CATHOLIC MAYOR OF FYLDE

On 29 May 2022 St Joseph’s church in Ansdell was the venue for its first Civic Sunday following the installation of Councillor Ben Aitken as The Worshipful Mayor of Fylde earlier in the month.  The Mass was attended by mayors of nearby councils, Fylde Borough councillors and officials and representatives of local organisations as well as parishioners. 

Mayor Ben and Mayoress Bernadette Aitken

 

Ben had been a Catenian from 2003-2007 but resigned to concentrate on his council work.  During that time another former Catenian, Ron Wilson, was Mayor of Fylde.  Ron had also resigned following a stroke to concentrate on his council work. 

Bro. Adrian Crook had been invited to attend the mayor making ceremony on 11 May as his father, William, had been Mayor of Lytham St Annes for the year 1956-57.  Lytham St Annes was incorporated into Fylde Borough following the reformation of local government in 1974.  William Crook was the first President when the Circle was re-inaugurated in 1968.

CELEBRATIONS AT CHORLEY CIRCLE

 Following the May meeting of Chorley Circle, Brothers and wives enjoyed dinner with Brother Damian Turner to celebrate his 40 years membership of the Association, and to see him presented with his scroll and miniature by Provincial President John Waddingham. 

Damian was introduced to the Catenians by the Circle’s late Brother, Brian O’Dolan, whilst undergoing dental treatment, and maintains that it would have been difficult to say ‘No’ when the drill was hovering over him!

Damian was born in Preston but, shortly after his birth, moved to Chorley, where he was brought up. He attended Preston Catholic College, and subsequently gained a Business Degree from London. He enjoyed a career with British Aerospace (now BAE Systems), initially as Operations Support Director, and then as Chief Executive in Saudi Arabia. There he spent 17 years heading a team delivering the largest ever export contract won by a UK firm, and, having to attend Board meetings in the UK, made in excess of 250 flights between the two Countries.

Damian married Suzanne in St. Mary Magdalen’s Church in Miami in 1994, before taking up his new position in the Middle East. He thus managed to undertake possibly the three most stressful life events in six days – marriage, new job, and new Country!

Now retired, in 2006 Damian and Suzanne purchased a property in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, where they spend most of their time, between visits to relatives in the UK, the Isle of Man, and Florida. Damian holds a pilot’s licence and has flown with the Red Arrows (as a passenger). He enjoys fly fishing, tennis, and motorcycling.

Having such a busy and responsible working life, and living in the Middle East and Canada, Damian has never held Office in Chorley Circle, but attends meetings whenever his visits to the UK allow.

 

 

PROVINCE 10 AT CONFERENCE

This year's annual National Conference was held in Eastbourne on the south coast.  Whilst it was a long way to go some extended the trip by staying with family and friends.  It was here that Mark Conroy relinquished the role of Director and became GB National Vice-President and Terence Donnelly took over the role of Director.

The photograph was taken by the official photographer, Paul Abbot, at the Gala Dinner just after PGP Mike O'Malley had been awarded Honorary Life Membership for his work on the Benevolent Board.  He had been a member of the board for 25 years, the last six as Chairman.

Terence Donnelly, Robert Thompson, Mike O'Malley, Mark Conroy, Tony Godden, John Waddingham

Sandra Donnelly, Sue Whale, Anne-Marie O'Malley, Kelly Godden, Maxine Conroy, Sandra Waddingham

The next conference is nearer home.  Why not make a note in your diary to attend the conference from 18 - 21 May 2023 in Sheffield and support Mark as he becomes GB National President.   

MARK'S FIRST TIME LUCK!

Mark Conroy attended the National Golf Competition for the first time recently and walked away with a trophy. He won the Saturday competition and was presented with The Rowland Young Memorial Bowl. 

Immediate Past GB National President Eddie O'Donnell, GB National President David Arundale, National Golf Captain David Parkinson (and winner of the Green Jacket), Mark Conroy.

Preston 144 - Latest 'Trainspotting' trip

Preston 144 Circle's latest 'Trainspotting' trip was to Coventry.

Our first visit was to the Catenian Headquarters at Park House, adjacent to the railway station.

Here, we received a very warm welcome (and a brew) from two of the staff, Janet and Jill.

Also working on the Association's archives was Andrew Snape from Preston 14 Circle. (He took the photo for us.)

We passed this interesting building on our way to the cathedral

The bombed-out remains of the original cathedral

The remains form the entrance to the new cathedral, which opened in 1962.

The entrance to the new cathedral

The nave of the the cathedral

After a visit to Wetherspoons for lunch, we made our way through the city, stopping at a coffee-shop. From the first-floor balcony, we had a good view of Lady Godiva!

She appears every hour, on the hour, below the clock.

'Peeping Tom' also appears in the window above her!!

Another great day out! Thanks Mike.