An Evening With The Lieutenancy

An Evening With The Lieutenancy

Sutton Coldfield  Circle  had possibly the most interesting and informative  after circle event for many years at their May meeting 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. 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 our own Brother 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. Pictured  are  from left to right – Simon Topman  M.B.E.  D.L   Brother President Peter Westbrook and Kate Canty.

 

Key Speaker At Sutton Coldfield’s  May Meeting

Key Speaker At Sutton Coldfield’s May Meeting

At Sutton Coldfield’s May Circle Meeting on Monday 15th May at its usual venue – Moor Hall  Hotel , Sutton Coldfield  Kate Canty  Clerk to the West Midland’s Lord Lieutenants  Office  will give a talk after dinner on the role  functions and experiences of the Lord Lieutenant’s Office. It is highly likely that a Deputy Lord Lieutenant will also be present. Kate has a wealth of stories and examples  which will illuminate how visits ,awards  and special occasions are organised and followed up.. This is especially relevant in  this Coronation Year and we look forward in welcoming brothers from circles within the Province. If circles are visiting  please contact  for dinner numbers   Brother Fred Kettell on 0121 241 3424.no later than Thursday 11th May. We look forward to seeing you.

A Trio For Sutton Coldfield Circle

A Trio For Sutton Coldfield Circle

Sutton Coldfield Circle held its April meeting at Moor Hall Hotel Sutton Coldfield on Monday April 17th and  welcomed three new brothers into the Association and  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 enrol the new brothers . All three brothers after their enrolment expressed individually during the meeting how pleased they were to join and looked forward to undertake an active involvement in  the circle and the wider Association. Also present at the meeting was Provincial Membership Officer and Provincial Director elect Brother David Prescott of Kenilworth Circle who congratulated the three new brothers and also the circle on its recruitment efforts. Pictured left to right  are Brother President Peter Westbrook, Brother Silvano Bisconti, Provincial Membership Officer David Prescott., Brother Mark Anson and  Brother Tony McDaid

 

University Challenge Comes To Sutton Coldfield Circle

University Challenge Comes To Sutton Coldfield Circle

Sutton Coldfield Circle for its March after circle meeting  held a University Challenge type quiz. Organised by Brother 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 U.K’s smallest bird. Brothers certainly had to give much thought to the answers. However the event was very entertaining and certainly tested brothers knowledge on a wide range of subjects. The winning team( pictured with Brother Vice President Peter Westbrook standing)  were  certainly helped with the presence and wide knowledge of Bother Provincial President Andrew Bodger of the City of Lichfield Circle. The circle also welcomed visitors from  the City of Birmingham Circle No 64  led by Brother President John Mc Donald together with Brothers John Snape, Peter Towers and Tim Ryan and also visiting gentlemen  Mark Anson and Silvano Bisconti

An Evening of Invention and Design

An Evening of Invention and Design

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