Lodge News

Ian Allan OBE – Publisher & Pioneer of Post-War Trainspotting Explosion, Dies at 92

Ian Allan, who has died the day before his 93rd birthday, triggered the post-war explosion of trainspotting as a British pastime by publishing the first booklet of engine numbers in 1942 and starting a club which had 230,000 members by the time steam gave way to diesel. He diversified the business to embrace magazines, bookshops, a travel agency, a Masonic publisher, a printing business, organic garden supplies, comm...

Off to the Races with Windsor Branch

Lodge Brothers in Windsor treated the managers from several of the local Nursing Homes to an evening at the racecourse last week. Beverley Lodge, one of the Directors, accompanied by District Manager, Richard Leachman and Branch Arranger, Jill Palmer, hosted the event for just a dozen people in their private suite at Windsor racecourse, on a beautiful sunny evening. Everyone rated the event a huge success, and severa...

Brentford Says Final Farewell to Flight Lieutenant Owen Burns – Battle of Britain Veteran

Local resident Flight Lieutenant Owen Valentine Burns, who was an air gunner on Bristol Blenheims during the Battle of Britain – making him one of Churchill’s ‘The Few’ – has died at the age of 99. Owen was born in Birkenhead on 20th November 1915 but moved to Brentford in 1983 where he joined Deborah, also from Birkenhead, who subsequently became his wife. Owen, who was just a few months short of his 1...

Lodge Brothers Chertsey Supports Black Cherry Fair

Last weekend saw Chertsey celebrating it’s annual Black Cherry Fair, which has taken place in the town since 1440. The event attracts thousands to the small Surrey town and local businesses are out in force to support. Among them is Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors which has only been around for half that time!! District Manager, Richard Leachman, who attended with his wife, met local dignitaries over refreshme...

Window Display for Armed Forces Day

Here’s a picture of Ashford branch’s patriotic window display to commemorate Armed Forces Day which was at the end of June. Many passers-by popped in and commented on how important it is for the local community to support our servicemen and women. Lodge Brothers are always proud to join in with this spirit. ...