This year’s Armistice Day wreath laying ceremony in South Molton, was supported by the Masters of all three of the town’s masonic Lodges.
At 11:00am on Friday 11th November 2022, the people of South Molton came together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their Country.
Low grey cloud and a keen south westerly wind formed a sombre backdrop to the Service of Remembrance, led by the Rev. Jane Lucas the Chaplain of the South Molton Branch of the
Royal British Legion.
The salute was taken by
Colonel (Ret’d) Paddy King-Fretts
The names of those South Molton residents killed in both World Wars and more recently in Afghanistan, were read out by Branch President Sir Richard Peek to be followed by a minute’s silence.
The lone bugler, Jane Toms then played a moving rendition of
The Last Post.
Wreaths were laid by The Royal British Legion, The Town Council, South Molton Police, South Molton Freemasons and local schools.
For the first time in many years, the current Masters of each of South Molton’s three masonic Lodges were all in attendance. The Loyal Lodge of Industry No 421 was represented by its Worshipful Master, Ray McIntosh.
Fortescue Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.9 by its Worshipful Master, David Stanbury and Fortescue Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 9, by its Worshipful Commander Philip Carr.
Commenting on the ceremony Ray McIntosh said…
“We are proud to be supporting this year’s Remembrance activities. Supporting our community is a very important part of what Freemasonry is all about. Freemasons have played a part in South Molton life for almost 200 years and we are delighted to continue that tradition.”
WBro Ray McIntosh.