Sompting Lodge supports Worthing Veterans Association with donation on Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday in Worthing carried added significance this year as Sompting Lodge No. 8450 marked the occasion with a charitable gesture honouring local veterans. During the town’s annual wreath-laying ceremony at Worthing Town Hall, members of the Lodge presented a donation to the Worthing Veterans Association, reinforcing the strong ties between the local Freemasons and the armed forces community.
The presentation took place following the formal act of remembrance, as residents, civic leaders, military representatives and community groups gathered to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present. Representing Sompting Lodge were Brother Bill Lee and the Lodge Chaplain, Brother Craig Mackay, who stepped forward to hand the cheque to the Association’s Chairman.
Brother Mackay said the Lodge felt it was particularly fitting to support the Veterans Association on a day dedicated to reflection and gratitude. “Remembrance Sunday is a moment when the whole community comes together,” he said. “Supporting those who served is something we feel strongly about, and we’re proud to contribute to an organisation that does so much for local veterans.”
The Worthing Veterans Association has become a vital part of the community, offering a wide range of support to former service personnel and their families. Entirely member-run, the organisation welcomes veterans from all branches of the armed services. Its drop-in centre in Worthing provides a friendly environment where visitors can enjoy coffee and conversation, seek support, or simply meet others who share similar experiences.
Beyond this day-to-day support, the Association also assists veterans in navigating services related to healthcare, legal matters, welfare advice and housing, ensuring that those who may feel isolated or unsure where to turn have a trusted place to go. Their calendar is packed with social activities — including a monthly breakfast club, a weekly meet-up, and various outings and events throughout the year — aimed at fostering camaraderie and reducing loneliness, which can be common among former service members.
Representatives from the Association expressed warm appreciation for the Lodge’s gesture, noting that community support helps them continue providing essential services and social opportunities to veterans of all ages.
Freemasonry in West Sussex has a long tradition of charitable giving, much of it focused on local causes and community well-being. Sompting Lodge’s donation is one of many examples of its members’ ongoing commitment to supporting groups that make a meaningful difference.
For more information about freemasonry and charity giving, visit www.wgsm.co.uk.