An Evening with The Lieutenancy of The West Midlands

Sutton Coldfield Circle at its May meeting on Monday 15th May at Moor Hall Hotel Sutton Coldfield had possibly the most interesting and informative after-circle event for many years when they heard all about the work of the West Midlands Lieutenancy. Kate Canty Clerk to the West Midlands‘s Lord Lieutenant’s Office and Simon Topman M.B.E a Deputy Lieutenant gave a joint presentation on the origins , role, functions, and experiences of the Lord Lieutenant’s Office. Lord Lieutenants originated in the time of King Henry VIII with each county having a Lord Lieutenant being a representative of the Monarchy.

Simon Topman M.B.E  D.L  Deputy Lieutenant, Peter Westbrook Circle President, and Kate Candy Clerk to the West Midland’s  Lord Lieutenants Office.

However, over the years and by 1900 it had become just an honorary position, a militia, and not very useful. That situation has now changed today with the Lieutenancy’s main purpose of upholding the dignity of the crown and uniting communities in our particular area being the West Midlands. The present Lord Lieutenant Sir John Crabtree O.B.E has 68 deputies serving the 3 million people of the West Midlands, one of which is a Catenian – Chris Loughran of Solihull Circle. Deputies are appointed for their standing and playing some part in local communities and who can get things done. Also during the presentation, there were examples outlined of the arranging and undertaking of Royal visits some of which didn’t go quite according to plan. In all a very informative and intensely interesting evening with those present now knowing the important role of the Lieutenancy in the West Midlands.

If you are a local catholic businessman and would like to meet and socialise with other like minded catholic businessmen why not come along to one of our future meetings. We have a wide social program and you can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome. Why not give us a try? You will not be disappointed. Just fill in the contact form below and we will be in touch.

Get In Touch

Three New Members for  Sutton Coldfield Circle

Sutton Coldfield Circle at its April meeting held at Moor Hall Hotel Sutton Coldfield on Monday April 17th welcomed three new members into the circle. Tony Mc Daid who is  CEO and  Director of Clerking for a  Barristers Chambers  , Silvano Bisconti a Senior Financial Director  and Mark Anson who is an Engineering Machine Sales Manager. The meeting was the occasion of the Circle’s AGM , installation of new officers and newly elected President  Brother Peter Westbrook’s first task was to welcome  the new members. All three members  expressed individually during the meeting how pleased they were to join and looked forward to undertake an active role in the circle and the wider Association. Also present at the meeting was Provincial Membership Officer and Provincial Director elect  David Prescott of Kenilworth Circle who congratulated the three new members  and also the circle on its recruitment efforts.

Left to right: Circle President Peter Westbrook , New member  Silvano Bisconti,  Provincial Membership Officer David Prescott, New Members  Mark Anson, and Tony Mc Daid.

If you are a local catholic businessman and would like to meet and socialise with other like minded catholic businessmen why not come along to one of our future meetings. We have a wide social programme and you  can be assured of a  warm and friendly welcome . Why not give us a try . You will not  be disappointed. Just fill in the contact form below and we will be in touch.

Get In Touch

University Challenge Arrives At Sutton Coldfield Circle

Vice President Peter Westbrook ( standing) congratulates the winning team

Sutton Coldfield Circle at its March meeting held on Monday 13th March at its usual venue Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield organised a  University Challenge type quiz compiled by Vice President Peter Westbrook. Four teams were faced with a range of 35 questions of the standard associated with the television programme. Questions, some of which were multi-choice, posed to the teams ranged from the real name of the novelist George Elliot to the UK’s smallest bird.

All participants certainly had to give much thought to the answers. However the event was very entertaining and certainly had all concerned being tested on their knowledge on a wide range of subjects.

If you are a local catholic gentleman and would like to find out more about meeting and socialising with other catholics please complete  the contact form below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Get In Touch

An Evening of Invention and Design – Story of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter dynamism

Pictured on the left of Jonathan is Joe O’Meara chair for the evening with both holding an example of electroplating and a copy of the book.

Sutton Coldfield Circle at its February meeting held on Monday 13th February at Moor Hall Hotel , Sutton Coldfield were pleased to welcome Professor Jonathan Berg who gave a presentation on his latest book about Birmingham – Invention and Design –Elkington of Birmingham. Jonathan is no stranger in writing books about Birmingham illustrated with his own photographs. He has published five editions of his book – Positively Birmingham exploring the modern city in texts and images.

He captivated brothers and guests with his presentation after dinner of his latest book in which describes the history of Elkington of Birmingham with the company’s invention of electroplating and electrotyping techniques which could be applied to a range of items from candle sticks to cutlery. Examples of which Jonathan illustrated with his talk. Many copies of his book were purchased on the night the proceeds of which will go the ‘ Sifa Fireside’ charity based in Birmingham which enables inclusion, engagement and equal access to services for those individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Are you interested in attending our next event? Enquire below:

The Championship comes to Sutton Coldfield Circle

Football was the main focus of Sutton Coldfield’s January meeting held at Moor Hall Hotel on Monday 9th January when they welcomed John Eustace Head Coach of Championship side Birmingham City F.C . John was introduced by Vice President Peter Westbook who outlined his playing career at Coventry City, Stoke City, Watford and Derby County and his managerial career at Kidderminster Harriers , Queens Park Rangers and now at Birmingham City. John then took part in a question and answer session from brothers and guests on subjects ranging from – The challenges of a managerial position , relationship with players supporters club, talking to the media preparing for games , financial aspect of the club and the transfer market. The evening was most informative into the insight of the game and was particularly welcomed by all blues fans in the room. John Eustace personally introduced himself to all those present finding out there were rival supporters from Aston Villa, Southampton and Stoke City.

Some of those present listening to John Eustace’s presentation.
 Blue Nose supporters –  Mike Mc Namara and Liam Tomlinson with John Eustace, centre, Birmingham City Head Coach

If you are a local catholic gentleman and would like to find out more about meeting and socialising with other catholics please complete  the contact form below. We look forward to hearing from you.

John Eustace, Birmingham City Football Manager

On Monday the 9th January, John Eustace will be talking to us about his career, his coaching philosophy and the challenges he faces in management. It will no doubt draw out his personal qualities and resilience in managing a major football club.

You will be most welcome. Monday, 9th of January, at 7.30 at Moor Hall Hotel. Cost £26 includes a 3- course meal. If interested go to www.suttoncoldfieldcatenians232circle.com/events or phone Peter Westbrook on 07710811249.

Quality not Quantity at Christmas Party and a Surprise Gift

Sutton Coldfield Circle held its Christmas Party after its meeting on 12th December. Although attendance was down on pre covid occasions some 35 members wives and guests enjoyed a festive occasion . Fred Kettell ably led the assembled in a range of popular carols. At the circle meeting President Mark McGrail Presented Mike Gaffney with a £50-00 celebration gift voucher on behalf of the circle to mark the occasion of the award of his 50 year Membership Scroll at the November Circle meeting.

If you are a local catholic gentleman and would like to find out more about meeting and socialising with other catholics please complete and forward the contact form below. We look forward to hearing from you.

A Double Special Celebration At Sutton Coldfield Circle

Sutton Coldfield ‘s November Circle Meeting held on Monday 14th November at Moor Hall Hotel , Sutton Coldfield was double special celebration with two 50 year membership scrolls being presented by the Catenian Association Great Britain National President Roger Lillie accompanied by his wife Margret. The recipients being Michael Gaffney , a member of Sutton Coldfield Circle and Peter Dickens a member of Streetly Circle .

Mike Gaffney receiving his  50 year Membership Scroll  from Roger Lillie
Peter Dickens  receiving his 50 year Membership Scroll from Roger Lillie

The meeting and dinner which followed was an outstanding success with over 110 attending including members , wives and guests from some 14 circles in Province No6 which covers most of the wider West Midlands . National President Roger gave a brief resume of both Mike and Peter’s achievements which included the various offices they had held within their respective circles and the contribution they had given to the Catenian Association over the years.

If you are a local catholic gentleman and would like to find out more about meeting and socialising with other catholics please complete and forward the contact form on the Get In Touch section of our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

A New Member For Sutton Coldfield Circle

Sutton Coldfield Circle welcomed Michael O’ Shea into the Circle and the Association at its October meeting . Michael is a parishioner of Holy Trinity Sutton Coldfield and is semi retired. For the last twenty five years Michael was in the retail business and for the last five years as a part time hobby he has been passionate about dressing men and women to enhance their looks and show their true potential and describes himself as an Image Architect – You can have most things in life if dress for it. So in the future look out for members and their wives in their new images !!!!

Michael O’Shea  being  welcomed into the circle by  President Mark McGrail on the right.

If you are a local catholic gentleman and would like to find out more about meeting and socialising with other catholics please complete and forward the contact form on the Get In Touch section of our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

Winners and Losers Raise £810 For Charity

Placing bets on the races was more than brisk at Sutton Coldfield Catenian’s race night held at Moor Hall Hotel on Monday 11th October . Circle members and guests had the choice of placing bets on eight races all of which had been sponsored by circle members. The event was organised by circle member Steve Broom assisted by his family with video recorded races together with commentaries. There were also prizes and rosettes for the owners of all the horses which were again sponsored. There was much excitement as punters encouraged their chosen horses. Some did better than others.

Punters getting ready to place their bets !!!

An excellent night was enjoyed by all, with £810 being raised for Circle President Mark Mc Grail’s charity Lisieux House a local-based charity which supports adults with a learning disability and adults on the autism spectrum to live happy, enriched lives, full of opportunity and choice.

%d bloggers like this: