Here’s a Beauchamp Lodge Member Profile from
Ray Armstead.
Our team has asked Ray 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?

Ray Armstead

Ray, which service did you serve in? (Navy, Army, RAF, other please state)

Army Territorial and Volunteer Reserve (REME)

Ray, which Regiment/Unit/Department did you serve with?

REME Light Aid Detachment (LAD) to the 36th Signals

Ray what is your Regiment/Unit/Organisation’s motto? (with translation if necessary)

REME; Arte et Marte – By skill and by fighting

Ray when did you serve?

From: 1977 To: 1985

What was your Rank/Title/Role upon leaving?

Sergeant

Were there any notable experiences whilst you were in service? (brief summary)

In 1984 I was involved in Operation Lionhearted, in Germany. Lionhearted was the biggest Cold War exercise ever held. As a LAD detachment, we were involved in recovering vehicles that had wandered into fields and managed to get stuck, the German farmers were furious! We were called upon to free Challenger tanks, Saxon and Warriors, as well as lorries and other light vehicles. I have to say that I wasn’t directly involved in the recovery, as I was Armourer but enjoyed the shenanigans from afar.

Additional notable experiences whilst you were in service? (brief summary)

N/A

How did you join Freemasonry? (Friend or family introduction, if other please state)

I joined Freemasonry in 1977; but joined for all the wrong reasons and left, disgruntled, as a Master Mason in 1982.

Some 40 years later, I was working in Security with a chap called Dennis, he was a Mason and said I should join. I told him that they were all snobs and I didn't want to know. But he persisted and invited me to a 'do' in Welling. Well, was I surprised! Mandy and I walked into a large ballroom, and looked around, we knew nobody, then a voice from a table called, "You must be Ray, come and sit with us." That was Mick Vile, we chatted, ate, drank and had a great night!

In 2012, I was welcomed into 'The Lodge of St. Giles and St. Luke' , as a joining member, and have never looked back!

What do you get from Freemasonry? (What are the things you enjoy about being a Freemason?)

Personally, I really enjoy my Freemasonry; I love the structure of the Ritual and order in the Lodge Room but equally enjoy the Festive Board, (Sergent's Mess without the games!). The people I have met have really made an impression on me. They have instructed, inspired and even made allowances for my mistakes with equal enthusiasm and compassion. I now also enjoy all the above but most of all, I enjoy helping others to enjoy their Freemasonry with an equal passion.

Information supplied by Ray Armstead and published with his consent