Three members of Crawley Circle and two ladies enjoyed a night out at the Windsor Hotel in Worthing yesterday, courtesy of Worthing & Chanctonbury Circle. Bro Mike Newman, Bro Peter Mullarky, Anne Mullarky and Bro Edek and myself were treated to generous hospitality and had a very pleasant evening indeed. We were delighted that Bro Philip Gidman, a member of course of Crawley Circle as well as of Worthing & Chanctonbury, and Mrs Arleen Gidman were also present.
Each year Worthing & Chanctonbury Circle hosts a "Ladies' Night" meeting and dinner to which all the incoming Presidents of the Province are invited. It's an excellent way for those about to take on the office to swap notes, receive advice and generally be bolstered up! As outgoing Worthing & Chanctonbury President Bro Neville de Moraes pointed out in his Welcome to visiting brothers and guests, it's also a nice opportunity for incoming Presidents' wives to get to know a few faces and names from other Circles.
One of those poised to take up his Presidency was Bro Joe Fackler of Seaford Circle, who will be stepping up to the plate as Provincial President. I don't know if he's at all daunted at the prospect but he seemed very relaxed as he responded to Bro Neville on behalf of visiting brothers and guests; he'll evidently be taking the upcoming year in his stride!
The only slightly negative note sounded during a fabulous evening came when Past President Bro Philip Gidman stood up to present the New Members' Cup for the past year (won by Hastings with three new members). Crawley Circle had come joint second with Arundel, both achieving two new members. Bro Philip drew a contrast between these figures and those achieved in neighbouring Provinces such as West London. Figures in the north of the country tended to be higher generally than in the south-east and demonstrated that the Catenian Association is not - as it can sometimes be tempting to think in this part of the country - on the decline, but still very much a relevant and attractive organisation for modern men and their families. It was time, Bro Philip suggested, to think seriously about how we can "up the ante" in our Province during the year ahead and get some fresh faces on board.
There's a challenge, not only for our new Presidents but for all Catenians and - as Bro Neville pointed out - their ladies too! I'm sure it's one we can rise to. Let's see how many more people we can introduce to the sort of friendly, generous and thoroughly Catholic fellowship that the five of us enjoyed last night. Thank you very much Worthing & Chanctonbury.
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