Well Deserved Long Service Awards

There was a unique occasion at Sutton Coldfield‘s November meeting held at Moor Hall Hotel when two members received long service awards for their membership of the Catenian Association. Both father and son Mick and Daniel Hurd were presented with 60 and 30 years scrolls by The G.B National Vice President of the Association Gerry Mc Cormack. Gerry paid tribute to their work to the Circle and the Association over the years. Mick was a founder of the circle in 1966 and in its subsequent development. Daniel who is a deacon at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Sutton Coldfield and his role in the circle over the years.

Daniel Hurd  receiving his scroll

The evening was most successful with many of both recipient’s family members present together with circle members and their wives. Also joining in the celebrations were the Provincial President Jim Gillen of Stoke On Trent Circle, Provincial Director David Prescott and his wife Hazel of Kenilworth Circle and members from many circles in Province No6.

Mick Hurd receiving his scroll

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.

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YOU WIN SOME AND YOU LOOSE SOME

Sutton Coldfield Circle held its annual race night after its October circle meeting ably organised by Vice President Steve Broom. It was yet another successful evening with members wives and guests placing their bets on the horses in eight races all being sponsored. Betting was brisk with some being lucky and others not so lucky. The aim of the evening was for everyone to enjoy themselves and raise funds for President Tony Walsh’s charity – Tabor Living a homeless charity based in Birmingham. The evening didn’t disappoint with £1000-00 being raised. The circle was pleased to welcome President and Provincial Secretary Michael Sandy of The City of Coventry Circle and Fr Ryan Service from Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield. We look forward to next year’s event in October 2025.

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.

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The Race For The White House Reaches Sutton Coldfield Circle

Members and visitors at Sutton Coldfield’s September meeting held at Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield were privileged to hear a very informative and detailed presentation by Steve Lewis from the Sutton Coldfield branch of the U3A on the forthcoming American elections. Steve who has a wealth of experience on many aspects of American issues outlined in detail how the US Presidential election works and the voting system indicating that it is not the person who gets the most votes across the country but candidates who compete to win contests across the 50 states. Each state has a certain number of so-called electoral college votes partly based on population. There are a total of 538 up for grabs and the winner is the candidate that wins 270 or more. Steve also outlined the differences between the two parties in the elections – Republicans and Democrats.

The White House in Washington DC at summer day. The White House is home of the President of the United States of America, Washington DC, USA.

The Republicans are the conservative party and the Democrats are the liberal party. Voters will also be choosing new members of Congress which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. A far different and somewhat complicated system with no comparison with the UK system. The circle was pleased to welcome many visitors including Provincial Vice President Christopher Snelson of Leamington Spa Circle, and President Martin Jackson of Streetly Circle. President David Connolly of the City of Lichfield Circle, President David Johnson, and Provincial Councillor John Youens, undertaking his provincial visitation, of Wolverhampton Circle together with parishioners and Fr Ryan Service from Holy Trinity Catholic Church Sutton Coldfield.A very thought-provoking 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.

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Murder Mystery Evening

Members and guests examining the plot for the  Murder Mystery Evening.

Continuing with the wide variety of events held at Sutton Coldfield Circle’s meetings over the last six months the July meeting was no exception with the staging of a Murder Mystery Evening involving Don Carrasino and the Murdered Mobster to discover who murdered Danny ‘Chuckle’ Luciano. Members and guests took on various roles to discover the murderer each using their best Italian accent.

After some hilarious moments with some of those taking part not quite following the script, the murderer was finally revealed played by member Steve Broom’s wife Elana. A most enjoyable evening with the wives of members joined by parishioners from Holy Trinity Catholic Church Sutton Coldfield.A raffle for President Tony Walsh’s charity – Tabor House which supports homeless people in Birmingham – raised £215-00.

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.

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Learning About Homelessness In Birmingham

Sutton Coldfield Circle at its June meeting held at its usual venue More Hall Hotel welcomed Sharon Mc Call and Caroline Gorman from Tabor Living who gave a presentation after dinner on the work of the charity which provides better opportunities for people experiencing homelessness in Birmingham. Based at St Catherine’s Catholic Church in Bristol Street the charity works with people over 25 of any gender and offers first steps and move-on accommodation with tailored support for people at different stages of their journey away from homelessness. President Tony Walsh has chosen Tabor Living as his charity for his presidential year and the circle will be organising a number of fundraising events for the charity. A most interesting presentation for a very worthy cause working in the city. The circle was also delighted to welcome the following visitors Provincial President Jim Gillen and Barry Tunnicliffe and his wife Bernardette from Stoke on Trent Circle.

Presentation By Tabor Living

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.

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Testing Your Local Royal Knowledge

Members and guests had to think deeply at Sutton Coldfield Circle’s May meeting held at its usual venue Moor Hall Hotel when the after-dinner entertainment took the form of a quiz about the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield. Organized by circle member Liam Tomlinson, assisted by his son Brian, with four teams using their knowledge of the Royal Town to answer a variety of questions including pictures of local scenes and general and historical topics. Teams were asked to give themselves a name and after much effort and thought the ‘Two Mikes Team’ was declared the winner comprising members Mike Gaffney, Mike O’Halloran, Martin Wardell, and guests. A most thought-provoking and enjoyable evening which will hopefully be repeated again. The circle were delighted to welcome Peter Pears and his wife Patricia from Streetly Circle, Father Ryan Service, assistant priest Holy Trinity Sutton Coldfield, and Holy Trinity parishioners – Jo Hanrahan and Judith Millington.

The Winning Team

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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