November 2015 Circle Meeting

The November 4th Circle meeting really was an auspicious occasion. Not only were two new brothers enrolled, Andy Cochrane and Sam Shaw the latter being Brother Secretary's son in law, no less! Also, the Circle was visited by two Seminaries from St John's, Wonersh; Daniel Weatherley and Andrzey Niski. Most importantly, however, it was the Press and Publicity Officer's Birthday! 

In all, it was a very good circle meeting enhanced by Daniel Weatherley's uplifting account of his life and how events had brought him to study for the Priesthood. Below is a selection of photographs recording the evening and taken, as usual, by our prize winning brother, Chris Devereux. Chris together with his wife Jane, will travel to South East Africa on the 5th of November to continue their work with their charity, the Nomntu Project.

Which of you gentlemen are to be enrolled as subscription paying brothers? 

OK, so we got rid of the Freebies!

Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully because there are no refunds!

Got'em!

I believe you know my daughter?

Seminary Daniel Weatherley

Best Photographer of the Year Award

Guildford Brother meets the Justice Secretary

Talk about name dropping! On Friday 23rd of October, Brother Geoff Bignell met Michael Gove, the Justice Secretary, when he visited Disability Initiative (DI), the Camberley day centre for physically-handicapped adults from Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Geoff, a trustee, and Lucy Brown, Chief executive, had a meeting with Michael Gove before showing him around the facilities which serve 90 clients and offer up to 60 activities including boxing! The Surrey Heath MP met clients and heard how much they valued the support they received from DI. A stroke victim told him that, but for DI, there was no way he could have walked his daughter up the aisle or made a speech at her wedding.

CEO, Lucy Brown explained how a partnership with Cisco Systems was proving very beneficial on both sides. Michael Gove agreed to help the charity develop more relationships with big companies. Stirring a Christmas pudding, he said his wish is that three FTSE 100 companies will link up with DI. During his presidential year, DI was one of Bro. Geoff’s charities. So, If any brother in business is interested in exploring mutually-beneficial links with Disability Initiative, please speak to Bro.Geoff. 

Bro. Geoff Bignell, Lucy Brown and Michael Gove

 

AN AUTUMN WALK

On Friday the 16th of October, eleven Brothers and Ladies congregated at Ranmore Common Road, Dorking, to commence their Autumn outing. The walkers, ten in all, accompanied by Bro. Kevin Deeming on his bicycle, strolled through woods around the National Trust Polesden Lacey House and Estate for two hours in nigh-on perfect weather conditions. As a reward for their exertions, the group continued on to the St Stephen Langton pub for lunch accompanied, no doubt, by copious amounts of liquid refreshment!.

Another Cat and Dog Story!

Looking good in green!

I think it's my turn with the walking stick!

I must meet her!

Leading from the front!

Bringing up the rear!

A WALK IN THE SURREY HILLS

On 14th August, despite forecasts of inclement weather, thirteen brothers and Ladies went walking in the Surrey Hills. The group started at Farley Green and meandered through Blackheath Common eventually returning to the the car park in time to make it for lunch 
at 'The Drummond' In Albury.

At the Drummond, just as the heavens opened and the rain arrived, the Catenian representation rose to seventeen when the walking group met with four Catenian couch potatoes. Nevertheless, lunch was enjoyed by all and was accompanied by an appropriate amount of liquid refreshment. The couch potatoes were obviously way ahead of the walkers in this respect.

Below are a few photographs kindly supplied by Bro. Martin, who isn't in any of them. His dog is though! The photos show the more unadventurous walkers dutifully keeping to the path whilst exposing two reckless brothers of cheating by attempting a short cut.

 

Cats and Dog

Quick, there's a man following us!

Last time out I found 50p!

I thought you said this was a short cut!

THE PRESIDENT'S MASS 13TH SEPTEMBER

A pleasant Autumn Sunday welcolmed Brothers, Wives and Widows to St Pius to celebrate our President's Mass. The service was conducted by Fr Alan Sharpe who later joined the Circle for a splendid lunch at Clandon Regis Golf Club. The saying is; 'Pictures speak louder than words' So let's see what you make of the photographs below taken, as usual, by Bro. Chris Devereux.

Expectation!

Examination!

Degustation!

Just got a note from the O'Briens who are keen dancers. They want to do a demo!

Look out ' Strictly' here we come!!

That's it darling! One two cha cha cha, one two cha cha cha.............

Red, White or Rose Madame?

That wine waiter doesn't know his Asti from his Tintos

Oh Oh, here comes the VP. I think he wants permission to make a speach.

OK, but it had better be good!

They're gonna love this!

Blah Blah Blah etc

Sorry mate, don't think it went down too well!

The meal wasn't bad for a freebie!

LADIES, SONS & DAUGHTERS NIGHT

The first Wednesday in September saw the occasion of the Ladies, Sons and Daughters Night held, as usual, at Guildford Golf Club. It was a very successful evening and for those of you who attended, the photos below will be a reminder of a good time. For those who didn't attend, you can see what you missed!

Shall I say Grace? 

The Chosen Ones!

Are they talking about us?....Are they talking about us?.... Are they talking about us?...

Oh dear! Looks like I've drunk the lot!!

Yes, you have been drinking out of my glass!

Yours is noticably larger than mine.....

....I think you've got your just desserts!

I just love Vintage Asti Spumanti!

Don't pop the cork just yet!

When exactly did you start getting illusions of Grandeur?

Who is that girl?

Bragging Rights!

It's never easy making a thank you speach....

...Especially when you're drinking at the same time!

A toast to the Circle from those Ladies still able to stand!

He should have gone to Specsavers!

Three lovely Roses with their Posies

                          

SECRETARIES NIGHT AT EPSOM

The Catenian Association Secretaries Night was held at the RAC Club, Epsom on  Thursday 17th September. Guildford Secretary, Bro. Steve Rowden was supported by five Guildford brothers who all enjoyed an entertaining evening which included a quiz and Bro. Kevin Deeming won a bottle of wine!
 

 Left to Right: Bro. Chris Devereaux; Bro. Kevin Deeeming; Guildford President, Bro. Greg Melley;
 Bro. Dave Caush; Guildford secretary, Bro. Steve Rowden and Bro. Michael Shortland

Acting wine waiter, Bro. Secretary, Steve Rowden

Bro. Kevin with his newly won bottle of wine

I'm not sharing it with these guys!

August Circle Meeting

The August meeting of the Guildford Catenians took place, as usual, on the first Wednesday of the month. In total there were 44 diners including four visiting gentlemen: Fred Foucher of St Edwards Church; Paul MacKinnon of Lady of Lourdes, Haslemere; Rev Deacon Paul Page-Tickell of Our Lady help Of Christians in Farnborough and Mark Burby son of Guildford brother Mervyn Burby, who had flown in from the Far East specially for this meeting!  

Also present was the Circle's guest from the Clergy, Abbot Paulinus Greenwood OSB, who said grace before the meal. After dinner a landmark occasion was recognised when Bro. Andy Owen was presented with his 25 years Scroll by Acting President Stephen Ballard.

Abbot Paulinus with Bro. Andy Owen and Acting President Bro. Stephen Ballard