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 Master of the East Lancashire Centurion Lodge 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 Provincial Grand Master would like to include wives, partners, representatives of the armed forces, non-masons, lady Freemasons, etc. So, the work began to organise the event.
Fortunately, the Province has an excellent Armed Forces Champion in the form of 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 three 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 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 Freemasons, on the evening of Wednesday, 2 October. The Lodge received Robert Ian Frankl, the Provincial Grand Master, who was 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. Robert 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 in the guests. They included Mrs Angela Seed of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, Mrs Karen Lilley of the Order of Women Freemasons, the military representatives, wives and veterans. Altogether, there were over 100 Freemasons and non-masons in the Lodge room.
Following an address by Robert, the Armed Forces Covenant was formalised. Robert Frankl signed it on behalf of the Province and Major Alex Downard of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regt and a member of the Lodge on behalf of the Armed Services.
