Croydon Catenians Circle 60

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.

There was something for our Ladies to celebrate at the 2014 Wimbledon Circle Annual Photographic Evening.  The Wimbledon Cup, for the best in the “General” class was won by Mrs Tina Lee, Wife of Croydon Circle President Bro. Ken with her picture entitled “God saw all he had made, and indeed it was good”.  Her success was followed by another lady, Evelyn DeCruz of Woking and District Circle who won the Barbara Golden Shield with “Topsy Turvey” in the “Family” class.

Left to right:

Mrs Evelyn DeCruz, Wimbledon Circle president Bro. Des O’Brien, Mrs Tina Lee (with the Wimbledon Cup).

Croydon Circle arranged a successful sponsored Mass at St Colomba’s Church Seldon, with as many aspects of the Service as possible having a Catenian connection.

Croydon Brothers took roles from Lead Servers, Readers and Eucharistic Ministers to Sidesmen and presenting the Offertory Gifts. The assisting Deacon was Bro. Philip Pond and Altar Servers included three children of Catenians.

Following Mass on a sunny July morning Brothers distributed a large quantity of new Catenian leaflets. Membership Officer John Fennell, who planned the event, is following up several membership leads.

Finally, the Circle would like to offer special thanks to Bro. Grand Secretary, Mark Allanson who kindly travelled to Coventry and back to supply the Catenian vestments for the Service.

Croydon Brothers promoting the Circle and Association following a Catenian sponsored Mass at St Colomba Selsdon, with Circle President Bro. Ken Lee (centre) and Fr. Barry Hughes (far right).

Brothers from Croydon Circle and their families clocked up over 50 miles between them during a recent ‘walk and run’ fund raising event in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Organised by Circle President Ken Lee, himself a regular runner, the event raised over £300 in sponsorship, boosted by an additional £300 from a raffle at the Circle’s popular May Supper for Brothers, their Wives and guests.

The event built upon the success of last year’s ‘walk and run’ and looks like it could become a permanent feature in the Croydon calendar, providing a boost for charities, for the Circle and for the Association.

Croydon Circle President Bro. Ken Lee (far right), his Wife Tina (Centre) and some of the Croydon Circle runners and walkers holding the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity banner.