Stories Flying the flag
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t 10am on 5 July, the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), invited its 200,000 members to fly specially designed flags to celebrate a day dedicated to the NHS, social care and all the workers on the frontline who saved so many lives during the pandemic. The event was also a chance to remember those workers we have lost. The UGLE is one of the core supporters of the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day, alongside the Cadet Forces, English Heritage and the Women’s Institute. A £5 donation from every flag and length of bunting made will be equally divided between NHS Charities Together and the National Care Association. Freemasonry for Women and the Order of Women Freemasons also joined the UGLE in this initiative, as Freemasons aimed to set a record for the number of flags raised simultaneously across the country. Freemasonry marked the occasion throughout the day. At 11am, the UGLE headquarters in Great Queen Street raised the flag, while a trumpeter played the Last Post. At the same time, Freemasons held a moment’s silence to remember NHS workers and all those who have died from COVID-19. The day continued with a toast to the NHS at 1pm, and a cuppa was raised during afternoon tea at 4pm. At 8pm, Freemasons joined the country in an evening clap for NHS workers, while church bells rang 73 times – one for every year of the NHS. There was a #timetotoast for all NHS workers to close the celebrations at 9pm. Nearly 130 lodges and Provinces made a commitment to the raising of the flag and other elements of the day. In addition, Northumberland Freemason James Horner hosted a special livestreaming show from the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, featuring a compere, comedians, singers, readings, video footage and messages of support to raise money on the day. As part of the commemorations, the Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) scheme, managed by the Freemasons, produced a limited edition of 26
FMT Autumn 2021
