SPECIAL guests were invited into the home of Freemasonry in Winchester to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 

The evening brought together representatives from lodges across the area and was held to celebrate the bond between the Armed Forces lodges in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

More than 60 people enjoyed the evening meal at Chilcomb Down House, in Alresford Road, on Saturday, June 1. 

Nigel Atkinson ESQ HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire was present, as was Mayor of Winchester Russell Gordon Smith. 

The Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Jonathan Whitaker gave a speech to the guests. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Grand Master RW Bro Jonathan Whitaker talks to guests

He said: "Freemasonary in the province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has long maintained a strong relationship with the armed forces. Not only through out dedicated military lodges but the fact that a substantial number of our near 8,000 members in 245 lodges are veterans or serving personnel. 

"From our oldest lodges founded in the 1730s to the present day, a number have taken their membership from various army regiments and the Royal Navy. With Aldershot having been the predominant home of the British Army and Portsmouth being a long term naval base, the county has been blessed with strong military figures who have also been Freemasons." 

He spoke about the Freemasons' pride at signing its Armed Forces Covenant last year and of the financial support - as well as volunteer work - Freemasonry has given to various military charities. 

He added: "Freemasonry is no longer a hidden organisation. Our Grand Master, the Duke of Kent, many years ago encouraged us to be more open about our membership, to share our proud history and achievement and to be a volunteer force for good by playing a part in our local community." 

The Lord-Lieutenant responded. He said: "The support shown for the Armed Force is excellent. It is a powerful, poignant and fitting tribute to those who took part in the D-Day campaign." 

Hampshire Chronicle: Freemasons hold meal to mark D-Day 80th anniversary at Chilcomb Down House

Guest speaker Andy Dodson, a former Royal Engineer from Aldershot, spoke about how Freemasonry had helped him after he was medically discharged. 

He said becoming a Freemason had helped boost his self confidence and given him structure and support. 

He said: "After what was a difficult three years, after leaving the armed forces, Freemasonry has really helped, especially with my self confidence, and with getting me back to being the old Andy again." 

In 2017, a commemorative dinner was held by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to commemorate six members who were awarded the Victoria Cross.