Saturday, 21 December 2019

Annual Provincial Darts Competition

On Monday 2nd of September 2019, the Annual contest for 'darts supremecy' organised by Kingston Circle took place at St Ann's Church Hall in Banstead. The Guildford team sharpened their tips and preened their flights in anticipation of the success they had enjoyed for many years. Could they once again produce a winning performance and win the Tom Hegarty Plate? Or would the years of 3 course (now 2 course) Catenian dinners combined with dubious after dinner jokes take its toll?!!!

Indeed, things did not start off well for Guildford. The initial team comprising of the 'Big Three', Peter Chalcroft, President Andy Fogell and Steve Rowden just couldn't get off the starting blocks! Many lesser teams would have given up at this point but Guildford brothers are made of sterner stuff than that!

The team coach, the highly motivated, ambitious and self-sacrificing Bro. Steve Rowden, re-organised the team replacing himself with Bro.Tony Clark, a master in the art of guiding flighted missiles, in a last stand to compete for the Plate! After three round of merciless destruction, Guildford reached the Plate final to face the menace of the scowling Croydon circle!

It really was down to the wire with both teams on a double! Would Croydon prove to strong? Undaunted, Guildford proceeded to demolish the opposition with a wonderful perormance from Bro. Peter Chalcroft. With nerves of steel he sent his dart whistling through the air and it is reported that a sound resembling a choir of angels could be heard as his dart hit the 'Double Two'! Not to be confused with the company that used to make shirts carrying the same name.

Jubilation followed for Guildford with sad and resigned acceptance for Croydon. However, Guildford will not rest on their laurels because these battle hardened competitors will continue practicing their art with enthusiasm to ensure another victory next year!

The competition begins
Good darts from Bro. Peter but at this stage not quite good enough
 Bro. Andy Fogell eyes the target..
..takes aim and...
...gets a modest score!
Now it's Bro. Tony's turn!

Aiming for triple 20!
Not quite, triple one!
Would you believe it?
Suddenly and unexpectedly, an interloper joins the Guildford team with devastating results!
One hundred and eighty!
Having been inspired by the 'Interloper', there was no stopping Guildford and, following a dazzling display by Bro. Peter Chalcroft, the team went on to win the highly prized Tom Hegarty Plate!
The Provincial President presenting the winners with the Plate!
The winning team with coach, Bro. Steve Rowden proudly holding the Tom Hegarty Plate
If that blonde bloke called Horace, hadn't helped, Guildford would never have won the Plate!

Monday, 25 November 2019

November 2019 Circle Meeting

The 723rd Guildford Circle meeting took place on Wednesday 2nd November at Guildford Golf Club. There were 48 Guildford brothers in attendance together with 3 visiting brothers from Portsmouth Circle: President Bro. Nigel Miller; Past President Tony Tonks and Bro. Ian Allen. Also in attendance was a visiting Gentleman from St Pius, Laurence Kelly.

During the meeting two visiting gentlemen: Lazlo Lukasz and Anthony Abraham were enrolled as Guildford brothers. Later in the evening the two new brothers addressed the gathering with a brief history of themselves. There were no visiting Clergy on this occasion and Grace before and after meal was said by Deacon Bro. Paul Page-Tickell who later addressed the brothers in his capacity as Charity Officer. Bro. Secretary, Glan Thomas, also spoke after dinner on his experiences at Lourdes. 

Visiting Gentleman Lazlo Lukasz waiting to be presented to the President
Taking the Oath!
Welcome Brother
Signing the Register!
Bro. Lazlo being presented to the brothers
Visiting Gentleman Anthony Abraham waiting to be presented to the President
Being addressed by the President
Welcome Brother!
Signing the Register!
Bro. Anthony being presented to the brothers
Bro. President with the new recruits proudly displaying their Catenian packs!

Grace before Meal

Around the Tables!


Fit and full of drive on table Five!
A good mix on table Six
Smiles galore on table four
Here's lookin' at you on table two
''Any BA strikes planned this Christmas?'' ''Not sure, but I wouldn't book a holiday!'' 
Toast to Absent Brothers!
Bro. Lazlo addressing the Circle
Bro. Anthony addressing the Circle..
...I'll drink to that!
Grace after Meal
Brothers! Raise your glass to our Visitors!
Oh dear! Visiting Gentleman Laurence Kelly has dropped his!

Bro. Steve to the rescue!
Response on behalf of the Visitors from Portsmouth President Bro. Nigel Miller
Bro. Secretary's presentation on Lourdes
Simply dazzling!
And that was the end of the November meeting! Goodnight and God bless!

Sunday, 3 November 2019

President's Sunday Mass & Lunch 2019

At the invitation of Guildford President Bro. Andy Fogel and Theresa, President's Mass was held at Chilworth Abbey on Sunday 20th October. Sung Mass commenced at 11.45 am with Fr Dunstan Keauffling as Celebrant. Following Mass, the congregation made their way to Guildford Golf Club where a three course carvery lunch awaited. Fr Dunstan said Grace before and after Meal. Below is a selection of photographs taken on what was a very successful and enjoyable day. 

Bro. Michael enjoying a pre-lunch pint!
Mine's a double Smoothie on the Rocks!
Fr Dunstan chatting with Jackie and Francine
A smiling Carol with a beaming Bro. John
Bro. Andy caught unawares!
 Bro. Guillermo in full flow!
Maureen and Eileen having a 'Quick One' before  lunch!

Fr Dunstan saying Grace before Meal
 Bro. Steve and Family minus Bro. Chamberlain.
A photo of Bro. Blogmaster's empty chair!
Fr Dunstan and his pint accompanied by Gill, Bro. John and Jackie
Bro. Andy supported by Angie on his right and Teresa on his left!
Same table different angle!
Maureen and Eileen keeping an eye on Bro. Michael!
Bro. Dominique keeping an eye on Renata and Maureen!
Bro. Frank Presiding!
Everyone's looking great on table eight!
The D'Souzas!
Meanwhile, Bro. William is concentrating on some serious eating...
...and eating!
He's always had a good appetite!
Bro. President, Andy Fogel, addressing the gathering...
... and thanking everyone for coming especially those involved in organising the day
Miss Shaw was appointed as the official collector of donations for the President's Charity
''I told them that notes would fit into the collection box just as easily as coins!''
I suppose it's time for me to say Grace after Meal!
Fr Dunstan saying Grace after meal
That's me done!
Cheers Fr Dunstan!
Bro. William, who has finished eating, with Bro. Tony and Bro. John
Bro. William raising a glass with Bro. John and Heather!
Butter wouldn't melt.....
Here's your hubby. Is he going to buy more drinks?
No! It's your round!
The very last photo! Goodbye everyone!