Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Sebastian Walicki joined Croydon Circle on September 25th 2018.
Pictured below (2nd from right) with his two sponsors from left, Ken Davies and Stephen Piper, acting Circle President Steve Tatler (centre) and Membership Officer (right), John Fennell
Sebastian, a Parishioner of St. Gertrude’s in South Croydon, is a Mechanical Engineer,who attended John Fisher, the local Catholic Senior Boy’s School.
His interests are sea fishing, gardening and home brewing.
Bournemouth was the chosen venue for this year’s President’s Weekend and 46 Brothers, Wives and Ladies were booked into the Connaught Hotel – conveniently located just up from the West side of town.
Friday night got things off to a lively start with a visit to the Pavilion Theatre to enjoy a performance of Pop Classics from the 50s, 60s and 70s given by “That’ll Be The Day” – the popular touring group. Word had leaked out that Croydon Circle was in the house and we were given a light hearted greeting from the stage.
Saturday was spent “at leisure”. The list of things to do in and around Bournemouth is a long one. One group decided on the open top bus tour of Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Poole. Some hopped off in Poole to have lunch, explore and enjoy a boat trip.
On Saturday evening we gathered for our traditional Gala Dinner in the Hotel, preceded by the President’s Drinks Reception. An excellent meal was enjoyed and followed by dancing to music provided by “Stepping Out” until midnight.
The weekend was wrapped up on Sunday morning with Mass at the Sacred Heart Church (Bournemouth Oratory in Formation) in the centre of Bournemouth where we were warmly welcomed by Fr Peter Edwards.
In Jan 2018 thirty five of our Circle Ladies and Wives gathered at Woodcote Park Golf Club for their popular New Year Lunch.
A welcome drink was followed by a three course carvery style meal with dishes for all tastes, and a choice of wines.
A raffle was held for the President’s charity, the Apostleship of the Sea, which provides spiritual and practical support to merchant seamen docking at UK ports, raising a fantastic £316. Lady President Lorraine Tatler thanked everyone for their generosity and gave a particular welcome to Susan Gower, whose husband Kevin was recently enrolled into Croydon Circle. Susan and several Ladies received beautiful floral decorations as a memento of a very enjoyable afternoon.
Brother Kevin Gower was enrolled into Croydon Circle at the Circle Meeting on 28th November 2017
Pictured with the new Brother are Circle President Steve Tatler (left) and Membership Officer John Fennell
Croydon Circle’s Annual Clergy Night Supper was held on 16th November 2017 at Purley Downs Golf Club. The Circle welcomed twenty guests from the local Clergy, Deaconate and religious life together with our Circle Widows and wives. Most of the local Parishes were represented together with several retired Priests, well known to the brothers and wives.
Bro President Steve Tatler thanked our guests for their commitment of their vocations and contribution to Catholic faith and education. Fr Roy Tablizo the newly appointed Parish Priest for St Columba Selsdon responded on behalf of our guests and visitors.
Brother President Steve Tatler chose historic Salisbury for his 2017 Presidential Weekend.
Fifty two Brothers, Wives and Circle Ladies attended the weekend, based at the Mercure White Hart Hotel, conveniently situated in the centre of Salisbury.
The weekend got underway with Evensong at Salisbury Cathedral where Croydon Circle were warmly welcomed by Canon Robert Titley, who was no stranger to the Catenian Association, having previously attended a Clergy Night organised by Richmond & Twickenham Circle.
This was followed by a champagne reception and dinner at St Elizabeth’s Hall just a short walk from the Hotel. There was a great ‘buzz’ around the room as the latest news about families and friends was shared and anecdotes exchanged.
Saturday morning was filled with a Guided Tour of Salisbury which started at the hotel and finished in Cathedral Close. The guides were Blue Badge professionals who recounted the history of Salisbury as we passed the old houses of wool merchants, the Guildhall and old inns as we moved to the Market Square with its Saturday Morning market.
With so much history, there was an enormous amount to see and enjoy. The tour ended at the Cathedral which was finished in 1258 and houses a copy of the Magna Carta in the Chapter House. Thankfully, its tiny print in old Latin was accompanied by a translation in modern English.
Saturday evening started with a private dinner in the hotel restaurant and finished many hours later with non-stop dancing to the music of Steve and Roy Easthope aka ‘First Choice’. The guests included the President of Salisbury Circle Bro. Andrew Verrian and his wife Alison accompanied by three Salisbury Brothers and their Wives.
Mass was celebrated on Sunday morning at St Osmund’s Church where Canon Michael Fitzpatrick warmly welcomed our Circle group.
Steve Tatler (far) and Roy Easthope (near) aka ‘First Choice’
News
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.