To commemorate 100 years since Armistice Day, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Derbyshire has asked James Morton Ties to create a Centenary Armistice Tie. This will be used to help raise money for the Poppy Appeal organised by the Royal British Legion.
The importance of the Centenary Armistice Tie
Armistice Day commemorates the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany after four years of fighting in the First World War. Armistice Day is held on the 11th November every year as the ceasefire came into force at 11am on 11 November 1918 – the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. In the UK, it is tradition to pause for a two-minute silence at 11am on November 11 to remember those killed in the two World Wars and the British servicemen killed or injured in service since.
The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s fundraising campaign, held every year in November. To help raise money, volunteers distribute iconic poppies, which are a symbol of remembrance, across the nation in return for a small donation.
This year, to help raise money for the Poppy Appeal, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Derbyshire has commissioned James Morton Ties to produce the Centenary Armistice Tie.
The Centenary Armistice Tie is a black tie, featuring an overlap of the poppy and the Masonic Square and Compasses. This is to show that they are aligned in remembrance of servicemen and women that we have lost.
The Provincial Grand Master of Derbyshire, Right Worshipful Brother, Arthur Steven Varley was proud to add that, ”As Freemasons we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our armed forces. In this, the Centenary Year of the ending of the Great War, it seemed appropriate to remember those that gave their all in a special way. On the Centenary Armistice Tie, The Royal British Legion Poppy sits at approximately 11am, the time the Armistice came into force. The Square and Compasses sit at approximately 5am – the time the Armistice was signed. The tie will be worn throughout November. Furthermore, we would like to thank James Morton Ties for their enthusiasm and co-operation towards the creation of the ties, especially the patient support of their design team”.
Fundraising to support the Armed Forces
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Derbyshire is home to the Freemasons of Derbyshire, who are dedicated to supporting charities and the local community. They are hoping to sell 3,000 Centenary Armistice Ties, alongside donations from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Derbyshire and us here at James Morton Ties. The money raised for the Poppy Appeal goes to the Armed Forces community. It helps to provide support for members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, plus veterans and their families.
The donations ensure that members of the Armed Forces community receive what they need, including careers advice and rehabilitation courses. Not only that, but the money raised will be spent on remembrance, fundraising and lobbying the government on Armed-Forces-related issues.
We are delighted to be part of such a wonderful collaboration, particularly as we specialise in bespoke ties for all sorts of occasions, including military ties, regimental ties, and Masonic ties. Our ties can be specifically designed by our customers, to ensure you have control over the colour and the look of the tie.
Centenary Armistice Ties are available to purchase from the Derbyshire Provincial Grand Lodge. You can contact them by calling 07960 434061 or by emailing mjbertalan@hotmail.co.uk.
To discuss the variety of regimental and military ties or all the other types of ties we have available here at James Morton Ties, contact a member of our team who will be able to help you achieve your desired design.