The Prez goes East!

Secure in the knowledge that as President all travelling expenses are paid in full, I boarded my 1st class seat on the Singapore Emirates flight to visit the Guildford Catenian Circle's most easterly Brother, Michael Milford and his fragrant wife Sue. It was a humid and stormy night when I ordered a Tiger beer and waited for Michael to navigate the little streets of Singpore on his way to the hottest spot in town, the Four Seasons Hotel bar on Orchard Road. Wet with anticipation, the humidity level was 95%, I waited for Michael to arrive. Pop went the champagne cork, and I immediately recognised the effervescent fizz of Krug Vintage. Michael had remembered my favorite tipple.

I turned in eager anticipation of a timely Catenian reunion only to find that Michael and Sue were nowhere to be found. But just as I was sliding into a feted pit of disappoint, our eyes meet across the crowded bar. There they were resplendent in full colonial garb! Good Lord they have gone native! I thought. "I say old chap, should you be wearing a pith helmet indoors?" I said. Ignoring my gibe, Michael reached into the pocket of his safari jacket, pulled out a neatly folded white handkerchief and wiped a tear of joy from his eye at seeing his Catenian chum from the old country.
 
I learnt that the family were all well and living on the exclusive Marina Bay area. Michel's career continued to advance while Sue, following her recent Masters, had launched a new business in executive coaching. Their daughter Isabelle had joined them in the expat lifestyle while son Peter smartly returns for holidays when his University studies allow. 

"Another Singapore sling" Michael slurred. Then all to quickly the cold, wet, slightly lemon scanty towel of reality slapped me in the face and it was time to leave. The sun had already sunk slowly in the West and blighty was calling me home. As the Emirates chauffeur carried my bags to the “stretch” we shared a fond au revoir and all too quickly our precious time together was over, but not forgotten.

All characters mentioned in this article are entirely fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

What's a nice kid like you doing in a joint like this?

Bro. Claude and Bishop Moth

On Sunday 3rd April, Bishop Richard Moth visited St Edward's, Sutton Park and, as you can see from the photo below, he was warmly greeted by Bro. Claude.They have known each other for almost 40 years dating back to when the Bishop was a student at St John's Seminary in Wonersh. Bro. Claude lived, literally, next door and used to celebrate Mass there. Claude often got together with Richard  also with other students including Bernard Longley, now Archbishop of Birmingham. They both used to visit Claude for drinks and the occasional meal. Bishop Richard is a Southwark Priest and after ordination in 1982, went to Canada to study Canon Law. On his return to the UK he became Vocations Director at Southwark and then Vicar General. He was consecrated Bishop of the Forces in 2009 and last May was translated to Arundel & Brighton, where he became its 5th Bishop.

April 2016 Circle Meeting

The 683rd Guildford Circle meeting was held on Wednesday the 6th April at the usual venue of Guildford Golf Club. The April meeting is one of the most important of the year as new offcers are installed. The incumbant President, Bro. Greg Melly, handed the reins to the incoming President and former Vice President, Bro. Stephen Ballard. Bro. William D'Souza assumed the role of Vice President with Bro. Tim Edwards, Bro. Paul Davies and Bro. Rory Flyn stepping up to the roles of Treasurer, Registrar and Chamberlain respectively.The roles of Secretary, Charity officer, Membership Officer, and Circle Marketing Officer were retained as last year. 

During the evening, miniatures were presented to outgoing President, Bro. Greg Melly, outgoing Treasurer, Bro. Guillermo Lopez and outgoing Chamberlain, Bro. Chris Devereux. Befitting the occasion, there was a bonanza turnout of 53 brothers including 5 visiting brothers and visiting Clergy, Fr Michael who, in addition to saying Grace before and after dinner, performed a thorough and unexpurgated anecdote based on a short story by playwright, author and short story writer, Somerset Maugham.  

All the President's men, well some of them anyway

Bro. Claude swearing allegiance

Presentation of miniatures; small, medium and large

Freedom!

Bro, Claude in pensive mood

Fr Michael's long account of a short story

Bro. Membership Officer with six of his most recent captives except for Bro. Cian Duggan who appears to have escaped. From left: Bro. John Vickerman, Membership Officer; Bro.Simon de Lusignan; Bro. Andy Cochrane; Bro. Rory Flynn; Bro. Andy Fogell; Bro. Sam Shaw and Bro. Paul Page- Tickell

RAMBLING ON!

On Friday 11th March 2016 Brother John Vickerman organised a walk through the Surrey countryside. The brothers and ladies set off from Shalford and covered the North Downs to St Martha's Hill. They then proceeded cross country to St Augustine’s Abbey returning some eight miles later to the Sea Horse Pub at Shalford for lunch. The party of 'Ramblers'  comprised of; Bro. John and Angie Vickerman, Bro. Martin and Patricia McHugh, Bro. John and Francine Mercer, our intrepid secretary, Bro. Steve Rowden accompanied by Monica all of whom were kept in good order by Bro.David Caush. Although it was, thankfully, not required, emergency medical back up was available courtesy of Bro. Dominique Daulton. To sum up, the brothers and ladies enjoyed pleasant countryside with equally pleasant company.

The happy band of Catenian Ramblers with the now seemingly permanent inclusion of the McHugh's pooch. Is his name 'Moonie' by any chance?

A Reflection on Healing

‘It is I, the Lord, who gives you healing’  
Exodus 15:26

God said these words to the Israelites, when they were thirsty and grumbling in the desert. He then led them to the living water at Elim and eventually to the Promised Land, flowing with milk and honey. God offered healing to the Israelites repeatedly, in the psalms and through the prophets. The Old Testament records eighteen individual and collective physical healings. In a wider and fuller sense, healing in the Old Testament meant repentance and reconciliation with God: ‘It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills’ (Psalm 102:3).

Jesus, too, brought healing, so that ‘all those who touched him were cured’ (Mark 6:58).    He sent out his disciples to cure the sick (Luke 10:9; Mark 16:18; Matthew 10:1,7) and many were cured. (Mark 6:12). This healing work continued in the early church. St Peter healed the bedridden Aeneas at Lydda (Acts 9:34) and St Paul refers to healing as a ministry.
(1 Corinthians 12:9).

But how can this promised healing be real for us today, for the aging, the disabled and those with terminal illness?  Human need of every kind cries out to God for healing. We cannot cure mortality. The healing miracles in the gospels, like those in the Old Testament, were often associated repentance and with faith. The Good News, ‘repent and believe’ 
(Mark 1:15) brought healing to the sick. (Luke 7:22) Jesus’ forgiveness healed the paralytic on a stretcher. (Luke 5:25). Faith saved the blind beggar. (Mark 10:52), The gospel healings were not just medical cures; they were ‘signs’ to inspire faith (John 2:12; 20:30), conversion, and a healing of the heart.  

This healing of the heart often takes place without any physical healing. St Paul discovered that his prayer for healing was not answered in the way he hoped. God said, ‘My grace is enough for you: my power is at its best in weakness.’ So Paul ‘delights’ in his weakness, ‘that the power of Christ may stay over me. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’ 
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10). His healing was a strengthening in his relationship to God, transforming his attitude to his physical frailty.   

The penitent thief on the cross, unlike the other thief, did not ask to be saved from death. Rather, he asked Jesus, ‘remember me, when you come into your kingdom’ ( Luke 23:42). He was hoping for a salvation beyond death and Jesus answered him: ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:43). For the good thief, as for St Paul, suffering with Christ brought, not physical healing, but a healing of the heart. Death became the gateway to paradise.  .  

Jesus performed his last healing miracle in the garden of Gethsemane, healing the high priest’s servant. Here he faced his greatest crisis, the imminent prospect of pain and death. He was totally alone, abandoned by his disciples and the great crowds who had followed him. 

Jesus resolved this terrible crisis not by miracles but by surrender to God’s will. ‘He accepted death’ (Philippians 2:8). He prayed, ‘let your will be done, not mine’. ( Luke 22:66). His constant rebellion against sickness and death was over. ‘Although he was a son, he learnt to obey though suffering.’ (Hebrews 5:8). Surrender to God’s will was a continuing process, finding completion in his last words, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit’ (Hebrews 5:8). The physician did not heal himself. The saviour did not save himself. The one who raised the dead, died. 

So the promise of healing, meaning to make whole, contains a paradox. Physical and mental healing restores health and reduces suffering. But healing, in the deeper sense of reconciliation with God, comes through acceptance of suffering, because suffering leads to salvation and death leads to victory (1 Corinthians 15:5).

We are all pilgrims, like the Israelites in the desert. The promise of healing is real, because the journey is not in vain. ‘For we know that when the tent that we live in on earth is folded up, there is a house built by God for us, an everlasting home, not made by human hands, in the heavens.’(2 Corinthians 5: 1). Jesus made peace by the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:20). ‘He will give light to those who dwell in darkness, those who dwell in the shadow of death, and guide us into the way of peace.’ (Luke 1:79).

Geoff Bignell                                                                                                                    
March 2016

                                                                                                             

  

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LADIES NIGHT

Guildford Golf Club, by now becoming the Guildford Catenian's ancestral home, hosted the 'Spring'  Ladies Night on Wednesday March 2nd 2016. Spring may have been in the step of many brothers and ladies but it certainly wasn't in the outside weather conditions which were more akin to Arctic! Whatever, the Guildford Cats are a hardy bunch and the evening was entered into with the usual air of bonhomie. It was a full house and the dining room was bursting at the seams with revellers!

Sharing the evening with us was Fr Dunstan Keauffling from St Augustine's Abbey in Chilworth, the home of a Community of Benedictine Monks of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation. The brothers and ladies were appreciative of his sung Grace both before and after the meal. Bro. William D'Souza, VP elect, formally welcomed the Ladies and Maureen Bielac responded on their behalf.  

Bro. President Greg Melly announced that the evening was his last official function as Guildford President and he asked all present to remember Bro. Barry Dale in their prayers. As we all know, Bro. Barry has been seriously ill. However, the most recent reports circulated via Bro. Secretary Steve Rowden, informed us that Bro Barry came off the ventilator on Friday the 4th March and continues to recover from the sedation effects. It will be some time before he moves to St George's Hospital but this is encouraging news.

Absent Brothers?

I did it my way

Drinking coffee after dinner can be habit forming

Listen to me boyo, we're gonna win on Saturday!

10 points easy!

So we'll win the Championship then?.....Lovely!

Bro. Claude demonstrating his new colour coded alert system

Here's to the Ladies!

Of course you're wonderful, would we lie?

Someone's slipped a Mickey Finn into my tea!

That's my girl!

Oh no! this one's my shopping list!

Phew!

All that stress and hassle for a bunch of flowers from Sainsbury's

These special glasses magnify everything to twice its normal size!

A Penny for your thoughts!

Well done Eileen, it's the end of the evening and we're still standing!

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.