Thursday, 17 October 2019

Provincial Weekend in Arundel



The 2019 Provincial Weekend was held on the 27th and 28th of September in Arundel. Guildford brothers in attendance included: Steve Rowden; Stephen Ballard; John Vickerman and Geoff Bignell together with their respective wives: Monica; Jackie; Angie and Susan amidst a total of around 150 brothers, wives and family. The ranks were further swelled by one of the Guildford Widows, Maureen Briggs. 

The Group stayed at the Avisford Park Hotel situated near Arundel and on the Friday night a Dinner followed by a 'Cabaret' was enjoyed. From the photographs supplied by Bro. Stephen Rowden and Bro. Geoff Bignell, it appears to have been a jolly if somewhat raucous affair. There were prizes for the best 'Silly Hats' and the 'Sisters' sang a medley from Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. 

On Saturday the group had several optional visits to choose from including: Arundel Wetlands for lovers of Wildlife; A tour of the World famous Arundel Castle, hereditary home of the Duke of Norfolk and the setting for many films. Also, Amberley Heritage Centre where there are exhibits of just about everything dating from 1908 including: buses; steam trains; motorcycles and post war technology. In the evening there was a Dinner Dance with entertainment provided by a Vocalist and Impressionist. 

On Sunday morning, the 29th, the Group attended 11.15 am Mass at Arundel Cathedral. This was followed by coffee in the Hall with Fiona Wicks the Widow of our deceased Brother, Clive Wicks. 

Below are the photographs taken by Bro. Steve  and Bro. Geoff. There are many faces I don't recognise and some I do. However, they record what appears to have been a splendid weekend!

Davy Crockett was one of the celebrity guests...

... so was Mrs Arundel!
The Mad Hatter and, possibly, Alice?
Well Hi Di! who's your friend?

Who said that Monica?
Hi There!
The Guildford Group and their 'Silly' Hats!
 A close up of Maureen looking appropriately silly
A close up of Bro. Stephen looking even sillier!
And now the Candlelit Cabaret begins!
Zicke Zacke Zicke Zacke Hoi Hoi Hoi!
Enter Maria: ''The hills are alive with the sound of mooooosic La-LaLa-La''
''She's awful! How do you solve a problem like Maria?''
''I am 60 going on 70 I---'ll take Ca---re of you!''
''The sooner the better!''
Getting the Clap she richly deserves!
''Climb every Mountain, Ford every Stream, Follow every Rainbow......
Till you find your Dreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeam!''
The Cabaret is coming to an end. ''So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen to You! Adieu, Adieu to Yieu and Yieu and Yieu!''
On to Saturday and it appears that most of the Guildford Group chose to visit the Amberley Heritage Centre!

A warning notice to the general public
Vespas!
The Official Catenian Ticket Tout!
The Magnificent Cathedral!
11.15 am Mass attended by the Group

After Mass the Catenian Group made their way to the Railway Station for the fast train to Guildford
All Aboard! Choo Choo!

October 2019 Circle Meeting

The 722nd meeting of the Guildford Circle took place on Wednesday 2nd October 2019 at the usual venue, Guildford Golf Club. The Circle was pleased to welcome Fr Kevin Dring of St John's Seminary who was accompanied by two Seminarians, Scot Coleman and Gary Carter. Also in attendance was Bro. David Arundale, Director of province 19, and two visiting gentlemen, Matthew Dell and Lazlow Lukucs.

During the meeting two new brothers were enrolled, Dave Barrett and Michael Maher who joined as a joint member of Guildford and Jersey Circle. In turn, they both gave a brief history of themselves to the brothers. When the meeting ended the brothers and guests made their way to the restaurant where Grace before Meal was said by Deacon Bro. Paul Page-Tickell.

During the meal the usual platitudes and story telling took place and Fr Kevin spoke on the activities and daily life within St John's Seminary followed by a discourse from Seminarians Scot and Gary.

Visiting Gentleman Dave Barrett waiting to be presented to Bro. President
Welcome Brother!
Bro. Dave signing the register under the watchful eye of the Brothers
Congratulations Bro. Dave!
Now it's Bro. Michael's turn
Congratulations Bro. Michael
A few words from Bro. David Arundale
The Barry Dale Cup returned following Guildford's victory over Kingston in the Skittles Tournament
Anticipating Dinner!
Bro. Steve and Bro. Michael taking their places at the dinner table
Please remember to laugh at my jokes Fr Kevin!
The Kitchen is on Red alert!
Grace before Meal said by Deacon Bro. Paul Page-Tickell
Amen!
Meanwhile around the tables.....

Bro. Simon and Bro. Rory waiting for the next course!
Camera Shy?
That's Better!
I think he'll get a deal!
I think he'll get a deal!
He WILL get a deal!
But what happens if he doesn't get a deal?
Just William! Here's to the deal!
At last the desserts have arrived. Six on the tray...
....and two in the hand!
Bro. President scanning his notes before addressing the Brothers
In full flow with the usual joke!
It's time for the new recruits to address the brothers...
... and first up is Bro. Michael...
...then Bro. Dave
Remember, you're on table one so you can say whatever you like!
Here goes!
Fr Kevin Dring addresses the brothers
Bro. Dave having been presented with an essential piece of kit, a Catenian Pack!
Bro. Michael with his Catenian Pack!
Seminarians Scot Carter and Gary Coleman
Bro. President with Fr Kevin and Seminarians Scot and Gary
From left: Bro. President, Andy Fogel; Bro. Dave Barrett; Bro. Michael Maher and Bro. David Arundale
The Clearing up has begun and it looks like it's time to go home!
It certainly does!
Goodnight all!