Circle Meetings: Apr-Jun 2023

Table of Contents

Knutsford Catenians: Circle 182 – Minutes of the 776th Circle Meeting held on Monday 5th June, 2023

Presiding: Brother President John Long
Meeting started at 20:00, finished at 21:20

Attendees

BrothersJohn Long, Sean McGhee, Martin Relton, Steve Graham, John Ross, Eddie Haughey, David Perls, Tom Hughes, Felix Martin, Richard Paley, Bill Gore, Alfonso Escaurazia, Simeon Johnson, Nick Johnson, Peter Lowe, John Finnan, Peter Pozzoni, Richard Brown, Peter Doran, John Williams-Rigby, Stuart Jones, John Shaw
Visitors –Brooklands – Mike Chidgey
Guests 
ApologiesJames Power, Jim Flood, John Hurst, Damian Grieves, John Piper, Mike Dobson, Tony Andrews, Kevin Morgan, John Sutton, Martin Roberts plus Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Paul Yearsley, Fabio Vitiello
There were 4 brothers not present with no apology

There were 22 Knutsford Brothers in attendance and no visitors.  There were 14 apologies

Actions outstanding from previous meetings

None

New actions from this meeting

  • Eddie Haughey to send an email to brothers requesting payment of subs.
  • Tom Hughes will check whether the school’s ‘Party in the Park’ is going ahead.

Closed actions

None

Decisions

  • None

Circle Prayers

The President led everyone in prayers for the sick Brothers from Knutsford:

Damian Grieves, James O’Dude, Tony Weir, Joan Shaw (wife of Brother John), Tony Andrews, Also Wendy Hurst, Theresa Dobson, Bro Jim Flood’s niece’s child Finn, Margaret Phillips, nd Peter Phillips (former President of the Circle and George Moon (great grandson of former brother Peter Kerr)

We also prayed for all those on the Provincial Sick List.

  • Ashton: Angela Roylance
  • Brooklands: Bro’s John Constable, Mike Harrison, Gerry Langford, John Hamilton;Father Pat Monroe (PP of St Hugh & St John’s), Sheila Connor (widow of late Bro.Tom Connor), Matteo Llerena (Stephen Robinson’s Nephew), Josie Lowe (widow of late Bro. Gerry Lowe), Sue O’Mahoney (Bro. Jim’s Wife) & Elizabeth Tierney (Bro. Peter Kerr’s Niece).
  • Crewe: Bro’s Hugh Brady, Laurence Mooney, Maureen Brady (wife of Bro. Hugh), Alessandro Holmes-Amatiello (late Bro. Luigi’s granddaughter), Stella Cooke (wife of Bro. Frank), Liz Wimpenny (wife of Bro. Jack)
  • Didsbury: Bro’s: Peter Sivori; Kathy Raftery (wife of Bro. Jim), Pat Ravening, (wife of Bro. Joe)
  • Macclesfield: Bro’s Norman Clayton. Ross Godlieb; Barbara Clayton, Val Godlieb, Jenny Carr, Pacita Hodkin, Lynne Mears, Ethel Kyte, Sue Wilbraham, Josephina Barbosa (mother of Bro Ken), Jane Stutynskyj, Peter Onions (brother of Christine Morton-Davies)
  • North Cheshire: Bro’s: Mike Bramwell, Mary Dolan
  • Ringway: Bro’s Derek Bottomley, Brian Cann; Greta Bottomley, Trudie Denny
  • Warrington: Bro’s John Atherton, Tony Rudder, Peter Leighton, Philomena Harvey
  • Wilmslow: Bro’s Brendan Delaney, Dennis Hannah, Frank George, James O’Brien, Tony Jenkins; Gaetano, Scappaticci, Arnold Hillier, Anthony Sivori; Winifred Delaney, Kath George, Jennifer O’Brien, Luciana Granelli, Joan Quinn, Ann Rawcliffe, Frances Cherouvim (daughter of Bro. Gerald Ramsden), Stephen Jenkins (son of Bro. Tony), Dorothy Hillier

Please pray also for those who wish to maintain their privacy at this time and those who have care of them.

Recent Deaths

We remember those Knutsford Brothers whose anniversaries are in June: Lionel Gaskell, Jerry Sampey, Ken Shipley, Tony Steers

We remember those who have died recently in Province:

  • Brooklands: Anthony Hamilton, (brother of Bro. John Hamilton)
  • Crewe: Bro. Patrick Cantwell
  • Macclesfield: Sally Boxer (sister-in-law of Bro Mike Guerin)

Welfare

Tony Andrews collapsed at church on Sunday – he has been checked over by the doctors and is OK, he is now waiting for the results of an ECG.

Tony Weir remains poorly and now does not really recognise his own family.  JWR may visit him with Margaret.

Damien Greaves has started his treatment for cancer.

Secretary’s Report

  • John Sutton visited Wilmslow Circle meeting on June 1st,
  • Stuart completed the Macclesfield Bikeathon – a few days late due to illness.  His sponsorship has raised £360.
  • A flyer has been produced to support membership recruitment efforts.  Speak to Stuart if you want copies

Provincial Report

Provincial President Mike Chidgey installed John Hogan and Mike Swarbrick as Vice President and Treasurer respectively, for 2023/24.

Website – Progress on the development of the Provincial website, which was going well. There would be a preview presentation to Circle Secretaries in June, which has already begun, followed by meetings with Circles, starting with Brooklands, in June and July.

Province – The next Provincial Council meeting on 11th July would include a visit by the National President. Circle Presidents and PPPs would be invited to attend.

The Provincial Convention will be held at Ringway Golf Club at 7pm for 7.30pm on 5th July 2023. The cost of meals will be £25pp for three courses. There will be presentations of four awards to Circles/individuals, and to retiring Officers. Bookings should be organized by Circle and received by 21st June 2023, and advanced payment received by 28th June.

Membership – Overall Provincial Membership has reduced from 307 Brothers to 301. Attendance at Circle meetings was down from 50% to 45%. Visits to other Circles are generally lower than for previous years. Installations were picking up and there were a number of visiting gentlemen at various Circles.

National – Work on the recruitment website is complete although the project is 6 months behind schedule. The developers are committed to finding 168 potential recruits for Circles.

The national capitation fee has not increased for 10 years; there is a proposal to increase it for 2024/25.

National Council has purchased a small office on the outskirts of Coventry to replace its leased property. It will be moving to the property in October/November 2023.

The Restructuring Review Group is conducting a review of all Provinces in the UK. There will be a pilot review of certain Provinces including 1 and 17 with possible recommendations on the merger of Provinces.

Other – Warrington 1,000th Meeting will take place on 19th September 2023; Sam’s Luncheon will be on 13th June at Ringway Golf Club – speaker Mark Kernberg

Social Events

Upcoming events

  • Parish Walk – 24th June
  • Social Meal – TBA (possible outdoor at the Rose and Crown)
  • Gardeners Question Time – Sunday 23rd July
  • Presidents at Home – Sunday, 17th September

Tom Hughes has offered to arrange a wine tasting evening.

Membership

  1. Membership will be a strong focus in the coming year. Gerard McCreesh is interested and will be invited to our next social event.
  2. The President is talking to Father David about a parish social event at which we will advocate for membership of the association – this is likely to be part of another meeting.
  3. We have the opportunity to do a talk from the pulpit at Mass if we choose to do so.

Bill Gore reiterated the need to ‘tap people on the shoulder’ at Masses and has spoken to two gentlemen at the 11:00 Mass.  A discussion followed about the best way to engage new people.  Stuart has produced a customised Knutsford Catenian Leaflet which will be available at the next meeting

Finance

  • The Treasurer confirmed that our finances are healthy with over £4,000 in the bank
  • Subscriptions are now due: Full members – £160; Country Members – £105; Joint Member – £95; 50% discount for 12 months for new brothers

Other meeting notes

  • Steve Graham is now the Health & Safety lead for St. Vincents.  He asked brothers to be aware of the importance of filling in the accident book when incidents occur.
  • Mike Chidgey promoted Sam’s Luncheon club and the provincial convention

President’s Report

Enrolment Anniversaries in June

Peter Pozzoni (52yrs), John Long (22yrs), Martin Relton (22yrs)

Birthdays in June

Michael Diver (17th), Christopher Jones (24th)

Warm Welcome Trophy

The warm welcome trophy was given to Mike Chidgey.

Knutsford Catenians: Circle 182 – Minutes of the AGM Meeting held on Monday 8th May, 2023

Presiding: Brother President John Long
Meeting started at 19:30, finished at 19:50

Attendees

BrothersJohn Long, Sean McGhee, Martin Relton, Steve Graham, John Ross, Martin Roberts, Eddie Haughey, Kevin Morgan, David Perls, Tom Hughes, Felix Martin, Bill Gore On Zoom: Stuart Jones
Guests 
ApologiesJames Power, Jim Flood, John Shaw, Damian Grieves, John Piper, Peter Doran, John Sutton, Nick Johnson, Simeon Johnson, Mike Hosker and John Hurst plus Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Paul Yearsley, Fabio Vitiello
There were 12 brothers not present with no apology

There were 13 Knutsford Brothers in attendance.  There were 15 apologies

 Matters arising

There were no matters arising.

President’s report

  • Membership – has been great to welcome two new members and we have two more in the pipeline
  • John summarised all the social events that we have had – seen as a good set of activities.  Need to acknowledge decreasing levels of attendance.
  • At province John was disappointed that he had not met all his goals in attending provincial events.  Recognised that John Sutton had led the way on visits especially the recent Crewe visit.  Martin Relton has been very active in province and he and Stuart have supported the development of the new Province web-site.
  • Parish engagement has been good – e.g. support for the flower festival, parish walks, the parish meal.  Have had positive feedback from Father David.
  • School engagement is positive but weneed to do more.
  • Charity – have actively helped ‘Just Drop In’ start their new centre in Knutsford

Treasurer’s report

Accounts have been audited and were accepted by the Circle – thanks to Tom Hughes and Paul O’Brien.

Subscriptions

Council recommended that subscriptions increase by £10 and that the deficit is covered by reserves. Council also recommended 4 raffles a year to contribute to circle funds and the Children’s Christmas Party and that subs are increased each year to avoid future bill shock”

  • Full members – £160
  • Country Members – £105
  • Joint Member – £95
  • 50% discount for 12 months for new brothers

The proposal was carried unanimously.

Appointment of auditors

Paul O’Brien and Tom Hughes were confirmed as auditors for the coming year

Any other reports

There were none

 Any other business


We thanked John Long for his support to the Circle over the past year.

Knutsford Catenians: Circle 182 – Minutes of the 775th Circle Meeting held on Monday 8th May, 2023

Presiding: Brother President John Long
Meeting started at 20:00, finished at 21:20

Attendees

BrothersJohn Long, Sean McGhee, Martin Relton, Steve Graham, John Ross, Martin Roberts, Eddie Haughey, Kevin Morgan, David Perls, Tom Hughes, Felix Martin, Richard Paley, Bill Gore, Alfonso Escaurazia On Zoom: Stuart Jones
Visitors –None
Guests 
ApologiesJames Power, Jim Flood, John Shaw, Damian Grieves, John Piper, Peter Doran, Nick Johnson, Simeon Johnson, Mike Hosker, John Hurst, John Sutton plus Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Paul Yearsley, Fabio Vitiello
There were 8 brothers not present with no apology

There were 15 Knutsford Brothers in attendance and no visitors.  There were 15 apologies

Officers for the coming Year

  • President: John Long
  • Vice-President: Felix Martin
  • Secretary: Stuart Jones
  • Treasurer: Eddie Haughey
  • Membership Officer: John Long
  • Registrar: Steve Graham

We enrolled Felix Martin as Vice President and Eddie Haughey as Treasurer

We thanked Martin Roberts for his service as Treasurer over the past few years

Actions outstanding from previous meetings

None

New actions from this meeting

None

Closed actions

  • Stuart to communicate details of the new KnutCatSoc WhatsApp group and invite brothers to sign-up. Completed

Decisions

  • None

Circle Prayers

The President led everyone in prayers for the sick Brothers from Knutsford:

·       Damian Grieves, James O’Dude, Tony Weir, Joan Shaw (wife of Brother John), Also Bro Jim Flood’s niece’s child Finn and Peter Phillips (former President of the Circle). Plus George Moon (great grandson of former brother Peter Kerr)

We also prayed for all those on the Provincial Sick List.

  • Ashton: Angela Roylance
  • Brooklands: Bro’s John Constable, Mike Harrison, Gerry Langford; Father Pat Monroe (PP of St Hugh & St John’s),Sheila Connor (widow of late Bro.Tom Connor), Matteo Llerena (Stephen Robinson’s Nephew), Josie Lowe (widow of late Bro. Gerry Lowe), Sue O’Mahoney (Bro. Jim’s Wife) & Elizabeth Tierney (Bro. Peter Kerr’s Niece).
  • Crewe: Bro’s Hugh Brady, Laurence Mooney, Maureen Brady (wife of Bro. Hugh), Alessandro Holmes-Amatiello (late Bro. Luigi’s granddaughter), Stella Cooke (wife of Bro. Frank)
  • Didsbury: Bro’s Peter Sivori; Kathy Raftery (wife of Bro. Jim), Pat Ravening, (wife of Bro. Joe)
  • Macclesfield: Bro’s Norman Clayton. Ross Godlieb; Barbara Clayton, Val Godlieb , Jenny Carr, Pacita Hodkin, Lynne Mears, Ethel Kyte, Sue Wilbraham, Josephina Barbosa (mother of Bro Ken), Jane Stutynskyj, Peter Onions (brother of Christine Morton-Davies)
  • North Cheshire: Bros Mike Bramwell
  • Ringway: Bro’s. Bernard Grimes, Derek Bottomley, Brian Cann; Greta Bottomley, Trudie Denny
  • Warrington: Bro’s John Atherton, Tony Rudder, Tony Wernham; Meryl Wernham, Philomena Harvey, Josette Ward (daughter of Bro. Terry and Doris Ward)
  • Wilmslow: Bro’s Brendan Delaney, Dennis Hannah, Frank George, James O’Brien, Tony Jenkins; Gaetano Scappaticci, Arnold Hillier, Anthony Sivori; Winifred Delaney, Kath George, Jennifer O’Brien, Luciana Granelli, Joan Quinn, Ann Rawcliffe, Frances Cherouvim (daughter of Bro. Gerald Ramsden), Stephen Jenkins (son of Bro. Tony), Dorothy Hillier

Please pray also for those who wish to maintain their privacy at this time and those who have care of them.

Recent Deaths

We remember those Knutsford Brothers whose anniversaries are in April: Fred Birch., Eddie Dowling, Patrick Purtill, Stan Robinson

We remember those who have died recently in Province:

  • Brooklands: Anthony Hamilton, (brother of Bro. John Hamilton)
  • Crewe: Bro. Patrick Cantwell, Mrs Pat Smith (wife of Bro. Gerry Smith)
  • Didsbury: Maureen Gaffey (aunt of Bro. Barry Keaveney)
  • Macclesfield: Janet Magee (wife of Bro. Graham), Margaret Gresty (Sister-in-law of Bro Keith Morton-Dasvies), Sally Boxer (sister-in-law of Bro Mike Guerin)
  • Ringway: Bro. Peter Fleming (joint member of Brooklands)
  • Wilmslow – Nora Pettit

Welfare

No update

Secretary’s Report

  • No update

Provincial Report

  • No update.  The next meeting is on 9th May.

Social Events

  • The St. George’s Night meal at Giovannis went well with about 25 people attending. All had a good night.  We raised £150 for Just Drop In. The venue was very accommodating.
  • We supported the parish coronation event with about 60 people present.  Many thanks to Martin Relton and John Long who did all the work.

Upcoming events

  • Parish Walk – TBA
  • Social Meal – TBA (possible outdoor at the Rose and Crown)
  • Gardeners Question Time – Sunday 23rd July
  • Presidents at Home – Sunday, 17th September

Tom Hughes offered to arrange a wine tasting evening.

Membership

  1. Membership will be a strong focus in the coming year with at least one potential member in the pipeline
  2. The President is talking to Father David about a parish social event at which we will advocate for membership of the association

Bill Gore reiterated the need to ‘tap people on the shoulder’ at Masses.  A discussion followed about the best way to engage new people.  Stuart is producing a customised Knutsford Catenian Leaflet which will be available at the next meeting

Finance

  • The Treasurer confirmed that our finances are healthy
  • Subscriptions will be: Full members – £160; Country Members – £105; Joint Member – £95; 50% discount for 12 months for new brothers

Other meeting notes

  • None

President’s Report

Enrolment Anniversaries in May

Edward Haughey (24yrs), Michael Diver (24yrs), John Shaw (23yrs), Felix Martin (5yrs)

Birthdays in May

Richard Paley (2nd), John Shaw (4th), James Flood (19th), Peter Doran (21st), Peter Pozzoni (26th),

Warm Welcome Trophy

No presentation this month.

Knutsford Catenians: Circle 182 – Minutes of the 774th Circle Meeting held on Monday 3rd April, 2023

Presiding: Brother President John Long
Meeting started at 20:00, finished at 21:20

Attendees

BrothersJohn Long, Sean McGhee, Martin Relton, Steve Graham, John Ross, Nick Johnson, John Sutton, Peter Lowe, John Williams-Rigby, John Finnan, Simeon Johnson, John Piper, John Shaw, Alfonso Escauriaza, Jim Flood, Stuart Jones, Peter Pozzoni, Eddie Haughey, Richard Paley, Peter Doran, Tom Hughes, Kevin Morgan On Zoom: Richard Brown
Visitors –Brooklands – Mike Chidgey, David Muldoon, Crewe – Michael Hassall, Gerry Smith, Denis McGrath, Stoke-on-Trent – Jim Gilley, Steve Culbert, Mervyn Ryan, Peter Grannel; Durham City – John Thompson, Eamonn Gallagher
Guests 
ApologiesJames Power, Mike Dobson, Bill Gore, Damian Grieves, Martin Roberts plus Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Paul Yearsley, Fabio Vitiello
There were 8 brothers not present with no apology

There were 24 Knutsford Brothers in attendance and 11 visitors.  There were 9 apologies

Actions outstanding from previous meetings

New actions from this meeting

  • Stuart to communicate details of the new KnutCatSoc WhatsApp group and invite brothers to sign-up.

Closed actions

  • Martin Roberts to request the cancellation of Catena for Tony Weir. Completed
  • Stuart Jones to send out details of the Tatton walk and Recollection. Completed

Decisions

  • The next Circle meeting will be held on Monday 8th May (the day of the Coronation Bank Holiday)

Enrolment

Before the Circle meeting began John Long explained the current officer situation to brothers for 2023/24

  • President – John Long (has agreed to do a 2nd Term as President)
  • Vice-President – Felix Martin (but see comments below)
  • Treasurer – Eddie Haughey
  • Secretary – Stuart Jones
  • Membership Officer – role to be carried out by President (see also notes of the meeting)
  • Registrar – Steve Graham
  • Provincial Councillor – Martin Relton
  • Marketing officer – role to be carried out by the VP

Enrolments will take place at the meeting in May.

Felix Martin gave a short speech in which he outlined his views about the taking up the role of President.  He asked brothers to consider these comments and to contact the President or Secretary if they had any feedback.

  • Felix had noted the lack of willingness of people to take up council roles, which is concerning, and that he would pay special attention to this as President
  • Felix’s priorities as President would be to: promote membership; support brothers in need; and build the profile of Catenians in Knutsford
  • As President Felix will not take on the organisation of any social events unless he chooses to.  The expectation is that other brothers in the Circle will volunteer to lead on specific events (as does happen with some but not all events).

Circle Prayers

The President led everyone in prayers for the sick Brothers from Knutsford: James O’Dude, Tony Weir, Joan Shaw (wife of Brother John), Fran Lowe (wife of Brother Peter) also Bro Jim Flood’s niece’s child Finn and Peter Phillips (former President of the Circle).

We also prayed for all those on the Provincial Sick List.

  • Ashton: Angela Roylance
  • Brooklands: Bro’s John Constable, Mike Harrison, Gerry Langford; Father Pat Monroe (PP of St Hugh & St John’s),Sheila Connor (widow of late Bro.Tom Connor), Matteo Llerena (Stephen Robinson’s Nephew), Josie Lowe (widow of late Bro. Gerry Lowe), Sue O’Mahoney (Bro. Jim’s Wife) & Elizabeth Tierney (Bro. Peter Kerr’s Niece).
  • Crewe: Bro’s Hugh Brady, Laurence Mooney, Patrick Cantwell; Maureen Brady (wife of Bro. Hugh), Alessandro Holmes-Amatiello (late Bro. Luigi’s granddaughter), Stella Cooke (wife of Bro. Frank)
  • Didsbury: Bro’s David Adams, Peter Sivori; Kathy Raftery (wife of Bro. Jim), Pat Ravening, (wife of Bro. Joe)
  • Macclesfield: Bro’s Norman Clayton. Ross Godlieb; Barbara Clayton, Val Godlieb , Jenny Carr, Pacita Hodkin, Lynne Mears, Ethel Kyte, Sue Wilbraham, Sally Boxer (sister-in-law of Bro Mike Guerin), Josephina Barbosa (mother of Bro Ken), Jane Stutynskyj, Peter Onions (brother of Christine Morton-Davies)
  • Ringway: Bro’s. Bernard Grimes, Derek Bottomley, Brian Cann; Greta Bottomley, Trudie Denny
  • Warrington: Bro’s John Atherton, Tony Rudder, Tony Wernham; Meryl Wernham, Philomena Harvey, Josette Ward (daughter of Bro. Terry and Doris Ward)
  • Wilmslow: Bro’s Brendan Delaney, Dennis Hannah, Frank George, James O’Brien, Tony Jenkins; Gaetano Scappaticci, Arnold Hillier, Anthony Sivori; Winifred Delaney, Kath George, Jennifer O’Brien, Luciana Granelli, Joan Quinn, Ann Rawcliffe, Frances Cherouvim (daughter of Bro. Gerald Ramsden), Stephen Jenkins (son of Bro. Tony), Dorothy Hillier

Recent Deaths

We remember those Knutsford Brothers whose anniversaries are in April: Eddie Anthistle, John Everlein, Maurice Gayer, Benny O”Neil.

We also remembered a friend of Brother Tom who passed away recently.

We remember those who have died recently in Province:

  • Brooklands: Dara Coyne (6yr old nephew of Bro. James Coyne), Rosemary Fahy (sister of Bro. David Astin), Anthony Hamilton (brother of Bro. John)
  • Crewe: Mrs Pat Smith (wife of Bro. Gerry Smith), Jim McDonald (elder brother of Bro. John McDonald)
  • Didsbury: Maureen Gaffey (aunt of Bro. Barry Keaveney)
  • Macclesfield: Janet Magee (wife of Bro. Graham), Margaret Gresty (Sister-in-law of Bro Keith Morton-Dasvies)
  • Ringway: Bro. Peter Fleming (joint member of Brooklands)
  • Wilmslow: Nora Pettit (widow of late Bro. Walter Pettit)

Welfare

JWR had spoken to Margaret Weir and informed the Circle that Tony has moved to Mount Pleasant Nursing Home (near the Mangoletsi garage).  John has been in touch with Margaret about visiting and she will check with the nursing home what can be done.

Secretary’s Report

  • The Secretary informed the Circle that he would be migrating the Circle web-site to its new home on the Province17 webs-ite in the next few weeks.  This will mean new email addresses for officers and a change to the website address.  All this will be communicated to brothers.
  • Visits – John Sutton visiting Ringway Circle in March.

Provincial Report

  • Provincial President Harish Narotham installed Mike Chidgey as Provincial President for 2023/24,
  • Mike Swarbrick will be installed as Provincial Treasurer at the June meeting.
  • Provincial President welcomed David Perls back to the Provincial Council.
  • Website – A large part of the meeting was given over to a presentation on the new provincial website developed by Stuart Jones with input from Martin Relton and Alfonso Escauriaza and led by Harish Narotham. Stuart attended the meeting to give the presentation. As well as each circle having its own webpage the new site will incorporate such things as calendar of events; provincial prayers list, visiting cards, membership reporting with the object of becoming the single point of reference for all circles. The presentation was well received by the meeting. A presentation to Circles and Workshops will follow over coming weeks.
  • Membership – The next Membership Working Group Meeting will now be held in May to allow for the installation of new officers. Circles are urged to check details of joint members to avoid duplication in reporting.
  • National – The national capitation fee has not increased for 10 years; there is a proposal to increase it for 2024/25. GB National Council is reviewing all costs and has bought an office in Coventry to replace its leased property, thereby saving annual revenue.
  • Bookings for the National Conference are ahead of last year.  Future Conferences may be online to save costs.
  • 7,000 Young people attended the FLAME event, partly sponsored by the Association, giving us opportunities for recruitment, including from university students.
  • Charity – Applications for funds for young people to attend World Youth Day in Lisbon should be sent to the National Faith and Youth Group.
  • Future Events – It was announced that the Provincial Weekend would be held in North Wales in October, details have been circulated.
  • Provincial Convention will be held at Ringway Golf Club on 5th or 12th July 2023.
  • Sam’s Luncheon Club will be on 11th April and has moved to Ringway Golf Club.

 

Social Events

  • The Parish walk at the beginning of March was enjoyed by all 15 people with a good mix of Catenians and other parishioners.
  • 12 brothers and guests attended the recollection on the 22nd March – as always a spiritually uplifting and enjoyable evening
  • The ‘last Thursday of the month’ meal event at the Sessions House was well attended with 14 people – though there were no potential members this time. Richard Brown expressed his thanks for the friendship shown to Peter Phillips at the evening.

John Long announced the creation of a new WhatsApp group to be used for more social/informal discussions.  The group will be open to widows and friends of the Catenians to provide a means of communicating some of our social events more widely.  It will be called – KnutCatSoc

The current group will be retained for communications that are just for Circle business or events that only involve brothers.

Upcoming events are

  • St George’s Night – Saturday 22nd April
  • Parish Walk – Early June (date tbc)

Additional events will be confirmed following the council meeting.

Only 6 people have signed up to St. George’s night so far.  The President urged brothers to register their interest as soon as possible.

Membership

John Long will focus membership efforts through two main areas:

  1. The parish – which John will lead on personally
  2. The school (and pre-school) – hopefully with support from Alfonso and Richard

Finance

  • The Treasurer confirmed that our finances are healthy
  • The accounts for 2022/23 have been completed and signed-off by the President.  They are now with the audito and will be presented at the AGM in May.

Other meeting notes

  • Mike Chidgey – reminded brothers about Sam’s Luncheon Club on 11th April.  This will at the new venue which is Ringway Golf Club.  The cost is £20.
  • The dress code for the provincial convention is smart.
  • Details of the Provincial Weekend away will be communicated after the meeting – cost is around£250 but this depends on numbers attending.

President’s Report

If anyone would like to attend the Council meeting, please let Stuart know.

Enrolment Anniversaries in April

John Piper (36yrs), James O’Dude (25yrs), Damian Grieves (23yrs)

Birthdays in April

Kevin Morgan (1st), Martin Roberts (3th), David Perls (4th), John Finnan (6th), James O’Dude (11th), Martin Relton (24th),

Warm Welcome Trophy

Presented to John Thompson of Durham City Circle.