Visit to Croydon Circle

Armed with map and compass, nine brothers from Crawley Circle set off yesterday evening across the provincial border to visit Croydon Circle at Purley - or was it Purley Circle at Croydon? Anyway we had a great time and learned a lot of useful lessons- not least that you get the best views if you meet at a golf club.

The Hawth's Classical Music Series 2011/12

Peter Newell writes:

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns to The Hawth Theatre for its annual Classic Concert series. Dates are Saturday 15th October 2011, Sunday 12th February 2012, and Sunday 10th June 2012. These are usually sell out concerts, and from my personal experience, forward planning is essential to reserve good seats. Bookings commence on Thursday 19th July 2011 (Just three weeks from now).

Box Office 01293 553626. www.hawth.co.uk

President's Sunday

Peter Newell

Peter Newell writes:

It is the Catenian tradition that each year the Circle President invites the members and their families to accompany him to Holy Mass on President`s Sunday, which is a day of his choosing - often the patronal feast of Saints Peter and Paul. This year's date was almost perfect , falling as it did between St Thomas More on 22nd June, and SS Peter and Paul on 29th June.

Circle President Mike Newman hosted the gathering at The Holbrook Club, Horsham`s Premier Business and Leisure Venue. The day commenced with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr.Terry Martin (St John the Evangelist,Horsham), and assisted by Rev.Deacon Chris Dobson (a Brother of Crawley Circle). Brother Bernard Smith provided the music, and the congregation sang their favourite hymns with gusto.

Full marks to those younger attendees who went on to participate in their respective Parish Corpus Christi processions. After Mass, liquid refreshment was available, but more importantly the opportunity to chat. A most splendid buffet lunch was enjoyed by all, the sun was shining, the children were playing in the sports field, and all was well.

All good things must come to an end, but not before President Mike made a meaningful speech, which underlined the Catenian ethos of stengthening family life through friendship and faith.

Provincial Council

Gerry Lydon

A contribution from our Provincial Councillor, Brother Gerry - mainly for the benefit of our newer Brothers:

I thought it might be interesting for our new Brothers to explain a little about Provincial Council and the position of Provincial Councillor in our own Circle.

The Provincial Councillor is the third highest officer of the Circle, behind the President and Vice President. He has to be nominated by a fellow Brother and seconded and then voted into Office by Brothers; he then represents Circle at Provincial Council. The nominee is often a past President of the Circle. In the event of both President and Vice President being absent at a Circle Meeting the Provincial Councillor will act as President. He will always be on Circle Council for it is at this forum that he will report to other Circle Officers what is discussed at Province and also what he intends to put forward at Provincial Council, so that this is agreed by his Circle Council.

Provincial Council is made up of the twelve Provincial Councillors, one from each Circle in Province, headed by a Provincial President and Vice President. There are also Provincial Officers as Secretary, Treasurer, Membership, Chamberlain, Press, Vocations, Employment, Past President (serves for three years following his Presidency). All these are guided by the Director of Province, who serves on Grand Council of our Association. Grand Council is made up of Directors from all Provinces of our Association. The only persons on Provincial Council allowed to vote on any motion being put before Council are Provincial Councillors plus President and Vice President. Officers are not allowed a vote, neither is the Director. Council meets six times a year and Circle Presidents are invited by their Provincial President to attend as observers once during their year to see how Province works.

The period of Office for a Provincial Councillor is three years, which is renewable. My predecessor Andrew Brzezina served for nine years prior to him being elected Provincial President, which was when I was elected to take over as Provincial Councillor. Andrew will remain on Provincial Council for three years after his term of President. We are also privileged in our Circle to have George Powell as Provincial Membership Officer. Did you know that Philip Gidman our very own Past Grand President is  Provincial Chamberlain? However he would still have an ex-Officio place on Council as all ex Grand Presidents do for their own Provincial Councils.

The Provincial Councillor's main duty is to advise his Circle of what is happening nationally and provincially in our Association, and to encourage Brothers to attend the various events that are put on. He will also encourage Brothers to visit other Circles because that is when you get most out of our Brotherhood.

Tie Watching

The tie above was spotted at last night's Circle meeting. It comes from Brother President's extensive repertory of comedy ties. Click on the photo to see more detail.

Unexpected News from Horsham

Fr. Terry Martin

At St John The Evangelist Horsham's Annual Parish Meeting tonight, there was an unexpected announcement by Fr. Terry Martin, the Parish Priest, that both he and the Assistant Priest, Fr. Peter Andrews, had been asked to take up new posts in September this year. Fr. Terry has only been with us for three years and Fr. Peter for less than a year so this was a surprise and a wrench both for them and for us.

Fr. Peter Andrews

The good news is that both priests will be replaced and their successors are already designated, though their names can't yet be made public.

Golf and Crawley Catenian Circle

In the absence of photos our resident artist has imagined the scene

Peter Frisby writes:

For many years now the Crawley Catenian Circle has had an association with the game of golf. Mostly this consisted of casual games between members of the circle and occasional games with members of other circles in Province 18. The introduction of “The George Batty Cup” in the 1980’s changed this when a formal match was instigated against the Brothers of Reigate circle in memory of Founding Past President George Batty of Crawley, with the intention of encouraging visiting and friendship between the two circles. Although there have been a few misses due to both Circles not always being able to raise enough players at the time, this has continued to this day.

Another Golf competition was started for members of Crawley Circle. The introduction of this competition stemmed from a weekend fourball game played by four members of the Circle. Tim Foley, one of the four, had played for a couple of years, learning the game, using clubs he inherited from his father. On this particular weekend Tim announced that he was going to buy new clubs and retire his old set. It was suggested to Tim that it would be a good idea to offer one of his clubs as a trophy which the four would play for on an annual basis. Tim agreed and said that the Niblick would be best as it was the club that had given him the most pleasure to use and his companions the most amusement!

However wiser counsel suggested that it would be even better to set up a Crawley Circle competition for the Niblick to be played for on an annual basis. Tim agreed; he also wanted to offer it in memory of his father Francis from whom he had inherited it and had been a Catenian as a member of Newport Circle.

The Foley Niblick was introduced in 1981 and this year we will be playing the 30th Foley Niblick. Tim organised this as a casual trophy game with very little formality, before, during or after the game. There would be a simple presentation and only modest prizes apart from the Niblick and no speeches. These rules have continued to be the essence of the competition. Since the untimely demise of Tim in 2003 the Niblick has been played as a memorial to Tim and his father and the additional element of raising funds for one of Tim’s favourite charities was introduced. The St Patrick’s Missionary Society was designated as the recipient of the monies raised but this too changed in 2008.

Fr. Chris and his congregation

Fr. Chris McGuinness, a member of the St Patrick’s Missionary Society and known to several of the Crawley brothers was posted to the Island of Grenada in the West Indies. His shock at the condition of his parish, his church, home and the home for abused boys that he supervised prompted him to write asking for financial help as he was desperate and any amount, however small would be appreciated.

The problems in the parish originated from the hurricane, which swept the island in 2006 causing a great deal of damage. Relief was received from the British and other governments and relief agencies, this was soon used but as other catastrophes hit the media headlines the relief reduced to a trickle and the Islanders were left largely to their own devices. Fr Chris turned to his friends. Last year another trophy was introduced to the “Niblick” this was the “Pat McDermott Memorial Trophy”, in memory of Pat who was a great supporter of all Catenian golf over many years. Although we do welcome other players only a member of Crawley Catenian Circle can win either trophy. Visitors can however win a small prize.

The third golfing event in the Crawley Circle calendar stemmed from frustration! For a number of years 6 members of the Circle used to play in an event organised by a member of Brighton 17 Circle as a way of raising funds for one of the Brighton & Arundel diocese Priests who had been seconded to a poor parish in Peru. This was named after the Priest involved and named “The Benny O’Shea Golf Classic”. It proved to be very popular and by the year 2000 there were as many as 250 players and a great deal of money was raised. The very popularity however caused its own problem for the Crawley contingent because a round of 18 holes of golf was taking 6 hours to complete! Taking the view that “The Benny” was popular enough to replace the six players, they decided to play their own golf game and send any monies raised to The St Patrick’s Missionary Society, similar to “The Niblick”. Having played this game once it was thought that another golf competition for Crawley Circle would give the season better balance and so it was named, a little tongue in cheek and introduced to the circle as “The Alternate Benny O’Shea Golf Classic” It was decided that it would not be restricted to members of Crawley Circle, any Catenian or friend, male or female would be welcome. From 2006 the cash raised from this event was also allocated to Fr Chris.

This year’s Alternate Benny O’ was played on 8th June. Twenty one players took part and were joined by three other brothers from Crawley Circle, including Brother President, for lunch and the presentation. The trophy was won this year by Ron Crump, a friend of many members of the circle, he won on count back from Manus McDermott who was placed second. So the honour of the circle was upheld! As well as donations from the players and visitors a raffle was held, added to this donations and raffle prizes were received from well-wishers who for one reason or another were unable to attend.

A record figure was raised and a cheque for £500 has been sent to Fr Chris. We have not heard from Fr Chris as yet but it is believed that he is on holiday just now, his first break in 5 years.

A great big” THANK YOU” is due to all our players, visitors and benefactors, a wonderful effort.

We do not plan to rest on our laurels; it will soon be time to play the “30th Foley Niblick”(8th September at Rookwood). We have quite a target to beat and we will try to do so but the most important thing is to play and enjoy the day.

Catenian golf is always played in a spirit of friendship; it is not winning a trophy or prize that matters, although we always try to win if we can, it is the companionship and the memory of those no longer with us that are paramount.

If you are interested in playing in any or all of these events and are not already on the list for invitations please contact either Peter Frisby or Manus McDermott.

To think about . . .

Archbishop Vincent Nichols

"In recent days there has been a media focus on the quality of social care provision. In the longer term this whole area is bound to come more to the fore. By 2020 over 20% of the population will be over 65, with nearly half this group over 75. How we care for older and vulnerable people is a major challenge for all of us. Catholic care homes often have a special ethos, and Caritas has recently been developing in particular the work on the spiritual needs of people with dementia. I was struck by Joanna Killon’s comments at our conference on 6 April about the high levels of loneliness among older people living alone, and the potential within the Catholic community for us to deepen our social engagement precisely through the ministry of visiting, through cherishing and supporting the work of the SVP, the Catenians and others. No doubt there are other examples of how our contribution could grow."

Archbishop Vincent Nichols addressing the Caritas Network Conference, 9 June 2011

A Wife's Perspective . . .

Anneli Figura

Reflections after the Annual Mass for Deceased Wives... from a wife’s perspective

That sounds a bit spooky... a living wife’s perspective, I would hasten to say!

As wife of the newly-appointed Circle Vice-President, I attended my first Mass for Deceased Wives this afternoon. This is an annual event but one which Edek and I hadn’t been able to attend in previous years. Edek has been a Catenian for only four years and so most of the names read out during Mass rang no bells for me, but in any case I found the occasion very meaningful. Why?

Obviously any memorial liturgy for those who have been much loved will be a moving occasion. As well as the people being remembered, however – powerful although that was – I was struck by a principle. The Catenians may be a men’s organisation, but there is family feeling at its heart. Feeling for the Catenian family, and for “the family”.

When Edek was initially told about the Catenians by a friend who already belonged, I encouraged him to join as a way of enjoying the company of other men on a regular basis and of having something social “of his own” rather than as part of a couple. Most women need little encouragement to get together, talk, enjoy each other’s company and offer mutual support (my husband sometimes refers to this under the label of “gossiping about nail varnish and stuff”). Men can benefit from exactly the same things (minus the nail varnish maybe) but don’t do it so naturally. They tend to need a formal set-up with objective aims and outcomes. When Edek was asked to become Vice-President for 2011/12, I continued the encouragement, thinking if a bit of a good thing was helpful, even more of it would be even more helpful!

What I hadn’t realised in either case were the benefits that would accrue to me too, as Edek’s wife. The Catenian organisation honours marriage and family life and the Crawley Circle is, I believe, particularly good at involving “other halves” in its life. Of course the monthly meetings are just for the gentlemen and (for the reasons given above) I think that’s a good thing. However our Circle also has an active social life and it wouldn’t dream of leaving the ladies out. This even extends to the meeting evenings - there are buffets after the monthly meetings every three months to which wives are warmly welcomed.

I have attended a number of social events now and look forward to many more. (Ladies are represented on the Social Committee so the social side of things isn’t organised entirely to male tastes by any means!) These events are a way of getting to know women I might not otherwise have come across... women of a wide range of ages and from both Crawley and Horsham parishes. The Catenian Association is a real social opportunity for wives too and, furthermore, supports marriage by encouraging friendship between like-minded couples. If recruitment drives and word of mouth (and blog) are successful, perhaps we will see a real family focus to many of our social events, if men begin to join who have younger children. I know this was the case with Crawley Circle when it first began.

We live in an individualistic world and one in which traditional marriage, as preached by the Catholic Church, is increasingly undermined. I count myself and my husband lucky to be involved in an organisation which values, respects and does all it can to support family life. If there are any men out there who are considering getting involved with the Catenians, or ladies whose men are thinking about it, but who are at all put off by the “men only” label – don’t hesitate! The Catenians are by no means men only but one of the most inclusive organisations I have come across. Go for it!

Mass for Deceased Wives, Storrington

Design Improvements

As you can see, the design of the blog has now got well beyond plain old black and white. The heading has been improved. The overall colour scheme has been changed and at the same time links and pictures have been made more distinctive.

Our new header

In the margin, the patron saints of the Catenian Association have been added with requests for their prayers. There is also a facility for you to be able to receive the contents of the blog by email. And finally a list has been added of other relevant blogs. Do tell me if you know of any additional ones that should be included.

St John's Pentecost Novena

Brother President leads the prayers

Crawley Catenians led the seventh day of the Pentecost Novena this evening at St John the Evangelist's, Horsham.

Father, pour out your Spirit upon your people, and grant us: a new vision of your glory, a new experience of your power, a new faithfulness to your Word, and a new consecration to your service; that your love may grow among us, and your kingdom come: through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Did you know....

... that J.R.R. Tolkein (1892-1973), author of The Lord of the Rings was a Catenian?
 In 1944 he became founder Vice President of the Oxford Circle.

St John's Arts Festival

St John The Evangelist Horsham's Arts and Flower Festival takes place 7th - 10th July.

Among Crawley Catenians and their wives involved in organising the festival are Andrew Laird, Jill Smith, Anneli Figura and Irene Innes.

Provincial Croquet Trophy

Brother President Mike, together with Brothers Peter Mullarky, Gerry Lydon and Laurie Harding travelled to Southwick last Saturday to defend the Provincial Croquet Trophy which they won last year.

Six teams took part (three from Haywards Heath Circle) and despite a valiant effort Crawley were pipped by half-a-point by one of the Haywards Heath teams - so well done guys!

Still, one less trophy to take out at Circle meetings.

In the absence of any of the promised photographs, our resident artist has imagined the scene.

Enrolment of New Member

At our meeting on 26th May we welcomed a new member, Mr. Gurudev Lazarus, to Crawley Circle.

In the photo, from left to right: Mike Newman (Circle President); Gurudev Lazarus; Julian Taylor (Provincial President)

Unfortunately the photo isn't quite sharp enough to show the detail of Brother Mike's tie.

Ousting Buffet Video

I want to include short videos on this blog, so as a starter here are the speeches at the Ousting Buffet by Mike Newman and Dominic Moorhouse. Length: 5 minutes 47.

Ousting Buffet

The outgoing President talks to the Membership Officer

One of the features of Catenian life is the Ousting Buffet  in which the year's outgoing Circle President is thanked for his year in office.  The Crawley Circle, which includes Horsham, held their Ousting Buffet on Saturday 21st May at the Red Lion in Handcross.

At the end of the meal, the incoming President, Mike Newman, thanked Dominic Moorhouse, the outgoing President, for an excellent and most enjoyable year.  Just the Presidential job would have been enough for most people, but during the year Dominic had also changed careers, got married, and continued his Territorial Army work. Nevertheless he had managed a busy year of Presidential duties - arranging, organising and running meetings - carrying out a visiting programme to other Circles in Sussex - and still appeared to carry out every task with ease.

The outgoing President congratulates his successor Mike Newman

Mike presented Emily, Dominic's new wife, with a bouquet for giving so much support to Dominic by carrying out the role of "first lady" during the year.

Dominic in replying presented the Partner's Vase to Iris Jordan –  the widow of a former Catenian who has herself given much support to the Circle, especially on the Social Committee -  who would be acting as Mike's honorary “wife” during the year, Mike being  a single man.  Iris was at some pains to assure everyone this would be purely a social duty! 

The new Vice-President, Edek Figura, and his wife Anneli

Dominic remarked that he and Emily had never dared to unwrap the vase in case it got broken. He then recalled that the first time he had brought Emily to a Catenian function, someone had asked him "What's the name of your daughter?"

Dominic concluded by saying that he had had a thoroughly marvellous time as Circle President and it had seemed easy because of the degree of support he had received from the members of the Circle. He would be very happy to do it again someday - after a good few years’ rest!