Sutton Coldfield Circle at their March meeting learned of a new material called Graphene that can revolutionise many industries from construction to electronics. Undertaking the presentation was Adrian Nixon one of the world’s leading exponent of Graphene development. He explained that Graphene which is a new advanced material revolution occurs naturally inside graphite . It is 200 times stronger than steel, flexible and transparent, the world’s best conductor of electricity and 100 times more tear resistant than steel. It can be and is being used in a range of industries- motor manufacturing , in rubber tyres to improve wear resistance and fuel economy, in sports shoes to make rubber soles stronger, more elastic and hard wearing , inclusion in concrete for flooring and space development. The many uses of the material raised interesting questions from those present which included visitors from Kenilworth and Streetly circles.
Sutton Coldfield Circle hosted a Valentine’s event at their meeting on Monday 14th February at Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield. Brothers, wives, and guests were entertained to cheese and red wine tasting, with all having to identify the name of a range of wines and cheeses, country of origin, and if possible for the wine the price. Organising the event was the circle’s own sommelier Brother Tony Walsh. Taste buds were severely strained. There were a few correct answers but the availability of free samples of red wine seemed to overtake any identification required. All seemed to enjoy themselves no doubt with a few hangovers the following morning!! However, the highlight of the evening was the presentation of a bouquet of flowers by Brother President Peter Westbrook to the circle’s own Valentine – Val Hopkins wife of Brother Paddy Hopkins who was celebrating her birthday that day.
Sutton Coldfield Catenians had the pleasure of 2 speakers for the November meeting held on Monday 15th November – Dave Price and Mo Berry. Their stories were riveting and very relatable to the audience. Despite life changing episodes, both speakers met people who invited them to completely alien events which were to prove the starting points for completely new careers. Dave from running a successful digital marketing company to becoming a television and film extra and Mo from being formally married to Tony Martin of Black Sabbath and travelling all over the world for concerts suffering a mental breakdown to starting her own training company. For further details of both Dave and Mo’s stories visit www.suttoncoldfieldcatenianscircle232.com and go to the history corner.
There was a surprise award for Brother Michael Gaffney of Sutton Coldfield Circle who is Master of Ceremonies , at Holy Trinity , Sutton Coldfield on Sunday 14th November 2021. After the Confirmation Mass Brother Michael was presented with The Gold Medal of Merit of the Guild Of St Stephen For Altar Servers having achieved 50 years of serving on the Altar . Making the presentation was Bishop David Evans , Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham. Michael is responsible for the training of all the servers in the parish and is fully supported in his role by the parish priest Father Michael Ho Huu Nghia. Michael was greatly honoured by the award and considers it’s a vocation and privilege to serve the church in this ministry.
Sutton Coldfield Circle’s October meeting witnessed a unique event when three brothers — Peter Blackburn, Jim Phillips and Geoff Dorrett (now of Windsor Circle) — were presented with 40 year scrolls by Brother Provincial President Jim Gillen of Stoke-on-Trent Circle. The event was unique as all three brothers joined Sutton Coldfield Circle on the same evening in September 1981. All three brothers have given outstanding service over the years in such offices as President, Secretary, Treasurer and Welfare Officer. The October meeting was also a circle race night when brothers, visitors and friends were able to become winners and, unfortunately, losers. However, £700 was raised for Brother President Peter Westbrook’s charity – Macmillan Cancer Support.
Sutton Coldfield Circle, after sixteen months owing to Covid 19 restrictions, resumed their monthly circle meetings at their venue – Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield with the July circle meeting. The highlight of which was the presentation of a 50-year membership scroll to Brother Phil Denver by Brother GB National Vice-President Roger Lillie. Brother Phil originally joined Darlington Circle in 1971 and transferred to Sutton Coldfield Circle with a company move to the Birmingham area. To make the occasion even more enjoyable Brother Phil was accompanied by his wife Elaine and his sons, daughter and grandchildren. Brother Phil is widely known throughout Province 6 and also the Association as a prolific golfer and he certainly got his ‘hole in one’ on the occasion of the evening’s presentation.
