Croydon Catenians Circle 60

At the beginning of his year in office, President Ken Lee announced that his President’s Charity would be The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and throughout the year various fund raising efforts have taken place.

The final event was participation in the Marsden March on Sunday 22nd March. Sadly, Ken an avid runner and walker was prevented from taking part (his son Thomas took his place) but members of the Circle put in much effort to raise funds for the Charity.

Gil and Phil Tomei , Maureen and Clare Melvin walked the 5 mile route whilst Stephen Piper, Andrew Denore and Thomas Lee walked the 14 mile route.

The final amount raised is not yet known but will certainly exceed several hundred pounds when fully collected.

Left to right
Phil Tomei, Gil Tomei, Clare Melvin, Maureen Melvin

Left to right
Stephen Piper, Andrew Denore, Phil Tomei, Gil Tomei, Thomas Lee

Croydon Circle held their Annual Clergy Night Dinner at Purely Downs Golf Club in November attracting the largest group of Clergy and Sisters for many years from the Parishes round Croydon and also the Emmaus Centre in West Wickham. It is the one time in the year when the Circle welcome and give thanks to the clergy who give so much time to their Parishioners.

Circle President, Ken Lee welcomed all the guests and a humorous response was made by Canon James Pannett.

From left to Right
Fr Patrick Cannon (St Dominic, Waddon), Deacon Philip Pond, Fr Joseph O’Connor (Our Lady of the Annunciation, Addiscombe), Fr Patrick Murtagh (retired), Fr Gus Kinnane (Holy Family, Sanderstead), Canon Frank O’Sullivan (retired), Fr Martin McCarthy, (St Gertrude, South Croydon), Circle President, Ken Lee, Tina Lee, Fr Denis Paul (retired), Canon James Pannett (St John the Baptist, Purley), Fr Richard Lear (Emmaus Retreat Conference Centre), Fr William Damah (St Chad, South Norwood), Sister Sheila Moloney (Convent of Daughters of Mary and Joseph, Thornton Heath), Fr Desmond Doherty (retired), Fr Antony Megalan Sellam (St Mary’s, West Croydon), Fr Michael Scanlon (St Mary’s, West Croydon), Sister Felice Wright (Emmaus Retreat Conference Centre), Fr Barry Hughes (behind Sr Felice) (retired).

A group of Croydon Brothers, wives and widows of past members took a trip to Littlehampton on August 17th.

The morning was dull and overcast with a strong wind – hardly the best weather for a day by the seaside. Too cold for a dip in the sea, the group strolled by the river into town and enjoyed morning tea and coffee followed by lunch at a pleasant cafe in town.

Shortly afterwards, the clouds lifted and the sun came out causing a mad dash to the beach. Richard Mills with a keen organiser’s mind had brought a supply of kites. Some of the group had greater skills with kite flying than others and in short order the kites were flying against a clear blue sky.

After a stroll along the prom and tea, the group left for home and agreed it had been a most enjoyable day.

On a Saturday morning in June 2014, thirteen Croydon Brothers and Ladies met at Tower Hill Tube Stationer a guided ‘Catholic History” Walk led by Kate Boyle, an accredited Blue Badge Guide for London.

Sadly, the weather which had been warm and sunny changed dramatically just before the start of the walk necessitating a rapid change of plan. Kate, instead, led everyone on an informative, interesting and knowledgable tour of All Hallows Church and its Crypt. This was followed by lunch at ‘The Kitchen Cafe’ attached to the Church.

Despite the weather, a very enjoyable time was had by all.

Kate Boyle organises tours for the Catenians and Union of Catholic Mothers to raise funds for The Holy Rosary Sisters charity for premature babies in Brazil..

Croydon Circle had two reasons to be cheerful at its popular President’s Half Way Night with the attendance of Grand President Bob Butler at the Circle meeting and the enrolment of a new Brother, Frank Delicata.

Frank, a retired Design and Technology Teacher, is married to Adelia and attends St Gertrude’s Church in South Croydon.  Frank’s skills extend to making his own furniture and Adelia is an accomplished cook who is keen to share her skills and experience for the benefit of Circle functions.  There are also connections with Croydon Brothers.  Adelia attended school with the Sister of Bro. Phil Tomei and Frank has known Bro. Tom Tracey for nearly thirty five years.

Bro Grand President was supported in his visit by Grand Vice President Peter Woodford, and Grand Secretary, Mark Allanson, as well as two Past Grand Presidents.  It was also a rare occurrence for the Circle when the fifty seven Visiting Brothers outnumbered the Croydon Brothers present.

Left to right:

Bro Grand President Bob Butler, Frank Delicata, Croydon Circle President Ken Lee, Grand Vice President Peter Woodford.