Leap Year Oriental Banquet at the Rumwong

On Sunday 28th February, in excess of thirty Brothers and Ladies attended a Leap year Banquet at the Rumwong Chinese restaurant in Guildford. Apparently, a good time was had by all and the food was delicious. Below are some photographs to remind the diners of the occasion and for those who didn't attend what they missed. To date, there has been no reports of any proposals of marriage!

I shouldn't have ordered number 29. The waitress says I'll have to wait until tomorrow!

It tastes OK but it's not real man's food!

I see you're on the vodka again. Wrong rum!

Take your pick! Aren't we supposed to use chopsticks?

It's a lot better than the wine we get at the Circle dinners

I told the waitress that my chicken was rubbery! She replied; ''thank you very much''

Try and look as if you're enjoying yourself

Guildford Circle's Winter Walk

The Guildford Circle's Winter Walk on 22nd January started from Bro. Kevin Deeming’s home in Sandy Lane Rushmoor. Although the day was rather wet, nine intrepid walkers and two dogs set off for their chosen venue for lunch, the Duke of Cambridge pub. The route, initially along Sandy Lane joining the bridle paths around Gold Hill on Hankley Common to reach the Kettlebury Hill Ridge and Lion’s Mouth, covered a distance of just over three miles. On the way, the walkers passed the site where the closing scenes of the James Bond movie 'Skyfall' was filmed. Daniel Craig's presence was, sadly, not apparant. They then joined Greensand Way which took them across Hankley Common Golf Club fairways to the Duke of Cambridge where they were joined by three non-walkers for lunch.

The return walk a distance of almost three miles, took the walkers via the Tilford Common bridle paths towards Frensham Little Pond. Taking the pond's west side, they rejoined Sandy Lane near the Ford and made their way back to Kevin’s house where a well earned coffee and mince pie in front of a log fire was their reward.

The walkers pictured below were; Tony Clark, David Caush, Brian Jenkins, Susan Bignell, Patricia McHugh, Martin McHugh, Stephen Rowden, Geoff Bignell, our photographer Monica Rowden and, of course, the dogs, were joined for lunch by Kevin Deeming, Hazel Foulkes and Leo Cash.

It's that dog again!

Guildford Circle Meeting February 2016

The 681st Guildford Circle meeting was held on Wednesday 3rd February at the Guildford Golf Club. A strong turn out included three visiting gentlemen; Simon De Lusignan, Paul Page-Tickell and Robert Pettigrew. During the evening, both Simon and Paul were enrolled as Catenian brothers. In addition, the Circle was honoured by the presence of Fr. Lawrence, Abbott at Chilworth who addressed the circle after dinner.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a substantial donation to the Nomntu Project made by Bro. President, Greg Melly, to Bro. Chris Devereau a founder of the charity along with his wife Jane. The Nomntu Project supports marginalised people especially women and girls in South East Africa and is one of Bro. President' nominated charities. Nomntu also supports local communities in becoming self sufficient and to help achieve this, Chris and Jane spend several months a year in Africa helping the local inhabitants.

After the meeting, thank God that's all over and done with!

Brother President and the new recruits; Paul Page-Tickell (left) and Simon de Lusignan (right)

Fr. Lawrence's captive audience

New Catenian brother Paul Page-Tickell addressing the brothers

New Catenian brother Simon de Lusignan addressing the brothers

Will we win on Sunday? No chance, we'll be lucky to get a draw!

Bro. Mark Wilson undergoing the metamorphisis from PPO to CMKO aided by a glass of free wine on top table!

Bro. Chris Devereau (left) being presented with funds collected by the President's charity.

Guildford Circle Meeting January 2016

The first Guildford Circle meeting of the New Year was held, as usual, at Guildford Golf Club. All those in attendance were delighted to see the return of Bro. Des Carroll who appeared to be in fine fettle following his months of illness and treatment. Indeed, once he started to entertain the brothers and visiting gentlemen with his own brand of Irish humour, it was as though he had never been away. In all, it was an eventful evening with the presentation to Bro. Mervyn Burby of his 25 year Scroll and the enrolment of Cian Duggan to the Circle.

That joke is just as funny as the last time you told it!

Thanks Prez but you could have had it framed!

This boy's got talent!

OK welcome but have you paid your subs?

'Himself''

Clergy & Ladies Night 2015

Yes, another Christmas has passed and another New Year is upon us. With grateful thanks to Bro. Chris Devereau, here are some photographs that will remind you of that enjoyable evening in December.
 

I think this is going to be a good night!

You bet it is!

Ding Dong Merrily on High......

You'd better break the news about who's gonna be the next Prez

Dear Clergy, Brothers and Ladies, with due solemnity, respect and expectation, I would like to introduce to you my successor. The man who will guide our circle through to 2017.

The minute you walked in the joint Daaaadum, I could see you were a man of distinction etc etc

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

FRANCIS HOLFORD OBITUARY

The brothers of Guildford were greatly saddened to learn of the death of Francis after a short illness. 

Francis was born 1 April 1937 in Wandsworth, London together with his twin brother Richard. Francis was raised in Horsham and Pulborough, West Sussex where he attended Pennthorpe School, and then the Colliers Grammar School, Horsham. Immediately after school he was called to do national service serving with the Buffs for 2 years. His talent for languages was spotted and so he was sent out to Cyprus as an interpreter.

He married Jenny (nee Wolff) on 14 September 1963 at St. Mary’s Cadogan Street, London, after which they settled in their first home in Kensington, London.  After 2 years they moved to Bristol for a short period and then to Amersham, Bucks. They moved to Guildford in 1975 where they settled permanently.

Their marriage was fruitful and blessed with the birth of five children, there being two sons and three daughters, Michael, Clare, Catherine, Anna and John.  The family quite naturally grew and following marriages of their children Francis and Jenny were able to thoroughly enjoy the company of 17 grandchildren.

Francis qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked initially in that capacity for the 
family business Rudolf Wolf in the City, a Metal and Commodity Broker, becoming MD until he retired in 1994. He continued to work in retirement investing his time in a combination of consultancy and charitable work. Francis was a trustee and the Catholic representative of 
Premier Christian Radio in the station’s early days.

He was involved with Hosanna House & Children's Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT), a charity which takes disabled and disadvantaged children to Lourdes, and in which his family has a long connection over a number of generations. He was also a governor of a local school St Edwards that catered for children with special needs.

Francis was a cornerstone of laity support to St Joseph’s Parish, Guildford where there wasn’t a role that he had not undertaken and mastered.  He was awarded the Bene Merenti Medal from the Pope in 2012 in recognition of his dedication to the work of the church and charities.

He was a keen golfer and a member of the Catenian golfing fraternity. He enjoyed walking and went on many trips through France with close friends. He also enjoyed visiting family in the UK and abroad.

Francis died peacefully at home on Sunday 27th September 2015 in the presence of his family only 3 months after his wife Jenny passed away on 6 June 2015. His loving family and his Catenian brothers will sadly miss both Francis and Jenny. 

Francis Holford 1937 to 2015

PROVINCIAL DARTS NIGHT

This year, the Provincial Darts Night held on Monday 7th December, was organised by Kingston Circle. Guildford once again fielded a strong team comprising of Bro.Peter Chalcraft, Bro.Harvey Palmer and Bro. Secretary, Stephen Rowden.

Following the usual circle meeting, Grand President Peter Woodford presented a Papal Blessing to Maureen Gamber a Widow of the circle. Maureen whose late husband was a  prominent circle member, was responsible for setting up the Kingston Ladies Circle. After many years working within the catering team which has provided food for the evenings over many years, Maureen has now retired.

Then the darts began!. After a disastrous first round loss, where the lack of practice in the last twelve months clearly showed, the team entered the Plate Competition. Three rounds later they were in a nail biting final against Epsom, last years tournament winners. With a rapid run down from 301 it just needed a double two to win the tournament. Mister reliable, Bro Peter, missed. Slow and Steady Bro Stephen missed leaving Bro. Harvey, who had struggled at times during the evening to even hit the board, to go for glory! The dart left his hand and flew through the air like an 'arrow of desire' and unbelievably and mercifully, landed on the double two. As you can imagine, great celebrations followed and to make the evening even more complete, Bro Peter won the high score award with an amazing 121.

The Guildford Champions, L to R: Bro. Harvey Palmer, Bro. Peter Chalcraft, Province 19 Director, David Arundale and Bro.Steve Rowden

Bro. Peter Chalcraft being presented with his trophy for achieving the highest score by
Province 19 Director, Bro. David Arundale

St Peter's School Christmas Fayre

On Sunday 22^nd November the Guildford Catenians once again ran the Bottle Tombola Stall at St Peter's Catholic School as part of our support for our local Catholic community. For three solid hours we sold raffle tickets and distributed the best part of 900 bottles to winning customers. As a result, the magnificent sum of £1550 was raised to assist the PTA in providing facilities for the school.  

Thanks are due to Mervyn and Teresa Burby, Tony Clark, Andy Fogell, John and Francine Mercer, Martin McHugh, Stephen Rowden and Michael Shortland. Demonstrating that quality is more important than quantity, Terence Nagle supported the book stall on behalf of the Knights of St Columba.

On behalf of the School and Students, Head Teacher Toby Miller and Chair of St Peter’s PTA, Leigh-Anne Van Graan, wish to pass on their gratitude to the Guildford Circle for its great and continued efforts.

''Gorra Lorra Bottle'', the Class of 2015: Andy Fogel, Francine Mercer, John Mercer and Steve Rowden

Six Provinces Mass for Deceased Brothers

On the 15th November, thirty six brothers and ladies from the Guildford Catenians attended Mass at Westminster Cathedral. The Celebrant was Cardinal Vincent Nichols who paid tribute to the Catenian Association and to the memory of deceased brothers from all six provinces. A list of the names of deceased brothers was solemny read out and Grand President Bro. Peter Woodford gave the Reading.There was also a tribute to the victims of the murderous attack in Paris by ISIL just two days before. A candle had been lit and displayed on the alter in their memory.

Following Mass, the majority of the Guildford Brothers and Ladies gathered for lunch at our favourite Italian restaurant, 'Sicily'. It was previously known as Da Scalzo but had been renamed since we visited it last year. In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere we enjoyed a delicious meal washed down with good Italian wine. 

A little bit of history on the restaurant, Da Scalzo opened in Belgravia, London in September 2008. Its founders, two Italian brothers named Robert and Enzo Scalzo, launched their all-day brasserie and gallery concept having made their name with their hugely successful chain of cafes, Patisserie Valerie. The building, once a chapel, is grade 2 listed and retains many original features. 

We Catenian diners are always seated upstairs on our own in an open gallery/mezanine where we have a good view of what's going on. It has occurred to me that this location may have been allocated to us in case we get too boisterous and disturb diners in other parts of the restaurant.

Below are a few pictures I took on my iphone. Not brilliant but the lighting was subdued.

Can anyone lend me a tenner?

Bro. Kevin taking a picture of me taking a picture of him!

Well behaved

Where's the little boys room?

Anyone for Tennis?

Oh those halcyon days basking in an English Indian Summer! One such day occured in September at the annual Guildford Circle Tennis Tournament organised, as usual, by Bro. Secretary, Steve Rowden. The tournament was held at Sutherland Memorial Park in Burpham and, as is customary, was open to Guildford Brothers, their Ladies and to other circles. Many thanks to Guildford Brothers; Stephen Ballard, Andrew O'Neill and Stephen Rowden who together with our Ladies: Barbara Dale, Joan Palmer, Katie Brennan and Anne Wilson, gave an excellent representation of Catenian tennis. Thanks also to Paul Sloane of Ascot & Sunningdale circle and Walter Noronha of West Surrey for participating in a truly excellent and highly competitive sporting afternoon.

Yours truly, was appointed score keeper a task not as easy as one might think especially when I was responsible for coaching my wife. At the end of the afternoon, the outright winner of the 2015 Tournament was Guildford Catenian, Bro. Andrew O'Neil. The Ladies winner was Joan Palmer also of Guildford. The presentation of the Trophy to Bro. Andrew was made by Bro Stephen Ballard, Vice-President of the Guildford Catenian Circle, who also presented Joan with a bottle of bubbly!

Sadly for the Wilsons, Anne missed appearing on the champion's podium by just one point! Maybe next year she will take a leaf out of England RFU's book and appoint a Southern Hemisphere coach with a Welsh surname!

Warming up

Sussing out the opposition

The winners with Bro.Stephen Ballard