FRANCIS HOLFORD OBITUARY

The brothers of Guildford were greatly saddened to learn of the death of Francis after a short illness. 

Francis was born 1 April 1937 in Wandsworth, London together with his twin brother Richard. Francis was raised in Horsham and Pulborough, West Sussex where he attended Pennthorpe School, and then the Colliers Grammar School, Horsham. Immediately after school he was called to do national service serving with the Buffs for 2 years. His talent for languages was spotted and so he was sent out to Cyprus as an interpreter.

He married Jenny (nee Wolff) on 14 September 1963 at St. Mary’s Cadogan Street, London, after which they settled in their first home in Kensington, London.  After 2 years they moved to Bristol for a short period and then to Amersham, Bucks. They moved to Guildford in 1975 where they settled permanently.

Their marriage was fruitful and blessed with the birth of five children, there being two sons and three daughters, Michael, Clare, Catherine, Anna and John.  The family quite naturally grew and following marriages of their children Francis and Jenny were able to thoroughly enjoy the company of 17 grandchildren.

Francis qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked initially in that capacity for the 
family business Rudolf Wolf in the City, a Metal and Commodity Broker, becoming MD until he retired in 1994. He continued to work in retirement investing his time in a combination of consultancy and charitable work. Francis was a trustee and the Catholic representative of 
Premier Christian Radio in the station’s early days.

He was involved with Hosanna House & Children's Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT), a charity which takes disabled and disadvantaged children to Lourdes, and in which his family has a long connection over a number of generations. He was also a governor of a local school St Edwards that catered for children with special needs.

Francis was a cornerstone of laity support to St Joseph’s Parish, Guildford where there wasn’t a role that he had not undertaken and mastered.  He was awarded the Bene Merenti Medal from the Pope in 2012 in recognition of his dedication to the work of the church and charities.

He was a keen golfer and a member of the Catenian golfing fraternity. He enjoyed walking and went on many trips through France with close friends. He also enjoyed visiting family in the UK and abroad.

Francis died peacefully at home on Sunday 27th September 2015 in the presence of his family only 3 months after his wife Jenny passed away on 6 June 2015. His loving family and his Catenian brothers will sadly miss both Francis and Jenny. 

Francis Holford 1937 to 2015

PROVINCIAL DARTS NIGHT

This year, the Provincial Darts Night held on Monday 7th December, was organised by Kingston Circle. Guildford once again fielded a strong team comprising of Bro.Peter Chalcraft, Bro.Harvey Palmer and Bro. Secretary, Stephen Rowden.

Following the usual circle meeting, Grand President Peter Woodford presented a Papal Blessing to Maureen Gamber a Widow of the circle. Maureen whose late husband was a  prominent circle member, was responsible for setting up the Kingston Ladies Circle. After many years working within the catering team which has provided food for the evenings over many years, Maureen has now retired.

Then the darts began!. After a disastrous first round loss, where the lack of practice in the last twelve months clearly showed, the team entered the Plate Competition. Three rounds later they were in a nail biting final against Epsom, last years tournament winners. With a rapid run down from 301 it just needed a double two to win the tournament. Mister reliable, Bro Peter, missed. Slow and Steady Bro Stephen missed leaving Bro. Harvey, who had struggled at times during the evening to even hit the board, to go for glory! The dart left his hand and flew through the air like an 'arrow of desire' and unbelievably and mercifully, landed on the double two. As you can imagine, great celebrations followed and to make the evening even more complete, Bro Peter won the high score award with an amazing 121.

The Guildford Champions, L to R: Bro. Harvey Palmer, Bro. Peter Chalcraft, Province 19 Director, David Arundale and Bro.Steve Rowden

Bro. Peter Chalcraft being presented with his trophy for achieving the highest score by
Province 19 Director, Bro. David Arundale

St Peter's School Christmas Fayre

On Sunday 22^nd November the Guildford Catenians once again ran the Bottle Tombola Stall at St Peter's Catholic School as part of our support for our local Catholic community. For three solid hours we sold raffle tickets and distributed the best part of 900 bottles to winning customers. As a result, the magnificent sum of £1550 was raised to assist the PTA in providing facilities for the school.  

Thanks are due to Mervyn and Teresa Burby, Tony Clark, Andy Fogell, John and Francine Mercer, Martin McHugh, Stephen Rowden and Michael Shortland. Demonstrating that quality is more important than quantity, Terence Nagle supported the book stall on behalf of the Knights of St Columba.

On behalf of the School and Students, Head Teacher Toby Miller and Chair of St Peter’s PTA, Leigh-Anne Van Graan, wish to pass on their gratitude to the Guildford Circle for its great and continued efforts.

''Gorra Lorra Bottle'', the Class of 2015: Andy Fogel, Francine Mercer, John Mercer and Steve Rowden

Six Provinces Mass for Deceased Brothers

On the 15th November, thirty six brothers and ladies from the Guildford Catenians attended Mass at Westminster Cathedral. The Celebrant was Cardinal Vincent Nichols who paid tribute to the Catenian Association and to the memory of deceased brothers from all six provinces. A list of the names of deceased brothers was solemny read out and Grand President Bro. Peter Woodford gave the Reading.There was also a tribute to the victims of the murderous attack in Paris by ISIL just two days before. A candle had been lit and displayed on the alter in their memory.

Following Mass, the majority of the Guildford Brothers and Ladies gathered for lunch at our favourite Italian restaurant, 'Sicily'. It was previously known as Da Scalzo but had been renamed since we visited it last year. In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere we enjoyed a delicious meal washed down with good Italian wine. 

A little bit of history on the restaurant, Da Scalzo opened in Belgravia, London in September 2008. Its founders, two Italian brothers named Robert and Enzo Scalzo, launched their all-day brasserie and gallery concept having made their name with their hugely successful chain of cafes, Patisserie Valerie. The building, once a chapel, is grade 2 listed and retains many original features. 

We Catenian diners are always seated upstairs on our own in an open gallery/mezanine where we have a good view of what's going on. It has occurred to me that this location may have been allocated to us in case we get too boisterous and disturb diners in other parts of the restaurant.

Below are a few pictures I took on my iphone. Not brilliant but the lighting was subdued.

Can anyone lend me a tenner?

Bro. Kevin taking a picture of me taking a picture of him!

Well behaved

Where's the little boys room?

Anyone for Tennis?

Oh those halcyon days basking in an English Indian Summer! One such day occured in September at the annual Guildford Circle Tennis Tournament organised, as usual, by Bro. Secretary, Steve Rowden. The tournament was held at Sutherland Memorial Park in Burpham and, as is customary, was open to Guildford Brothers, their Ladies and to other circles. Many thanks to Guildford Brothers; Stephen Ballard, Andrew O'Neill and Stephen Rowden who together with our Ladies: Barbara Dale, Joan Palmer, Katie Brennan and Anne Wilson, gave an excellent representation of Catenian tennis. Thanks also to Paul Sloane of Ascot & Sunningdale circle and Walter Noronha of West Surrey for participating in a truly excellent and highly competitive sporting afternoon.

Yours truly, was appointed score keeper a task not as easy as one might think especially when I was responsible for coaching my wife. At the end of the afternoon, the outright winner of the 2015 Tournament was Guildford Catenian, Bro. Andrew O'Neil. The Ladies winner was Joan Palmer also of Guildford. The presentation of the Trophy to Bro. Andrew was made by Bro Stephen Ballard, Vice-President of the Guildford Catenian Circle, who also presented Joan with a bottle of bubbly!

Sadly for the Wilsons, Anne missed appearing on the champion's podium by just one point! Maybe next year she will take a leaf out of England RFU's book and appoint a Southern Hemisphere coach with a Welsh surname!

Warming up

Sussing out the opposition

The winners with Bro.Stephen Ballard

PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

The Provincial Public Speaking Competition was held at St Peter’s Catholic School, Guildford on the evening of Monday 16th October. Nine students from local Catholic schools and colleges took part each giving an impressive 4 minute presentation on a topic of their own choosing.  A panel of three expert judges chose the winner: Percy Fagent of St George’s College, Weybridge whose chosen topic was “Reality Check”.  The runner up was Barnaby Ridley of Salesian College, Farnborough whose presentation was entitled “I’m Barnaby Ridley, but who the hell are you?” 

Provincial President Kevin Rourke compered the proceedings and presented the winner, Percy Fagent, with the Public Speaking Shield. The event was well attended by Catenians from throughout the Province including our own President, Greg Melly, and nine other Guildford brothers.

Percy Fagent, winner of the Public Speaking Shield and runner up, Barnaby Ridley

Kevin Rourke at the end of the proceedings thanking and congratulating the nine entrants for their presentations

 

November 2015 Circle Meeting

The November 4th Circle meeting really was an auspicious occasion. Not only were two new brothers enrolled, Andy Cochrane and Sam Shaw the latter being Brother Secretary's son in law, no less! Also, the Circle was visited by two Seminaries from St John's, Wonersh; Daniel Weatherley and Andrzey Niski. Most importantly, however, it was the Press and Publicity Officer's Birthday! 

In all, it was a very good circle meeting enhanced by Daniel Weatherley's uplifting account of his life and how events had brought him to study for the Priesthood. Below is a selection of photographs recording the evening and taken, as usual, by our prize winning brother, Chris Devereux. Chris together with his wife Jane, will travel to South East Africa on the 5th of November to continue their work with their charity, the Nomntu Project.

Which of you gentlemen are to be enrolled as subscription paying brothers? 

OK, so we got rid of the Freebies!

Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully because there are no refunds!

Got'em!

I believe you know my daughter?

Seminary Daniel Weatherley

Best Photographer of the Year Award

Guildford Brother meets the Justice Secretary

Talk about name dropping! On Friday 23rd of October, Brother Geoff Bignell met Michael Gove, the Justice Secretary, when he visited Disability Initiative (DI), the Camberley day centre for physically-handicapped adults from Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Geoff, a trustee, and Lucy Brown, Chief executive, had a meeting with Michael Gove before showing him around the facilities which serve 90 clients and offer up to 60 activities including boxing! The Surrey Heath MP met clients and heard how much they valued the support they received from DI. A stroke victim told him that, but for DI, there was no way he could have walked his daughter up the aisle or made a speech at her wedding.

CEO, Lucy Brown explained how a partnership with Cisco Systems was proving very beneficial on both sides. Michael Gove agreed to help the charity develop more relationships with big companies. Stirring a Christmas pudding, he said his wish is that three FTSE 100 companies will link up with DI. During his presidential year, DI was one of Bro. Geoff’s charities. So, If any brother in business is interested in exploring mutually-beneficial links with Disability Initiative, please speak to Bro.Geoff. 

Bro. Geoff Bignell, Lucy Brown and Michael Gove

 

AN AUTUMN WALK

On Friday the 16th of October, eleven Brothers and Ladies congregated at Ranmore Common Road, Dorking, to commence their Autumn outing. The walkers, ten in all, accompanied by Bro. Kevin Deeming on his bicycle, strolled through woods around the National Trust Polesden Lacey House and Estate for two hours in nigh-on perfect weather conditions. As a reward for their exertions, the group continued on to the St Stephen Langton pub for lunch accompanied, no doubt, by copious amounts of liquid refreshment!.

Another Cat and Dog Story!

Looking good in green!

I think it's my turn with the walking stick!

I must meet her!

Leading from the front!

Bringing up the rear!

A WALK IN THE SURREY HILLS

On 14th August, despite forecasts of inclement weather, thirteen brothers and Ladies went walking in the Surrey Hills. The group started at Farley Green and meandered through Blackheath Common eventually returning to the the car park in time to make it for lunch 
at 'The Drummond' In Albury.

At the Drummond, just as the heavens opened and the rain arrived, the Catenian representation rose to seventeen when the walking group met with four Catenian couch potatoes. Nevertheless, lunch was enjoyed by all and was accompanied by an appropriate amount of liquid refreshment. The couch potatoes were obviously way ahead of the walkers in this respect.

Below are a few photographs kindly supplied by Bro. Martin, who isn't in any of them. His dog is though! The photos show the more unadventurous walkers dutifully keeping to the path whilst exposing two reckless brothers of cheating by attempting a short cut.

 

Cats and Dog

Quick, there's a man following us!

Last time out I found 50p!

I thought you said this was a short cut!

THE PRESIDENT'S MASS 13TH SEPTEMBER

A pleasant Autumn Sunday welcolmed Brothers, Wives and Widows to St Pius to celebrate our President's Mass. The service was conducted by Fr Alan Sharpe who later joined the Circle for a splendid lunch at Clandon Regis Golf Club. The saying is; 'Pictures speak louder than words' So let's see what you make of the photographs below taken, as usual, by Bro. Chris Devereux.

Expectation!

Examination!

Degustation!

Just got a note from the O'Briens who are keen dancers. They want to do a demo!

Look out ' Strictly' here we come!!

That's it darling! One two cha cha cha, one two cha cha cha.............

Red, White or Rose Madame?

That wine waiter doesn't know his Asti from his Tintos

Oh Oh, here comes the VP. I think he wants permission to make a speach.

OK, but it had better be good!

They're gonna love this!

Blah Blah Blah etc

Sorry mate, don't think it went down too well!

The meal wasn't bad for a freebie!

LADIES, SONS & DAUGHTERS NIGHT

The first Wednesday in September saw the occasion of the Ladies, Sons and Daughters Night held, as usual, at Guildford Golf Club. It was a very successful evening and for those of you who attended, the photos below will be a reminder of a good time. For those who didn't attend, you can see what you missed!

Shall I say Grace? 

The Chosen Ones!

Are they talking about us?....Are they talking about us?.... Are they talking about us?...

Oh dear! Looks like I've drunk the lot!!

Yes, you have been drinking out of my glass!

Yours is noticably larger than mine.....

....I think you've got your just desserts!

I just love Vintage Asti Spumanti!

Don't pop the cork just yet!

When exactly did you start getting illusions of Grandeur?

Who is that girl?

Bragging Rights!

It's never easy making a thank you speach....

...Especially when you're drinking at the same time!

A toast to the Circle from those Ladies still able to stand!

He should have gone to Specsavers!

Three lovely Roses with their Posies