On October 12th, 1974, WBro. Martyn Alan Ridge began his Masonic journey at Beehive Lodge No. 6265 in Cardiff, embarking on a remarkable path that has now spanned five decades. Since the day of his initiation, WBro. Martyn has dedicated himself to Freemasonry, serving his Lodge, his Province, and his brethren with commitment, distinction and honour.
Over the years, WBro. Martyn progressed through the various offices of the Lodge, achieving the Chair of King Solomon first on April 14th, 1984, and once again in 2014.
His service and contributions were recognised in 1990 when he received his first Provincial Honour as Past Provincial Grand Organist. Since then, his dedication has been further acknowledged with promotions to Past Provincial Grand Registrar in 2005, Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2017, and most recently, Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 2024. Known for his support, WBro. Martyn remains a guiding light in the Lodge, always ready to share his wisdom and offer guidance to newer and less experienced brethren.
A skilled musician, he has greatly enriched the Masonic experience by providing musical harmony at Beehive Lodge and for numerous Lodges across the Province. Beyond his musical talents, Martyn has served with dedication as Treasurer on the Board of Cardiff Masonic Hall during one of its most challenging periods, an effort for which we all owe him a great deal of gratitude. Additionally, Martyn was appointed as Trustee and Treasurer of the Masonic Benevolent Fund of South Wales in 2015, following the introduction of its new constitution in 2015, overseeing the management of £3million of funds, a responsibility he fulfilled with dedication and financial acumen.
In Royal Arch Masonry, Martyn continued to serve with the same enthusiasm as he has in the Craft. He was exalted in 2001 into Emerald Chapter No. 5907, becoming First Principal in 2007. His Provincial honours in the Royal Arch began in 2010 with an appointment as Provincial Second Assistant Grand Sojourner, followed by a series of promotions leading to the highest Provincial appointment of Past Provincial Grand Scribe N in 2022.
In 2024, W Bro. Martyn celebrates not only 50 years of Masonic service but also his 80th birthday, a milestone he recently celebrated surrounded by family and friends. To commemorate this occasion, Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Robert G. Payne had the honour of presenting WBro. Martyn with a 50-year certificate and a lapel pin badge, marking half a century of dedication to Freemasonry.
WBro. Robert also took the opportunity to celebrate the Lodge’s health & future by welcoming two new initiates to Beehive Lodge, Bro. Paul John Phillips and Bro. Mohamed Mustafa Osman. The evening was a wonderful occasion, providing a reflection on a journey which has entered its 5th decade, and inspires all who know him, whilst two brothers have just began their journey in Freemasonry, one which we hope provides them with the same enjoyment and excitement that it has for Martyn.