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
by Sutton Coldfield Circle | Mar 17, 2023 | Sutton Coldfield
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
by Sutton Coldfield Circle | Feb 15, 2023 | Sutton Coldfield
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.
by Sutton Coldfield Circle | Jan 12, 2023 | Sutton Coldfield
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.
