Annual Widows Lunch

Twenty Brothers and Ladies from the Guildford Circle enjoyed a very convivial annual lunch at the West Surrey Golf Club. This number included five wives of our deceased brothers: Sheila Rand; Frances Allen; Maureen Johnson; Hazel Foulkes and Breed Hassard. Brother Secretary, Andy Fogel, said how lovely it was to be able to meet again in person after 18 months of shielding and cancelled events. He also reported that the food was delicious and the lunch concluded with a toast to the Five special guests.

Words of Welcome from Guildford Secretary Bro. Andy Fogell

From L-R: Bro. Michael Shortland and Maureen, Bro. Mervyn Burby and Teresa with Sheila Rand

From L-R: Monica Rowden, Bro. Michael Prior and Nancy

From L-R: Bro. Brian Jenkins, Frances Allen, Maureen Johnson and Bro. Tony Clarke

From L-R: Bro. Dave Caush, Hazel Foulkes, Breed Hassard, Bro. Andy Fogell and Theresa

Guildford Treasurer Bro. Rory Flynn and Sarah

 

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Photographs provided by Provincial Secretary and Guildford Brother, Steve Rowden

Guildford Circle October Circle Meeting

 

The 745th meeting of the Guildford Circle was held on Wednesday 6th October at Guildford Rugby Club. Incorporating the use of video conference, the meeting commenced at 7.30 pm when President Bro. Bob Hughes welcomed the twenty nine Guildford brothers attending in person together with six brothers on Zoom. He also welcomed visiting brother Michael Phillips from Woking Circle, who will be joining Guildford as a joint member in November, and visiting gentleman, Mike Chambers. 

During the meeting Bro. Provincial President, Geoff Bignell, was congratulated on the success of his Provincial Weekend in Bath which raised £2,523 for Mary's Meals. Because the Circle's previous venue, Guildford Golf Club, is unable to consider external events for the forseeable future, it was announced that alternative venues are being considered.

Bro. President announced that Bro. Greg Melly will assume the role of Registrar and thanked Bro. Brian Jenkins and Bro. Martin McHugh for stepping in as Acting Registrars. Following the meeting, the brothers and guests retired to the dining area for the first dinner since March 2020. 

Please see below a selection of photographs taken on the evening.

A warm welcome from Acting Registrar Bro. Brian Jenkins

You can only come in if you buy me another glass of wine!

Anyone for drinkies?

Yes please!

We're ahead of the pack!

Can you remember the date of our last dinner?

Was it March or April 2020?

Actually, I think it was March!

It's his turn to buy the next round!

Bro. President addressing the gathering

A toast to absent brothers

Top Table!

Visiting brother Michael Phillips admiring the flowers

Cheers visiting gentleman Mike Chambers! We hope to see you again soon!

Please note this blog can be viewed in a superior format by accessing the Guildford Catenians website:

http://sites.google.com/view/guildford-catenians

Sheila Rand's 90th Birthday Celebration

 

On Saturday 18th September 2021, a group of relatives and friends gathered at the Shackleford Village Hall to celebrate Sheila Rand's 90th birthday. A buffet lunch had been skilfully prepared for the occasion by Sheila's family; son Neil undertook the duties of Master of Ceremonies. During the after-lunch speeches, Sheila's extended family 'Zoomed' in from all over the world to share in the congratulations.

Some history: Sheila's husband, Ian, enrolled in the Guildford Circle in December 1990. He started his career in the Kenya Police in which his father had also served. The Mau Mau Uprising coincided with Ian's early years and, being a dedicated and efficient officer, he rose rapidly up the police ranks. When Kenya gained independence in December 1963, the new government moved to 'Africanise' many institutions including the police. 

 

Sheila and Ian decided that with two small children, their future lay in the UK. In 1964, Ian was offered a post in the Surrey Police and, despite his Chief Inspector rank in Kenya, he had to start as a Constable. Again he made good progress in his career and retired in 1990 with the rank of Superintendent. It was Ian's proud boast that he never had a single day of unemployment in his life!

Ian passed away in October 1996 at the age of 65

 

A toast has been proposed

Happy Birthday Sheila!

The Birthday Girl

 

 

 

The Magnificent Dozen

On Friday 1st October, 12 Brothers and Ladies defied the rain forecast and enjoyed a convivial 2 hour walk from Ripley along the banks of the River Wey. This was followed by lunch at the Jovial Sailor where the number increased to 14. The photograph shows 13 brothers and ladies so maybe the title should be amended to 'The Magnificent Baker's Dozen'? Hang on, someone had to take the photograph so there were 14 brothers and ladies after all! 

It should be noted that in the foreground and on the left is our Treasurer Bro. Rory and on the right our Registrar 'Doctor at Large' Bro. Dominique. Their presence was, no doubt and respectively, to ensure that everyone paid their fair share and that emergency treatment was available for anyone who over-indulged!

Exspectant praemia pro labore!