The Guildford Catenians Blog

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

April 2018 Circle Meeting

The Guildford Circle met on Wednesday 4th April at Guildford Golf Club. The main business of the evening was the installation of new officers elect including: President, Bro. John Vickerman and Vice-President, Bro. Andy Fogell. Other new officer installations saw Bro.Sam Shaw take on the role of Chamberlain with Bro. Paul Page-Tickell assuming the dual role of Chamberlain and Charity Officer. During the course of the evening, out-going President Bro. William D'Souza and Bro.Steve Rowden, who continues in office as Secretary, were presented with miniatures by the new President Bro. John Vickerman.

In his last speech as President, Bro. William thanked all the brothers for their support over the past year giving mention to Bro. Paul Davies who was Vice-president and Bro. Secretary, Steve Rowden. Below is a selection of photographs recording the evening.

Out-going President Bro. William D'Souza thanking the brothers for their support

His last boast!

His last toast to the new President!

I'm in charge now!

Bro. President in typical pose!

Bro. President telling a risque joke!

Ha ha Ha! that was a good one!

Bro. Stephen and Bro. Wally had obviously heard it before!


Responding to a request from Bro. President to entertain the brothers in his inimitable way, Bro. Wally steadies himself for action....

....before delivering an amazingly funny joke!

He He He! That was a good one too!

Wasn't it Bro. Stephen? And, it must be getting near going home time as Bro. James has moved on to Horlicks!

Next you will see miniatures being presented to out-going President Bro. William D'Souza and to Bro. Secretary, Steve Rowden.

I'm really sorry you are going Bro. William!

I'm not Bro. John!

Anyone got a pin?

Now it's Bro. Secretary's turn!

I still haven't got a pin!

Where shall I stick it Bro. Secretary?

I'll pass on that one Bro. President!

OK, that'll do!

Bro. President remembers he has another presentation to make!

So he dashes to the nearest discount store for a bottle of plonk, I mean wine!

Close your eyes Bro. CMKO and tell me what you think this object is? It feels like a bottle of plonk, I mean wine Bro. President!

Absolutely right Bro. CMKO!

Thank you for being a creative genius Bro. CMKO. Don't mention it Bro. President!

In this closing section, we have a line-up of the Guildford Four!

Bro. Secretary having trouble with his Miniature!

Still struggling!

Anyone got a pin, cellotape, glue... anything?

You'll just have to keep holding it until next year Bro. Secretary!

Goodnight and God Bless

Monday, 12 March 2018

LADIES NIGHT

Ladies Night was held on Wednesday 7th March at the Guildford Rugby Club with over 90 brothers, visiting gentlemen and ladies in attendance. The evening commenced with the usual circle meeting sadly the last one for Bro. President William D'Souza. Bro. William understandably had mixed emotions and he expressed to the 43 brothers and visiting gentlemen at the meeting that although he was sad to see the end of his term as President, he was looking forward to a new chapter in his life.

Following the meeting, the brothers and visiting gentlemen joined the ladies for dinner and Grace was said by Guildford Circle's very own Deacon Bro. Paul Page-Tickell. When dinner was over, Bro. President called for a minutes silence in memory of Bro. Jim O'Donnell who had died just two days before. Bro. President then gave a wide ranging speech in which he thanked all the brothers and in particular his council members for the great support they had given him during his term. He also thanked the brothers for their generosity to his charities notably Cancer Research and Mary's Meals which between them had raised around £3,500. Bro. President then remembered the Circle Brothers that had died during his year in office; Bro. Barry Dale, Bro. Claude Kauffmann, Bro. David Allen, Bro. Brian Spencer Cook and Bro. Jim O'Donnell.

Angela Vickerman responded on behalf of the guests and invited the ladies to stand and offer a toast to the Brothers. Bro. Geoff Bignell then gave a vote of thanks to Bro. William in which he made humourous references to the author Richmal Crompton's "Just William". Bro. Geoff then presented a bouquet to Carol D'Souza to show the Circle's appreciation of her support throughout Bro. William's reign as President.

Below are photographs taken of all twelve tables.

Table One having fun!

Table two here's looking at you!

Table three looking very happee!

Table four with smiles galore! (Third from left is Deacon Bro. Paul Page -Tickell who said Grace)

Table five on wine they thrive!

Table six getting their kicks!

Table seven in food heaven! (Marion politely points out to Bro. John that he has been using the wrong knife)

Table eight consuming food at a remarkable rate! (Bro. Membership Officer alius 'Catman' taking centre stage with Martha)

Table nine and all is fine! (Bro. Frank looks a bit worried though)

Table ten won't pass on the wine bill again! (Not under Bro. Treasurer's eagle eye)

Table eleven in seventh heaven!

Bro. President with Carol holding the beautiful bouquet presented to her by Angela Vickerman

President Elect Bro. John Vickerman with Angela and President Bro. William D'Souza with Carol

Bwrdd undeg dau. Cawson amser gwych. Nos da! (Table twelve. We had a wonderful time. Good night!)

Tuesday, 6 March 2018

Mass for Deceased Brothers

Mass for Deceased Brothers was held at St Pius X Church on Sunday 4th March. The Mass was conducted by Fr. Tony Barry who was very enthusiastic about the Catenian Association. There was a good turnout of Brothers and Ladies with forty one attending the lunch at Guildford Golf Club. Below are some photographs recording the event.