Cambridgeshire Freemasons have signed the Armed Forces Covenant during a ceremony at Newmarket Masonic Hall at a meeting of the newly-formed United Services lodge. The partnership aims to support members of the Armed Forces community and ensure they have the same access to government as well as commercial services and products as any other citizen.
Membership of the United Services Lodge, which meets in Newmarket, is open to those who have served the Sovereign, full or part-time, in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and Reserve Forces, Police, Fire, Ambulance and Prison Services, and adults of the Cadet Forces.
Brigadier Tim Seal, who signed the Covenant on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, said: “I am hugely grateful to you for the commitment you have made to our armed forces, through the signing of this covenant. As a United Services Lodge, I am sure that you have a deeper level of understanding for what this means to our service personnel, knowing that they have the support of the communities from whom they are drawn. Thank you again for the work you have done so far and for the pledge you have made to do so into the future.”
Bill Dastur, who heads Freemasonry in Cambridgeshire said: “It is my great pleasure to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of all Cambridgeshire Freemasons. This document represents part of the UGLE’s ongoing commitment to support active and retired military personnel. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Armed Forces and we will continue to promote their welfare, support, and respect amongst all our members.”
With so many of its Provinces signing the Armed Forces Covenant, members of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) will be able to demonstrate their support to members of the Armed Forces in a number of areas, including education, family wellbeing, getting a home, starting a new career, access to healthcare, financial assistance and discounted services.