BEAUCHAMP LODGE 1422 - The West Kent Military Lodge


Here’s a Beauchamp Lodge Member Profile from
Norwell Roberts QPM.
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?

Norwell Roberts QPM (Queen’s Police Medal)

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 Norwell Roberts 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: 1967 To: 1997

Any notable experiences in service?
  • I was the First Black Detective in the Metropolitan Police
  • I was the First Black Police Officer in the Metropolitan Police
  • I was the First Black Police Officer to serve 30 years
  • I was the First Black Police Officer to be awarded the Queens Police Medal for Distinguished Service
What rank were you on leaving?

Detective Sergeant

How did you join Freemasonry?

I was introduced into Freemasonry by Bill Mills who was a Member of Beauchamp Lodge in 1985.

What do you get from Freemasonry?

I hold Grand Rank in Mark, Royal Ark Mariners, Supreme Grand Chapter and the Royal Select Masters.
I am the Provincial Grand Almoner in the Mark in Hertfordshire. I am also the District Grand Almoner in the Royal and Select Masters in Hertfordshire and the Almoner of 6 other units.
I enjoy the friendship and the ability to help others in a variety of ways. 
More importantly no racism.

Norwell Roberts QPM - A black and white image of London's first black police officer, Police Constable Norwell Roberts aka Norwell Gumbs, on point duty near Charing Cross Station, London, 9th September 1968. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
London's first black police officer, Police Constable Norwell Roberts aka Norwell Gumbs, on point duty near Charing Cross Station, London, 9th September 1968. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
A black and white image of Constable Norwell Roberts with local children in Covent Garden in 1972
An image of Norwell Roberts with Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace receiving his Queen’s Police Medal
Norwell Roberts QPM

An image of Norwell Roberts outside of Buckingham Palace showing his encased Queen’s Police Medal on the 15th March 1996
Norwell Roberts QPM Buckingham Palace 15th March 1996
An image containing various images of Norwell Roberts in Police uniform advertising Black History Month

The Front cover of the freemasonry today magazine, summer 2021, with a picture of a smiling Norwell Roberts

An image of a two page article inside the summer edition of the freemasonry today magazine, summer 2021, with various pictures of Norwell Roberts

Information supplied by Norwell Roberts QPM and published with his consent

If you’d like to know more about us or how to join our Military Lodge simply click the contact us link and message us your details. We will be very happy to answer any enquiries you may have.

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Integrity
Freemasons are focused on building themselves as people of integrity. Membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.
Friendship
Freemasonry provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.
Respect
Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.
CHARITY
Kindness and charitable giving are deeply engrained in our principles and gives our members the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their communities and various causes.
SERVICE
Putting others before self. Supporting our local communities. Supporting and celebrating those who are in or have served in the military services.
(C) bEAUCHAMP mILITARY lODGE 2022