“Strengthen the Chain”
Province 5
Issue: 54
Date:July 2014
Let the games begin
Glasgow may be hosting the Commonwealth Games at the moment
but many in Province hold the view that they are of secondary
importance to those staged recently at Gateshead. Rob Appleby
writes-The Brothers of Gateshead Circle had obviously been given
strict orders before they welcomed visitors to their Games Night on
the 14th of July. Their President, Peter Crawley, advised the
preceding meeting that the well- oiled machinery of the Circle would
ensure that their Games Night would be a roaring success. I has to be
said that the statement was met with poorly contained derision..and
that was from the Gateshead Brothers!
But Peter proved to be correct in his assertion; the evening was a
huge success with a lively “buzz” persisting throughout the evening.
A very tight putting competition was eventually settled in favour of
Ian Calvert (South Shields). In the dominoes Gateshead believed that
they were to have a first winner of the John Limer Domino Trophy
with semi-finals of Peter Glynn (Hexham and Tyne Valley) against
Nick McTernan (Gateshead) and Pete McTernan (Gateshead) against
Carlo Rea (Newcastle upon Tyne). However, Carlo proved to be too
strong beating Pete in the semi-final and Nick in the final.
Pictured below Circle President Peter Crawley presents Trophies to Ian
Calvert, Nick McTernan, and the all-conquering Carlo Rea
Bill Maloney goes in search of his
roots.
Brother Bill Moloney, President of Redcar and Cleveland Circle had
cause to visit relatives in County Cork recently. Whilst in the area he
noticed that the monthly meeting of Cork 255 Circle was due to take
place at the Rochestown Park Hotel on the outskirts of Cork City. So
as ever unannounced and in search of points in an effort to retain the
Harry Hipkin Trophy Bill arrived at the meeting about a minute
before it was due to start.
Bill was warmly welcomed by the Brothers present and witnessed
lively discussions which were presided over by Bother President
Michael McCabe. The two main topics of discussion were the
potential visit of the Grand President and the celebration of the
Circle’s 500th meeting.
There was some debate about the 500th meeting which some members
thought was actually that very evening (it could only happen in
Ireland!).Others had the idea that it was only the 496th meeting so
there is on-going work in checking back records to establish the date
and organise celebrations accordingly.
Brother Bill was invited to dine with the Brother after Circle but
graciously declined due to his tight schedule and receiving a
distressing text from his similarly tight Vice-President, Mark Kirk
,who had reported that he had attended Durham City Circle and
consumed not only his own share (and second helpings) of lasagne but
that of Brother Bill too (where does he put it all?)
Bill is pictured modelling clocks and coat stands alongside Circle
President Michael McCabe
Redcar and Cleveland –Big Eat
Redcar and Cleveland Circle President Bill Maloney organised two
events in celebration of his Presidents Sunday. The first being a meal
on Friday 27th June at the Purple Pig Burger Bar on Yarm.This meal
was attended by twenty-one Brothers and their families in what is a
new (and small) venture and although space was limited all the
attendees enjoyed good food, drink and most of all, each other’s
company.
The second event was on Sunday 29th June and was attended by
twenty Brothers and their families. The day began by all attending
Mass at St Therese of Lisieux, Ingleby Barwick, following which all
were invited back to Brother Bill’s house for hot beef sandwiches
accompanied by roasties and deserts which were kindly donated and
received by those present. Evidence was the lack of left overs and
clean plates.
It was good to see Brother Nick Harty and Susan who had managed
to travel over from Whitby and also Mollie Scott and her daughter
Helen who were able to attend Mass.
Brother Bill was grateful to all those who attended and wishes to
thank “our other halves” for their support throughout the year.
Bill is pictured above with his guests
Newcastle 5 –on the road
Gerry Latimer writes-Brothers and wives of Newcastle upon Tyne
Circle 5 enjoyed a splendid afternoon tea at Eshott Hall in July. There
has been a house on the site near Guyzance between Morpeth and
Alnwick in Northumberland since the 17th Century but the present
building ,with its manicured lawns and walled garden dates from the
19th Century. The Hall,now a boutique hotel,is reached by a single
track road with passing places,typical of many secluded
Northumberland country houses,which contributes to the serenity of
the thirty-five acre estate.
Brothers and their wives gather in front of Eshott Hall
Morpeth enjoy the tranquillity of
Lindisfarne
Brother Philip Dunne organised a day out on Lindisfarne for the
Brothers and wives of Morpeth Circle. On a day when the weather
was kind to them the assembled party did a circular walk around the
island taking in all the landmarks. This was followed by lunch at the
Barn at Beal followed by coffee and tea at Philip and Mary Dunne’s
at near-by Lucker. (Information supplied by Ron McAllister).
Morpeth Brothers enjoy a well earned rest. Circle President –Chris
Offord is second from the right and the dog is called Angus!
Morpeth’s day in the sun
Chris and Joy’s President’s Sunday was on the 13th July. All morning
there had been torrentiial rain but as we arrived at at their house the
weather cleared up and the sun caaame out to welcome us. Joy had
provided a magnificiant buffet. There was an array of hot and cold
food including puddings and sweets. The wine flowed as we sat in
their lovely garden relaxing and putting the world to right. What an
enjoyable way to spend a summer’s afternoon.(Ron Mc Allister)
Pictured below Brothers and their wives enjoy the sun at Chris and
Joy’s house.
Ninety –seven not out
Tim Davies writes-The brothers of Cumberland West Circle were
delighted to welcome back into the Association Brother Bernard
Coker. By the time this gets to press Brother Bernard will be 97
years young. He was the member of the same Circle but resigned
several decades ago due to pressure of work. He has now been
welcomed back into the fold and Circle brothers hope that they will
be able to enjoy his excellent company for a long time yet.
Bernard is pictured between membership officer Ian Fairhurst and
Provincial Director Donald Austin.
Final Word-this month anyway
Many thanks to all who have contributed this month. In response to a
number of requests I have changed the font on this newsletter. I
sincerely hope this makes it easier to read. If anyone has any other
suggestions how it may be improved please let me know.
Enjoy the sun while it lasts
Yours Fraternally-Mike