Freemasons Step Up to Speed Up UK Covid Vaccinations
The Freemasons are rolling up their sleeves to help Britain beat the Covid-19 crisis. Across England and Wales, their lodges are turning into vaccination centres, easing pressure on the NHS.
Lodges Turned Jab Hubs Nationwide
In Hertfordshire, Halsey Hall has been a busy vaccination centre since 15 January, supporting three local GP surgeries with up to 1,000 jabs per day once fully running. Meanwhile, Essex Freemasons’ building hosts NHS frontline staff giving crucial shots.
South Wales isn’t missing out — Barry Masonic Hall opens for local practices from 21 January to aid mass immunisation efforts. West Kent boasts two similar hubs, including the Westwood Masonic Centre in Welling, which vaccinated over 2,000 people in just two days earlier in January. Tunbridge Wells Masonic Centre also threw open its doors on 14 January.
Freemason Volunteers Flock to Support NHS
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the group’s top body, encourages members to volunteer but stresses those at risk should sit this one out. Veterans like Alec Hurley, a retired RAF medical officer, are back on the frontlines working 12-hour shifts at Stevenage’s super vaccination hub.
Freemasons across Devonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicester, Wiltshire, and Dorset are stepping in to drive ambulances, administer vaccines, and help at sites. Over 100 from Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire teamed up with St John’s Ambulance to back NHS teams. St John’s provides full training, while lodges offer space for logistics.
In Cheshire, Freemasons partner with the Clinical Commissioning Group to run a major vaccination hub — all hands on deck to protect communities.
UGLE Boss Praises Freemasons’ Dedication
“In 2018, more than 18.5 million volunteer hours were clocked by Freemasons. Now, with vaccines in the UK, we must do all we can to protect the nation,” said Dr David Staples, UGLE’s CEO.
“If the NHS needs people, we’ll back it fully and highlight this to our members. We want to support the NHS and salute the incredible work done during the pandemic. Freemasons live by friendship, integrity, charity, and respect — and we’re proud to lend our hand.”
Join the NHS Vaccination Effort
With over six million Brits jabbed by 28 January and 140 million vaccine doses ordered, the race against Covid, and possible new waves, is on. The NHS urgently needs volunteers to protect the most vulnerable.
Fancy helping out? Sign up now at NHS Volunteer Responders. Volunteers get login details via email and are asked to download the GoodSAM app, which matches helpers to local needs.
