by Sutton Coldfield Circle | Sep 17, 2023 | Sutton Coldfield, Uncategorised
Sutton Coldfield’s September Circle Meeting 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 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 and also a book on Birmingham – Invention and Design –Elkington of Birmingham detailing the company’s invention of electroplating and electrotyping techniques. After dinner brothers, ladies and guests which included Brother President John Shuck of the City of Lichfield Circle together with Past Provincial President Andrew Bodger also of Lichfield Circle 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 the circle awaits the publication of Jonathan’s new book which will make the ideal Christmas stocking present. Pictured is Jonathan displaying one of the photographs from his forthcoming book.
by Sutton Coldfield Circle | Jul 14, 2023 | Sutton Coldfield
Brothers and wives at Sutton Coldfield ‘s July meeting were entertained after dinner to the thrill of a Murder Mystery . Organised by Brother 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 brothers 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 Brother President Peter Westbrook. At the end of the highly tensed drama there was divided opinion of who committed the murder before the culprit was revealed. An entertaining and fun evening enjoyed by all. Picture shows the budding thespians – left to right Azora Hurd, Anna McDaid ,Brother Tony Mc Daid, Brother Steve Broom, Joan Bisconti , Brother Silvano Bisconti , Sandra Westbrook and Brother President Peter Westbrook.
by Sutton Coldfield Circle | Jun 16, 2023 | Sutton Coldfield
Sutton Coldfield Circle held its June meeting on a warm pleasant summer’s evening at its usual venue Moor Hall Hotel. The circle is becoming known throughout the Province 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 brothers and therefore before the meeting brothers 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 to 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 brother concerned. Indeed there were some surprises . A most enjoyable and light hearted evening. The circle was pleased to welcome Brother Provincial President Joe Martin and his wife Pam of Leamington Spa Circle , Brother Director and Provincial Membership Officer David Prescott of Kenilworth Circle , Brother President Martin Jackson of Streetly Circle and Brother Kris Pears of Hinckley Circle.
by Sutton Coldfield Circle | May 17, 2023 | Sutton Coldfield
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.
by Sutton Coldfield Circle | May 8, 2023 | Sutton Coldfield
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.
by Sutton Coldfield Circle | Apr 21, 2023 | Membership, Sutton Coldfield
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
