Knutsford Catenians: Circle 182 – Minutes of the 779th Circle Meeting held on Monday 4th September, 2023
Presiding: Brother Acting President Sean McGhee
Meeting started at 20:00, finished at 21:00
Attendees
| Brothers | Sean McGhee, Martin Relton, Steve Graham, John Ross, Eddie Haughey, David Perls, Alfonso Escaurazia, Peter Doran, Tony Andrews, Kevin Morgan, John Sutton, Jim Flood, Bill Gore, John Piper, Richard Brown, Nick Johnson, John Shaw. |
| Visitors – | Mike Chidgey, Brooklands; Mike Guerin, Macclesfield; Adrian Brooks, Wilmslow; Steve Tiernan, North Cheshire. |
| Guests | None |
| Apologies | James Power, Damian Grieves, Simeon Johnson, Stuart Jones, John Long, Felix Martin, Tom Hughes, Mike Diver, Peter Pozzoni, John Williams-Rigby plus Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Paul Yearsley, Fabio Vitiello |
| There were 12 brothers not present with no apology | |
There were 19 Knutsford Brothers in attendance and 4 visitors. There were 10 apologies
Actions outstanding from previous meeting (August)
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with no matters arising from the minutes.
- Eddie Haughey to see if we can make a donation to the Knutsford branch of the Stroke Society- £200 payment completed.
- John Long and Eddie Haughey to investigate possible dates for Christmas event at Cottons – set for Monday 4th December.
- John Long to check with Knutsford Golf Club which dates are available for Charter and Clergy Night – ongoing
- Felix Martin to investigate dates for next Evening of Recollection- Set for 27th Sept
New actions from this meeting
- John Long to confirm date of Mass for Deceased.
- Council to urgently discuss subsidised cost for children at President’s Sunday and re-issue revised info.
Note: post meeting Council decided to offer free places to children under 12 accompanied by an adult. The flyer was revised and re-issued the following day.
Closed actions
See above.
Decisions
- Circle to subsidise cost for children attending President’s Sunday.
Circle Prayers
The President led everyone in prayers for the sick Brothers from Knutsford: Frances Gore (wife of Bro. Bill), Bro’s Damian Grieves, Tony Andrews, James O’Dude, Tony Weir, Mike Diver, Joan Shaw (wife of Brother John), Wendy Hurst, Bro Jim Flood’s niece’s child Finn McGlaughlin and May Burnie (relative of Jim Flood), Margaret and 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.
- BROOKLANDS CIRCLE: Bro: Gerry Langford and Matteo Llerena (Stephen Robinson’s Nephew), Elizabeth Tierney (Peter Kerr’s Niece) and Sheila Connor (wife of the late Tom Connor).
- CREWE & DISTRICT CIRCLE: Bro: Bryan Betts and Kathleen Large (wife of Bro. Dennis), Stella Cooke (wife of Bro. Frank), Liz Wimpenny (wife of Bro. Jack) and & Wendy Betts (wife of Bro. Bryan)
- DIDSBURY CIRCLE: Bro Eddie Haughey
- NORTH CHESHIRE CIRCLE: Bro: Mike Bramwell
- RINGWAY CIRCLE: Bro’s: Derek Bottomley, Brian Cann and Greta Bottomley, Trudie Denny
- WARRINGTON CIRCLE: Bro. John Atherton and Philomena Harvey (wife of Bro. Peter)
- WILMSLOW CIRCLE: Bro Peter Jones and Dorothy Hillier
Plus those who wish to maintain their privacy at this time and those who have care of them.
Recent Deaths
We remembered those who have died recently in our own Circle and in Province:
From our own Circle we pray for Fran Lowe (Wife of Bro. Peter)
From Macclesfield: Bro Michael Kurek whose funeral is 5th Sept at St. Albans Macclesfield 10:30am.
From Ashton: Dr. Barney Kelly
From Ringway: Bro. Patrick Moore
From Crewe: Aideen McGarvey, wife of late Bro Joe McGarvey
We remembered those Knutsford Brothers whose anniversaries are in September : Walter Petit, Graham Stuart, Frank Taylor, Norman Walmsley, Tom Wardrobe.
Bro. acting President welcomed the visitors with the response by Bro. Steve Tiernan.
Secretary’s Report
- Brooklands Clergy dinner to take place on 5th Oct, details have been circulated.
- The secretary reported the following visits last month: 15th August Warrington Martin Relton
Provincial Report
- Martin Relton gave no report. Provincial Council next meets on Sept 12th.
- Warrington 1,000th Meeting will take place on 19th September 2023, please contact the Secretary at Warrington if you wish to attend. Several brothers and wives indicated that they intended to attend.
Finance
- The Treasurer confirmed that our finances are healthy with over £6,000 in the bank after paying outstanding bills.
- Subscriptions are now due: 3 subscriptions are outstanding.
- £200 donation has been made to Knutsford Stroke Club directly, in memory of Fran Lowe.
- £150 deposit paid for children’s event in January.
Welfare
Richard Brown reported on gradual progress with Peter Phillips’ ongoing recovery. Also Margaret Phillips is recovering from her knee operation.
Membership
- Bro President has agreed with Fr David to make the Pulpit Pitch on 17th September, all Masses, and has asked for volunteers to stand at the back with leaflets. Jim Flood & Bill Gore volunteered for 11am.
- Rafael Merolle (Lelo) has been officially transferred into Knutsford Circle from the Provincial Virtual Circle. John Sutton reported that he is currently working at Koi Fusion in Knutsford and is anticipating attending some meetings.
Social Events
Upcoming events
- Presidents at Home – Sunday, 17th September – Beeches Golf Centre 1pm to 4:00 pm. Adventure golf combined with a BBQ and bar.
Alfonso raised the point that the overall cost of the event was prohibitively expensive for families with young children.
Adrian Brooks echoed these thoughts and explained how he was interested in encouraging more social events with the Wilmslow parishes and attracting more young families into parish life.
The meeting thanked Alfonso for his feedback and voted to subsidise the cost for children. This would be taken to Council next day to recommend a workable solution and quickly issue a revised flyer. - Recollection – next event Wed 27th September 7:30pm at Thorneycroft Hall. Contact Felix or Stuart to book.
- Christmas Meal – Monday 4th December 7:30pm at Cottons. We will incorporate Circle prayers into the beginning of the meal with all present but have no reports. Other Circles have successfully used this approach of combining an event on a meeting night.
- John Long to confirm date of Mass for Deceased Brothers.
President’s Report
- Parish: Parish meeting – Fr David would like us to help organise a parish meal in November at Knutsford Golf Club. No further update.
- President’s charity: Just Drop In now open. A fundraising plan is being made for the remainder of the Catenian year.
Enrolment Anniversaries in September
James Power (10yrs), Stephen Graham (3yrs)
Birthdays in September
Tony Andrews (6th), Paul Yearsley (12th)
Next Council Meeting
This will be on Monday 11th September at the Legh Arms at 7:30 pm
Warm Welcome Trophy
Awarded to Adrian Brooks for his inaugural visit and contribution to the meeting.
Any Other Business
- Martin Relton needs an additional two people to help at children’s party in January and they will need DBS checks undertaking. Proposed David Perls and Alfonso Escuarizia.
- Prov. President Mike Chidgey wanted to remind us that the National Speaking Competition is to take place on Sunday 10th September at 1:00 pm. The venue is the Manchester Conference Centre at the Pendulum Hotel.
Sam’s luncheon is on 12th October and the topic is to be St. Nicholas.
Provincial Mass will be on 18th November at Holy Angels. - Bill Gore ‘enquired’ to, our guest, Prov Director as to why his article submitted to Catena had not been published, to which Bro. Prov. Director responded that he personally has no editorial influence over the fine publication.
- Bro Adrian Brooks recalled visiting Stepping Hill hospital and meeting fellow Catenian Jack Todd who was reading Catena. He commented on how far the publication has come in recent years since the days his father used to bring it home.
- Steve Graham took the raffle for the children’s party which was won by Martin Relton (no fixing took place!) and raised £67.
- Meeting closed at 9:00 pm
Knutsford Catenians: Circle 182 – Minutes of the 778th Circle Meeting held on Monday 8th August, 2023
Presiding: Brother President John Long
Meeting started at 20:00, finished at 21:00
Attendees
| Brothers | John Long, Sean McGhee, Martin Relton, Steve Graham, John Ross, Eddie Haughey, David Perls, Tom Hughes, Felix Martin, Alfonso Escaurazia, John Finnan, Peter Doran, John Williams-Rigby, Tony Andrews, Kevin Morgan, John Sutton, Mike Hosker |
| Visitors – | Brooklands Hamid Attisha and Stuart McNeil (via Zoom) |
| Guests | None |
| Apologies | James Power, Damian Grieves, John Piper, Bill Gore, Simeon Johnson, Nick Johnson, Peter Lowe, Stuart Jones plus Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Paul Yearsley, Fabio Vitiello |
| There were 11 brothers not present with no apology | |
There were 17 Knutsford Brothers in attendance and no visitors. There were 12 apologies
Actions outstanding from previous meetings
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with no matters arising from the minutes.
There were no reported actions outstanding.
New actions from this meeting
- Eddie Haughey to see if we can make a donation to the Knutsford branch of the Stroke Society
- John Long and Eddie Haughey to investigate possible dates for Christmas event at Cottons.
- John Long to check with Knutsford Golf Club which dates are available for Charter and Clergy Night
- Felix Martin to investigate dates for next Evening of Recollection
Closed actions
None
Decisions
- Circle to donate £200 to Knutsford Stroke Society on behalf of Fran Lowe
Circle Prayers
The President opened the meeting with the bidding prayers from Fran Lowe’s Requiem mass.
He then proposed that Circle makes a £200 donation to Fran Lowe’s chosen charity, the Knutsford Stroke Society. A vote was taken which passed unanimously.
The President led everyone in prayers for the sick Brothers from Knutsford: Frances Gore (wife of Bro. Bill), Bro’s Damian Grieves, Tony Andrews, James O’Dude, Tony Weir, Joan Shaw (wife of Brother John), Wendy Hurst, Bro Jim Flood’s niece’s child Finn McGlaughlin, Margaret and 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.
- BROOKLANDS CIRCLE: Bro: Gerry Langford and Matteo Llerena (Stephen Robinson’s Nephew), Elizabeth Tierney (Peter Kerr’s Niece) and Sheila Connor (wife of the late Tom Connor).
- CREWE & DISTRICT CIRCLE: Bro: Bryan Betts and Kathleen Large (wife of Bro. Dennis), Stella Cooke (wife of Bro. Frank), Liz Wimpenny (wife of Bro. Jack) and & Wendy Betts (wife of Bro. Bryan)
- NORTH CHESHIRE CIRCLE: Bro: Mike Bramwell
- RINGWAY CIRCLE: Bro’s: Derek Bottomley, Brian Cann and And Greta Bottomley And Trudie Denny
- WILMSLOW CIRCLE: Bro Peter Jones
Plus those who wish to maintain their privacy at this time and those who have care of them.
Recent Deaths
We remembered those who have died recently in our own Circle and in Province:
From our own Circle we pray for Fran Lowe (Wife of Bro. Peter)
From Ringway: Bro. Patrick Moore
From Crewe: Bro. Patrick Cantwell and Aideen McGarvey, wife of late Bro Joe McGarvey
We remembered those Knutsford Brothers whose anniversaries are in August : Frank Brady, John Burns, Tony Dolan, David Norton and Cyril White.
Secretary’s Report
- Warrington 1,000th Meeting will take place on 19th September 2023, please contact the Secretary at Warrington if you wish to attend
- The secretary reported the following visits last month:
- 4th July North Cheshire : Stuart Jones
- 26th July Crewe and District: John Sutton, Martin Relton, Stuart Jones
Provincial Report
Martin Relton gave a report from the Provincial Council meeting of July 11th.
The Provincial Council meeting on 11th July included a visit by the National President Mark Conroy.
Website
Progress on the development of the Provincial website, which was going well. Development of individual Circle websites has begun with Brooklands and Crewe. A series of presentations to Circles is underway and will go through to October.
Province
The Provincial convention took place on 5th July and was a success with representatives from all Circles in attendance, but overall attendance at 48 was down on previous years. The Provincial trophies were presented:
- Circle Visiting trophy – Brooklands Circle
- New Members – Macclesfield Circle
- Past President’s Award – Knutsford Circle
- Best Event – Crewe Circle
Report and photos are on the Provincial website.
Provincial mass will be held at Holy Angels, Hale at a date to be confirmed.
The Provincial carol service will be held at St Pius Alderley Edge in December.
Membership
There was concern over the reporting of “no apologies” for non-attendance at meetings, particularly at Wilmslow and Knutsford Circles as it could possibly lead to losing a member. However Council keep this under review.
National
The Digital Highway project is about 5 months behind schedule but is getting back on track. Enquiries to join had begun to filter through.
Circles
A number of Circles in Province and the overall Association have dispensed with formal meetings on Ladies’ Dinner evenings as spouses had joined Brothers for prayers, then dinner, which has worked well.
National President
National President, Mark outlined his objectives for his year in office. He said that the issues, which had been raised during the meeting were common throughout the Association. We have an aging membership and have to find ways of replacing our losses with younger members from different sources, hence the work on the “Digital Highway” and other initiatives.
The issue of Lady members was vexed as many ladies considered themselves already part of the Association through their husbands/partners, therefore, the Association would have to look at other areas for members e.g. the professions. Whereas some brothers may leave if women joined, some men will not join a group that doesn’t welcome women into membership.
Whilst some Regions/ Countries favour women members, others do not. There is not likely to be any move to adopt membership for non-Catholic men married to Catholic ladies.
Brother Mark recommended reading “the Aims and Values of the Association” as a guide to where National Council sees our future development in an environment and society which is so different to when the Association was established over 100 years ago. He said he will be pursuing these issues wherever possible throughout his year of office.
Finance
- The Treasurer confirmed that our finances are healthy with over £4,900 in the bank after paying outstanding bills.
- Subscriptions are now due: 11 subscriptions are outstanding to the value of £1,700.
Welfare
Tony Weir is reported to be speaking with more ease and able to converse, up to a point. JWR will go with Margaret Weir to Tony’s next Cardiology appointment.
JWR suggested that as Tony Andrews was present at the meeting and in good health we should pray that his difficulties with the NHS are resolved.
John Ross reported on Frances Gore who was taken into hospital suddenly at the weekend and is having treatment for high blood pressure (we think at Wythenshaw High Dependency Unit). Bill needs our support and would appreciate being contacted via phone or in person.
Membership
- The social evening last month was cancelled as a mark of respect for Fran Lowe.
- Bro President has agreed with Fr David to make the Pulpit Pitch in September as August is a quiet month in Church.
- The next members social will be on 31st August.
Social Events
Upcoming events
- Bro Vice President, Felix, is looking at a full social calendar for the coming year. As a pre-requisite to this he has met with Alfonso E, Simeon J and James P to discuss various possible events. The general feeling is that there should be more Family events, maybe a BBQ at the start of Felix’s year as President. Felix will be asking for sponsors for individual events.
- Tom Hughes is organising an informal event at the Beeches Golf Range (near Chelford) after mass on Sunday 27th August, at 12:30 pm. It is intended to be a taster for those who do not play golf but want to try it out. Dave P, Eddie H and John L have put their names down but it is open to all. Partners are also invited.
- Parish Walk – Sat 12th August meet outside Church at 10:00 am
- Social Meal – has been postponed
- Presidents at Home – Sunday, 17th September – Beeches Golf Centre at 4:00 pm. At this time the Catenians should have exclusive access to the facilities.
President’s Report
- Province: We are the champions – Having won the Retiring Provincial President’s Trophy at the Provincial Convention. This was for
1. Support from Martin Relton at Province and the help Stuart Jones has provided for the Provincial Website
2. For putting on two of the most enjoyable events in province (in Harish’s opinion). These were St George’s Night and Gardener’s Question Time.
3. Having a Circle Charity (Just Drop In) that has made the most impact in the Community
- Parish: Parish meeting – Fr David would like us to help organise a parish meal in November at Knutsford Golf Club.
- School: Thank you from the school for help at their summer event. They will let me know how much raised.
- President’s charity: Just Drop In now open. You will see advertisements around town.
Enrolment Anniversaries in August
Bill Gore (28yrs), John Ross (27yrs), Tom Hughes (14yrs)
Birthdays in August
Michael Dobson (10th), John Piper(19th)
Next Council Meeting
This will be a week later than usual on 21st August at the Legh Arms at 7:30 pm
Warm Welcome Trophy
JWR proposed that as there were no physical visitors tonight and as a reward for winning the “Best Circle” trophy at the Provincial Convention we should award the bottle of wine to Bro. President. All agreed.
Any Other Business
- Martin Relton suggested that as Fr David is now supporting both Lymm and Knutsford Parishes we should invite Lymm parishioners to Knutsford events.
- Tom Hughes suggested we go further and invite parishioners to our Christmas Dinner
- Visiting Bro. Stuart McNeil wanted to remind us that the National Speaking Competition is to take place on Sunday 10th September at 1:00 pm. The venue is the Manchester Conference Centre at the Pendulum Hotel. It would be nice to see members supporting this event. Bro. John Sutton confirmed that he and Bro Peter Pozzoni will be attending and he recommended it to Circle.
Meeting closed at 9:00 pm
Knutsford Catenians: Circle 182 – Minutes of the 777th Circle Meeting held on Monday 3rd July, 2023
Presiding: Brother President John Long
Meeting started at 20:00, finished at 21:05
Attendees
| Brothers | John Long, Martin Relton, Steve Graham, John Ross, Eddie Haughey, Tom Hughes, Bill Gore, Alfonso Escaurazia, Simeon Johnson, Peter Lowe, Richard Brown, John Williams-Rigby, Stuart Jones, John Shaw, Jim Flood, Mike Hosker On Zoom – Tony Andrews, John Piper |
| Visitors – | Brooklands – Mike Chidgey, Tony Brown; Crewe – Michael Hassal, Gerry Smith, Denis McGrath, Hugh Frost, Philip Pinto, Ryk Iwancz; Wilmslow – Roger Glover |
| Guests | |
| Apologies | James Power, Damian Grieves, Martin Roberts, David Perls, Peter Doran, John Sutton, Sean McGhee, Mike Dobson, Nick Johnson, Peter Pozzoni, Felix Martin, Kevin Morgan, John Hurst plus Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Paul Yearsley, Fabio Vitiello |
| There were 6 brothers not present with no apology | |
There were 18 Knutsford Brothers in attendance and 9 visitors. There were 17 apologies
Actions outstanding from previous meetings
None
New actions from this meeting
- None
Closed actions
- Eddie Haughey to send an email to brothers requesting payment of subs. Completed
- Tom Hughes will check whether the school’s ‘Party in the Park’ is going ahead. Completed – it is a film showing this year on July 8th.
Circle Prayers
The President led everyone in prayers for the sick Brothers from Knutsford:
Damian Grieves, Fran Lowe, Tony Andrews, James O’Dude, Tony Weir and Joan Shaw (wife of Brother John), Also Bro Jim Flood’s niece’s child Finn, Margaret Phillips, 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. It was noted that the list is much shorter this month as anyone who has been on the list for more than two months will be excluded unless specifically added again by the Circle.
Crewe: Kathleen Large (wife of Bro. Dennis), Stella Cooke (wife of Bro. Frank), Liz Wimpenny (wife of Bro. Jack)
North Cheshire: Bro. Mike Bramwell, Mary Dolan
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 July: Jack Andrews, Steve Bailey, John Etherington, John Sampey, Jim Valliley.
We also remember Peter Black, Tony Andrew’s brother-in-law, who passed away recently.
We remember those who have died recently in Province:
- Crewe: Bro. Patrick Cantwell
Welfare
Fran Lowe (Peter’s wife) is very poorly and she and Peter need our prayers. JWR reminded the Circle that Fran had helped many others throughout her life.
Tony Weir remains poorly and now does not really recognise his own family. JWR may visit him with Margaret in the next few weeks.
Tony Andrews has an ECG on 4th July.
Richard Brown reported that Peter Philips is now working 4 days a week, his speech remains challenging. We should also remember his wife Margaret who is waiting for a delayed knee operation.
No other updates were available.
Brother President thanked JWR for his sterling work as the welfare officer
Secretary’s Report
- Stuart will be visiting Crewe circle on the 26th July. He would welcome others to join him.
Provincial Report
There has not been a Provincial Council meeting since the last Circle meeting.
Seven Knutsford Brothers are attending the Provincial Convention on 5th July.
Finance
- The Treasurer confirmed that our finances are healthy.
- Twenty brothers have paid their subs (50%)
- Subscriptions are now due: Full members – £160; Country Members – £105; Joint Member – £95; 50% discount for 12 months for new brothers
Social Events
There was a very pleasant get together at the Rose and Crown on 29th June with 9 people (5 brothers) in attendance. A good time was had by all.
The open day at the new Just Drop In centre attracted over 90 visitors including the Mayor. Many Knutsford brothers were in attendance which was much appreciated.
Upcoming events
- Parish Walk – Date TBA
- Gardeners Question Time – Sunday 23rd July
- A social meal – date TBA
- Presidents at Home – Sunday, 17th September
- Wine Tasting – October (organised by Tom Hughes)
Membership
- The president will be doing a ‘pulpit pitch’ at all masses on the weekend of the 8th July. He went through his pitch at the meeting to get feedback.
- The president is in active discussions with two people about attending a meeting
Bill Gore raised a thought/question about membership. Specifically, how we handle the options of inviting people to join who are not catholic men e.g., partners of catholic women who regularly attend mass. This prompted a wider discussion:
- It was noted that this topic is in active discussion at both national and provincial levels.
- As well as partners of catholic women it was suggested that we could offer membership to catholic families and to women.
- Some brothers raised the point of evolution vs revolution to avoid losing more conservative members, we could even establish a parallel organisation for non-traditional members
Other meeting notes
Peter Lowe thanked the Circle for the kind messages and flowers that Fran and he had received since the news of Fran’s illness.
President’s Report
- The president encouraged brothers to attend to attend the Parish Meeting on the 6th July
- Help is needed for the tombola at the School event on the 8th July – this will be coordinated over WhatsApp
- We need to ensure we link our diary to the Parish Diary
Enrolment Anniversaries in July
Michael Hosker (14yrs), Christopher Jones (8yrs)
Birthdays in July
Nicholas Johnson (17th), Felix Martin (25th), John Williams-Rigby (28th)
Warm Welcome Trophy
The warm welcome trophy was given to Philip Pinto.