Suffolk Freemasons sign Armed Forces Covenant in support of British veterans and military

At a recent conference of Suffolk Freemasons in Bury St Edmunds, delegates from lodges across the county pledged their support for British troops and veterans.

In all, 124 representatives attended the gathering on October 16 at Ashlar House.

There, Suffolk Freemasons' Provincial Grand Master, Ian Yeldham, was joined by Air Vice-Marshall David Murray in signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Through the covenant, organisations in Britain are able to express their support for fair treatment of veterans.

Air Vice-Marshall Murray said: "The Freemasons are really leading the way in signing the Armed Forces Covenant and showing their support for the Armed Forces community – both the serving and veterans – in Suffolk.

"They have certainly set an excellent example for other organisations and individuals to follow."

The signing was followed by a presentation from the Not Forgotten Association, a charity supporting ex-servicepeople and their families.

The charity's chair, David Cowley OBE, said: "I was delighted by the offers of help received following my talk on the work of ‘The Not Forgotten’ for veterans of all three services and the Merchant Navy.

"I am confident that with the support of the Suffolk Freemasons ‘The Not Forgotten’ will play an increasingly important role in helping those in Suffolk who have served in the Armed Forces and who now suffer.

"I am very grateful to be given this important opportunity to spread the word about our work."