The Prez goes East!

Secure in the knowledge that as President all travelling expenses are paid in full, I boarded my 1st class seat on the Singapore Emirates flight to visit the Guildford Catenian Circle's most easterly Brother, Michael Milford and his fragrant wife Sue. It was a humid and stormy night when I ordered a Tiger beer and waited for Michael to navigate the little streets of Singpore on his way to the hottest spot in town, the Four Seasons Hotel bar on Orchard Road. Wet with anticipation, the humidity level was 95%, I waited for Michael to arrive. Pop went the champagne cork, and I immediately recognised the effervescent fizz of Krug Vintage. Michael had remembered my favorite tipple.

I turned in eager anticipation of a timely Catenian reunion only to find that Michael and Sue were nowhere to be found. But just as I was sliding into a feted pit of disappoint, our eyes meet across the crowded bar. There they were resplendent in full colonial garb! Good Lord they have gone native! I thought. "I say old chap, should you be wearing a pith helmet indoors?" I said. Ignoring my gibe, Michael reached into the pocket of his safari jacket, pulled out a neatly folded white handkerchief and wiped a tear of joy from his eye at seeing his Catenian chum from the old country.
 
I learnt that the family were all well and living on the exclusive Marina Bay area. Michel's career continued to advance while Sue, following her recent Masters, had launched a new business in executive coaching. Their daughter Isabelle had joined them in the expat lifestyle while son Peter smartly returns for holidays when his University studies allow. 

"Another Singapore sling" Michael slurred. Then all to quickly the cold, wet, slightly lemon scanty towel of reality slapped me in the face and it was time to leave. The sun had already sunk slowly in the West and blighty was calling me home. As the Emirates chauffeur carried my bags to the “stretch” we shared a fond au revoir and all too quickly our precious time together was over, but not forgotten.

All characters mentioned in this article are entirely fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

What's a nice kid like you doing in a joint like this?

Bro. Claude and Bishop Moth

On Sunday 3rd April, Bishop Richard Moth visited St Edward's, Sutton Park and, as you can see from the photo below, he was warmly greeted by Bro. Claude.They have known each other for almost 40 years dating back to when the Bishop was a student at St John's Seminary in Wonersh. Bro. Claude lived, literally, next door and used to celebrate Mass there. Claude often got together with Richard  also with other students including Bernard Longley, now Archbishop of Birmingham. They both used to visit Claude for drinks and the occasional meal. Bishop Richard is a Southwark Priest and after ordination in 1982, went to Canada to study Canon Law. On his return to the UK he became Vocations Director at Southwark and then Vicar General. He was consecrated Bishop of the Forces in 2009 and last May was translated to Arundel & Brighton, where he became its 5th Bishop.

April 2016 Circle Meeting

The 683rd Guildford Circle meeting was held on Wednesday the 6th April at the usual venue of Guildford Golf Club. The April meeting is one of the most important of the year as new offcers are installed. The incumbant President, Bro. Greg Melly, handed the reins to the incoming President and former Vice President, Bro. Stephen Ballard. Bro. William D'Souza assumed the role of Vice President with Bro. Tim Edwards, Bro. Paul Davies and Bro. Rory Flyn stepping up to the roles of Treasurer, Registrar and Chamberlain respectively.The roles of Secretary, Charity officer, Membership Officer, and Circle Marketing Officer were retained as last year. 

During the evening, miniatures were presented to outgoing President, Bro. Greg Melly, outgoing Treasurer, Bro. Guillermo Lopez and outgoing Chamberlain, Bro. Chris Devereux. Befitting the occasion, there was a bonanza turnout of 53 brothers including 5 visiting brothers and visiting Clergy, Fr Michael who, in addition to saying Grace before and after dinner, performed a thorough and unexpurgated anecdote based on a short story by playwright, author and short story writer, Somerset Maugham.  

All the President's men, well some of them anyway

Bro. Claude swearing allegiance

Presentation of miniatures; small, medium and large

Freedom!

Bro, Claude in pensive mood

Fr Michael's long account of a short story

Bro. Membership Officer with six of his most recent captives except for Bro. Cian Duggan who appears to have escaped. From left: Bro. John Vickerman, Membership Officer; Bro.Simon de Lusignan; Bro. Andy Cochrane; Bro. Rory Flynn; Bro. Andy Fogell; Bro. Sam Shaw and Bro. Paul Page- Tickell

RAMBLING ON!

On Friday 11th March 2016 Brother John Vickerman organised a walk through the Surrey countryside. The brothers and ladies set off from Shalford and covered the North Downs to St Martha's Hill. They then proceeded cross country to St Augustine’s Abbey returning some eight miles later to the Sea Horse Pub at Shalford for lunch. The party of 'Ramblers'  comprised of; Bro. John and Angie Vickerman, Bro. Martin and Patricia McHugh, Bro. John and Francine Mercer, our intrepid secretary, Bro. Steve Rowden accompanied by Monica all of whom were kept in good order by Bro.David Caush. Although it was, thankfully, not required, emergency medical back up was available courtesy of Bro. Dominique Daulton. To sum up, the brothers and ladies enjoyed pleasant countryside with equally pleasant company.

The happy band of Catenian Ramblers with the now seemingly permanent inclusion of the McHugh's pooch. Is his name 'Moonie' by any chance?