Here’s a Beauchamp Lodge Member Profile from
Ian Gallehawk.
Our team has asked him a set of routine questions that
will provide you with a brief insight into his military or
civilian service.
We hope you find it of interest.

If you are interested in joining our Military/Civilian Services Lodge simply message us using the form provided on the contact us page.

What is your name?

Ian Gallehawk

Which service did you serve in?

Metropolitan Police

What Branch of the Service?

Uniform

What is the Service’s Motto?

Working together for a safer London

Metropolitan Police Oath

I Ian Gallehawk of the Metropolitan police force do solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that I will well and truly serve the King in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according equal respect to all people; and that I will, to the best of my power, cause the peace to be kept and preserved and prevent all offences against people and property; and that while I continue to hold the said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law.

When did you serve?

From: 1980 To: 2010

Any notable experiences in service?

By and large, my service was uneventful other than the standard, day-to-day experiences of a uniformed police officer. I did learn that team working is essential and that everyone must be treated with respect and courtesy. These values are integral to Freemasonry and possibly explain, in part, why Freemasonry is such a good fit for serving and retired service personnel and police officers.

My main experience was to understand that service life is an excellent precursor to being a Freemason.

What rank were you on leaving?

Chief Inspector (Ch. Insp. Ian Gallehawk)

How did you join Freemasonry?

Having had a long interest in Freemasonry, I finally found the courage to approach my proposer and declare my interest. I am ever grateful that this led to my initiation. A classic example of why we should be prepared to speak to people, whom we identify as suitable potential candidates. Had I been approached, I would have joined many years before I did. We should never assume that others will approach us. We should get in first to eliminate that natural fear of rejection.

What do you get from Freemasonry?

Meeting a huge variety of people, who share common values and genuinely care about each other is a real attraction. The delivery of ritual is an enjoyable challenge, the meetings are always enlightening and the festive boards are always enjoyable.

As an all-round experience, there is nothing about Masonry that isn’t instantly enjoyable or enjoyable as an ongoing challenge or enjoyable as part of the daily task of trying to be a better person than the day before.

Information supplied by Ian Gallehawk and published with his consent