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