The Life of Brian (Not the Monty Python version)

Wow!! What a party we had to celebrate Brian Parry’s 90 th birthday. Over fifty people
(brethren, their partners and guests) gathered at Connaught Lodge’s Masonic Hall during the
evening of 18 June. Brian was close to tears when he arrived to a resounding chorus of Happy
Birthday to You, and when he looked around the room and realised how many were there,
previously expecting maybe only half a dozen.

Having regained his composure and given a drink, he went through his numerous birthday
cards, one of which had been specially made by Matt Burt’s eight year old daughter Delilah-
Rose. Following a generous buffet provided by Tony Cooper and his wife Diana who also
prepared the room, we readied ourselves for the main feature of the evening.

Adrian Moore, in the role of ‘chat-show host’ interviewed Brian, teasing out memories of his
early school days in Wales; his initial ambition to be a Methodist Minister which for diverse
reasons didn’t happen; the various of jobs he had after leaving school, including banking, and
the family’s move to Westbury. He did his National Service in the Army as a PT Instructor
following which he qualified as a Teacher of Physical Education. He obtained a degree in
Philosophy; then a Law Degree and ultimately became a Barrister. In 1960 Brian was
persuaded to go to a dance in London where he set eyes on his future wife Mary. He
confessed it was ‘love at first sight’, and they married the following year and subsequently
had two daughters, Elaine Myfanwy, presently living in France, and Miriam.

Adrian interspersed the interview with five pieces of music Brian had chosen as having
significant meaning to him. I know my Redeemer Liveth, sung by Kathleen Ferrier, the very
first record he bought. Cujus Animan from Rossini’s Stabet Mater; he had success when
singing this in a contest in which he could reach the highest notes (not an easy feat). Waft
your Angels sung by Stuart Burrows, as this refers to ‘Jephtha’ in the Second Degree Tracing
Board. My Grandfather’s Clock by the Sheldon Theatre Brass Band, Brian used to play the
Cornet and always aspired to play this extremely complicated and difficult piece. And,
Myfanwy sung by the Treorchy Male Votive Choir, the name of his eldest daughter and which
reminds him of his Welsh roots. But this is just a snapshot of the forty-five minutes exposing
the varied and fascinating life of Brian, prompted by Adrian, which culminated in thunderous
applause.

WM Chris James highlighted some salient aspects of Brian’s Masonic life since being
Initiated into the Lodge of Honour on 13 January 1973, fifty-one years ago. He was Exalted
in the Royal Arch in year 2000 and has been Worshipful Master six times; three in the Lodge
of Honour and three in Connaught. Not prepared to take a ‘back seat’ and still wanting to
remain Active, Brian is currently Connaught’s Senior Warden. Chris praised Brian’s
commitment and dedication to Freemasonry and wished him many more happy Masonic
years to follow. Following Brian receiving a 90 th  birthday cake made by Bro. James Jefferies
wife Caroline, Chris then called the gathering to order to formally raise a glass to honour
Brian’s birthday, to which Brian responded by saying that he was completely overwhelmed
and thanked everyone for their good wishes.

A testament to the true spirit of Masonry: everyone pulling together to give Brian a most
memorable birthday.

Here is a conversation that Adrian Moore recorded with Brian:

Words and Pictures Chris James with audio from Adrian Moore