IT ALL ENDED UP LANDING IN A HEAP

Members and guests initiatives were severely tested at Sutton Coldfield’s April meeting, held at its usual venue Moor Hall Hotel Sutton Coldfield, when after dinner all were invited to participate in a game of GENGA. The name comes from the Swahili word “kujenga” which means ‘to build or construct’. Players take turns removing one block at a time from a tower constructed of 54 blocks. Each block removed is then placed on top of the tower, creating a progressively more unstable structure. The game ends when the tower falls over. This task of course put all to the test each skilfully removing a block and hopefully at the same time not demolishing the tower. After numerous attempts, the tower remained in place but unfortunately, after a member, who will be nameless but a retired civil engineer removed a block the inevitable happened – it all came down landing in a heap. A most entertaining evening. The circle welcomed Joe Martin of Leamington Spa Circle making his final visit in his role as Provincial President, Father Ryan Service, Assistant Priest – Holy Trinity Sutton Coldfield, and Anne Edwards a Holy Trinity parishioner.

Member Tom Williams skilfully removes his block. President Tony Walsh proceeds with caution his move. The inevitably happens !!!!!

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.

Success For Local Students

Michaela  and Sam with the Most Reverend  Bernard Longley – Archbishop of Birmingham ( one of the judges of the competition)  and Catenian Provincial President Jim Gillen.

Two students from Bishop Walsh Catholic School in Sutton Coldfield competed in the annual Catenian Provincial Public Speaking Competition held at Birmingham Newman University on 21st March. Competitors from catholic secondary schools from across the midlands took part. Each contestant was asked to select a subject from thirteen topics and deliver a four-minute speech on their chosen topic. Sutton Coldfield Catenian’s has been assisting Bishop Walsh School in preparing students for the competition. The two students from the school Sam Craggs and Michaela Ryan gave excellent presentations with Sam’s speech – There is no such thing as bad art and Michaela’s – The impact of climate change is the biggest world challenge today. Michaela’s presentation won her second place and a voucher for £75-00 with Sam although not placed being awarded a voucher for £20-00.

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.

Tee Off Into the World of Golf

Sutton Coldfield Circle at its March meeting held at its usual venue Moor Hall Hotel had the pleasure of welcoming as the after dinner guest speaker Ian Randell Chief Executive at Confederation of Professional Golf. Ian has the day-to-day responsibility for the management of an Association of 40 National Professional Golfers’ Associations with a collective membership of 12,550 PGA Professionals. He is a board member of Ryder Cup Europe and Board Trustee of Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT) . He gave an outline of the objectives of the association which included working with coaches and clubs and having a vision of creating a skilled workforce for the game. He remarked that since Covid 19 the participation in the game has increased and the game needs to be inclusive .He gave an insight and history of the Ryder Cup and its founder Sam Ryder, It will returning to Europe in 2027 at Adare Manor, County Limerick in Ireland.

Peter Westbrook with a replica of the Ryder Cup ( which each golfer participating in the competition receives)
Left to right  President Peter Westbrook, Ian Randell  and Vice President Tony Walsh with the winning teams fine bottle of scottish whisky.

President Peter Westbrook chaired a question and answer session with Ian which members and guests presented questions which ranged from getting young people into the game, the difference between American and British crowds at tournaments , the handicap system and what has Rory McIlroy achieved for the sport. A challenge was set by Ian for each table to name the best Ryder Cup Team with a bottle of fine Scottish whisky as the prize. The winning table was led by Vice President Tony Walsh. A most enjoyable and informative evening.

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.

Sutton Coldfield Circle Welcomes Local Catholic Clergy and A New Member

Sutton Coldfield Circle at its February meeting held at its usual venue Moor Hall Hotel welcomed members of the local catholic clergy to dinner after the circle meeting and also enrolled a new member Tom Williams. Tom is a parishioner of Holy Trinity Sutton Coldfield and is Head of Year and teacher of mathematics at the town’s Grammar School. He is married to Elizabeth and they have two young children. He is a native of Newcastle Under Lyme and an avid Port Vale supporter. He is now the youngest member of the circle!


Members , Clergy and Guests gathering after dinner
Welcoming new member . Left to right – David Prescott Provincial Director and Membership Officer , Tom Williams New Member , Peter Westbrook  Sutton Coldfield President and  Joe Martin Provincial President.

Seven members of the local clergy enjoyed the company of circle members and visitors at dinner. The clergy comprising of Fr Ryan Service and Fr David Lacy both assistant priests at Holy Trinity Sutton Coldfield , Father Simon Ellis parish priest of St Margret Mary Perry Common , Msgr David Cousins retired priest of the Sacred Heart Mere Green, Canon Michael Dolman Rector of Oscott College together with Fr James Preston Spiritual Director and Deacon Frank Westcott a student. The circle also welcomed Catenian visitors from Kenilworth Circle, Leamington Spa Circle and Hinckley Circle . Three ladies also joined the circle at dinner Janet Diamond. widow of Sutton Coldfield member Jim Diamond and a Past Provincial President and two parishioners from Holy Trinity Sutton Coldfield- Judith Millington and Jo Hanrahan. A most enjoyable and relaxing evening was experienced by all attending.

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.

The President Goes Down Under

Graham Short, Roland Mc Gready, Peter Westbrook and his son Oliver

Sutton Coldfield Circle President Peter Westbrook and his wife Sandra spent Christmas and the New Year with his son Oliver and family in Sydney , Australia . On their outward journey, they also visited Japan. Whist in Australia Peter visited Catenians in Harbourside North Circle No 306 and received a true Aussie welcome by the circle members including Graham Short Australia National Council President and a member of Harbourside North Circle and Roland Mc Gready the circle’s Vice President. The Catenians have an ever growing presence in both western and eastern Australia and any member visiting from the U.K can be assured a warm welcome.

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.

Celebrating Christmas In True Style

Members wives and guests of Sutton Coldfield Circle celebrated the Christmas festivities in true style at their December meeting at Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield. After an excellent Christmas fayre provided by the hotel, all joined in with the singing of a range of traditional Christmas carols being led by member Liam Tomlinson and his wife Mary, member Ryszard Weber, with his accordion, and his wife Krystyna. For the added enjoyment circle member Mike Mc Namara entertained all assembled in true Christmas spirit with his singing of ‘ Fairy Tale of New York ‘ A most enjoyable and entertaining evening.

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.

Not The 1812 Overture But the War Of 1812

Many of us associate the year 1812 with the Overture which was commissioned to commemorate Russia’s deference against Napoleon’s armies in 1812. However, the year has another significance – The War of 1812. This was the subject presented by Steve Lewis of the local branch of the U3A to Sutton Coldfield Circle at its meeting on Monday 13th November at Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield. Steve gave a very detailed and informative presentation of how the war was fought by the United States and its indigenous allies against the United Kingdom and its own indigenous allies in British North America with limited participation by Spain in Florida. The basis of the war between 1812 and 1815 was over national honour, neutral maritime rights, and the British seizure of neutral ships and their cargoes on the high seas. Various battles took place some large and some small. A very interesting and informative evening on a subject that is little known about.

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.

A Night to Celebrate For All Winners and Losers

Some of those present celebrating their WINNINGS

It was a night to celebrate at Sutton Coldfield Catenian Circle’s October Race Night Meeting held on  Monday 9th October at Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield even if you were a winner or loser as over £900 was raised for charity. The event was organised by member Steve Broom in which a number of video races, each sponsored by members, were shown with betting on horses in each race. Indeed betting was well supported even though some were lucky and others not so lucky.  The proceeds will go to an orphanage in Columbia assisting disadvantaged children. A video during the course of the evening was shown of the work of the orphanage at which Elvie daughter of Steve Broom had spent undertaking voluntary work.  A most enjoyable evening was had by all.

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. Just fill in the contact form below and we will be in touch.

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An Insight into Birmingham’s Public Art

Sutton Coldfield’s September Meeting was held at its venue Moor Moor Hotel, Sutton Coldfield welcomed back Jonathan Berg who gave a talk on his latest book –Artfully Birmingham – A Guide to Birmingham’s Public Art to be published on 1st November 2023. The book explores the public art of Birmingham in a dramatic way from the statue of Lord Nelson in the Bull Ring to the latest street art in Bohemian Digbeth and Deritend. Jonathan is no stranger to 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 and also a book on Birmingham – Invention and Design –Elkington of Birmingham detailing the company’s invention of electroplating and electrotyping techniques.

Jonathan Berg showing one of the photo portraits from his forthcoming book to those present.

After dinner members ladies and guests took part in a quiz in which Jonathan showed various photo portraits of some 10 art examples in Birmingham from his new book and those present had to provide details of the location or significant aspects of the portraits. A most enjoyable and informative evening and we await the publication of Jonathan’s new book which will make the ideal Christmas stocking present.

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. Just fill in the contact form below and we will be in touch.

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A Murder Mystery at Sutton Coldfield Circle

Members and wives at Sutton Coldfield’s July meeting held at its usual venue Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield were entertained after dinner to the thrill of a Murder Mystery. Organised by Vice President Tony Walsh all assembled were invited to solve a mystery in a highly-scripted, turn-based investigation to solve the murder of Malachai Stout and recover the family jewels and who will benefit from his will. Some of the members and their wives were asked to play key roles in the mystery while the rest of the audience at the conclusion were asked to help uncover the identity of the culprit. Indeed it was not realised how many budding thespians the circle had for those taking the key roles, particularly Joan Bisconti, Anna Mc Daid, Azora Hurd, and even President Peter Westbrook. At the end of the highly tensed-drama, there were divided opinions of who committed the murder before the culprit was revealed. An entertaining and fun evening enjoyed by all.

The budding thespians – Azora Hurd, Anna McDaid, Tony McDaid, Steve Broom, Joan Bisconti, Silvano Bisconti, Sandra Westbrook and President Peter Westbrook.

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.