Wednesday, 9 August 2017

Guildford Circle 60th Anniversary Meeting & Dinner

Guildford Rugby Club was the venue for this auspicious occasion where the Brothers celebrated with the Ladies, Sons and Daughters.The guest of honour was Brother Peter Rogers, National President of Great Britain, who was accompanied by his wife Joan. Other distinguished guests included: Bro. David Arundale, Director of Province 19, President of Osterley Circle and Member of Ascot & Sunningdale Circle; Bro. Mark Potter, Provincial President and Member of Woking Circle; Bro. Peter Woodford, Past Grand President and Member of Reigate Circle; Bro. John Barrie, Past Grand President and Member of Croydon Circle and Bro. Mike O'Neill, Provincial Marketing Officer, Vice-President of Ascot & Sunningdale Circle and Vice President and Marketing Officer of Osterley Circle. 

The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm and when all business was done, the brothers joined the throng at the bar and waited for dinner to be announced by acting Chamberlain Bro. Wally Walsh who undertook the role of Master of Ceremonies for the evening. When everyone had taken their place in the restaurant area, Grace before Meal was said by Fr Alan Sharpe after which everyone tucked into a delicious three course meal followed by coffee and mints. Vice-President Bro. Paul Davies proposed a toast to absent brothers and Grace after Meal was said by Fr Alan. 

Later in the evening, Bro. Vice-President proposed the Loyal Toast after which our President, Bro. William D'Souza, welcomed the distinguished guests and visitors and proceeded to present a cheque to Joan Rogers for the Bursary fund. Bro. Peter Rogers then took the stand in response to Bro. President and proposed a toast to the Guildford Circle.

The presentation of Scrolls and Miniatures was next on the agenda. Bro. Peter Rogers presented Bro. Frank Comerford with a Scroll and Miniature to mark an amazing 60 years as a founding brother. Bro. Peter also presented a Scroll and Miniature to Bro. Brian Jenkins to mark his 40 years as a Catenian. To commemorate the Guildford Circle's 60th Anniversary, Bro. Peter presented Guildford President, Bro. William with a framed Scroll.

Just when the applause was dying down, there was more to come! Bro. Frank was also celebrating his 90th birthday and was presented with a gift by Bro. President. A gift was also to be presented to Brian Cook's wife, Pat, to mark Brian's 80th birthday but, unfortunately, Pat was unable to attend the evening. This successful and enjoyable anniversary evening finally came to an end shortly after 10.30 pm.

Pre-dinner drinks and conversation in the bar
Sorry Father, I ordered you a double double!
Cheers!
What's it like being married to the President?
No big deal, I just snap my fingers and give the orders!
Somebody's having a good time!
In control
In the bar!
Time for the meeting Brothers!
Will the meeting really last that long? I should have brought sandwiches!
Bro. Michael was too busy entertaining the ladies to attend the meeting!
Smiles all round!
Alright Boyo?
Himself, just off to the meeting
The Brothers preparing for the meeting
Well, this is fun!
Brothers, Ladies, please take your places for dinner!
At your service!
Me too!
Can we actually sit down now?
No, don't sit next to him!
 I was here first you know!
I think the food is on its way!
C'mon, I'm starving!
The gravy train!
Fr Alan saying Grace before Meal
Patiently waiting to be served
Still patiently waiting!
That waitress moves so quickly she's just a blurr!
Sorry to keep you waiting!
The Toast to absent brothers
Absent brothers!
Cheers!
Cheers!
No Roger, it's raise glasses and cheers!
Careful! you're gonna spill it!
Phew! that was close!
Is that wine or water? Don't know!
OK. May I serve you some wine?
May I sell you some wine?
Here comes the CMKO with his camera, strike a good pose!
That's a good one!
Talking of the CMKO!
I propose we split the cost of the extra wine 60-40 in my favour
I gotta hand it to you, you strike a hard bargain!
Are you a Cradle Catholic. No, I was converted at a Rugby match!
Grace after Meal
The Loyal Toast
The Queen!
Guildford President, Bro. William D'Souza, welcoming Distinguished Guests and Visitors
 He later presented Joan Rogers with a cheque for the Bursary Fund
Response to Guildford Circle by Bro. Peter Rogers

Congratulations to Bro. Frank
Bro. Frank with Scroll and Miniature
Is that your 'Fiver' on the table Bro. Frank?
Bro. Frank with a hint of a Swagger saying thank you!
Well done Frank!
Congratulations to Bro. Brian Jenkins
Bro. Brian Jenkins with his 40 year Scroll and miniature




Thank you
Bro. Brian, Bro. Peter and Bro. Frank
Congratulations to Guildford on its 60th Anniversary!
Fr Alan relaxing with Bro. President
I love your Cologne!
Well done Ladies and thank you!
I really think it's time to go home!
I think so too!
Goodnight Bruvs!