The Keith Shield

Mike Georgeson explains a thing or two about the shield to our President, while Andrew Brzezina looks on

The Keith Shield was presented by a past member of our Circle, Ian Keith, as a trophy for an annual cricket match between Brighton and Crawley Circles. When our annual match ceased we instituted “The Crawley Circle Cricket Festival” which was a six a side competition open to all Circles in Province. Ian Keith agreed to the change and the trophy was contested up to  2001/2, when it ceased to be contested. The last winner of the Shield was East Grinstead Circle.

On our Presidential visit to East Grinstead on 21st May we were reunited with the shield after a gap of 12 years. Our intention is to organize another inter-circle competition, probably not cricket, and offer it as the prize.

Visit to The Clink Restaurant, HM Prison High Down, Sutton. 13 May 14

 On Tuesday, 13th May a party of Crawley Catenians had lunch at the Clink Restaurant, High Down Prison, Sutton. About half had been on the previous visit three years ago. We can't show any photographs as cameras were strictly forbidden.

"The Clink Charity will continue to change public perception of prisoners. Through the work and training at The Clink Restaurant at HMP High Down we can pave the way to a brighter future for those who want, and deserve, a second chance at life." Alberto Crisci, MBE, founder.

Brother Richard Emms sent an email afterwards to the Governor, which sums up the experience:

 --------------------------------------
From: Richard
Sent: 13 May 2014 18:58
To: High Down Clink Restaurant; High Down Clink Restaurant; Christopher Moore
Subject: The Clink, High Down

Dear Governor Peter Dawson,

My wife and I attended a lunch today and we would like to congratulate all concerned for a most enjoyable occasion.

You, Governor, are to be congratulated on offering such an innovative and very different type of function. The politeness and congeniality of our servers stand as testament to the success of this innovative form of rehabilitation. The behaviour of the catering team left us wondering how such delightful people could warrant being in prison. Again, a sign of your success.

So far as the catering team is concerned, they made us so welcome and relaxed, just like an expensive restaurant. The conversational interaction was a delight. The food was excellent and its presentation wonderful.

Once again, congratulations to you all

With kind regards

Richard & Gerry Emms

Circle Council Meeting - 7th May 2013

"And the next item is how many are going for a drink at The Lamb afterwards?"

The Circle Council is normally wrapped in mystery, but just to prove to you that it really exists and is not just a myth here are its members hard at work planning all sorts of things for your benefit.

Left to right: 

Roy Jennings, Secretary
David Innes, President
Gerry Lydon, Provincial Councellor
Peter Frisby, Adviser

Tony Sefton, Chamberlain
Andrew Brzezina, Welfare Officer
Peter Charman, Charities Officer
Mike Newman, Vice President/Membership Officer

Behind the camera:

Mark Forster, Press & Publicity/Widows' Officer

Annual General Meeting Buffet 6 May 2014

Laurie Harding, Yvonne Frisby and Joe Degnan

Shelagh Charman and Margaret Brzezina

Lucy Forster and Vice-President Mike Newman

Brother President, David Innes, and Shelagh Charman

Our Provincial Councillor, Gerry Lydon, and Tom Cleary

Brothers Vice-President and President

Shelagh Charman and Iris Jordan

Lucy Forster and Shelagh Charman

Peter Frisby and Bill Beckett

Sajith Peiris

Ousting Dinner 1st May 2014

A year has sped past with no postings, and a new president has been installed. The outgoing president has reverted back to being editor of this blog with the splendid title of Press & Publicity Officer. We never did see those photos which Mike Newman took at the 2013 Ousting Dinner, but here are some photos from this year's event.

Nuala Harding greets Clare Thornton

Great to see Yvonne Frisby back with us

Peter and Doreen Newell

The outgoing President's wife, Lucy Forster, listens to the new President

The outgoing President breathes a sigh of relief

The new President's wife, Irene, caught in a reflective moment

The new President, David Innes, mixes it with some of the guys (Bill Beckett and Steve Thornton)

"It was this big". Peter Newell explains things to Dominic Moorhouse

Valerie Coomber with a winning smile

"Remind me to post last year's photos" - Mike Newman, our new Vice-President

David Innes chats with his consigliere advisor, Peter Frisby