The Masonic Province of East Lancashire is proud to announce its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, a significant step in its ongoing support for the British Armed Forces.
When a junior officer in the armed forces receives a telephone call from the adjutant beginning: “The colonel would like you to….” he often wonders exactly what brainwave the Commander has had now. When, in June, the Worshipful Master of the East Lancashire Centurion Lodge no.2322 received a phone call from the Provincial Grand Secretary that began,” The Provincial Grand Master would like East Lancashire Centurion Lodge to….” that trepidation lasted only as far as the next words…” …host the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.”
East Lancashire Centurion, a Manchester-based special interest lodge, was uniquely positioned to host the event. All its members hold or have held the King’s Commission in the armed forces, making it a privilege for the lodge and its members to be asked to host the event. The Provincial Grand Secretary confirmed that the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master (RWPGM)would like to include wives, partners, representatives of the armed forces, non-masons, lady masons, etc. So, the work began to organise the event. Fortunately, the province has an excellent Armed Forces Champion in the form of Brother Ashley St John-Claire, an ex-Royal Navy Sub-Lieutenant who was to pick up most of the organisation of the event alongside Mrs Kerryanne Wilde, Regional Employer Engagement Director for Lancashire and Cumbria, Northwest Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (REED NWRFCA).
The Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant was introduced in 2000. It refers to public life and the mutual obligations of the United Kingdom and the British Armed Forces. The Ministry of Defence, the Government, and the 3 Combined Services treat it with great importance.
Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment any organisation can make to recognise, support, treat fairly, and encourage the five pillars—veterans, Reservists, Spouses and Dependents, Adult Cadet Volunteers, and the wider Forces Family—in their local communities.
The Covenant has now been enshrined in law, and through the Armed Forces Act 2021, it is now a legal requirement for organisations to sign the AFC and know who their Veterans are.
The United Grand Lodge of England signed the AFC on 20 October 2021 and was awarded a Bronze Employer Recognition Scheme award the same day. It was then awarded the Silver ERS on 2 May 2023. These awards are proudly displayed on its website and in its communications.
Signing the AFC demonstrates the Masonic Province of East Lancashire’s commitment to the brethren and Forces Family members who have served and continue to serve.
The covenant was signed at Manchester Hall, the home of Manchester Masons on the evening of Wednesday the 2nd of October. The Lodge received the RWPGM Robert Ian Frankl, accompanied by a Provincial deputation. Also present were four Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals in the Royal Arch. The RWPGM and the Provincial Wardens took their chairs, called off the Lodge, and admitted non-masonic guests.
The local Army and Sea cadets formed a carpet guard whilst the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies led the guests. They included RWPGM Mrs Angela Seed, the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HAFA) WBro Mrs Karen Lilley, The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF), the military representatives, wives and veterans. Altogether, there were over 100 masons and non-masons in the lodge room.
Following an address by the RWPGM, the Armed Forces Covenant was formalised. The RWPGM Robert Frankl signed it on behalf of the Province and Bro Major Alex Downard of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regt, and a member of the lodge, on behalf of the armed services.
Additional signatories for posterity included:
WBro John Curry, Dave McGurty, Paul O’Carroll, and WBro Major The Reverend Cannon Richard Hawkins, all Assistant Provincial Grand Masters of the province.
Senior military officers were also present for the signing: WBro Colonel Paul Smillie PProvGSwdB, Commandant Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force.
WBro Wing Commander Martin Morris, Royal Air Force (RAF) PProvAGDC (W Lancs), Regional Employer Engagement Director Northwest, &
Commander Charles Baggot-Jewitt DL, Royal Navy (RN), Area Officer Sea Cadets Northwest.
After the signing, the lodge’s Worshipful Master, WBro Captain Andrew Procter, Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden, presented the RWPGM with a cheque for £500 to the East Lancashire 2026 Festival. Bro Sub-Lieutenant St John-Claire then spoke about the future of the AFC in the province, after which the guests and provincial deputation withdrew.
Seventy-five sat down to an excellent dinner. The WM and RWPGM’s principal guests were drummed in by Bro Stuart Warmington, late of the Royal Marines, a Lodge of Perseverance 345 member. Following dinner and the usual toasts, a toast unique to the lodge was honoured: a silent toast to those brethren of the lodge who had fallen in service, a sombre reminder of why the covenant is so important.
You can see more photos from the evening here