Football was the main focus of Sutton Coldfield’s January meeting held at Moor Hall Hotel Sutton Coldfield 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. Two circle Blue Nose supporters – Mike Mc Namara and Liam Tomlinson are seen in the photo together with John Eustace in the centre.
Sutton Coldfield Circle held its Christmas Party after its meeting on 12thDecember . Although attendance was down on pre covid occasions some 35 brothers, wives and guests enjoyed a festive occasion . In the chair at dinner was Brother Fred Kettell who ably led the assembled in a range of popular carols. At the circle meeting Brother President Mark McGrail Presented Brother 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.
Sutton Coldfield’s November Circle’s meeting on November 14th turned out to be a double special celebration with two 50 year membership scrolls being presented instead of a planned one by Great Britain National President Brother Roger Lillie. At Streetly Circle’s meeting a week before a 50 year scroll was due to be presented to Brother Peter Dickens but unfortunately Brother Roger’s car broke down in Oxford on his way to Streetly’s venue at Lee Marston near Coleshill. However all was not lost with Brother Peter and his wife Vickie being invited to attend Sutton Coldfield’s Circle meeting at which Brother Mike Gaffney together with his twin sister Elizabeth was being presented with his 50 year scroll
The meeting and dinner which followed was an outstanding success with over 110 attending including brothers,wives and guests. It was an honour not only to have Brother Roger attending but also his wife Margaret together with Brother Provincial President Andrew Bodger , Brother Director John Minster and his wife Gill , Provincial Officers , Presidents and brothers from some 14 circles in the Province. Brother Roger gave a brief resume of Brother Mike and Peter’s achievements which included the various offices held within the respective circles and the contribution that they had given to the Association over the years. The Morgan Cup raised £325.17 for the Bursary Fund. It was also an opportunity for brothers from around the Province to meet together again after the end of the Covid 19 restrictions.
Placing bets on the races was more than brisk at Sutton Coldfield Circle’s race night held at Moor Hall Hotel after the circle meeting on Monday October 11th. Brothers , wives 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 Brother 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. An excellent night 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.
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 brothers and ladies of Province No 6 here is your chance to enhance your appearance at all those circle and provincial events. Brother Michael is pictured( left) being welcomed by Brother President Mark Mc Grail.
