Council Minutes – 2022

There was no council meeting in December 2022

Table of Contents

7th November 2022

Present: John Long, Martin Roberts, Sean McGhee, John Sutton, Felix Martin and Stuart Jones

Apologies: None

Not Present: Chris Jones, Martin Relton

Meeting started at 19:30 and finished at 21:00

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  • Martin Roberts to do a final request to those brothers who have not yet paid, to pay their subs. Completed – see notes below
  • Martin to talk to Nick about finance arrangements for the Christmas Dinner. Completed and deposit paid
  • Sean to contact Mike Diver re Christmas Dinner and subs. Completed – Mike intends to pay.

New Actions

  • John Long to check with NIck Johnson about Leilo – who has indicated that he is keen to rejoin the Circle
  • Stuart to organise flowers for Frances Gore
  • Stuart to organise a card for John and Maisie Piper
  • Stuart to send a WhatsApp reminding brothers about the Tatton walk on Saturday 19th Nov.
  • Stuart to send out details of the recollection (once received from felix). including to Province Secretaries
  • John Long to check with Nick Johnson the current numbers for the Christmas Dinner. Stuart to then send out a reminder for people to sign up.
  • Stuart to check with Father David what the dates are for the Christmas Carol concert.
  • Martin Roberts to make arrangements for payment of £50 in support of the local Ukrainian Charity
  • Stuart to send the membership form to Alfonso
  • Martin Roberts to ask Eddie Haughey if he would be interested in being the treasurer

Completed Actions

  • Stuart to ask people to bring cash to next meeting for raffle. Completed
  • Sean to check how Peter Philips is doing by contacting Richard Brown. Completed
  • John to get someone to organise drink and nibbles for after Mass for deceased brothers. Completed
  • Stuart to put a notice in the parish newsletter about the Tatton Walk and inform brothers for a 10:00 start. Completed
  • John to get Nick to send Stuart details of the Christmas Dinner. Stuart to then send detail out to Circle and Province. Completed
  • Stuart to invite nominees for Council at the next council meeting. Completed
  • Stuart to send membership form to Nick for Simeon. Completed
  • Felix to talk to Father Michael about two recollections (one for couples, one for brothers) at Thorneycroft and confirm dates. Brothers one organised date tbc for couples Ongoing

Decisions

  1. We agreed that the Circle would donate £50 to the Ukrainian charity as requested by the provincial president.

Social Events

The Afternoon Tea at the Lambing Shed and the mass for deceased brothers all went well. Money was lost at the Lambing Shed – this was due to a mix up in communications and limited interest from brothers.

Concern was raised about the difficulty in getting brothers to attend events.

Planned events are:

  • Tatton Walk – Saturday 19th November
  • 25th November – Parish meal
  • Christmas Dinner at Cottons – 5th December.  Brothers are strongly encouraged to attend.
  • Christmas Crib – now on 10th December
  • Recollection at Thorneycroft – 15th December
  • Christmas Beer and Curry – date TBA
  • Charter Dinner – date TBA
  • Children’s Christmas Party – Sunday 22nd January
  • Couples recollection at Thorneycroft – date TBA

We will help at the parish carol concert.

Numbers are low for the Christmas Dinner – a concerted effort will be made over the next week to encourage brothers to sign-up.

We agreed that ladies would be invited to the Charter Dinner. Tony Andrews has agreed to help make the arrangements with the Golf Club.

John Sutton reminded council of the Provincial Carol Concert (see Circle minutes and provincial calendar for details)

Other notes

  • Two brothers have not paid subscriptions – Mike Diver and Neil Farmer. We are not expecting to receive subs from Neil due to his ill-health.
  • The raffle for the children’s party raised £106 which is already more than the total received last year.
  • The Charter Dinner deposit has been paid to Cottons, 5 brothers have paid so far.
  • No nominations have yet been received for the vacant officer positions.

Membership

Aim is to get two visiting gentlemen to join at the January meeting – Simeon Johnson and Alfonso Escauriaza. Will get forms completed for Simeon and Alfonso.

Chris Wilkshire would join but cannot make the 1st Monday of the month. We discussed other options using Country membership for those brothers unable to make meetings

Welfare

Our sick list is: Bill Gore, John Piper, Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Joan Shaw plus Finn (Jim Flood’s grandchild), Matt Lynch, Peter Philips (former president of the circle).

Bill Gore remain quite ill in hospital. Our understanding is that John Piper is back at home and is waiting for details as to when he will get his heart valve operation.

No further updates following those given at the Circle meeting.

17th October 2022

Present: John Long, Martin Roberts, Sean McGhee, Martin Relton and Stuart Jones

Apologies: John Sutton, Felix Martin

Not Present: Chris Jones

Meeting started at 19:30 and finished at 21:30

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  • Felix to talk to Father Michael about two recollections (one for couples, one for brothers) at Thorneycroft and confirm dates. Brothers one organised date tbc for couples Ongoing
  • Steve to start a raffle for children’s party at the next meeting. Ongoing
  • Martin Roberts to do a final request to those brothers who have not yet paid, to pay their subs

New Actions

  • Stuart to ask people to bring cash to next meeting for raffle
  • Sean to check how Peter Philips is doing by contacting Richard Brown
  • John to get someone to organise drink and nibbles for after Mass for deceased brothers
  • Stuart to put a notice in the parish newsletter about the Tatton Walk and inform brothers for a 10:00 start
  • Martin to talk to Nick about finance arrangements for the Christmas Dinner.
  • John to get Nick to send Stuart details of the Christmas Dinner. Stuart to then send detail out to Circle and Province
  • Sean to contact Mike Diver re Christmas Dinner and subs.
  • Stuart to invite nominees for Council at the next council meeting
  • Stuart to send membership form to Nick for Simeon

Completed Actions

  1. Stuart to invite widows to the Mass for deceased brothers. Completed
  2. Stuart to update the invitations for President’s Saturday (including the parish newsletter). Completed
  3. Stuart to register the results of the vote taken at Circle on changing voting rules. Completed
  4. Martin Roberts to buy 6 bottles of red wine for the warm welcome trophy. Completed
  5. Stuart to check with Richard Brown when Peter Philips is having his operation. Completed
  6. Stuart to register the results of the vote taken at Circle on changing voting rules. Completed
  7. Martin Roberts to buy 6 bottles of red wine for the warm welcome trophy. Completed
  8. Need to identify another brother to be on the benevolence committee – will be addressed if becomes needed

Decisions

  1. TBA

Social Events

Planned events are:

  • Afternoon Tea at the Lambing Shed – October 19th
  • Mass for deceased brothers – 11th November at 19:00
  • Tatton Walk – Saturday 19th November
  • Late November – Parish meal – 25th November 6:30 for 7
  • Christmas Crib on 3rd December
  • Christmas Dinner at Cottons – 5th December
  • Recollection at Thorneycroft – 15th December
  • Sale Sharks – see email from John Piper
  • Couples recollection at Thorneycroft – date TBA
  • Children’s Party – 22nd January

Nick Johnson has the details for the Christmas dinner. Announce at next Circle meeting and then send out invitations.

We will help at the parish carol concert.

Other notes

  • Subscriptions are outstanding from 2 brothers – Mike Diver and Neil Farmer.
  • £2082 in the charity fund with £560 from President’s Saturday.
  • Treasurer had been approached about reducing subs for new brothers to zero for the first year. We didn’t agree given the cost to the Circle and, more importantly, new brothers need to make a proper commitment as part of joining.
  • Officers – John L would be happy to be membership and social secretary next year in support of a new president. No-one has indicated any interest. We will need to find a new treasurer as well next year.
  • Steve raised the question about ensuring we keep good records of members attending social events, reassured that no events were missing.

Membership

Aim is to get all three visiting gentlemen to join in November – Chris Wilkshire, Simeon Johnson, Alfonso Escauriaza. Two others are also interested.

Will get forms completed for Simeon to become a member in November, John to check with Alfonso.

Chris Wilkshire would join but cannot make the 1st Monday of the month. We discussed other options using Country membership for those brothers unable to make meetings

There has not been any recent contact with the Membership Secretary.

Welfare

Our sick list is: Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Joan Shaw plus Finn (Jim Flood’s grandchild), Matt Lynch, Peter Philips (former president of the circle).

No further updates following those given at the Circle meeting.

15th September 2022

Present: , John Long, Martin Roberts, Felix Martin, Stean McGhee, John Sutton and Stuart Jones

Apologies: Steve Graham, Martin Relton

Not Present: Chris Jones

Meeting started at 20:00 and finished at 21:30

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  • Felix to talk to Father Michael about two recollections (one for couples, one for brothers) at Thorneycroft and confirm dates. Ongoing
  • John Long to talk to Fr. David about Mass for deceased brothers (probably 18th Nov). Father is OK – will be Friday 4th Nov.
  • John to ask John Piper about Sale Sharks event. Completed – John has provided some dates.
  • John Long to confirm with JWR that he is happy to stand as chairman of the benevolence committee. Completed – JWR is happy to be chairman.

New Actions

  • Need to identify another brother to be on the benevolence committee – Council
  • Stuart to register the results of the vote taken at Circle on changing voting rules.
  • Martin Roberts to buy 6 bottles of red wine for the warm welcome trophy.
  • Steve to start a raffle for children’s party at the next meeting.
  • Martin Roberts to do a final request to those brothers who have not yet paid, to pay their subs
  • Stuart to invite widows to the Mass for deceased brothers.
  • Stuart to update the invitations for President’s Saturday (including the parish newsletter)
  • Stuart to check with Richard Brown when Peter Philips is having his operation.

Completed Actions

  1. John Long to invite Mark Jones to President’s Saturday and use opportunity to see how his member ship status flows. Completed – Mark has resigned
  2. John Long and Stuart to produce a script in conjunction with Wilmslow and Stuart to set up a zoom call with secretary and president of Wilmslow circle. Not needed – joint meeting cancelled
  3. Martin Roberts to ask Cottons about cost of nibbles (or if we can bring our own). Not needed – joint meeting cancelled
  4. John Long to ask Nick/Eddie to help with hosting the ladies at the joint meeting. Not needed – joint meeting cancelled
  5. John Long to see if he can get in touch with James O’Dude.
  6. Stuart to send out invitation for President’s Sunday once flier received from John Long. Completed
  7. Stuart to check formal process for enrolling new members – aim is for October meeting. Completed
  8. Stuart to put item on the agenda at the Circle meeting to ask for someone to volunteer to be on the committee. Completed

Decisions

  1. Agreed to not cash Matt Lynch’s cheque for his membership given his current ill health.
  2. The joint meeting with Wilmslow circle is not going ahead. Agreed that we should offer to go their circle meeting early in the new year.
  3. Everyone to think of one different type event that we could do.
  4. Next Council meeting – 17th October at John’s House

Social Events

Planned events are:

  • President’s Saturday – now October 1st. Mass
  • Afternoon Tea at the Lambing Shed – date TBA
  • Mass for Deceased Brothers – 4th November
  • Tatton walk – Saturday 19th November
  • Christmas Crib on 3rd December
  • Christmas Dinner at Cottons – 5th December
  • Recollection for couples (focus on grandparents, getting old) at Thorneycroft with a buffet – date TBA
  • Recollection at Thorneycroft – in Advent
  • Gourmet meal at Bistro Pierre, Altrincham – TBA
  • Children’s Make your own pizza (Sessions House) – TBA.
  • Sale Sharks – TBA
  • President’s Saturday – church hall has been booked, it will be a family fun day. Eddie Haughey is helping with the organisation and John will set up a WhatsApp group to help with organisation. The mayor is attending as are leaders of Just Drop In.

A thought about having different types of events – e.g. with speakers of interests, visits to different places, helping with a community/charity.

Other notes

  • Subscriptions are outstanding from 4 brothers.
  • Finance statement – the forecast is that we will have a deficit of £800 for 2022/23. Current balance is £7182, balance forecast to be £3,517 a surplus of £1.054. Received a >£400 commission from Riviera travel via John Sutton
  • Need someone to help with organising the benevolence committee. We discussed whether to join together the actions of welfare and benevolence activities.
  • John Sutton raised the question about circle visiting. He will be doing less over the next six months and we need to encourage other brothers to visit more.

Membership

Mark Jones and Jim Meagher have resigned from the association. Their resignations have been recorded on the Catenian database. We now have 39 members plus one joint member.

Aim is to get all three visiting gentlemen to join in November – Chris Wilkshire, Simeon Johnson, Alfonso Escauriaza. Two others are also interested.

There has not been any recent contact with the Membership Secretary.

Welfare

Our sick list is: Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Joan Shaw plus Finn (Jim Flood’s grandchild), Matt Lynch, Peter Philips (former president of the circle).

No further updates following those given at the Circle meeting.

15th August 2022

Present: , John Long, Martin Relton, Martin Roberts, Felix Martin, Steve Graham, John Sutton and Stuart Jones

Apologies: Sean McGhee

Not Present: Chris Jones

Meeting started at 19:30 and finished at 21:00

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  • None

New Actions

  • John Long to invite Mark Jones to President’s Saturday and use opportunity to see how his member ship status flows
  • John Long and Stuart to produce a script in conjunction with Wilmslow and Stuart to set up a zoom call with secretary and president of Wilmslow circle.
  • Martin Roberts to ask Cottons about cost of nibbles (or if we can bring our own).
  • John Long to ask Nick/Eddie to help with hosting the ladies at the joint meeting.
  • John Long to see if he can get in touch with James O’Dude.
  • Stuart to send out invitation for President’s Sunday once flier received from John Long.
  • Felix to talk to Father Michael about two recollections (one for couples, one for brothers) at Thorneycroft and confirm dates.
  • John Long to talk to Fr. David about Mass for deceased brothers (probably 18th Nov).
  • John to ask John Piper about Sale Sharks event.
  • Stuart to check formal process for enrolling new members – aim is for October meeting.
  • John Long to confirm with JWR that he is happy to stand as chairman of the benevolence committee
  • Stuart to put item on the agenda at the Circle meeting to ask for someone to volunteer to be on the committee.

Completed Actions

  1. Stuart to ask for volunteers to help with School Festival in the field – bar and tombola – to help organise and run on the day. Addressed at Circle Meeting
  2. Sean to link John Long with PTA chair – Kirstie Drake. Completed
  3. Stuart and John to send out reminders about the Tatton Park walk. Completed
  4. Martin Roberts to send £450 cheque to Ukraine charity. Completed
  5. Stuart to send email to people attending Provincial Convention. Completed
  6. All to invite as many people as possible to the June Social on Thursday, 30th June at the Legh Arms, 19:30. Completed
  7. John Long – to put contact stickers on Catenian leaflets and make them available at Church. Completed
  8. John Long to talk to Chris Jones about how we best support the School Festival in the Field. Completed
  9. John Long to speak to Nick Johnson re Lello joining the circle. Completed – Lello not yet in a position to join us
  10. John Long to ask Chris Jones about an ‘Evening with Chris Jones’ or something similar to tie in with our Thursday morning drinks. Completed – agreed in principle but nothing specific yet.
  11. Stuart to include agenda item for ‘why I became a Catenian’ for the next Circle meeting. Will not follow through.

Decisions

  1. Joint meeting with Wilmslow will take place in October. It will take place in Cottons and will be a ladies after. Meeting will be a 7:30 start. Will have two registers at the event and ‘nibbles’.
  2. Council agreed to endorse the change in voting threshold (as this frees up the organisation). The vote will be taken at the September meeting (or let people know if they can’t make it).
  3. Agreed that we would start reading out an obituary at Circle meetings.

Social Events

The Sunday lunch at the Rose and Crown on the 7th August was successful (with 14 people attending), as was the support we gave to the school festival in the field (operating the tombola). Have received nice messages of support from the PTA. The event in total raised over £4,000.

Planned events are:

  • President’s Saturday – September 17th
  • Christmas Crib on 3rd December
  • Christmas Dinner at Cottons – 5th December
  • Recollection for couples (focus on grandparents, getting old) at Thorneycroft with a buffet – date TBA
  • Recollection at Thorneycroft – in Advent
  • Gourmet meal at Bistro Pierre, Altrincham – TBA
  • Children’s Make your own pizza (Sessions House) – TBA.
  • Sale Sharks – TBA
  • President’s Sunday – church hall has been booked, it will be a family fun day. David Perls is happening with the organisation. The mayor is attending as are leaders of Just Drop In.

Other notes

  • Subscriptions are outstanding from 7 brothers.
  • Finance statement – the forecast is that we will have a deficit of £800 for 2022/23. Balance forecast to be £1,700.
  • A vote is needed at the Circle meeting on a proposal to change the majority needed for a decision to to 55% rather than 66%

Membership

No contact recently with Chris. Aim is to get all three visiting gentlemen to join in October – Chris Wilkshire, Simeon Johnson, Alfonso Escauriaza.

No previous brothers have indicated any interest in rejoining the Catenians.

Welfare

Our sick list is: Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Joan Shaw plus Finn (Jim Flood’s grandchild)

No further updates following those given at the Circle meeting.

There was no council meeting in July.

13th June 2022

Present: , John Long, Martin Relton, Sean McGhee, Martin Roberts, Felix Martin, John Sutton and Stuart Jones

Apologies: Steve Graham

Not Present: Chris Jones

Meeting started at 19:30 and finished at 21:00

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  • John Long to speak to Nick Johnson re Lello joining the circle.
  • John Long to talk to Eddie about organising the Rose and Crown Sunday Lunch on the 3rd July. Completed – John will confirm arrangements with Eddie.
  • John Long to talk to Chris Jones about how we best support the School Festival in the Field. Ongoing – still need more information – we are likely to do the bar and the tombola
  • John Long to ask Chris Jones about an ‘Evening with Chris Jones’ or something similar to tie in with our Thursday morning drinks. Completed – agreed in principle but nothing specific yet.

New Actions

  • Stuart to ask for volunteers to help with School Festival in the field – bar and tombola – to help organise and run on the day. Addressed at Circle Meeting
  • Sean to link John Long with PTA chair – Kirstie Drake
  • Stuart and John to send out reminders about the Tatton Park walk.
  • Martin Roberts to send £450 cheque to Ukraine charity.
  • John Long to speak to Mark Jones about the nature of his membership.
  • Stuart to send email to people attending Provincial Convention
  • Stuart to include agenda item for ‘why I became a Catenian’ for the next Circle meeting
  • All to invite as many people as possible to the June Social on Thursday, 30th June at the Legh Arms, 19:30.
  • John Long – to put contact stickers on Catebian leaflets and make them available at Church,

Completed Actions

  1. John Sutton, when he visits Crewe Circle, to ask about members who are Governors of St Nicholas School to see if they have spoken to the school regarding Catenian support for attendees to the CYMfed FLAME convention. Chris Mottram and John McDonald are governors. Completed.
  2. Sean to set up a session with JWR and John Long to arrange a meeting to discuss the buddy list. Closed for the moment as update on welfare is working well.
  3. John Long to write a welcome message for the Newsletter Completed
  4. Stuart to send an email to all local invitees asking if they would like to be included on a Catenian events distribution list. Completed – three positive replies, email set up
  5. Stuart to put a note in parish newsletter re Tatton Walks Completed
  6. John Long to speak with JWR about those on on our sickness list. Completed
  7. Stuart to ask for: Get some input on ‘why am I a Catenian’ from members. Completed – two replies so far.
  8. Stuart to build a list of possible members in the council agenda Completed
  9. Stuart to advertise ladies night. Completed

Decisions

  1. None

Social Events

Planned events are:

  • Tatton Walks – Saturday 18th, June start at 10:00
  • Flower Festival – 25/26th June
  • Sunday Lunch at Rose and Crown (to be organised by Bill and Eddie) – 3rd July
  • School ‘PTA Festival on the Field’ possibly a Tombola – Saturday 9th July
  • President’s Saturday – September 18th
  • Gourmet meal at Bistro Pierre, Altrincham – TBA
  • Children’s Make your own pizza (Sessions House) – TBA.
  • Sale Sharks – now delayed to September

Other notes

  • 14 brothers have paid their subs so far.
  • Bike ride raised £806 – £1,893 now in total in the Presidents Charity. Noted that the talk last Monday from Just Drop In went very well. Current hope is to open the new Just Drip In centre in Knutsford in September.
  • Province Convention Wed 22nd June – Martin Relton, John Sutton, John Long, Sean McGhee, John Ross attending (and possibly David Perls)
  • Membership – Chris will attend July meeting, we will use ‘why I became a catenian’ statements in our literature, Invite people to June social and then to an open meeting in September

Welfare

Our sick list is: Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Joan Shaw plus Finn (Jim Flood’s grandchild)

No further updates following Circle meeting.

16th May 2022

Present: , John Long, Martin Relton, Sean McGhee, Felix Martin and Stuart Jones

Apologies: Steve Graham, John Sutton, Martin Roberts

Not Present: Chris Jones

Meeting started at 19:30 and finished at 21:00

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  • Sean to set up a session with JWR and John Long to arrange a meeting to discuss the buddy list.
  • John Sutton, when he visits Crewe Circle, to ask about members who are Governors of St Nicholas School to see if they have spoken to the school regarding Catenian support for attendees to the CYMfed FLAME convention. Chris Mottram and John McDonald are governors. Completed.
  • John Long to write a welcome message for the Newsletter
  • John Long to speak to Nick Johnson re Lello joining the circle
  • John Long to speak with JWR about those on on our sickness events
  • Stuart to send an email to all local invitees asking if they would like to be included on a Catenian events distribution list.

New Actions

  • Stuart to put a note in parish newsletter re Tatton Walks
  • Martin Relton is co-ordinating our response to the Flower Festival – he took away multiple actions.
  • Stuart to let Tom know that we support having a church garden but need volunteers
  • John Long to talk to Eddie about organising the Rose and Crown Sunday Lunch on the 3rd July
  • John Long to talk to Chris Jones about how we best support the School Festival in the Field
  • Stuart to ask for: Get some input on ‘why am I a Catenian’ from members
  • John Long to ask Chris Jones about an ‘Evening with Chris Jones’ or something similar to tie in with our Thursday morning drinks.
  • Stuart to build a list of possible members in the council agenda
  • Stuart to advertise ladies night

Completed Actions

  1. Stuart to draft a note about membership message to go into the Parish Newsletter. Completed.
  2. Sean to ask JWR to check with John Beswick’s wife if he wants to stay a member (full or country). Completed – John has resigned
  3. Sean to speak with brothers to find someone who can check on what John Hurst wants to do re membership. Completed.
  4. Sean to speak to Mark Jones & Paul O’Brien re membership and attending Charter Dinner Completed.
  5. AGM 9th May – reports needed for President, Treasurer, Secretary. Need to agree Subscriptions, appointment of auditors and ask if anyone has any proposals. Stuart to send a reminder to Circle in May. Completed.
  6. John Long to contact John Hurst and Paul O’Brien about his ongoing membership. Completed.
  7. John Long to contact with Mark Jones re his membership with focus on being a country member. Completed.
  8. Martin Roberts to refund Mike Chidgey £75 (as he could not attend the St. George’s nigh dinner). Completed – decided not to refund him.
  9. Stuart to see if he can do the Macclesfield Bikeathon in support of the president’s charity (14th May). Completed.
  10. Stuart to ask Felix to put a request in WhatsApp for the recollection. Completed.
  11. John Long or Martin Relton to attend the Flower Festival committee meeting at Church on 6th May. Completed.

Decisions

  1. None

Social Events

Planned events are:

  • Parish Meeting – Thursday 26th May (invite people to join us at the Sessions House afterwards)
  • Tatton Walks – Saturday 18th, June start at 10:30
  • Flower Festival – 25/26th June
  • Sunday Lunch at Rose and Crown (to be organised by Bill and Eddie) – 3rd July
  • School ‘PTA Festival on the Field’ possibly a Tombola – Saturday 9th July
  • President’s Sunday – September 10/11th
  • Gourmet meal at Bistro Pierre, Altrincham – TBA
  • Children’s Make your own pizza (Sessions House) – TBA.
  • Sale Sharks – now delayed to September

Flower Festival 25/26th June – Martin Relton is coordinating our inputs, Martin Roberts is treasurer, Stuart has done an initial web-site, we have an initial rota for stewards. Proposal to have a speaker (possibly a gardeners question time panel)

Other notes

  • We discussed creating a Catenian Garden. The view was that is a good idea but we need to have a good set of volunteers.
  • Membership – extend dinner nights
  • Next meeting will include a ladies night with Ann Wright from Just Drop In
  • Finance (add in Martin’s report)
  • Stuart’s bike ride has raised £406 so far (before John Long’s company contribution)

Welfare

Our sick list is: Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Joan Shaw plus Finn (Jim Flood’s grandchild)

No updates available.

Strategy Development Plan – Circle Actions

The following actions are taken from the national development plan. Progress will be tracked through Council Meetings.

  1. Circles to have a detailed plan for increasing membership within their circle. Completion by the end of September 2021. Work in progress, we do have a plan of action.
  2. Circles to re-establish (after the pandemic) their programme providing regular meetings and social events. Completion by the end of December 2021. On track – being progressed through normal Council business.
  3. Circle presidents to establish a contact list so that every parish has a person responsible for maintaining a Catenian contact with it. Completion by the end of September 2021. Have decided to use our existing contacts rather than have one dedicated person.
  4. Circles to support the CYMfed FLAME convention by providing financial support to schools with the purchase of tickets so young people can attend. £20,000 available, measured by purchase of tickets. No action so far – will ask for leads at a Circle meeting.

25th April 2022

Present: Sean McGhee, John Long, Martin Roberts, Steve Graham, John Sutton, Martin Relton and Stuart Jones

Apologies: Felix Martin

Not Present: Chris Jones

Meeting started at 19:30 and finished at 21:45

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  • Stuart to draft a note about membership message to go into the Parish Newsletter. Will go in newsletter on 30th April.
  • Sean to ask JWR to check with John Beswick’s wife if he wants to stay a member (full or country).
  • Sean to speak with brothers to find someone who can check on what John Hurst wants to do re membership.
  • Sean to speak to Mark Jones & Paul O’Brien re membership and attending Charter Dinner
  • Sean to set up a session with JWR and John Long to arrange a meeting to discuss the buddy list.
  • Sean/John and others to visit Crewe Circle on 26th April and ask about members who are Governors of St Nicholas School to see if they have spoken to the school regarding Catenian support for attendees to the CYMfed FLAME convention. Chris Mottram and John McDonald are governors.
  • John L to confirm what event will take place on the weekend of May 14th.
  • AGM 9th May – reports needed for President, Treasurer, Secretary. Need to agree Subscriptions, appointment of auditors and ask if anyone has any proposals. Stuart to send a reminder to Circle in May.
  • John to write a welcome message for the Newsletter

New Actions

  • John Long to contact John Hurst and Paul O’Brien about his ongoing membership.
  • John Long to contact with Mark Jones re his membership with focus on being a country member
  • John Long to speak to Nick Johnson re Lello joing the circle
  • John Long to speak with JWR about those on on our sickness events
  • Martin Roberts to refund Mike Chidgey £75 (as he could not attend the St. George’s nigh dinner).
  • Stuart to send an email to all local invitees asking if they would like to be included on a Catenian events distribution list.
  • Stuart to see if he can do the Macclesfield Bikeathon in support of the president’s charity (14th May).
  • Stuart to ask Felix to put a request in WhatsApp for the recollection.
  • John Long or Martin Relton to attend the Flower Festival committee meeting at Church on 6th May.

Completed Actions

  1. Stuart to submit the result of the ‘practicing catholic’ vote. Completed.
  2. Sean to set up a session with JWR and John to arrange a meeting to agree the buddy list.
  3. Sean/John and others to visit Crewe Circle on 23rd March and ask about members who are Governors of St Nicholas School to see if they have spoken to the school regarding Catenian support for attendees to the CYMfed FLAME convention. Chris Mottram and John McDonald are governors.
  4. Martin Roberts and Martin Relton to arrange for Circle donation of £1,000 to be paid through the Co-op or Natwest that supports the Ukrainian Relief Effort. This is in addition to the £400 raised at the Charter Dinner for which we have pound for pound matching from Barclays. Completed.
  5. Stuart to add Joan Shaw to the sick list. Completed.
  6. Sean to send a thank-you note to Knutsford Golf Club re the Charter Dinner. Completed.
  7. Sean to contact Felix re recollection on 6th April. Completed.
  8. John L to confirm details about paying for the deposit for Lost and Found (£1,000). Completed.
  9. John L to confirm what event will take place on the weekend of May 14th.
  10. Stuart to invite the widows to the St George’s Night Dinner. Completed.
  11. AGM 9th May – reports needed for President, Treasurer, Secretary. Need to agree Subscriptions, appointment of auditors and ask if anyone has any proposals. Stuart to send a reminder to Circle in May.
  12. Stuart to update Circle diary. Completed.
  13. John to write a welcome message for the Newsletter.
  14. Sean to contact Neil Farmer to confirm whether he wants to continue to be a member of the circle. Completed – Neil wishes to remain as a Country member.

Decisions

  1. Assume Mark Jones will stay on as a country member.
  2. We agreed to refund Mike Chidgey as he could not attend

Social Events

The St George’s Dinner went very well with 76 people in attendance. Feedback so far has been very positive. There are no more financial obligations to Lost & Found. Initial look is close to break even (either £55 loss or £15 profit). Charity contribution was £917 – raffle – £660, hamper – £157, wine – £100. This will be split between’Just pop In’ and the Ukrainian Disaster Relief Fund.

Planned events are:

  • Knutsford Beer Festival – Thursday 28th April 
  • Recollection – Wednesday 4th May
  • Children’s Make your own pizza (Sessions House) – TBA.
  • Tatton Walks – May 15th
  • Gourmet meal at Bistrot Pierre, Altrincham – probably in June
  • Sale Sharks – June 4th (John Piper is organising)
  • President’s Sunday – date TBC (July/September)

We will support the Flower Festival at church – meeting on Friday 6th May.

Other notes

  • Lello now working at the Courthouse and his wife is recovered. He is keen to continue as a Catenian – and wishes to be contacted via Nick Johnson.
  • An article about our donation to Sean’s charity has been sent to Knutsford Guardian – it is not clear if it has been published yet.
  • John is speaking to the Chief exec of ‘Just Drop In’ this week to see
  • 21/22 year was a small surplus of about £100 prior to deposit for Lost & Found. Audits are underway.
  • Subscriptions are proposed to stay the same
  • Next provincial meeting is after the next circle meeting.
  • Agreed that miniatures we will go for low end version.
  • AGM agenda needs to include appointment of auditors

Welfare

Our sick list is: Tony Weir, James O’Dude, Joan Shaw.

No updates available.

Strategy Development Plan – Circle Actions

The following actions are taken from the national development plan. Progress will be tracked through Council Meetings.

  1. Circles to have a detailed plan for increasing membership within their circle. Completion by the end of September 2021. Work in progress, we do have a plan of action.
  2. Circles to re-establish (after the pandemic) their programme providing regular meetings and social events. Completion by the end of December 2021. On track – being progressed through normal Council business.
  3. Circle presidents to establish a contact list so that every parish has a person responsible for maintaining a Catenian contact with it. Completion by the end of September 2021. Have decided to use our existing contacts rather than have one dedicated person.
  4. Circles to support the CYMfed FLAME convention by providing financial support to schools with the purchase of tickets so young people can attend. £20,000 available, measured by purchase of tickets. No action so far – will ask for leads at a Circle meeting.

14th March 2022

Present: Sean McGhee, John Long, Martin Roberts, Steve Graham, John Sutton, Martin Relton and Stuart Jones

Apologies: Felix Martin,

Not Present: Chris Jones

Meeting started at 19:30 and finished at 21:45

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  • Stuart to draft a note about membership message to go into the Parish Newsletter. Will go in after Tatton Walk.
  • Sean to ask JWR to check with John Beswick’s wife if he wants to stay a member (full or country).
  • Sean to speak with brothers to find someone who can check on what John Hurst wants to do re membership.
  • Sean to speak to Mark Jones & Paul O’Brien re membership and attending Charter Dinner

New Actions

  1. Stuart to submit the result of the ‘practicing catholic’ vote.
  2. Sean to set up a session with JWR and John to arrange a meeting to agree the buddy list.
  3. Sean/John and others to visit Crewe Circle on 23rd March and ask about members who are Governors of St Nicholas School to see if they have spoken to the school regarding Catenian support for attendees to the CYMfed FLAME convention. Chris Mottram and John McDonald are governors.
  4. Martin Roberts and Martin Relton to arrange for Circle donation of £1,000 to be paid through the Co-op or Natwest that supports the Ukrainian Relief Effort. This is in addition to the £400 raised at the Charter Dinner for which we have pound for pound matching from Barclays.
  5. Stuart to add Joan Shaw to the sick list
  6. Sean to send a thank-you note to Knutsford Golf Club re the Charter Dinner.
  7. Sean to contact Felix re recollection on 6th April.
  8. John L to confirm details about paying for the deposit for Lost and Found (£1,000).
  9. John L to confirm what event will take place on the weekend of May 14th.
  10. Stuart to invite the widows to the St George’s Night Dinner.
  11. AGM 9th May – reports needed for President, Treasurer, Secretary. Need to agree Subscriptions, appointment of auditors and ask if anyone has any proposals. Stuart to send a reminder to Circle in May.
  12. Stuart to update Circle diary
  13. John to write a welcome message for the Newsletter
  14. Sean to contact Neil Farmer to confirm whether he wants to continue to be a member of the circle.

Completed Actions

  1. Stuart to send out voting email (and postal note) for ‘practising catholics’. Completed
  2. Stuart to inform Eddie Haughey about John Beswick going on the sick list. Completed
  3. Stuart to send a note out to the circle and secretaries/presidents around the province about the charter dinner and ask for payment (Confirm by Feb 25th at the latest). Completed
  4. Stuart to do Order of Service for Charter Night. Completed
  5. John Long to check with Nick Long and confirm arrangements for Sales Sharks visit and St. George’s Night. Completed
  6. Sean to ask for ideas about buddy system at the Circle meeting. Completed
  7. John Long to ask Nick Johnson to speak to Damian Grieves and Jim Meagher re membership. Completed
  8. Sean to speak to Paul Yearsley re collecting his scroll (and membership). Being picked up this week.

Decisions

  1. John Long’s charity for the his presidential year is ‘Young Minds’ focusing on mental health for young people.
  2. Next council meeting will be25th April.

Social Events

The Charter Night and Clergy Dinner went well with 43 brothers attending. A few mistakes were made re meal options and noting when brothers wanted to sit together at the meal. The secretary will take more care in future.

Planned events are:

  • Social Evening at Legh Arms, Nick Johnson will take the lead – 31st March @19:00
  • Aim for a recollection on week of 6th April
  • St George’s night – Friday 22nd April at Lost & Found. £35 a head – 10 people have signed up so far. Wilmslow are happy to join in with us – likely commitment is 25-30 people. Dress Code – jacket and tie. Need to get final orders by April 8th.
  • Knutsford Beer Festival – Thursday 28th April 
  • Children’s Make your own pizza (Sessions House) – May 14th.
  • Tatton Walks – May 15th
  • Gourmet meal at Bistrot Pierre, Altrincham – probably in June
  • Sale Sharks – June 4th (John Piper is organising)

Other notes

  • Voting arrangements for ‘practicing Catholics’ proposition will be handled through email/post and Stuart will collate the results.
  • We are on track for a year end balance of ~£3,480. A surplus of £102 for the year.
  • Buddy system – For new members assign a buddy on joining, for existing members – assign people who, ideally, know each other.
  • Circle donation of £1,000 will be paid to an appropriate Charity that supports the Ukrainian Relief Effort. This is in addition to the £400 raised at the Charter Dinner for which we have pound for pound matching from Barclays
  • We have donated £1,030 to the presidents charity, £1400 to the disaster emergency fund for Ukraine,
  • Topics for the Newsletter
  • Province – Harish Narotham will be the next Provincial President – but no VP yet.
  • Membership of Rafel Merolle – Nick has left a message but has not yet had a response. We are following up on prospective new members (Oliver Carrol) from social drinks evening and potential new member suggested by Felix (Alfonso).
  • AGM will be before the May Circle meeting at 19:30.
  • Sean thanked everyone of council for their work during his two years as President. A thank-you lunch date was planned for 30th April.

Welfare

Our sick list is: Tony Weir, James O’Dude, John Beswick. Tony Weir is currently in respite care, JWR is going to see if it is appropriate to visit him.

John Shaw asked if we could add his wife Joan Shaw to the sick list.

Strategy Development Plan – Circle Actions

The following actions are taken from the national development plan. Progress will be tracked through Council Meetings.

  1. Circles to have a detailed plan for increasing membership within their circle. Completion by the end of September 2021. Work in progress, we do have a plan of action.
  2. Circles to re-establish (after the pandemic) their programme providing regular meetings and social events. Completion by the end of December 2021. On track – being progressed through normal Council business.
  3. Circle presidents to establish a contact list so that every parish has a person responsible for maintaining a Catenian contact with it. Completion by the end of September 2021. Have decided to use our existing contacts rather than have one dedicated person.
  4. Circles to support the CYMfed FLAME convention by providing financial support to schools with the purchase of tickets so young people can attend. £20,000 available, measured by purchase of tickets. No action so far – will ask for leads at a Circle meeting.

14th February 2022

Present: Sean McGhee, John Long, John Sutton, and Stuart Jones

Apologies: Felix Martin, Martin Roberts, Steve Graham, Martin Relton

Not Present: Chris Jones

Meeting started at 19:30 and finished at 21:00

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  • Stuart to draft a note about membership message to go into the Parish Newsletter. Will go in after Tatton Walk.

New Actions

  1. Stuart to send out voting email (and postal note) for ‘practising catholics’
  2. Stuart to inform Eddie Haughey about John Beswick going on the sick list
  3. Stuart to send a note out to the circle and secretaries/presidents around the province about the charter dinner and ask for payment (Confirm by Feb 25th at the latest).
  4. Stuart to do Order of Service for Charter Night
  5. John Long to check with Nick Long and confirm arrangements for Sales Sharks visit and St. George’s Night.
  6. Sean to ask for ideas about buddy system at the Circle meeting.
  7. Sean to ask JWR to check with John Beswick’s wife if he wants to stay a member (full or country).
  8. Sean to speak with brothers to find someone who can check on what John Hurst wants to do re membership.
  9. John Long to ask Nick Johnson to speak to Damian Greaves and Jim Meagher re membership
  10. Sean to speak to Mark Jones & Paul O’Brien re membership and attending Charter Dinner
  11. Sean to speak to Paul Yearsley re collecting his scroll (and membership)

Completed Actions

  1. The president to ask Circle for volunteers to act as ‘link’ person for St. Vincents’s Parish and St. Nicholas High School, and look at Holmes Chapel and Northwich. Ongoing – asked at Circle but no volunteers yet. We agreed to stop this action and continue with current contacts.
  2. Council members to provide details of ‘key responsibilities’ page for Circle Officers to Stuart (who will update the relevant web-page). Completed – all now added
  3. Stuart to complete key responsibilities on the web-site. Completed
  4. Martin to send Sean a list of people who made IOUs for the charity at the Christmas Dinner and Sean to contact them. Ongoing – have been chased, have been chased again and no more chasing will take place.
  5. Sean to ask at next circle meeting for a volunteer to lead on link person for Sam’s Luncheon Club. Completed
  6. Sean to contact (or get someone to get in touch) with John Hurst and John Beswick to confirm welfare and wish for continued membership.
  7. Steve to compile list of people we have not seen (and not have heard from) and those we have had no contact – and share so that we can contact them. Completed see discussion below
  8. Stuart to send out note re cancellation of 28th Jan, and invite for 10th March. Completed
  9. Stuart to set up an email cateniansocial@knutsfordcatenians.org.uk (to go to John Long and Nick). And set up a website. Completed
  10. Sean to propose to Circle that we would introduce an introductory offer for the first year of 50% of membership for the first 12 months. Completed and carried.
  11. Stuart to send out an invite for the Lambing Shed Brunch. Completed
  12. John Long or Nick to talk to venues about possible dates for St George’s night. Completed
  13. Stuart to remind people to send apologies if they can’t make the meeting. Completed
  14. Martin to check with Cottons the rules about mask wearing for meetings. Completed
  15. John L and Sean to have a Zoom call with Chris Jones about membership officer role. Completed

Decisions

  1. We agree to keep subscriptions at £150 – this will be proposed at the AGM
  2. We agreed to include in apologies for Circle meetings those brothers who have a long term illness preventing them from attending or those who are country members.

Social Events

The brunch at the Lambing Shed went well.

Planned events are:

  • Tatton Walk Sunday 20th Feb (advertised in Parish Newsletter)
  • Thursday March 10th – Charter and Clergy Night – max capacity 48. Priests to invite: Father David, Father John, Father Tony Elder, Father Michael Lowenthal
  • Sale Sharks – Date to be confirmed 
  • Knutsford Beer Festival Thursday 28th April 
  • Children’s Make your own pizza May 14th.
  • St George’s night – options are Cottons and Lost & Found. Still under negotiation. Wilmslow are happy to join in with us.

Other notes

  • Voting arrangements for ‘practicing Catholics’ proposition will be handled through email/post and Stuart will collate the results.
  • We are on track for a year end balance of ~£4,300
  • Situation with regard to subscriptions for John Hurst and John Beswick. See actions above
  • In the light of the balance it was proposed and agreed that we recommend we hold subs for the forthcoming year at £150- to be agreed at AGM
  • We discussed options for how to develop a ‘buddy’ system to make sure all brothers are looked after.
  • We reviewed a list of brothers not fully engaged with the Circle and agreed actions.

Topics for the Newsletter

  • Not discussed

Welfare

No update on anyone on our sick list. We will add John Beswick to the sick list.

Strategy Development Plan – Circle Actions

The following actions are taken from the national development plan. Progress will be tracked through Council Meetings.

  1. Circles to have a detailed plan for increasing membership within their circle. Completion by the end of September 2021. Work in progress, we do have a plan of action.
  2. Circles to re-establish (after the pandemic) their programme providing regular meetings and social events. Completion by the end of December 2021. On track – being progressed through normal Council business.
  3. Circle presidents to establish a contact list so that every parish has a person responsible for maintaining a Catenian contact with it. Completion by the end of September 2021. Have decided to use our existing contacts rather than have one dedicated person.
  4. Circles to support the CYMfed FLAME convention by providing financial support to schools with the purchase of tickets so young people can attend. £20,000 available, measured by purchase of tickets. No action so far – will ask for leads at a Circle meeting.

17th January 2022

Present: Sean McGhee, John Long , Martin Roberts, Steve Graham, and Stuart Jones

Apologies: John Sutton

Not Present: Chris Jones, Felix Martin, Martin Relton

Meeting started at 19:30 and finished at 21:30

Outstanding Actions (from previous meetings)

  1. Council members to provide details of ‘key responsibilities’ page for Circle Officers to Stuart (who will update the relevant web-page). Input given for President, Treasurer, Secretary, Provincial Councillor, Registrar and Marketing officer. VP, Welfare officer and Membership Officer outstanding.
  2. The president to ask Circle for volunteers to act as ‘link’ person for St. Vincents’s Parish and St. Nicholas High School, and look at Holmes Chapel and Northwich. Ongoing – asked at Circle but no volunteers yet
  3. Stuart to draft a note about membership message to go into the Parish Newsletter. Will go in after Christmas.
  4. Martin to send Sean a list of people who made IOUs for the charity at the Christmas Dinner and Sean to contact them. Ongoing – have been chased, will be chased again.
  5. John L and Sean to have a Zoom call with Chris Jones about membership officer role. Call to take place on 18th Jan

New Actions

  1. Stuart to complete key responsibilities on the web-site.
  2. Sean to ask at next circle meeting for a volunteer to lead on link person for Sam’s Luncheon Club.
  3. Sean to contact (or get someone to get in touch) with John Hurst and John Beswick to confirm welfare and wish for continued membership.
  4. Steve to compile list of people we have not seen (and not have heard from) and those we have had no contact – and share so that we can contact them.
  5. Stuart to send out note re cancellation of 28th Jan, and invite for 10th March.
  6. Stuart to set up an email cateniansocial@knutsfordcatenians.org.uk (to go to John Long and Nick). And set up a website.
  7. Sean to propose to Circle that we would introduce an introductory offer for the first year of 50% of membership for the first 12 months.
  8. Stuart to send out an invite for the Lambing Shed Brunch
  9. John Long or Nick to talk to venues about possible dates for St George’s night
  10. Stuart to remind people to send apologies if they can’t make the meeting.
  11. Martin to check with Cottons the rules about mask wearing for meetings.

Completed Actions

  1. Sean and John Long to ask current officers if they wish to continue in office. Stuart will then ask for nominations.
  2. John Sutton to communicate with John Long and Nick Johnson about supporting a joint event with Wilmslow.
  3. John Long to invite Pat Wickham to the Beer and Curry night. See agenda item below.
  4. Martin to liaise with John Long to ensure payment in of the cash from the Christmas dinners
  5. Sean to remind Tony Andrews about talk on benevolent fund in January
  6. Sean will check on Mike Diver (and his wife) and will ask Bill Gore about Matt Lynch.
  7. John L to draft a note about Beer and Nibbles which Stuart will the send out (Stuart to also update the diary)
  8. John L to check details for the Charter and Clergy Dinner with the golf club.
  9. Sean to invite priests once date and venue confirmed for the Charter dinner.
  10. Sean to send a letter to Cottons thanking them for what they did at the dinner (John L and Nick to draft a letter). Completed

Decisions

  1. We discussed membership costs and agreed that we propose to Circle that we would introduce an introductory offer for the first year of 50% for the first year.
  2. We will have the next meeting face to face at Cottons.

Social Events

Planned events are:

  • 23th January – Children’s Christmas Event.
  • Social – 27th Jan (Sessions House)
  • Thursday March 10th – Charter and Clergy Night – max capacity 48. Priests to invite: Father David, Father John, Father Tony Elder, Father Michael Lowenthal
  • Brunch at Lambing Shed – Wednesday 9th Feb, 10:00
  • Tatton Walk Sunday 20th Feb 
  • Sale Sharks Friday 12th March 
  • Knutsford Beer Festival Thursday 28th April 
  • Children’s Make your own pizza May 14th.
  • St George’s night – date tbc

John shared his proposal (developed with Nick) for social events and his brochure – which we all liked, and a few suggestions were made.

Other notes

  • At the next council meeting we need to agree subscriptions for the next year.
  • We still need a VP for next year.
  • The latest finances have been reported separately. Provincial capitation will be unchanged for the next year.

Topics for the Newsletter

  • Not discussed

Welfare

No update on anyone on our sick list. We will add John Beswick to the sick list.

Need to find out if John Beswick and John Hurst wish to continue to remain members (see actions).

Strategy Development Plan – Circle Actions

The following actions are taken from the national development plan. Progress will be tracked through Council Meetings.

  1. Circles to have a detailed plan for increasing membership within their circle. Completion by the end of September 2021. Work in progress, we do have a plan of action.
  2. Circles to re-establish (after the pandemic) their programme providing regular meetings and social events. Completion by the end of December 2021. On track – being progressed through normal Council business.
  3. Circle presidents to establish a contact list so that every parish has a person responsible for maintaining a Catenian contact with it. Completion by the end of September 2021. No progress so far – we asked for leads at a Circle meeting but none yet.
  4. Circles to support the CYMfed FLAME convention by providing financial support to schools with the purchase of tickets so young people can attend. £20,000 available, measured by purchase of tickets. No action so far – will ask for leads at a Circle meeting.