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.