Celebrating 60 Years of Dedication: A Visit to Wiveliscombe
Recently our Provincial Grand Master, Tim Anders, had the pleasure of travelling from Oxfordshire to Wiveliscombe in Devon with Frank Byrne to visit Brother Brian Tustian and present him with his certificate for 60-years in Freemasonry. They shared a memorable afternoon with Brian, enjoying fish and chips from the local chippy and a walk around his beautifully kept garden. The visit was filled with good conversation and great memories of Brian’s remarkable Masonic life.
A Timely Reminder
This visit was more than a presentation—it was a reminder of the importance of maintaining contact with older Brethren. As the years go by, it becomes ever more vital that we look after and remain in regular contact with those who have given so much. Many now live alone, and a simple visit or a phone call can make an immeasurable difference. We must always ensure that support is never far away.
Brian Tustian
Brian, now 92, was born on 14th September 1932 and brought up in a farming family in Turweston, near Brackley. A bright young man, he passed the 10-plus and earned a place at the Royal Latin School in Buckingham. His hopes of going on to college were cut short when, at just fifteen, his father was seriously injured in a hunting accident. Brian left school to take responsibility for the family farm—a duty he fulfilled with typical determination. Brian went on to be one of the first Organic Farmers in the area.
Cricket has always played a big part in Brian’s life. He was a gifted sportsman who played for his school, village and county. In 1969, he was part of the Buckinghamshire team that won the Minor Counties Championship—a proud moment that remains a highlight of his sporting achievements.
Brian was introduced to Freemasonry by a fellow farmer and was initiated into Grenville Lodge No. 1787 on 8th January 1964. He became Worshipful Master in 1976 and was later appointed Past Provincial Grand Registrar in 1982 and Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 1990.
As Grenville Lodge became oversubscribed in the early 1970s, plans were made to form a new Lodge. Brian was encouraged to serve as founding Secretary and played a key role in establishing Verney Lodge. Thanks to his friendship with Sir Ralph Verney, the then Provincial Grand Master, Sir Ralph agreed to become the Founding Master and allowed the Lodge to bear his family name. Verney Lodge was consecrated on 16th January 1979, with Brian as Secretary. He later became its Master in 1987.
After retiring from farming, Brian moved to Somerset to be closer to his daughters. Though distance eventually made regular travel difficult, he remained a committed member. While he resigned from Grenville Lodge, Verney Lodge honoured him with honorary membership which he values to this day.
Brian remains in good health and continues to follow sport with great interest. Following the sad loss of his wife last year, he now receives help tending to his large garden, which, as ever, is immaculate.
When asked what drew him to Freemasonry, Brian replied, “I was inspired to help others who are less fortunate than myself.” A sentiment that many of us continue to hold.
If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join?
Recently our Provincial Grand Master, Tim Anders, had the pleasure of travelling from Oxfordshire to Wiveliscombe in Devon with Frank Byrne to visit Brother Brian Tustian and present him with his certificate for 60-years in Freemasonry. They shared a memorable afternoon with Brian, enjoying fish and chips from the local chippy and a walk around his beautifully kept garden. The visit was filled with good conversation and great memories of Brian’s remarkable Masonic life.
A Timely Reminder
This visit was more than a presentation—it was a reminder of the importance of maintaining contact with older Brethren. As the years go by, it becomes ever more vital that we look after and remain in regular contact with those who have given so much. Many now live alone, and a simple visit or a phone call can make an immeasurable difference. We must always ensure that support is never far away.
Brian Tustian
Brian, now 92, was born on 14th September 1932 and brought up in a farming family in Turweston, near Brackley. A bright young man, he passed the 10-plus and earned a place at the Royal Latin School in Buckingham. His hopes of going on to college were cut short when, at just fifteen, his father was seriously injured in a hunting accident. Brian left school to take responsibility for the family farm—a duty he fulfilled with typical determination. Brian went on to be one of the first Organic Farmers in the area.
Cricket has always played a big part in Brian’s life. He was a gifted sportsman who played for his school, village and county. In 1969, he was part of the Buckinghamshire team that won the Minor Counties Championship—a proud moment that remains a highlight of his sporting achievements.
Brian was introduced to Freemasonry by a fellow farmer and was initiated into Grenville Lodge No. 1787 on 8th January 1964. He became Worshipful Master in 1976 and was later appointed Past Provincial Grand Registrar in 1982 and Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 1990.
As Grenville Lodge became oversubscribed in the early 1970s, plans were made to form a new Lodge. Brian was encouraged to serve as founding Secretary and played a key role in establishing Verney Lodge. Thanks to his friendship with Sir Ralph Verney, the then Provincial Grand Master, Sir Ralph agreed to become the Founding Master and allowed the Lodge to bear his family name. Verney Lodge was consecrated on 16th January 1979, with Brian as Secretary. He later became its Master in 1987.
After retiring from farming, Brian moved to Somerset to be closer to his daughters. Though distance eventually made regular travel difficult, he remained a committed member. While he resigned from Grenville Lodge, Verney Lodge honoured him with honorary membership which he values to this day.
Brian remains in good health and continues to follow sport with great interest. Following the sad loss of his wife last year, he now receives help tending to his large garden, which, as ever, is immaculate.
When asked what drew him to Freemasonry, Brian replied, “I was inspired to help others who are less fortunate than myself.” A sentiment that many of us continue to hold.
If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join?
