A joint initiative between Durham Freemasons and The Not Forgotten brought together more than 150 veterans, serving personnel, members of the Uniformed Services, carers and supporters at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on Tuesday 28 July for a special Garden Party designed to tackle social isolation and promote friendship, companionship and wellbeing.
The event, supported by £4,500 from Durham Freemasons, formed part of The Not Forgotten’s national programme of regional Garden Parties, delivered in partnership with the United Grand Lodge of England and local Freemasons’ Regions as part of their shared commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Covenant.
Guests enjoyed welcome drinks and canapés before a traditional afternoon tea, live entertainment from Annie and Lloyd, games and a raffle. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged old friendships to be renewed and new ones to be formed, reflecting the shared values of companionship and service that unite both organisations.
Originally inspired by annual Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace, The Not Forgotten has expanded the concept across the United Kingdom with the support of the United Grand Lodge of England. This year marked the fifth year that regional Garden Parties have been delivered in partnership with local Freemasons’ Regions, with Durham Freemasons proud to host the event for the North East.
Leading the Durham Freemasons contingent was John Watts, Head of Durham Freemasons, while John Thompson, Assistant Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, President of its Armed Forces Committee and former Head of Durham Freemasons, attended as a VIP guest, reflecting his longstanding commitment to supporting veterans and the Armed Forces community.
The event was also attended by Commander Ian G. Berry MBE RD RNR, Deputy Lieutenant for County Durham.
Supporting the event as VIP hosts were senior representatives from several Companion Orders with strong military connections, including Michael Jaques, Head of the Scarlet Cord; Robin Knight, Head of the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine; Gary Taylor, Head of the Royal Order of Scotland; Derek Dunn, Head of the Masonic Order of Athelstan; and Lieutenant Colonel John Henry, Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons, who leads Durham Freemasons’ work supporting the Armed Forces and Uniformed Services community and continues to serve as a senior officer in the British Army.
John Watts, Head of Durham Freemasons, said:
“It has been a privilege for Durham Freemasons to work alongside The Not Forgotten to host this wonderful event. Many of our members have served in the Armed Forces and Uniformed Services or continue to serve today, so supporting veterans is something that resonates deeply with us. Freemasonry is built on friendship, belonging and service, values that mirror those found in service life. If the day has helped even one veteran feel more connected, valued and less alone, then we have achieved something truly worthwhile.”
John Thompson, Assistant Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, President of its Armed Forces Committee and former Head of Durham Freemasons, said:
“Supporting our Armed Forces community is a priority across the United Grand Lodge of England through our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, and it is wonderful to see that commitment brought to life here in Durham. Having previously led Durham Freemasons, it gives me enormous pride to see Durham Freemasons working alongside The Not Forgotten to provide veterans with friendship, companionship and the reassurance that their service continues to be recognised and appreciated. It perfectly demonstrates how Freemasonry can make a positive difference in communities across the country.”
Claire Spence, Community Fundraiser for The Not Forgotten, said:
“Our mission is simple: to ensure that no veteran feels forgotten. Events like today’s bring people together, create new friendships and remind veterans that they remain part of a community that values their service. We are incredibly grateful to Durham Freemasons for their generous support and partnership in making this regional Garden Party such a welcoming and memorable occasion.”
John Watts, Ian Berry, John Thompson & Claire Spence
Lieutenant Colonel John Henry, Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons, who leads Durham Freemasons’ work supporting the Armed Forces and Uniformed Services community and continues to serve as a senior officer in the British Army, said:
“Many veterans miss the sense of belonging and camaraderie that military life provides. Freemasonry shares many of those same values of friendship, service and supporting one another, making this partnership with The Not Forgotten a natural fit. Today has been about bringing people together, ensuring no veteran feels forgotten and showing that support continues long after military service ends.”
Among those who attended were David and Pauline Watson. David, who served in the Royal Navy with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, spoke warmly about the event and the opportunity it provided to reconnect with others.
“Pauline and I were delighted to have been invited to the Garden Party. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet up with old friends, make new ones and spend time with people who share similar experiences.”
David’s comments captured the spirit of the afternoon, as veterans, serving personnel, members of the Uniformed Services, carers and supporters came together to share memories, renew friendships and strengthen the sense of camaraderie that remains so important long after active service has ended.
Throughout the afternoon, members of Durham Freemasons volunteered alongside The Not Forgotten team to welcome guests and ensure everyone enjoyed the occasion, reinforcing Durham Freemasons’ commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and Uniformed Services community across the region.
The partnership reflects Durham Freemasons’ wider commitment to supporting charities and organisations that improve wellbeing, tackle loneliness and strengthen communities across the Durham Freemasons Area. By working alongside The Not Forgotten, Durham Freemasons are helping to ensure that veterans, serving personnel and members of the Uniformed Services continue to enjoy the friendship, companionship and sense of belonging they valued during their service.
The event also demonstrated the strength of collaboration between national and local organisations. By combining the experience and expertise of The Not Forgotten with the volunteers and support of Durham Freemasons, the Garden Party created lasting memories for guests while reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring that those who have served their country and communities remain connected, valued and never forgotten.
David & Pauline Watson - enjoying the sunshine and the event
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