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!