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.

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Knowing More About Our Fellow Members

On Monday, June 12th Sutton Coldfield Circle held its monthly meeting on a warm pleasant summer’s evening at its usual venue Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield. The circle is becoming known for its interesting and innovative after-circle meeting activities and the June meeting was no exception. For the after-circle meeting it was suggested that we should learn about our fellow members and therefore before the meeting members were asked to complete a form. Questions ranged from What is your worst nightmare, Who is your favourite comedian. What is your best ‘compliment ‘ you give to your wife? What was your worst experience? After dinner, at which were joined by our ladies, the completed questionnaires were distributed fairly to the various tables and a spokesman on each table read out the answers with all present having to identify the member concerned. Indeed there were some surprises. A most enjoyable and light-hearted 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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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