Most lodge meetings are pleasant affairs, full of that spirit of friendliness and support that typifies the order. Every now and again, however, something very, very special happens that creates memories that are indelibly imprinted on the minds of all those present. The initiation of former Corporal Andy Reid into The Bryn Lodge No 6553 was one such event. To understand why, it is helpful to look at the man himself.
Andy Reid’s book cover ‘Standing Tall’.
Andy was an ordinary soldier, serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, back in 2009 and his life changed forever when he was blown up by a Taliban improvised explosive device (IED). Evacuated to the UK and the specialist military wing of Selly Oak Hospital, it was touch-and-go whether he would survive.
He had lost both legs and his right arm, while the index finger of his left hand was almost completely removed. Yet survive he did, and less than a month after being blown up, he was reunited with his patrol back in Warminster. From there he went on to have a pair of prosthetic legs fitted at the Defence Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court.
His recovery and his story is one of outstanding courage and determination. In 2010 he was nominated for and won the Sun’s Military Award and became an inspiration to others through publishing his experiences in his book, ‘Standing Tall’, a testimony to how with patience, courage and determination, hope can triumph over despair.
Andy lives a full and rewarding life, as a husband, father, skydiver, cyclist, (he has cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats), and charity fundraiser having made a number of appearances on behalf of service charities and is the Charity Ambassador for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Andy responds at the festive board.
Andy became a Mason in a fine ceremony conducted by WM Mark Seddon, fittingly himself a commissioned officer in the Territorial Army, having served for several years, including an extended tour in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was ably assisted by his team of ‘light blue’ officers. Due to the nature of Andy’s injuries, the ceremony itself needed some careful planning and a little innovation in places, in order to keep to the recognised procedure, at the same time ensuring the candidate’s comfort and well being.
The officers all performed impeccably, especially junior deacon and proposer John Tabern, who managed the perambulations and instructions with efficiency and sensitivity. The candidate himself, as may have been expected, was dignified throughout and despite some obvious difficulties persevered and was a credit to himself and all he has come to represent.
A fine festive board followed, with a lively atmosphere and a noticeable buzz around the room. Following the toast to the candidate by his proposer John Tabern, Andy replied. He thanked the brethren for receiving him into the lodge and appreciated the fact that hundreds of years of custom and tradition had been examined and tweaked to allow him to be initiated. His final words of thanks included the fact that, now a member, it was his intention to play a full and active part in Masonry.
Andy is proud to be a member of the fraternity and Bryn Lodge and Freemasonry in general, is proud to have him amongst us.
Andy (front centre) with WM Mark Seddon (on Andy’s right) together with officers, members and visitors.
