Guildford Circle's October 2018 Meeting

The 711th meeting of the Guildford circle took place on Wednesday 3rd October at Guildford Golf Club. In all, there were 60 attendees consisting of 52 Guildford Brothers, 4 Visiting Gentlemen and 4 Visiting Brothers. The Visiting Brothers included: Bro Dominic O’Shea, Provincial Vice President; Bro. Paul Sloane, President of Ascot & Sunningdale; Bro. Jim Smith President of Richmond & Twickenham, and Bro. Pat Gogarty Provincial Counsellor.

Later in the evening, Scrolls were presented by Bro. Dominic O'Shea firstly to Bro. Kevin Deeming marking his 10th Anniversary also to Bro. James McGrory in celebration of 30 years with the Catenian Association. After dinner, there was an interesting and informative talk by Bro. Simon de Lusignan, Senior Academic, GP and Professor of Primary Care and Clinical Informatics at the University of Surrey, on his role within the community. 

 Bro. President welcoming the Brothers and Visitors

Bro. Vice President proposing a toast to Absent Brothers

Absent Brothers!

Bro. Dominic O'Shea presenting a 10 Year Scroll to Bro. Kevin Deeming

At last!

Bro. Dominic O'Shea presenting a 30 Year Scroll to Bro. James McGrory

About time!

Bro. Simon de Lusignan addressing the gathering

That's all Brothers, goodnight and God bless!

LSD Part One

This is a rather long blog so it appears in two parts. Parts 1 and 2, surprisingly. 

Wednesday 5th September was LSD Night. No LSD doesn't stand for Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, it stands for Ladies Sons and Daughters. The evening was no hallucination as proven by the photographs below expertly taken by Bro. Chris Devereau. There was a good turnout with a headcount of 102 including 35 brothers and 44 wives and family. The Circle was pleased to welcome Fr. David Osborne and his wife Helen also Lucy Brown CEO of 'Disability Initiative' and Guest Speaker. 

It was a special evening for Bro. David Corning and Barbara who were celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary. In recognition of this happy occasion, the Circle presented them with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Sadly, we have no photograph of this.

Table for Cats with 9 Wives!

A bad hair day?

Forget the hug, just gimmee a top up!

I've got a few tricks up my sleeve!

What kind of tricks?

It involves slight of hand and a disappearance!

Just like that!

Where am I?

Meanwhile, behind the scenes...

Who loves ya Baby? Aline Mhamma, wife of Visiting Gentleman Jad, with daughter Marina

Is that Vodka in the jug?

Yes, it goes well with strawberries you know!

Fancy another drink? Sure, as long as you're buying!

Do you think they'd notice if we stayed here to watch the Rugby match?

How do you stop people grabbing the wafer from your hand when they take communion?

I simply raise my hand so they can't reach it!

C'mon, give us a smile Bro. Dave!

That's better!

Seriously, I grew a Strawberry this big!

At my school we weren't allowed calculators!

I think it's your round!

Bro. President struggling with his speech!

I wrote notes for his speech on the back of the menu and he's forgotten to take it!

He's not doing very well!

He'll have to go!

He certainly will!

I know, I'll tell a risque joke instead!

Shock Horror!

Ha Ha! That was really funny!

It certainly was!

I don't get it!

I won't be recording that in the minutes!

I did my best! Now it's Lucy's turn 
(Continued in part 2)

LSD Part Two

Part Two.

Following on From Bro. President's performance, guest speaker Lucy Brown CEO of Disability Initiative, has a difficult act to follow.

Follow that Lucy

No Problem!

 After Lucy's speech, the evening carries on and people are still eating Strawberries, at least Bro. Frank is.....

Once you've finished, there's another one on my left!

Five from Ten = A Good Time!

It's that Photographer Man again Roger

Bro. David Corning and Barbara who were celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary

An inoffensive young wine but not worth the money!

 I'm ready to go home!

Roger can hardly keep his eyes open!

He's well gone!

I could keep going all night!

Already gone!

Goodnight Everyone!

PROVINCIAL WEEKEND 21st to 23rd September 2018

The Botley Park Hotel and Spar near Southampton was the venue for the Provincial Weekend hosted by Bro. Ron Vaz and his wife Nifa. In all, there were 100 brothers and ladies in attendance including Bro. Stephen Rowden and Monica who, together with Breed Hassard and Maureen Briggs, represented Guildford Circle.

The usual Friday golf match was followed in the evening by an Hawaiian themed buffet which included an 'amusing' session of Bingo which was won by Monica. On the Saturday, optional trips were available to HMS Victory and Harbour Tour, Dockyard to Old Portsmouth and a shopping trip to Gunwharf Quays.

In spite of the hectic schedule, the Guildford party made good use of the hotel gymnasium, swimming pool and sauna. On Saturday evening, those with sufficient energy left over from the day's activities, expended it on the dance floor at the formal Gala Dinner Dance held at the hotel.

On the Sunday there was a Mass at the nearby St Swithun Wells Church said by Fr Simon Hall whose father Pat was a member of London South West Circle. To conduct the Mass, Fr. Simon had travelled all the way from Woking where he is Assistant Priest. Following Mass, a pleasant lunch was enjoyed at a local Indian restaurant.

During the weekend Bro. Dominic O'Shea, Provincial Vice President, announced that the 2019-2020 Provincial Weekend will be held in Arundel. Details to follow.

Monica's lucky numbers!

Gala Night

Hawaii 'Four-O' themed buffet