Knutsford Catenians: Circle 182 – Minutes of the 779th Circle Meeting held on Monday 2nd September 2024
Presiding: President Felix Martin
Meeting started at 20:05, finished at 21:00
Attendees
| Brothers | Felix Martin, Peter Doran, Bill Gore, Tom Hughes, Nick Johnson, John Piper, Richard Paley, Eddie Haughey, John Long, Simeon Johnson, Sean McGhee, Alfonso Escaurizia, John Williams-Rigby, Stuart Jones |
| Visitors | Brooklands – Mike Chidgey, Crew & District – Hugh Frost, Denis McGrath, Michael Hassall |
| Guests | None |
| Apologies | John Hurst, James Power, Damien Grieves, Peter Pozzoni, Kevin Morgan, Gideon Hayford, Richard Brown, Steve Graham, John Sutton, Martin Relton, Jim Flood, John Ross, David Perls James O’Dude, Paul Yearsley and Fabio Vitielo |
| There were 13 Knutsford Brothers in attendance and 4 visitors. There were 16 apologies. There were 9 brothers with no apology. |
Actions outstanding from previous meetings
- All Brothers – nominations are need for a Vice President for next year. If you can help, please contact John or Stuart.
- All Brothers – subscriptions are now due (12 are outstanding).
New actions from this meeting
- Stuart to remind brothers about the vote on GNBC becoming an incorporated body
Closed actions
- Stuart to communicate details of the vote on GNBC becoming an incorporated body. Done
- Stuart to communicate details of upcoming events. Done
Decisions
- The Circle agreed to fund the buffet at the Parent Pro talk on President’s Day
Matters arising from the minutes
None
Circle Prayers
The President led everyone in prayers for the sick Brothers from Knutsford: James O’Dude, Joan Shaw (wife of Brother John), Wendy Hurst (wife of Brother John), Bro Jim Flood’s niece’s child Finn, Peter Phillips (former President of the Circle) and Mike Diver (former brother of the circle),
We also remembered Louise Brown’s brother-in-law who is undergoing a major operation.
We also prayed for all those on the Provincial Sick List.
- ASHTON CIRCLE: Winifred Anderson
- BROOKLANDS CIRCLE: Bros: John Constable, Gerry Langford, Sue O’Mahony (Bro Jim’s Wife), Jean Cowen (Bro Frank’s Sister-in-Law)
- CREWE & DISTRICT CIRCLE: Wendy Betts (wife of Bro, Bryan), Kathleen Large (wife of Bro. Dennis)
- DIDSBURY CIRCLE: Simon McDonald,(nephew of Bro. James Blaney) and his father Laurence McDonald (both attending at Christies at the present time). Kathy Raftery (wife of Bro. Jim), Ann Masterson (wife of Bro. Tony)
- NORTH CHESHIRE & WILMSLOW CIRCLE: Bros: Mike Bramwell, Peter Jones, Tony Jenkins, James O’Brien, Dorothy Hillier (wife of Bro. Arnold), Ann McDonald (sister-in-law of Bro. Tony George), Therese Williams (wife of Bro. Cec Williams)
- RINGWAY CIRCLE: Bros: Brian Cann, Jack Tootle, Peter Groot, Greta Bottomley, Trudie Denny
- WARRINGTON CIRCLE: Bro: Tony Wernham, Tony Rudder, Peter Leighton, Paul Bolton (brother of Brother Mark); Shelagh Freaney
Recent Deaths
We remembered those Knutsford Brothers whose anniversaries are in September: Walter Pettit, Graham Stuart, Frank Taylor, Norman Walmsley, Tom Wardrobe
We remembered those who have died recently in Province:
- ASHTON CIRCLE: Bro. Tony Higgins (13th July)
- BROOKLANDS CIRCLE: Joan Constable (13th August; wife of Bro. John)
- MACCLESFIELD CIRCLE: Mike Strutynskyj (10th August); Mrs Patricia Allen, (24th July, widow of late Macclesfield & District circle Bro. Phil Allen)
- N CHESHIRE & WILMSLOW CIRCLE: Father Anthony Cogliolo, (on 9th July), John Heywood (brother of Bro. Peter Heywood)
- WARRINGTON CIRCLE: John Atherton (25th August), Norman Turner (August)
Welfare
There was no formal update on welfare. JWR reported that he had been in touch with Margaret Weir and she is doing OK though is struggling with mobility. Nick Johnson had spoken with Mike Hosker at Mass recently and he is doing OK, though with some health challenges.
Tom Hughes continues to help John Hurst with lifts to Mass, Wendy is doing OK though is still in need of our prayers
Secretary’s Report
- Visits – none were reported
- The vote on ‘. “It is proposed that: GBNC becomes an incorporated body and that GBNC is authorised to take the necessary steps to enable this objective to be achieved in an optimal way.” Only 7 brothers have voted so far, Stuart will share details again.
Provincial Report
There has not been a provincial meeting since the last Circle meeting. Mike Chidgey noted that Phil Brown has stepped down as organiser of the public speaking competition for many years. He has been awarded honorary life membership of the Association in recognition of his work.
Social Events
The lunch at Sigiriya went very well with 20 brothers and wives attending. Thanks were due to Bill Gore for the original suggestion and to Eddie Haughey for organising the day.
Upcoming events are
- President’s Day Saturday 14th September.
- Mass at noon, a complementary buffet in Church at 1, followed by a talk from a well-known speaker on catholic family matters. This will be a parish event organised by the Catenians. Money will also be raised for SVP through a raffle/donations
- Bowling and drinks at the Railway Inn at 4
- Beartown brewery visit – Wednesday 23rd October 7:00pm a guided tour of the brewery and beer tasting in the tap room. Transport provided. Cost is £25
- Mass for deceased brothers – Saturday, 2nd November, Mass at Noon followed by a meal (details to be confirmed)
- Recollection at Thorneycroft – date to be confirmed
- Christmas Dinner – now booked for Friday, 6th December at Cottons. Cost will be £40 a head including a welcome drink.
- Beer and Curry Night will be on Thursday, 19th December
Stuart also reminded Brothers that he is doing a 100 mile bike ride in support of the president’s charity. It will now be on the 24th September and Stuart was very pleased to add that he will be joined by Nick Johnson. Details will be sent out about how to donate. The ride will end at the Legh Arms and Nick and Stuart would be very pleased if any brother would like to join them.
There was a lively debate initiated by brother Bill around the payment for the complimentary buffet lunch in Church. Bill wanted this approved by the Circle. The lunch sponsorship had been approved in the July Council meeting but since then there had not been an opportunity to vote it in at the Circle. Nevertheless, the brothers knew about the plans at least since the middle of July and no one raised any objections until a few days before the Circle.
A vote was taken, and the motion was passed with 12 in favour, 2 abstentions and 1 against (Bill). The tone of the debate was ‘challenging’ and, at the end, Brother Nick reminded Brothers of the oath we took when joining the association which includes the lines, “We do not permit wrangling to mar our meetings” and “be charitable in judgement, forbearing in temper and slow to condemn”.
Membership
- John reported that he was hopeful that a new candidate will be at the next meeting.
- We will also be using President’s Day as an opportunity for recruitment
Finance
- The Treasurer confirmed that our finances are in robust good health.
- 12 Brothers have not yet paid and are reminded to do so.
President’s Report
The bulk of the president’s report was focused on the upcoming President’s Day (see the social events section
Other meeting notes
Father David will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of his ordination in September. There will be a celebration for the parish and Father’s family and friends in Parish Hall on the evening of Monday, 30th September, starting with Mass at 7pm. If any brother has not yet signed up to attend and wishes to do so they should contact Stuart.
Anniversaries
Enrolment Anniversaries in September
James Power (11yrs), Stephen Graham (4yrs)
Birthdays in September
Anthony Andrews (6th), Paul Yearsley (12th)
Warm Welcome Trophy
Presented to Michael Hassall of Crew and District Circle
Next Council Meeting
Will be at the Legh Arms on 9th September at 7:30 pm. All are welcome.
Knutsford Catenians: Circle 182 – Minutes of the 778th Circle Meeting held on Monday 5th August 2024
Presiding: Brother Acting President Martin Relton
Meeting started at 20:05, finished at 20:40
Attendees
| Brothers | Richard Brown, Peter Doran, Bill Gore, Tom Hughes, Martin Relton, John Ross, John Sutton, Nick Johnson, John Shaw, John Piper, Steve Graham, Jim Flood, Richard Paley, David Perls, Eddie Haughey, Stuart Jones |
| Visitors | Brooklands – Mike Chidgey, Jeff Grubert, Bill Bowdren North Cheshire and Wilmslow – Steve Tiernan Warrington – Ged Flannigan, Denis Povey, John Boyle |
| Guests | None |
| Apologies | John Hurst, James Power, Damien Grieves, Peter Pozzoni, Felix Martin, John Long, Kevin Morgan, Sean McGhee, Gideon Hayford, Tony Andrews, James O’Dude, Paul Yearsley and Fabio Vitielo |
| There were 16 Knutsford Brothers in attendance and 7 visitors. There were 13 apologies. There were 9 brothers with no apology. |
Actions outstanding from previous meetings
- All Brothers – nominations are need for a Vice President for next year. If you can help, please contact John or Stuart.
- All Brothers – subscriptions are now due (12 are outstanding.
New actions from this meeting
- Stuart to communicate details of the vote on GNBC becoming an incorporated body.
- Stuart to communicate details of upcoming events.
Closed actions
- Stuart to communicate details of the vote on membership criteria. Done
- Stuart to ensure a briefing is sent out about the walk on July 13th and to ask for it to be included in the parish newsletter. Done
- Martin to contact Mike Hosker and check how he is getting on. Done (see below).
Decisions
- None
Matters arising from the minutes
In the minutes of the previous meeting Stuart had written “The Circle donated £500 to the SVP following the St. George’s Night Event.”. This was technically incorrect, the £500 was the amount collected at the event and this sum has now been transferred to the SVP. There was no ‘donation’ from Circle funds.
Circle Prayers
The President led everyone in prayers for the sick Brothers from Knutsford: James O’Dude, Joan Shaw (wife of Brother John), Wendy Hurst (wife of Brother John), Bro Jim Flood’s niece’s child Finn, Peter Phillips (former President of the Circle) and Mike Diver (former brother of the circle), Charlie McGinnis.
We also prayed for all those on the Provincial Sick List.
- ASHTON CIRCLE: Winifred Anderson
- BROOKLANDS CIRCLE: Bros: John Constable, Gerry Langford, Joan Constable
- CREWE & DISTRICT CIRCLE: Wendy Betts (wife of Bro, Bryan), Kathleen Large (wife of Bro. Dennis)
- DIDSBURY CIRCLE: Bros: George Walker, Michael Connolly, Simon McDonald,(nephew of Bro. James Blaney) and his father Laurence McDonald (both attending at Christies at the present time).Kathy Raftery (wife of Bro. Jim), Ann Masterson (wife of Bro. Tony)
- MACCLESFIELD CIRCLE: Bro: Mike Strutynskyj
- NORTH CHESHIRE & WILMSLOW CIRCLE: Bros: Mike Bramwell, Peter Jones, Tony Jenkins, James O’Brien, Dorothy Hillier (wife of Bro. Arnold), Ann McDonald (sister-in-law of Bro. Tony George), Therese Williams (wife of Bro. Cec Williams)
- RINGWAY CIRCLE: Bros: Brian Cann, Jack Tootle, Peter Groot, Greta Bottomley, Trudie Denny
- WARRINGTON CIRCLE: Bro: Tony Wernham, Tony Rudder, Peter Leighton, Paul Bolton (brother of Brother Mark); Shelagh Freaney
Recent Deaths
We remembered those Knutsford Brothers whose anniversaries are in August: Frank Brady, John Burns, Tony Dolan, David Norton, Cyril White
We remembered those who have died recently in Province:
- ASHTON CIRCLE: Bro. Tony Higgins (13th July)
- BROOKLANDS CIRCLE: Chris Smalley (17th July, brother of Bro. Ged Smalley), Rachel Ryan (July, Niece of Bro. Peter Kerr)
- MACCLESFIELD CIRCLE: Mrs Patricia Allen, (24th July, widow of late Macclesfield & District circle Bro. Phil Allen)
- N CHESHIRE & WILMSLOW CIRCLE: Father Anthony Cogliolo, (on 9th July), John Heywood (brother of Bro. Peter Heywood)
- RINGWAY CIRCLE: Derek Bottomley (18th June)
- WARRINGTON CIRCLE: Philomena Harvey (wife of Brother Peter, on 3rd July); Mrs Jennifer Akinyi Okach (sister of Bro Michael Onanda, w/e 6th July)
Welfare
There was no formal update on welfare. Martin Relton had been in touch with Andrea Hosker (Mike’s wife). He is generally OK, though he has been in hospital to get an ulcer fixed. The main challenge is that his memory is not great which has severely curtailed his social life. Andrea was grateful for our contact.
Tom Hughes has been helping John Hurst with lifts to Mass, He met Wendy last week and she looked a lot better though is still in need of our prayers
Secretary’s Report
- Visits – none were reported
- The vote on ‘amending a requirement of membership from “A Member of the Association must: Be a practising Catholic;” to “A Member of the Association must: Be a Catholic’ stands at – 93% in favour, 7% against with 15 brothers voting. These results will be notified to head office.
- We have received details of another vote “It is proposed that: GBNC becomes an incorporated body and that GBNC is authorised to take the necessary steps to enable this objective to be achieved in an optimal way.” Stuart will share details soon
Provincial Report
There has not been a provincial meeting since the last Circle meeting.
Martin noted that five Knutsford Brothers attended the Provincial Convention on 17th July. There was a good turnout and it was interesting to hear from the GB National President.
Social Events
The ramble and pub lunch on 13th July went well with 10 attendees including two from Macclesfield. A pleasant walk was had including and interim pub stop before the (very filling) pub lunch.
Upcoming events are
- Meal at the Sigiriya restaurant – 18th August. Cost is now £35 a head (excluding drinks). 25 are already signed up – let Stuart know if you want to go along.
- President’s Day Saturday 14th September. A complenatry buffet in Church followed by a talk from a well-known speaker on catholic family matters. This will be a parish event organised by the Catenians. This will be followed, at 4, by a bowling and garden party at the Railway Inn.
- Beartown brewery visit – Wednesday 23rd October 7:00pm a guided tour of the brewery and beer tasting in the tap room. Transport provided. Cost is £35
- Mass for deceased brothers – date to be confirmed
- Christmas Dinner – now booked for 6th December at Cottons. Cost will be £40 a head including a welcome drink..
- Beer and Curry Night will be on Thursday, 19th December
Membership
- No report this month
Finance
- The Treasurer confirmed that our finances are in robust good health.
- 12 Brothers have not yet paid and are reminded to do so.
President’s Report
Acting President reminded brothers that a new newsletter had been circulated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Father David will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of his ordination in September. There will be a celebration for the parish and Father’s family and friends in Parish Hall on the evening of Monday, 30th September. If any brother has not yet signed up to attend and wishes to do so they should contact Stuart.
At the last council meeting we agreed to review how we run our meetings to make them more engaging. Details on how we propose to take this forward will be shared at the next meeting. Tom Hughes suggested that we have more speakers at meetings (including members of the Circle) – Martin replied that this point had already been raised and we will see how to take it forward.
Other meeting notes
- Stuart will be doing a sponsored 100 mile bike ride for the President’s Charity on 17th September. He would welcome people joining him for part or all of the ride
- Mike Chidgey thanked the Circle for supporting the Provincial Convention
- Steve Tiernan mentioned that Ringway had their President’s Sunday on the 18th August (unfortunately the same day as our Sigirya meal). On Monday 16th September there will be a quiz following their Circle meeting and Steve would welcome a team from Knutsford (4-6 people)
- Jeff Grubert gave us early notice of Brooklands Ladies Night in November.
Anniversaries
Enrolment Anniversaries in August
Bill Gore (29yrs), John Ross (28yrs), Tom Hughes (15yrs)
Birthdays in August
John Piper (19th)
Warm Welcome Trophy
Presented to Denis Povey of Warrington Circle.
Next Council Meeting
Will be at the Legh Arms on 12th August at 7:30 pm. All are welcome.