A Tribute to Len

Len Bryan
Our former co-chair of Bray Churches Together

We at Bray Churches Together were very saddened to hear of the passing of our very good friend Len Bryan who will always hold a very special place in Bray Churches Together. He was co-chair alongside the late Paddy Murphy following Rev David Godfrey and Fr. John O'Connell, two of the founding members, in the late 70's and 80's. At this time also Jim Gregg was Treasurer and at the time would be the great triumvirate. Jim informed us that Len, Paddy and himself were all born a month of each other in 1935.
                                                                                     One of the events held during the Bray Churches Together Festival each year was the dance held at Ardmore Studios. On one occasion there were so many at it Len and Jim had to go down to the Holy Redeemer and collect extra chairs using Jim's trailer.
                              Len had many strings attached to his bow and he was attached to the fledgling Bray One Act Festival. In the early days the the first shows were held in the Parochial on Novara Avenue. Public liability was transferred from Bray Churches Together. One particular night the stage curtain rope snapped and the following day Len headed to Bullock Harbour and fetched a nylon one. When he got back he got up on a ladder with his hacksaw and cut the necessary nuts in order to fix it. Jim reckons that that rope is still there today. Len did a lot of work behind the scenes and was not one to seek attention. His work was very much appreciated by the One Act Festival and one night everyone was asked to stay back and a  presentation of a special award plaque was made to him. He was really chuffed by this. 
All at Bray Churches  Together Art Exhibition Committee are very grateful for all the help Len gave down through the years at the Annual Art Exhibition. We would mention when we needed to collect the twenty boards (8' x 4') held in storage at Christ Church. Len would always be waiting when we arrived and would help us load them up and ferry them to whatever church venue the Exhibition was being held. He would then help to hang the paintings. He never had to measure distances. He had a great eye and the paintings were always hung to perfection.
   We at Bray Churches Together wish to extend our Deepest Sympathies to Catherine and all of Len's family, to Rev. Baden Stanley and all at Christ Church.

 Rest in Peace Len

Photographed at Bray Churches Together Art Exhibition 2007. Len, centre Peter Growney, St. Fergal's, current co-chair alongside Rev. Mark Forsyth, Bray Methodist Church and on right the late Paddy Murphy who was co-chair alongside Len. Paddy was the great concert organiser and had choirs come from America and the Continent to perform during the Bray Churches Together Festivals. (Use of photo by kind permission of Barbara Flynn, photographer and the Bray People)

Jim Gregg , St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Bray, was then treasurer of Bray Churches Together. One of Jim's functions in Bray Churches Together was to run the Cheese and Wine receptions at The Art Exhibitions.

Photo taken during one of the Art Exhibitions with Len standing beside Re. Baden Stanley, Rector of Christ Church, Bray.

Len photographed with the screwdriver during the setting up of one of the Art Exhibitions with Catherine Boyd.

Len was a man of many talents and sales of work and catering were just two!

Len photographed with June Robinson, centre and Avril Stanley at one of the Christ Church functions.

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Good evening everyone. We are saddened to announce that Len Bryan died this afternoon in the wonderful care of Wicklow Hospice. Len’s physical and spiritual strength was evident right up to the end. A remarkable man with exceptional talent and creativity. Len was co-chair of the Bray Churches Together many years ago. Please keep Catherine and all his family and many friends in your prayers over the next few days. Details of Len’s funeral arrangements will follow in due course.

Baden

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We remember in our prayers Fr. Theophilus and the congregation of St. Mary and St. Demiana's Coptic Orthodox Church, Bray who are celebrating Easter this Sunday 2^nd May. We wish them God's Blessings and a Very Happy Easter from all your fellow churches at Bray Churches Together

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRSS4MElnTc&feature=youtu.be

 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service 2021 
A very special word of thanks to Rev. Mark Forsyth, Bray Methodist Church, co-chair of Bray Churches Together, who produced this virtual Week of Christian Unity Service.  Also a special big thank you to all the members of each church who participated.
Stay safe everyone from all at Bray Churches Together

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