Following the recent closure of Harefield Lodge No 7417, its members have ensured that the Lodge’s long association with the local community will leave a lasting legacy through a generous donation to ANZAC Remembrance C.I.O.
The choice of charity is particularly fitting. Members of Harefield Lodge have traditionally supported the annual Remembrance service at the ANZAC memorial at St Mary’s Church, Harefield, reflecting the village’s important connection with Australian servicemen of the First World War.
That connection was also personal to the Lodge. Thomas Alfred Maishman, an Australian serviceman and former member of Harefield Lodge, was severely wounded during the First World War and, following the amputation of a leg, was transferred to Harefield House Hospital – No.1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital.
The hospital cared for thousands of Australian servicemen during the war and played an important role in their treatment and rehabilitation. Maishman subsequently became a member of the hospital’s administrative staff and remained there until after the war.
He later became an active Freemason and a valued member of Harefield Lodge, maintaining the connection between Freemasonry, Harefield and the Australian servicemen cared for in the village.
Although it is sad to see Harefield Lodge close, this final donation is an appropriate way for its members to recognise that history and help ensure the story of the ANZAC servicemen and Harefield’s remarkable part in their care continues to be remembered.
The Trustees of ANZAC Remembrance C.I.O. have expressed their sincere thanks to the members of Harefield Lodge for their generous support.
