Annual Ladies Night 2nd March 2017 (Part 1)

The annual Ladies night was held on Thursday 2nd of March as opposed to the usual first Wednesday of the month as it clashed with Ash Wednesday. The change of date was not an issue and, as can be seen from the photographs below, everyone enjoyed themselves! The evening was quite a special one as it was the last meeting for Bro. Stephen Ballard as President of Guildford Circle before handing over the reins to Bro. Vice President, William D’Souza, in April.  

The meeting commenced as usual in the upstairs bar at 7.30 pm sharp whilst the ladies remained downstairs. Suitably refreshed, they chatted away in the lounge. When the meeting was over everyone made their way into the dining room to their designated places. Mass before the meal was said by Fr. Sebastian Paul after which everyone tucked into the first course.

During dinner, Bro. President presented Bro. Des Carroll with a gift to thank him for his many years of service to the Circle. Bro. Des was President in 1975-76 continuing as Welfare Officer and member of the Benevolent Board. Other gifts were presented to Bro. David Corning and Bro. Peter Hutley in recognition and celebration of their 90th birthdays. In Bro. Peter’s absence, his gift was accepted by Bro. John Vickerman.

Following a survey undertaken by Bro. Secretary, Steve Rowden, Bro. President awarded a splendid silver 'Visitors Cup' to the brother who had made the most visits to other circles. That brother turned out to be none other than Bro. Secretary, Steve Rowden!

Then it was Bro. President's turn to be on the receiving end. He was presented with a miniature by Bro. Vice-President, William D'Souza in recognition of his year in Office. Bro. Vice-President also presented Bro. President’s wife, Jackie, with a lovely bouquet in grateful thanks for her provision of sustenance at Council meetings. Both Bro. President and Jackie were duly applauded and toasted!

Bro. President was back in the spotlight when he welcomed and toasted the Guildford Ladies. Maureen Dodds replied to Bro. President’s welcome on behalf of the Ladies who in turn toasted the Brothers. The evening continued with everyone in good spirits until, like all good things, it came to an end.

Good evening and welcome!

We are ready for a good time!

We'll drink to that!

Ladies in the bar waiting to be entertained

I think he's on his way

OK Ladies, here I am!

Number Ten!

Who's supposed to be sitting in that seat?

It says here there is a suprise special guest!

Who do you think it MAY be?

Whoever it is we will have to start without them!

Fr. Sebastian saying Grace before the meal

Sorry about the wait, the Chef really is working flat out!

It was never like this at the Dorchester!

Keep pouring! At last! they're going to serve our table!

The first course is on its way!

And there's plenty more to come!

Just off to get the desserts!

Oooh! the food looks good!

Excuse me waiter! May I have another helping?

Lovely Jubbly!

At home we always have butter curls served in a dish!

The End!

Hope you enjoyed part one? Please continue reading part two

Mass for Deceased Brothers

The annual Mass for Deceased Brothers was held at St Pius Church on Sunday 5th February and was conducted by Fr Alan Sharpe. Following Mass the brothers and ladies made the short journey to Guildford Golf Club where they enjoyed a splendid carvery lunch.

Hungry diners waiting for the carvery to commence

 

Bro. Claude says things are generally a bit slow on a Sunday

I'll get the food and you can buy the wine!

Eating is a serious business!

Fr Alan enjoying lunch alongside Bro. President and a rare picture of Bro. Jan behaving himself!

What is he doing? I think he's still looking for the £1 coin he dropped earlier!

Water or more wine? Either, they taste the same to me!

Making a perfect Cocktail!

Don't eat your pudding too quickly Beth or you may feel ill

But I have to eat it quickly.....

....or I may get full up before I can finish it all!

Rebecca on her second helping!

In training for the 'Six Nations', Bro. Des passed on the Scotch Broth, Welsh Rarebit, French Onion Soup, Italian Carbonara and the English Lamb!

Is the white wine nice and cold?

Yes, It's a Chilean!

I understand you are moving to Downing Street!

Is she really?

Next door to the Chancellor maybe?

Or even Mrs May!

Calm down ladies, she's moving to Downing Street in Farnham not Westminster!

The end of a perfect day

February 2017 Circle Meeting

The 692^nd Guildford Circle meeting was held on Wednesday 1^st February 2017 at the Guildford Golf Club. At the meeting Visiting Gentlemen Mike Hoyle and Daniel Lintott were enrolled into the Catenian Association as members of the Guildford  Circle. For Visiting Gentleman Mike Hoyle, it was his second enrollment having previously been a member of the Guildford Circle. 

The guest speaker was Toby Miller, Headmaster of St Peter's Catholic School in Guildford, who gave an interesting and enlightening talk on Catholic education. Over the years the Guildford Circle has supported St Peter's as well as other Catholic schools in the region. The visiting Clergy was Canon Colin Wolczac who said grace in his own engaging and inimitable way.

The enrollment!

Bro. President, Stephen Ballard with Bro. Daniel Lintott and Bro. Mike Hoyle

The two new Brothers

Canon Colin saying grace

Guest speaker Toby Miller

Bro. President, Stephen Ballard with the two new brothers, obviously enrolled by 'hook or by crook', together with three Circle 'Grandees' Bro. Mervyn Burby, Bro. Claude Kauffmann and Bro. Tim Edwards

40 years as a Catenian

Wednesday 4th of January saw the first Guildford Circle meeting of 2017. It was an important evening for Bro. Michael Shortland who celebrated 40 years as a Catenian. The 40 year miniature commemorating Bro. Michael's devoted service was presented to him by our President Stephen Ballard. Many congratulations!

Bro. President, Stephen Ballard and Bro. Michael Shortland with the commemorative miniature

Bro. President presenting the miniature to Bro. Michael

The commemorative miniature