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.