Lodge of Charity No.935 Celebrates W.Bro. Brian Dietz 50 Years in Mark Masonry
On 24th September 2026, Lodge of Charity No. 935 held their September meeting in the stunning Temple at Bryn Masonic Hall. For those Brethren who have not yet attended a meeting at Bryn, it is really worth the trip to see the beautiful ceiling light display.
 
The Brethren stood ‘In Memoriam’ to honour the memory of W.Bro. Frank Taylor, an Honorary Member of the Lodge, who passed to higher service on 10th August 2026.
Lodge of Charity is the Lodge whose membership comprises Charity Stewards and Almoners from throughout the Province of West Lancashire and boasts a glittering array of Grand Lodge Officers among its members. Visitors are actively encouraged to attend meetings in order to experience the true “Magic of the Mark” in this friendly and welcoming Lodge.
 
The Lodge was opened in fine form by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro.Mark John Taylor P.Prov.GJW who, in anticipation of the main event of the evening, proceeded to discharge the necessary routine items of business.
 
Routine business completed, W.Bro. Michael Jeremy Pinckard PGJD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Province of West Lancashire was admitted to the Lodge, warmly welcomed by the WM, and saluted by the Brethren.
W.Bro. Mark Taylor remained in the WM’s chair and W.Bro.Brian Dietz was comfortably seated opposite W.Bro. Michael Pickard APGM on the floor of the Lodge (on chairs of course!).
 
What followed was a master-class in how to deliver a 50th Anniversary celebration. Without exception, everyone present was immediately intimately involved in the proceedings as W.Bro. Pinckard conducted a “This is Your Life” style dialogue discussing the life and adventures of W. Bro. Brian Dietz. The warmth and affection in which W.Bro. Dietz is held by the Brethren was clearly demonstrated by the reception he received as he recounted stories of his life both in and out of Masonry.
 
Brian was part of the team at Garswood Hall Bowling and Community Club who received the ‘Queen’s Award for Community Service’ this was presented by the Queen herself at Buckingham Palace to representatives from the committee. Brian met the Queen as part of the Motability Scheme Roadshow when she presented the keys to the 500,000th car. A truly remarkable life of service and adventure.
 
 
Before concluding, Brian paid tribute to his dear wife Betty who, in 1960, at the age of 17, he met and fell in love with at a New Year’s Eve dance at Ashton Swimming Baths; they were married 6 years later. I am sure that the support provided by Betty throughout the ensuing 60 years has helped mould Brian into the warm-hearted, generous, admired and respected man who we all know and care about today.
 
The main business of the evening having ended, the WM closed the Lodge in due form and everyone enjoyed each other’s company at the Festive Board, which was of the usual very high standard we have all come to associate with dining at Bryn Masonic Hall.
 
Words and pictures Geoff Roberts.