MALVERN CIRCLE CELEBRATES QUEEN’S JUBILEE
PICTURED ARE MEMBERS OF MALVERN CIRCLE HAVING A GREAT AFTERNOON WITH FOOD, DRINK AND MUSIC TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIG DAY. WE WERE ACCOMPANIED BY PRIESTS FROM LOCAL PARISHES. THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE LADIES OF THE CIRCLE WHO CONTRIBUTED BY PROVIDING THE REFRESHMENTS, SHELTER IN THE FORM OF GAZEBOS AND MARQUEES AND THE GARDEN SPACE PROVIDED BY DIANE AND MIKE WALSH.
Over 100 years of Membership…..
On Wednesday 18 May, Kenilworth Circle were honoured to receive the first official visit by new GBNP Roger Lillie and his wife Margaret. National President Roger had been invited by Kenilworth Circle to present a 50 year scroll to Brother Henry Whiteman. Henry was not only joined by his wife Lucy but also by his brother David from Stratford upon Avon Circle.
Between Henry and David, they share over 100 years of Catenian membership and it was lovely to welcome David to see Henry receive his scroll from the National President.
January 2022 – Sir Matthew Baggott Give Talk to North Warwickshire
In January 2022, the former Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland gave Brothers and their wives a talk about been a Christain and a member of the Police Service.
Sir Matthew first gave an appraisal of his career, starting in South London before moving up the ranks, getting special training , before becoming Assistant Chief Constable in West Midlands, then appointed to be Chief Constable in Leicestershire, and finally then in 2009 been appointed Chief Constable of the Police Service in Northern Ireland.
Sir Matthew gave a humorous speech including what it was like have both the late Iain Paisley and Martin McGuinness as his bosses on the The Northern Ireland Policing Board.
Sir Matthew gave an insight on what it is like to be Christian and a member of the Police Service during his talk.
Sir Matthew gave the circle a funny Prince Philip quip and meeting his heroes the Obama’s during the White House St Patrick Day Dinner.
Sir Matthew gave the circle a brief outline of his post retirement work which involves working with the Cardinal Vincent Nicholls and Vatican on Anti Slavery issues.
Malvern Circle celebrates 50 years
Established in 1972, 26th April was the red letter day for Malvern Circle to celebrate its 50th anniversary by holding a dinner for Brothers, ladies and guests at the Bank House Hotel and Spa in Bransford, Worcestershire, just outside the town. Visitors present came from the wider Province and neighbouring Province 12. The event included listening to speakers including Mgr. Tim Menezes, Dean of St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham who said some beautiful graces before and after the meal and a toast to Malvern Circle proposed by Brother Director of Province 6, John Minister. Newly installed Circle President Roger Watson responded to the toast. A further toast to the visitors was proposed by Brother John Duddington, a former Circle President, whose father was also a former Brother of the Circle. The Circle also welcomed Canon Brian McGinley of St George’s Church, Worcester and Father Naz Mgungwe of St Joseph’s Parish in Malvern.
During his speech, Brother Director referred to a claim to TV fame for Malvern Brother John Clark, who was featured in the BBC TV series Great Railway Journeys when he was interviewed by presenter Michael Portillo who was ‘taking the waters’ in the Malvern Hills. There was much amusement and earnest conversation during the evening whilst volumes picturing the history of the Circle from its inception up to the present day, including a written history provided by Brother John Duddington, were passed round.
Whilst awaiting the commencement of the dinner, the ladies in attendance were able to enjoy a picture quiz featuring ‘ladies in history’ and the facilities of the bar. A raffle raised £170 towards the President’s charity this year – the local Malvern Food Bank. Mementos of the occasion were distributed including chocolates for the ladies and a souvenir Morgan car factory bottle opener for the Brothers present.
Hard Talk At Sutton Coldfield Circle
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.