture taken as a puppy.

Mason, sponsored by Vaga Lodge has now qualified as a life-changing dog.  He has been matched with Philip.

After training together for several weeks, Philip and Mason have formed a wonderful partnership, and they’ve been busy practising their skills and exploring new environments – the world has really opened up for them both.

Marinda, the Guide Dog Mobility Specialist who has been working with Philip and Mason, told us proudly that Mason is a sensitive, intelligent young dog, and it’s been so rewarding to watch them both grow in confidence these past months.

The generous gifts from both these Lodges has enabled Guide Dogs for the Blind to continue the vital work that they do, providing freedom and independence for people with sight loss.

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.