Freemasons across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be marking the inaugural NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day on 5th July 2021.
The fraternity is one of the core supporters of the event alongside English Heritage, Women’s Institute and the Cadet Forces.
Freemasons lodge buildings, as well as individual members, will be flying flags, banners and bunting at 10:00 to mark the day and show their thanks to those who have saved lives, and to remember those who have died from COVID-19.
A £5 donation from every flag and length of bunting made will be equally divided between NHS Charities Together and the National Care Association.
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) will be joined in the event by the 2 grand lodges of women Freemasons – Freemasonry for Women and the Order of Women Freemasons. The UGLE is divided into provinces of which Hampshire and Isle of Wight – which includes Christchurch and Bournemouth – is one of the biggest.
The aim is to set a record for the number of flags raised simultaneously across the nation.
At 11:00 on 5th July, Freemasons are planning a moment’s silence to remember frontline workers and all those who died from COVID-19. The day then continues with a toast to the NHS at 13:00, raising a cuppa to the NHS during afternoon tea at 15:00, followed by an address to the nation at 18:00.
At 20:00, the Freemasons will join the nation in an evening clap for NHS workers, while church bells are set to ring 73 times to celebrate 73 years of the NHS. Closing the celebrations at 21:00, there will be a #timetotoast for all NHS workers.
Bruno Peek, pageant master to the Queen and creator of NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day, said:
“We are delighted that Freemasons, whose members come from all walks of life, are playing such a high profile and active role to start this special day of celebration and commemoration of those within the NHS, social care and on the frontline who undertake so much for us all, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks a year, without any thought of their own safety.”
Jon Whitaker who heads the Freemasons in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and is a St John Ambulance volunteer, said:
“It’s important to thank those who have been on the frontline battling Covid and our members will be doing just that.
“And we hope as many people as possible join us is saying thank you, but also remembering those who have died.”
To find out more about NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day and to register your participation in the event, visit: www.nhsfrontlineday.org.
The same people who support the cuts these services usually get? Does it make them feel any less guilty?