In a poignant act of remembrance and fraternity, the Head of Freemasonry in Derbyshire, Ian Copestake, accompanied by Deputy Martyn Bailey and Assistants Martin Giles and Michael Hitchcock, presented a Memorial Wreath to the Merlin Chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association. Along with other Widows Sons Chapters, Merlin will transport their Province’s wreath to the National Memorial Arboretum on the 25th of October, in preparation for the National Freemasons’ Service of Remembrance organised by UGLE.
The service is to be held at the Arboretum on 1st November, a solemn event that brings together various Freemasons’ provinces along with the other Orders in Freemasonry throughout the UK to honour those who have served and sacrificed in the defence of our nation.
UGLE have also invited The Scouts to the service of remembrance where Derbyshire Freemason Tony Harvey will be representing them and laying their wreath in his capacity as The Scout Association’s HQ Liaison for Freemasonry. Tony handed over The Scouts wreath to Merlin for its safe delivery, in the presence of John Thompson, Assistant Grand Master of UGLE and Martin Giles, APGM and Scouts Volunteering Development Team Leader for Derby East District.
The Merlin Chapter’s members will undertake the honourable duty of transporting the wreaths to the Arboretum. This journey, conducted with respect and solemnity, reflects not only the physical act of remembrance but also a deeper spiritual connection; linking both the Province of Derbyshire and The Scouts with National Freemasons’ Service of Remembrance.
At the heart of this gesture lies the enduring spirit of the Armed Forces Covenant; the nation’s solemn promise to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. The Covenant reflects values of loyalty, service, and integrity; values that resonate deeply with Freemasonry’s own guiding principles of integrity, friendship, respect, and service. Through this act of remembrance, the Freemasons of Derbyshire reaffirm their commitment to those who have given so much for the freedoms we enjoy today. United Grand Lodge of England’s lead on the Armed Forces Covenant, John Thompson, Assistant Grand Master, happened to be in Derbyshire on the day of the handover and was present to support the event.
The National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, is the United Kingdom’s year-round centre of remembrance. It offers a serene landscape where over 400 memorials pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces, emergency services, and civic organisations who have served with courage and dedication. Each monument tells a story of sacrifice and service, creating a powerful testament to the nation’s gratitude. The laying of Memorial Wreaths from Derbyshire Freemasons and The Scouts along with wreaths from the other provinces represents a heartfelt contribution to that collective remembrance.
The presentation of these wreaths exemplifies the unity and shared purpose that define Freemasonry. It demonstrates how Freemasonrys’ leadership and membership work hand in hand to uphold timeless values; respect for service, gratitude for sacrifice, and a commitment to community.
In the peaceful surroundings of the National Memorial Arboretum, the Derbyshire Memorial Wreath along with The Scouts Wreath will stand as a visible and enduring symbol of remembrance. It will represent not only the collective thanks of Derbyshire Freemasons but also the brotherly support extended to all who serve in the Armed Forces. The Memorial Service on 1st November will provide an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and renewal of the promise that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.