Ed Richings
Area Communications Officer South West
I joined the Royal Navy aged 16 as a Junior Aircraft Mechanic and served for 33 years in the Fleet Air Arm as an aircraft engineer, retiring in August 2021 as a Warrant Officer 1st Class. I have worked on many types, including the RN Fairey Swordfish torpedo biplane (aka the ‘Stringbag’) right through to the UK’s 5th Generation Stealth Fighter the Lightning II, so quite a time-spanning variety overall. After leaving the RN I joined the Civil Service with Defence Equipment & Support as an Air Engineering Manager within the Merlin Helicopter Delivery Team, which is based at Leonardo Helicopters Yeovil.
I was Initiated, Passed and Raised in The St Nicholas Lodge No 4651, Province of Bristol in 1996 and remained a member until 2004 when I resigned, as I had moved away with my military work. I remained an unattached Mason until 2017 (my biggest regret in hindsight) until I joined Vivary Lodge No 8654 in Taunton, having attended a Taunton Masonic Hall Open Day.
I am currently the Senior Deacon in Vivary and Lodge Comms Officer, I was exalted into Royal Arch in December 2021 by Chapter of St George No 3158, Taunton where I am a Steward and I am also currently Chairman of the Taunton Masonic Liaison Group, which seeks to unite the activities and aims of the Taunton Craft and other Masonic Orders for collective advancement and benefit.
Contact details are by mobile 07791 868023 and email ed.richings@yahoo.co.uk