The Order of Women Freemasons signed the Armed Services Covenant at a ceremony held at their headquarters in Notting Hill Gate on 21 March 2023, led by Zuzanka Penn, the head of the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF). 

 

Zuzanka was joined by two Chelsea Pensioners and members of the Order with Military connections. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, the Order of Women Freemasons will be able to demonstrate its support to members of the Armed Forces in several areas. 

 

The Order of Women Freemasons has many connections with the Military through its members, who, over the years, have included Lady Dorothy Haig, who set up the Lady Haig Poppy factory in Scotland to give financial assistance to ex-soldiers and the Royal British Legion. Also, Dame Florence Burleigh Leach, CBE, who founded the Women’s Legion, and who enabled the Women’s Volunteer Reserve (WVR) to be accessible to women from all classes of society. In 1917, she oversaw the WVR move into the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, among others. 

 

Mrs Penn said: “It is my great pleasure to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Order of Women Freemasons. This document represents our ongoing commitment to supporting active and retired military personnel. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Armed Forces and will continue to promote their welfare, support, and respect amongst all our members.” 

 

The OWF was honoured to have Air Commodore Perkins with them on this memorable occasion. Air Commodore Perkins signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, thanked the Order of Women Freemasons for supporting the Armed Services community and said that their pledges welcomed all Armed Forces Community members into their organisation. 

 

They also recognised their skills and commitment, acknowledging the valuable contribution they can make and supporting the flexibility of membership due to mobilisations and deployment for serving personnel and their families. 

Members of The Order of Women Freemasons' lodge in Wetherby were very pleased to give a donation to Leeds-based St Gemma's Hospice in support of the fabulous work they do in caring and supporting local people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses.  

 

The money raised was from various fundraising initiatives by the members of the lodge since returning to meetings following the pandemic.  

 

Charity is one of the key principles on which Freemasons base their lives - the other key principles are friendship, integrity and respect.