MOTOWN

On Monday 6th November, Windsor Circle hosted the Membership Officer's Night at a new venue, Datchet Golf Club. The Club is situated in the heart of what has since become known as 'Membership Officer Town'. Yes, it's official! Datchet has now become 'twinned' with Detroit in the state of Michegan, USA famous for its motor industry and recording stars such as Diana Ross and the Supremes. Datchet now shares the same title of MOTOWN! 

In all, there were 70 brothers present including a splendid showing of 10 brothers from Guildford. We were hoping to reign supreme as we did last year and retain the Membership Officer's Trophy.

The meeting started promptly at 7.30 and once circle business had been completed, we all sat down to dinner. Grace before the meal was said by Windsor President Bro. Mike Wylde and, at an opportune time, Bro. Mike spoke of the importance of recruiting new members to the Catenian Association. This was supported by Windsor Membership Officer, Bro. Kevin McLoughlin. Later on, Great Britain National President, Bro. Peter Rogers, also stressed the importance of recruitment. 

Once the main meal was over and whilst coffee was being served, another of the honoured guests, Bro. James Power, Editor of Catena, gave an impassioned speach amplifying the importance of recruitment in the Catenian Association. Catena, as we know, is the medium that presents the face of the Catenian Association to the World. Since Bro. James took over as Editor, following the sad and untimely death of the previous Editor, Bro.Gil Whale, Catena, in the view of many, has gone from strength to strength both in appearance and content.

Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for, Provincial Membership Officer, Bro. Chris Richards, in a performance that would have done justice to Greg Wallace on Celebrity Chef, tantalisingly strung out the announcement of the winner for what seemed like an eternity. He eventually announced that the winner of the 2017 Membership Officer's Trophy was Woking Circle which recruited five new members during the Catenian year. Well done Woking better luck next year Guildford. Finally, the meeting finished almost as it started, promptly, well it did run five minutes over, and the brothers dispersed into MOTOWN and beyond. 

Bro. Stephen Ballard, with assistance from Bro. Membership Officer, Ian Rogers, attempting to tie a 'Windsor' knot!

Nervous anticipation

Bro. Sam taking bets on the winner whilst Bro. Rory takes the money!

The Guildford Four!

I think Guildford is in with a chance. Hmmn, I'm not so sure!

Bro. Vernon de Cruz, Guildford Secretary, Bro. Steve Rowden, Bro. Sam Shaw and Bro. Declan O'Farrell enjoying the bonhomie!

 Bro. James Power, Catena Editor, with Guildford President, William D'Souza and Guildford brothers

Unexpectedly, Bro. James bursts into song!..

...with a rendition of his all-time favourite by Elvis Presley; 'You're a Devil in Disguise'

Windsor President, Bro. Mike Wylde, welcomes the brothers

Windsor Membership Officer, Bro. Kevin McLoughlin, addressing the brothers on the importance of recruitment

Great Britain National President, Bro. Peter Rogers, addressing the brothers

For starters, a well presented classic prawn cocktail

There's no brown bread and butter!

Catana Editor, Bro. James Power, extolling the virtues of recruitment as well as the benefits of advertising in Catena

C'mon, a full page at half price!

And the winner is...........

....and the winner is...........

Yes, yes, c'mon who is it?

Woking!!

We was robbed!

 Just grin and bear it!

 

An Inside Job!

It appears that Bro. Chris Devereux is not the only high profile photographer in the Guildford Circle. Bro. Geoff Bignell was both surprised and delighted to hear from our esteemed Bro. Secretary that on behalf of the Guildford Circle, he had scooped the 2017 Wimbledon Photographic Competition Cup in the 'F' category! 

As we all know, our association is defined by the four 'F' words; Faith, Family, Friendship and, you've guessed it, Fun! If, following Bro. Secretary's recent email, you have accessed the Wimbledon Circle website, you will already have seen the photograph which may well make Bro. Geoff a name to be reckoned with amongst the photographic cognoscenti. 

Initially, we were wondering where on earth Bro. Geoff took the photograph which is, basically, an androgynous angel doing the splits! As the circle's sleuth, I can tell you that Bro. Geoff  took the picture in a marquee during the Decorex International interior design exhibition for professional interior designers. The exhibition was held on September 19th at Syon House, the spectacular London home of the Duke of Northumberland, and Bro. Geoff was, he says, inspired to take the photograph whilst lingering in the Champagne bar. 

It seems that Bro. Geoff obtained a ticket online which he purchased for a mere £5.00 by masquerading as a student interior designer! The photograph, which was taken with Bro. Geoff's Fujifilm X20 compact camera on automatic setting, contains a blonde lady who is, we are reliably informed by Bro. Geoff's son, Celia Sawyer a TV presenter on a Channel 4 property programme called 'Four Rooms.' 

From studying the photograph, the lady appears to be fumbling in her hand bag maybe for her entrance ticket which has been asked for by a man who may be a steward. There again, the man could be her film director husband Nick Sawyer askingfor a sweet. However, we don't know who the lady with the shopping trolley is. Maybe she is another student interior designer? The photograph most certainly deserves a title! There have been several suggestions listed as follows:

'Excuse me!'

'Wish I could get my legs up that 'igh dearie!'

'Sorry madam but I need to search amongst your personal effects'

Bro. Geoff highly recommends a visit to Decorex next September for anyone interested in interior design. This could, possibly, be organised as a Circle event? However, all those interested would have to register as a 'student interior designer' which might prove a little difficult. 

Bro. Geoff further adds, that he now feels more than confident to advise on any interior design issues which our brothers and ladies might have. Considering the slightly devious way Bro. Geoff gained entrance to the interior design exhibition, you could say he would be prepared to do an 'inside job' for you! 

Excuse me!

Guildford Circle's Autumn Walk

On a sunny September morning, ten walkers and two dogs set out from Puttenham Common car park and made their way through the woods until they arrived at Cutmill Ponds.  Here they experienced the rare sight of beautiful swans flying over the water. The circular walk of about 5 miles was enjoyed by all the participents especially, it seems, one of the dogs that went missing for about 10 minutes. With all those trees to choose from it was surpring it took that long! The party finally recharged their batteries with a good lunch at The Woolpack in Elstead.

The walkers with one dog missing!

Hurrah! we've made it and the pub is in sight!

Guildford Circle 700th Circle Meeting

The 700th Meeting of the Guildford Circle took place on Wednesday 4th October at the Guildford Golf Club. Prior to the meeting the brothers and ladies attended Mass at St Pius X Church. After Mass, the brothers made the short journey to the Golf Club for the meeting whilst the ladies made their way into town to dine at the RumWong Thai Restaurant. The meeting was well attended with many visitors including: Bishop Richard Moth; Fr. Roy Waters; Bro. Bernard Noakes, National Secretary; Bro. Peter Greenford, past Grand President; Bro. Mark Potter, Provincial President; Bro. Peter Western, Provincial President Province 10; Bro. David Arundale, Director of Province 19 and Bro. Chris Richards, Provincial Membership officer. 

When the meeting was over the brothers and visitors made their way into the dining room where an excellent meal with wine was enjoyed. See below a selection of Photographs taken by the Guildford Circle's Official Photographer, Bro. Chris Devereux. Unfortunately, Bro. Chris had a few problems with his camera so yours truly, Bro. Marketing Officer, helped out shooting from the hip with his iphone!

The brothers getting ready for the group photograph

As ready as they'll ever be!

Bro. Chris taking an 'En Mass' Selfie!

Brothers and Ladies with Fr. Roy Waters

The Ladies!

C'mon girls let's hit the town!

Meanwhile, at the Guildford Golf Club...

Hopefully we will be on top table otherwise we may have to pay for our wine!

We are expecting some really good photographs from you tonight Bro. Chris

I'll do my very best!

Sorry Bishop, I was here first

Grace before the meal

Here comes that photographer chap again!

Smile for the camera!

Oh dear! It appears our resident photographer is having a few problems with his camera! In the meantime, Bro. Michael passes the time by reading the Beano and Bro. Roger helps himself to someone else's drink!

Bro. Michael raises a glass while Bro. Chris still struggles with his camera!

 I should have brought my Kodak Brownie Cresta!

A Welsh majority!

Bro. President welcoming the Clergy, the Bishop and Fr. Roy together with the many visiting brothers

Top Table!

An attentive audience

We've heard these jokes so many times before!

We'll give him 7 out of 10

The Bishop responds...

...and responds...

...with great humour!

Well done Bishop!

I wonder who writes his scripts?

Fr Roy says Grace after the Meal

There's a fly in my drink!

Will he or won't he?

Of course he will open another bottle!

The Bishop in animated conversation with Bro. President and Bro. Bernard Noakes

Hoping for second helpings!

Bro. Membership Officer has been spreading the word that it's Membership Officer's Night on Monday 6th November at the Datchet Golf Club and he wants to retain the cup for Guildford. How's that for a plug?!

Is there any more liquor in that bottle you've been hiding under the table Bro. Terence?

Getting a bit hot under the collar!

Is Bro. Roger going to do a runner!

It must be time to go home

Goodnight and God Bless!

September Circle Meeting & Weybridge Cup

The Guildford Circle held its 699th meeting at the usual venue, Guildford Golf Club, on Wednesday 6th September. The highlight of the evening was the enrolment of Glan Thomas and below you can see a few photographs taken by Bro. Chris Devereux recording the events. The first photograph is of Bro. Mervyn and Bro. Des with Bro. Mervyn holding the Past Presidents Shield which he won in the golfing tournament.

On the subject of golf, Thursday 21st September saw the Provincial Golf Society competition for the Weybridge Cup at Hoebridge Golf Club. In a day of overcast conditions with driving rain at times, Bro. John Mercer overcame all opposition to win the Trophy. Bro. Martin McHugh also competed and narrowly missed being in the top three competitors. He did however, along with Bro. John, finish second in the team competition for the Guildford Plate.

Bro. Mervyn holding the Past President's Golf Shield alongside Bro. Des. 

Bro. President delivering his after dinner speach which contained several jocular moments

New Brother, Glan Thomas, with his scroll

Sorry Bro. Glan, I forgot to mention that traditionally, all new brothers are required to settle the wine bill!

Bro. John Mercer winner of the Weybridge Cup