Freemasons from across the region are marking a Month of Remembrance and Service, representing Durham at national commemorations, supporting the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and preparing to join Remembrance events in communities across the North East.
The month began on Saturday 31 October, when a contingent of Durham Freemasons travelled to the National Freemasons Service of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens in Staffordshire.
Andrew Foster, Deputy Head of Durham Freemasons, laid a wreath on behalf of Freemasons across Durham. He joined Freemasons from across England and Wales in remembering those who gave their lives and all those who have served, and continue to serve, in His Majesty's Armed Forces.
The national service was led by John Thompson, former Head of Durham Freemasons and now Assistant Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, who has national responsibility for Membership and the Armed Forces Covenant.
The wreath had previously been presented to Andrew by John Watts, Head of Durham Freemasons, before being entrusted to members of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association for its journey to Staffordshire.
Closer to home, Durham Freemasons are continuing to give their time to support this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Members have been volunteering in Billingham, Hartlepool, Darlington, Sunderland, Bishop Auckland, Gateshead Metrocentre and Chester le Street.
Andrew was among those helping with the collection at Asda in Darlington, where more than £4,000 was raised during the first four days of this year's appeal. Across Darlington, the 2025 Poppy Appeal raised £95,000.
Andrew said: "Remembrance is an important time for all of us. It was a privilege to lay a wreath on behalf of Durham Freemasons at the national service, but remembrance is also about what we do in our own communities.
"The response to the Poppy Appeal has been tremendous. Darlington raised £95,000 last year and more than £4,000 was raised at Asda in just the first four days this year. I am proud to see so many Durham Freemasons giving their time to support the Royal British Legion across the region."
Throughout the month, Durham Freemasons are also being encouraged to wear a special Remembrance tie at their meetings. The distinctive tie features a single red poppy on a black patterned background and has become another way for members to show their support for the Armed Forces community.
Sales of the ties to members raised £5,000 for veterans' charities last year. Further sales this year look likely to raise a similar amount, taking the potential contribution over the two years to around £10,000.
Attention will turn to Remembrance Sunday on 8 November, when representatives of Durham Freemasons and other Masonic Orders will join official commemorations across the region.
In Durham City, John Watts, Head of Durham Freemasons, will lay a wreath on behalf of Durham Freemasons.
Lt Col John Henry, Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons and lead for its Armed Forces Network, will also take part in the official Durham City parade. As a serving Army officer, he will be on military duty and will be one of those escorting the Lord Lieutenant during the city's Remembrance commemorations.
Elsewhere, Freemasons will lay wreaths or take part in official services at Hartlepool and Hartlepool Headland, Seaham, Murton, Sedgefield, Jarrow, Hetton le Hole, Shildon, Spennymoor, Stockton on Tees, South Shields, Barnard Castle, Billingham, Birtley, Cockerton, Consett, Crook, Darlington and Dunston.
Andrew added: "Remembrance takes place in our towns and communities, alongside the people we live and work with. I would encourage our members to come along, support their local services and stand alongside their communities.
"Don't wait to be asked!"
The Month of Remembrance and Service will continue on Wednesday 11 November, when a group of Durham Freemasons will travel to London. They will attend the official Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Armistice Day before making their annual visit to the United Grand Lodge of England.
The national service, Poppy Appeal collections, fundraising through the Remembrance ties, local wreath laying and Armistice Day commemorations all form part of Durham Freemasons' continuing support for the Armed Forces community.
This commitment also reflects the wider support of Freemasonry for serving personnel, veterans and their families through its status as a Gold Award holder under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.
From Staffordshire to communities across the North East and the Cenotaph in Whitehall, Durham Freemasons are marking the period through remembrance, community involvement and service.
View the full gallery of pictures from the National Service and Other Remembrance events in 2026 here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD992d
