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

Guildford Circle 60th Anniversary Meeting & Dinner

Guildford Rugby Club was the venue for this auspicious occasion where the Brothers celebrated with the Ladies, Sons and Daughters.The guest of honour was Brother Peter Rogers, National President of Great Britain, who was accompanied by his wife Joan. Other distinguished guests included: Bro. David Arundale, Director of Province 19, President of Osterley Circle and Member of Ascot & Sunningdale Circle; Bro. Mark Potter, Provincial President and Member of Woking Circle; Bro. Peter Woodford, Past Grand President and Member of Reigate Circle; Bro. John Barrie, Past Grand President and Member of Croydon Circle and Bro. Mike O'Neill, Provincial Marketing Officer, Vice-President of Ascot & Sunningdale Circle and Vice President and Marketing Officer of Osterley Circle. 

The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm and when all business was done, the brothers joined the throng at the bar and waited for dinner to be announced by acting Chamberlain Bro. Wally Walsh who undertook the role of Master of Ceremonies for the evening. When everyone had taken their place in the restaurant area, Grace before Meal was said by Fr Alan Sharpe after which everyone tucked into a delicious three course meal followed by coffee and mints. Vice-President Bro. Paul Davies proposed a toast to absent brothers and Grace after Meal was said by Fr Alan. 

Later in the evening, Bro. Vice-President proposed the Loyal Toast after which our President, Bro. William D'Souza, welcomed the distinguished guests and visitors and proceeded to present a cheque to Joan Rogers for the Bursary fund. Bro. Peter Rogers then took the stand in response to Bro. President and proposed a toast to the Guildford Circle.

The presentation of Scrolls and Miniatures was next on the agenda. Bro. Peter Rogers presented Bro. Frank Comerford with a Scroll and Miniature to mark an amazing 60 years as a founding brother. Bro. Peter also presented a Scroll and Miniature to Bro. Brian Jenkins to mark his 40 years as a Catenian. To commemorate the Guildford Circle's 60th Anniversary, Bro. Peter presented Guildford President, Bro. William with a framed Scroll.

Just when the applause was dying down, there was more to come! Bro. Frank was also celebrating his 90th birthday and was presented with a gift by Bro. President. A gift was also to be presented to Brian Cook's wife, Pat, to mark Brian's 80th birthday but, unfortunately, Pat was unable to attend the evening. This successful and enjoyable anniversary evening finally came to an end shortly after 10.30 pm.

Pre-dinner drinks and conversation in the bar

Sorry Father, I ordered you a double double!

Cheers!

What's it like being married to the President?

No big deal, I just snap my fingers and give the orders!

Somebody's having a good time!

In control

In the bar!

Time for the meeting Brothers!

Will the meeting really last that long? I should have brought sandwiches!

Bro. Michael was too busy entertaining the ladies to attend the meeting!

Smiles all round!

Alright Boyo?

Himself, just off to the meeting

The Brothers preparing for the meeting

Well, this is fun!

Brothers, Ladies, please take your places for dinner!

At your service!

Me too!

Can we actually sit down now?

No, don't sit next to him!

 I was here first you know!

I think the food is on its way!

C'mon, I'm starving!

The gravy train!

Fr Alan saying Grace before Meal

Patiently waiting to be served

Still patiently waiting!

That waitress moves so quickly she's just a blurr!

Sorry to keep you waiting!

The Toast to absent brothers

Absent brothers!

Cheers!

Cheers!

No Roger, it's raise glasses and cheers!

Careful! you're gonna spill it!

Phew! that was close!

Is that wine or water? Don't know!

OK. May I serve you some wine?

May I sell you some wine?

Here comes the CMKO with his camera, strike a good pose!

That's a good one!

Talking of the CMKO!

I propose we split the cost of the extra wine 60-40 in my favour

I gotta hand it to you, you strike a hard bargain!

Are you a Cradle Catholic. No, I was converted at a Rugby match!

Grace after Meal

The Loyal Toast

The Queen!

Guildford President, Bro. William D'Souza, welcoming Distinguished Guests and Visitors

 He later presented Joan Rogers with a cheque for the Bursary Fund

Response to Guildford Circle by Bro. Peter Rogers

Congratulations to Bro. Frank

Bro. Frank with Scroll and Miniature

Is that your 'Fiver' on the table Bro. Frank?

Bro. Frank with a hint of a Swagger saying thank you!

Well done Frank!

Congratulations to Bro. Brian Jenkins

Bro. Brian Jenkins with his 40 year Scroll and miniature

Thank you

Bro. Brian, Bro. Peter and Bro. Frank

Congratulations to Guildford on its 60th Anniversary!

Fr Alan relaxing with Bro. President

I love your Cologne!

Well done Ladies and thank you!

I really think it's time to go home!

I think so too!

Goodnight Bruvs!