September 2012

A Tribute given by W Bro Byron Butler......

I would like to say a few words in sadness but in gratitude for almost seventy years of friendship about our dear friend Brian. 

Brian Davies Martin was born in Canola in 1940. The son of Clarice at Dan y Bryn, Bryncoch.  We were at school together in Pandy Infants and then Tondu Junior School where we fell under the wonderful influence of teacher Jack Evans in Standard 5, when we were 10/11 years of age.  I was a reluctant pupil and Brian who had rather neat, small writing actually, from time to time did my homework.

Our paths diverged a little.  He went to Bryncethin School and I to Bridgend, but we would meet up from time to time, and we have always, throughout life, had the knack of being able to resume friendship as if there had been no break.

I remember seeing Brian at the Brewery Field for a few years in the 60’s where he was an understudy, as I recall, to Jack Richmond who was then what was loosely called a trainer. I asked Ron Evans, another contemporary at Tondu to confirm my memory of this and he said he was a physio. I think that is a bit strong, because there were limits to what can be done with a wet sponge, smelling salts and a few lemons cut in half.  Brian did however go about that business for a few years with care, enthusiasm and a smile.

Brian began his working life with London Transformers on the estate, becoming a foreman, having learned his skills on the electrical side. It was there that he first came across and became a lifelong friend of Tam. Tambini. The works actually reduced numbers and eventually closed but being flexible as well as being industrious, Brian joined that famous local entrepreneur, Ray Bryant of Everwarm Homes, who was riding the crest of a building and regeneration wave at that time. Brian retrained as a plumber working there for some time before setting up on his own account.

Brian’s conscientious manner and hard work earned him a reasonable living, but unfortunately was perhaps too trusting and was taken for a ride by a fellow builder who should have known better and lost substantial amount of money as a bad debt. Brian was not one to be bitter towards people, but this certainly gave his faith in human nature quite a hard knock. 

In the course of events, Brian was married and was blessed with two daughters Katherine and Joanne and later became a grandfather to Hannah, Megan and Cerys.

Brian Davies Martin liked nothing better than to be in company and I know how much he valued the friendship of his neighbours in Coychurch and the innocent fun they enjoyed in each other’s company.  He greatly appreciated the unstinting support of David and Wendy Hurley, John Morgan, Mike. Pett, Trefor Veasey, John James, Graham King, Tam Tambini and their families. They and others were very kind to him over the years - their friendship was of great value to him; particularly in his latter days when he was quite ill.

Brian thoroughly enjoyed masonry, and that was where we in recent years had come back into regular contact. He joined Sapphire Lodge in Penarth in 1987 progressing though the offices to become Master in 1995, which I was privileged to witness, and again in 2001 and 2002, and becoming a Provincial Officer. Unfortunately, declining numbers forced the members of that Lodge to surrender their warrant a couple of years ago and I was delighted when he and Tam. decided to join my mother Lodge, Penybont, at Bridgend. He has been in regular attendance since that time.  He became a valued member and sadly, will be missed in our lodge.

In fact, we shall all miss Brian.  Brian was Brian. Strong of mind and strong of will, and when fit, was strong in body.  He enjoyed a good forceful exchange of views but would have a good laugh when it was all over.

I am sure that Brian would wish to thank all those dedicated, very special people at POW, Y Bwthyn and the Care Services who spend their working hours caring for those people in the twilight of their lives.  They bring love and compassion to patients and their families in what are usually very stressful times.