exploiting sales under licence from the MoD to the Pentagon and other NATO members. In 2003, he was elected a local councillor in Chelmsford and is now a member of the Cabinet there, responsible for Leisure, Culture and Parks. Those that follow such things may wish to know that the "V" Music Festival and all sports facilities are within his ‘portfolio’! On leaving Whitehall and with more
time on his hands, Ray started to do more masonry, joining Chapter and continuing his role as Secretary of Brixton Ramblers, a post he was to hold for the next 18 years! His work for London as a VGO began in 2006 following promotion as a Grand Officer. In 2009, Brixton Ramblers
celebrated their centenary, with Ray writing its handsome Centenary history and organising the Centenary lodge meeting and warrant presentation by RW Bro. Michael Ward, DepMetGM. He chuckles at the memory of part of the Lodge meeting in the Grand Temple at Mark Masons' Hall in which he arranged for a rather spectacular coup de théâtre, re- enacting a world championship 25- mile road race as carried out by founding members of Brixton Ramblers in 1909, with a formal entrance of Bro. Thomas Rynsaard the youngest lodge member on a Penny Farthing bicycle, attended by two 'cycle wardens', partly there to add dignity to the event but mostly to make sure he did not fall off! Despite
a hearty invitation to try out the Penny Farthing, Ray recalls that the guest-of-honour wisely declined! Ray says that he is privileged and
much enjoying serving London as one of its Inspectors and when asked by arena what he feels will best sum up his approach he responds: 'to inspire all masons in my Inspectorate to enjoy their masonry to the full and for myself to continue an energetic and persuasive ambassadorial role for London with a common touch that all London masons relate to and hopefully appreciate'. Asked to give an example of something which he feels proud of, he mentions a simple case that he came across in 2013 - a lodge in his Inspectorate was at a low point and in decline. In his response to the London Toast at the Festive Board during a Chain visit, his words inspired the lodge to restart their LoI, which gave enough impetus such that the Lodge regained its energy and vitality and is now meeting with larger numbers and well-disciplined ritual and great humour. Ray points out that, in a way, it was his own early introduction to LoI training and the enjoyment and grounding that he got from it, to which he owes one of his most precious masonic achievements.
Ray at the gym.
Five things you didn't know about Ray Ride:
1. Big supporter of Fulham FC since a boy and always at Craven Cottage during the season and a little happier that under a new manager they are winning again albeit in Championship!
2. Enjoys opera, ballet, theatre and is also a big fan of Chicago Blues. Regularly sees Eric Clapton at his London gigs and has seen Buddy Guy, also in Legends Club, Chicago.
3. Played trumpet in traditional jazz band in late 50s. 4. Collects WWII books and has a very great number. 5. Busy as he is – still gets to the gym 6 days out of 7.
30 ISSUE 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44