On Saturday 10th January, the Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire, R.W.Bro Nicholas Ball, attended the rugby match between Devonport Services and Brixham, accompanied by a small group of local Freemasons, including W.Bro Andrew “Ogre” Hamilton, our Armed Forces Representative.
It was a closely fought match, eventually ending 10–9 to the visitors. But for those present, the afternoon was about more than the final score.
Devonport Services include an advert for Devonshire Freemasons in their match programme in support of past and present members of the Armed Forces. It is a small detail, but an important one. Hundreds of people see it over the course of a season – many of whom may never have visited a Masonic building or spoken to a Freemason before.
Moments like this reflect what modern Freemasonry is really about.
While our meetings take place in lodge rooms, our purpose has always extended far beyond them. Freemasons support local charities, community projects, emergency services, youth organisations and veterans’ groups. We take part in fundraising, volunteering, and civic events, often quietly and without fanfare.
Sporting clubs and military communities in particular share many of the values that Freemasonry tries to encourage: loyalty, teamwork, service to others, personal responsibility and looking out for those who may be struggling.
By supporting organisations like Devonport Services, and by being present at local events, we help to show that Freemasonry is not secretive or distant, but made up of ordinary men who care about the places where they live and work.
Sometimes that presence leads to conversations. Occasionally it leads to curiosity about who we are and what we do. Often it simply leads to mutual respect – and that in itself is valuable.
Freemasonry has existed for centuries, but its role remains a modern one: bringing people together, encouraging personal development, and supporting communities in practical ways.
Whether on the touchline at a rugby match, helping a local charity, or supporting those who have served their country, Freemasons are proud to play a small part in strengthening the communities around us.
