The venue was Guildford Rugby Club and the evening was well attended with a total of 91 diners. These included: Guildford brothers; wives and family also visiting brothers, guests and clergy. Visiting brothers included; Bro. David Arundale and his wife Maureen of Ascot & Sunningdale Circle; Bro. Andrew Martin and his wife Maureen of Croydon Circle and Bro. David Fincham of Runnymead. Guests included: GB National President Bro. John Hogan and his wife Pauline also Headteacher of All Hallows School in Farnham, Patrick Doyle and his wife Sarah. Representing the Clergy were Fr. Sebastian Paul and Fr. Roy Waters. When the Guildford Circle meeting ended around 8.00 pm, everyone congregated in the bar waiting for dinner to be announced.
Grace was said by Deacon Bro. Paul Page-Tickell and during the meal the usual toasts were proposed by V.P. Bro. Andy Fogell to Absent Brothers and the Queen. Bro. William D'Souza presented Bro. John Vickerman with a gift in recognition of his highly successful year as President supported throughout by his wife Angie who was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Bro. John's gift was a bottle of fine brandy from the Armagnac Region of France which makes a change from the more popularist Cognac. Apparently, the Cognoscenti regard Armagnac, although not as smooth, as being more sophisticated than Cognac and as such, is more befitting to our highly esteemed President!
Brandies aside, the highlight of the evening was the presentation to Bro. Frank Comerford of a 70 Year Scroll and Miniature by GB National President Bro. John Hogan. Bro Frank was also presented with a bottle of whisky and two inscribed cut glasses which, we understand, were very well received! All of Bro. Franks children were in attendance at this 'Gala Evening' and hopefully, the photographs below convey the spirit of this very special occasion!
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| Good Evening Ladies! |
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| Well Hello! |
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| Cheers M'Dears! |
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| We're getting in the mood! |
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| We're already in the mood and laid back! |
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| Not as laid back as Hazel! |
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| Never were there such devoted sisters! It's your round next and mine's a double! |
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| Don't start yet we haven't said Grace! |
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| Grace before meal said by Deacon Bro. Paul Page-Tickell |
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| Have some water, I don't drink the stuff myself! |
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| Neither do I. Have some Vino! |
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| Tucking in! |
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| We're being photographed Frank! |
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| I didn't know that Customs had Unions! |
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| Do you think Ireland will beat Wales on Saturday? |
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| In your dreams! |
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| Bro. VP proving that he really can hold his drink! |
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| Absent Brothers! |
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| The Queen! |
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| A photo of Bro. Chris taking a photo of Bro. Frank |
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| One of Bro. Frank's Bosom Pals? |
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| This is a fine Armagnac Bro. John. Is it Old Moore's? |
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| Flowers for the Good Lady behind the Good President! |
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| Bro. President introducing the GB National President |
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| That's you John Boy! |
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| GB National President Bro. John Hogan addressing the Circle |
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| Bro. John Hogan about to make the presention of a 70 Year Scroll to Bro. Frank Comerford |
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| Well done Bro. Frank! |
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| Bro. Frank receiving his Miniature |
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| Bro. Frank was presented with a bottle of whisky and two engraved glasses |
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| Bro. Frank responds |
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| Well said Bro. Frank! |
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| Congratulations from Bro. President |
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| I'm ready to go home! |
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| Coming dear! |
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| Didn't I do well! |
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| A parting shot of Fr. Sebastian Paul, V.P. Bro. Andy Fogell and Fr. Roy Waters |
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| Are we all done? |
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| Not yet, we're still clearing the dishes! |
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| Well hurry up we want to go home! |
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| I think it's time we went Siss but I'll finish my double first! |
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| Goodnight from Bro. President, Bro. David Arundale and Maureen |
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| And it's goodnight from us. At long last! |
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| And finally, it's goodnight from Bro. Frank and his Children. L-R: Margaret; Hugh; Mary; John and Catherine |
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