Members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Derbyshire Freemasons were in attendance throughout the Province to honour the fallen. 25 wreaths were laid throughout the Province and Brethren were permitted to wear their Collars.
No doubt their presence was noticed and appreciated by the local communities.
Derby – Many Freemasons including the Provincial Grand Master were on parade at the Cenotaph. The Provincial Grand Master laid a wreath and the veterans’ ranks were swelled by Freemasons who were either ex armed forces or merchant navy. There were also many Freemasons in the crowd which numbered over 2000. For an album of photographs please click this link:
Glossop – Both Mallender and Devonshire Lodges laid wreaths at the Cenotaph in Glossop. Twelve members attended to support the parade.
Duffield – A wreath was laid by Freemasons.
Long Eaton – Five Long Eaton Freemasons attended the Remembrance Service at the town’s War Memorial
Ripley – Members of Okeover Lodge No. 1324 joined the Parade and a wreath was laid by the WM, W Bro Anthony Poxon. Over one thousand people turned out to Parade and line the route. The BBC were present and filmed the Parade which was shown on East Midlands Today on Sunday evening.
Dore – Sixteen members representing several Lodges at Dore laid a wreath at the War Memorial.
Mickleover – Derek Hewitt ( Almoner of Littleover Lodge No. 9565 ) and Ravi Kumar Sahnan ( Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies ) laid a wreath at the All Saints Church Memorial at Mickleover Derby.
Derby Cemetery – on Saturday 11th November Bro John Sayers attended an Armistice Day service held at Soldiers Corner, Derby Cemetery. John is vice chairmen of Derbyshire Submariners and conducted two short ceremonies at the graves of two WW1 submariners.
Chesterfield – Bro Simon Sellars of Lutudarum Lodge No. 9363 attended with several Brethren at the crooked spire in Chesterfield. W Bro Stephen Jones ( Assistant Provincial Grand Master ) laid a wreath.
Dronfield – Dronfield Lodge No. 9570 were in attendance at the parade in Dronfield. The attendance was organized by W Bro Barrie Otter and seven members attended. The wreath was laid by the WM of Dronfield Lodge W Bro Alan Byron.
Newhall – on Saturday 10th November was organized by Newhall WI who thanked Derbyshire Freemasons for their participation and requested that they return next year. One of the old soldiers present was a Scottish Constitution Mason who served in Burma and was pleased to see Masons present.
Repton – Bretby Lodge took part in the Remembrance Parade at Repton which is located in South Derbyshire near Burton on Trent. W Bro Terry Hough has been taking part at the remembrance at Repton for many years and kindly organised the members to take part last year and this. There was a very good presence and all members marched with pride behind the veterans.
Bretby have a number of ex-servicemen in the Lodge who wore their military caps and medals. Bro Anthony Waddington who was in the Army up until a couple of years ago laid the Wreath.
A total of seventeen Freemasons took part in the parade, fifteen from Bretby Lodge, one from Trisantona and one from Hartington Lodge.
Buxton – Brethren of Phoenix Lodge of St Ann No. 1235 and Buxton Lodge No. 1688. attended Buxton Cenotaph where a wreath was laid by Kevin Greenhalgh, the WM of Buxton Lodge. The WM of the Phoenix Lodge of St. Ann also laid a wreath. W Bro Ken Atkin of High Peak Lodge No. 1952 laid a wreath as Band Master if Fairfield. Present at the ceremony was the Assistant High Sheriff of Derbyshire.
Ilkeston – Rutland Lodge No. 1179 were represented by 11 members who joined the parade. A wreath was laid by W.Bro Steve Fraser-Burton and RW Bro Graham Rudd ( Past Provincial Grand Master for Derbyshire ) was in attendance as Deputy Lord Lieutenant.
Chapel-en-le-Frith – a wreath was laid on behalf of High Peak Lodge 1952 by Neil M Tomlinson IPM, at the War Memorial in Chapel-en-le-Frith.
Whilst High Peak now meet in Buxton they are originally from Chapel-en-le-Frith and have attended the Remembrance Day service and wreath laying for many years.
On this occasion their daughter lodge, Connal Wilson Lodge 9171 who meet in New Mills, also attended the service and laid a wreath.
Church Gresley – was at 11.00 on the 11th November and was supported by brethren with past masters of Carnarvon Lodge. Church Gresley was where Carnarvon was founded and still has strong links with the area.
Swadlincote – Four Lodges were represented at the Memorial Gate Midland Road. A significant turn out of cadets, past and present serving military officers, civil heads, MP and Deputy Lord Lieutenant was also evident. This is usual as Swadlincote seen as the centre of Southern Derbyshire and home of the council offices.
Castle Gresley and Linton. At this service the local Vicar was delighted to see Derbyshire Freemasons present. He was apparently most impressed as no other community organization was represented.
Overseal – a service was held at 15.00 on the 11th November at the Community Hall and Memorial. There was a significant turn out and a very strong community spirit. The vicar was delighted that Derbyshire Freemasons were in attendance and formally announced the wreath they laid. Following the formal address, the vicar asked if Derbyshire Freemasons would return next year and if more would be likely to attend.
Bakewell – Kim Barber has organised the Dorothy Vernon Lodge’s presence at this ceremony for several years, and succeeded W. Bro. F. Woodings who relinquished the job as a result of his age and failing health. Members of Dorothy Vernon Lodge proudly attended and on this occasion, were accompanied by W Bro. Buckley of Padley Lodge No. 6379.
Hathersage– W Bro Bernard Eyre laid a wreath in the churchyard following the parade. This was timed to the Act of Remembrance at the Memorial inside the Church. W Bro David Bevan of Bretwalda acted as Steward and collection organizer.
