Guildford Golfers Sweep the Board (well almost)

At the recent Province 19 Golf Championship held at Betchworth Park, Dorking, Guildford golfers came away laden with prizes. Bro. Paul Davies won ‘The Handicap Cup’ and could have been a serious contender for ‘The Scratch Cup’. Unfortunately, he played a wrong ball on the 17^th and sportingly disqualified himself. He’s just too honest that boy!

  Bro. Paul with his trophy which he received from Bro.Vernon de Cruz, Captain of the Province 19 Golf Society.

Bro. Paul then teamed up with Bro. Martin McHugh and the dynamic duo went on to win ‘The Rose Bowls’ a prize awarded to the best combined scores by two members of the same circle. It was generally acknowledged that winning this prize was mainly due to Bro. Paul's high score. 

The Guildford Golfers; Bro. Martin McHugh, Bro. Mervyn Burby, Bro. Michael Prior and Bro.Paul Davies.

 

Guildford AGM & Circle Meeting May 2015

The meeting of the Guildford Catenian Circle 179 on May 6th was rather special. Not only was it proceeded by the 58th AGM, the Circle was honoured by the visit of Grand Vice-President, Peter Woodford and the presence of Fr Colin Wolczak. Other notable visitors were Bro. David Arundale, President, Ascot & Sunningdale and Bro. Colin Monteiro, President, Sutton-Mid Surrey. In addition, the circle was pleased to welcome Mr Andy Cochrane a first time Visiting Gentleman, together with Mr Rory Flynn a Visiting Gentleman who has attended Guildford Circle meetings on numerous occasions and who was to be enrolled. The evening also saw the installation of Bro. John Vickerman as Membership Officer.

After a 'lively' AGM, normal Circle business was attended to duly followed by dinner prior to which Fr Colin Wolczak said 'Grace Before Meal'. During dinner, a 'Toast to Absent Brothers' was made by Vice-President, Bro. Stephen Ballard and birthdays of brothers occuring in May were then announced. Bro. Bill Dodds was presented with a bottle of port in recognition of his 80 years.

Bro. Bill receiving his celebratory bottle of Port from Bro. President

Bro. Bill with his bottle of  Graham's Port which he declined to share with the table!

Other birthday wishes were expressed for Brothers; Jim O’Donnell, Harvey Palmer and one of our newest recruits, Andy Fogell. The Circle also offered congratulations on the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Bro. John Mercer and Francine. Bro. John was presented with a bouquet of flowers which he accepted on behalf of himself and Francine. Dinner was completed with 'Grace After Meal' again said by Fr. Colin.

Bro. President presenting Bro. John with a bouquet

Next came the presentation of 25 year scrolls for Brothers; Prior, Owen and Dunn followed by the presentation of miniatures to Past-President, Bro.Kevin Deeeming, Past-Secretary, Bro.Dave Caush and Past-Membership Officer, Bro. Stephen Ballard.

Bro. Michael Prior and Bro. Ken Dunn receiving their 25 year Scrolls. 

Past-Membership Officer, Bro. Stephen Ballad, Past Secretary, Bro. Dave Caush and Past-President, Bro. Kevin Deeming receiving their 'Miniatures' 

 'The loyal Toast' was proposed by Bro. Stephen Ballard, in his new capacity of Vice-President, closely followed by the 'President's Address' given by Bro. Greg Melly.

Bro. President addressing the Circle alongside Bro. Vice-Grand President, Peter Woodford and Fr. Colin

A brief interlude in formalities was provided by newly enrolled Bro. Rory Flynn who introduced himself to the circle with a brief background history. Finally, Grand Vice-President, Bro. Peter Woodford, addressed the Circle.

Newly enrolled Bro. Rory Flynn

Grand Vice-President, Bro. Peter Woodford, addressing Bro. President and the Circle

The 'Preised' Green Jacket

Following on from Bro. Mervyn Burby's appointment as Vice-Captain of Province 19 Golf Society as reported on the Guildford Blog, he attended the annual tournament of The National Catenian Golf Society. This was held on the Carden Park Golf Complex near Chester on the 27th to the 3rd of May.

Province 19 were well represented and from Guildford Circle, in addition to Bro. Mervyn, Bro. Des Carroll, Bro. Michael Prior and Bro. Andy Preisner were present. In fact, Bro. Andy  took over the Captaincy on Tuesday the 28th April which is a 5 year appointment. On the first day he had his 'Drive-In' and during the evening function he was presented with the 'Green Jacket' of the newly installed Society Captain by past Captain Graham Magee.

Bro. Andy (right) on his 'Drive-In' with past Captain Gram Magee

Bro. Andy said the week was a great fun event and he hopes other golfers from the Guildford Circle will join in next year helping to reverse the recent trend of reduced numbers. In case some might think they are too old or not good enough, Bro. Andy says dispel that thought! The message needs to be put about that the Society does not comprise of young golfers of a high standard, the average age is over 70 and the average handicap of the participants is 21. Brothers and their wives can attend for any period between 2 and 6 nights during which there are evening functions, day trips for non-golfers and a wonderful farewell Mass celebrated by one of the week's greatest fans, Bishop Tom Williams of Liverpool.

Bro. Andy wearing his 'Preised' Green Jacket

There are many active golfers in the Catenian Association and golf is organised by many Circles, Provinces (regional groupings) and even at a National level giving new members the opportunity to meet brothers from around the Association. Provincial Golf Societies usually meet 4 to 5 times a year at local golf courses with the occasional Interprovincial Match, pitting their skills against golfers from neighbouring Provinces. Whether you play golf for fun or take it more seriously, there will be a willing opponent in the Catenian Association and all are welcome!