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Fife St Margaret (223) |
During the March meeting of Fife St. Margaret Circle, Campbell Hewson was installed as Membership Officer in place of John Ward RIP, so sadly missed. After the meeting, brothers and ladies were pleased to welcome Jack and Norah Anderson, Pat and Isobel Dolan, Provincial President George Brand and Father Thomas Mullen, who had been invited to give the Lenten Homily. In a logical and interesting presentation, Father Mullen used many examples from Holy Scripture to illustrate his contention that however far we remove ourselves from God, we can always go back to Him and be assured of a loving welcome.
In thanking Father Mullen, Circle President Alex Burns said that he had brought a message of hope that was welcomed by all.
After the May meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle President Alex Burns welcomed guests Pat and Isobel Dolan, Jack and Norah Anderson and his own son Gerard and wife Patricia to the glitzy and opulent surroundings of the Woodside Hotel Aberdour. The evening continued with the now legendary Oscars Night, organised and hosted by Peter Carney. He presented 10 people with genuine (well, almost) Oscar statuettes for their work for the Circle. Best Director was, of course, President Alex Burns. Margaret Molloy, wife of Vice President John, won Best Supporting Role and Len Williams, genius behind the equally legendary Burns Nights, won Best Producer. Other awards were made to Bill Stratton, Patricia Bacon, John Dew, Brian MacKenzie, Roy Maxwell, John McLean, and finally, for Distinguished Services, Pat Heneghan, one of the founder members. Vice President John Molloy led the assembly in thanking Peter Carney and his family for another brilliant night
In June, 20 Fife St. Margaret Circle brothers and ladies, including guests Jack and Norah Anderson and Pat and Isobel Dolan, visited Mallaig in the Highland region. On the way, they visited Glennfinnan, where Prince Charles Stuart raised the Jacobite standard in 1745. The next morning, they attended Mass at St. Cumin's Church, situated on the shores of Loch Morar. After viewing the original vestments of the Prince's chaplain, 14 brave souls, including Jack, Pat and Isobel, took to two small boats for an exciting trip to an island on Loch Morar to see the ruins of the oldest seminary in Scotland. The excitement didn't come on being told that the loch was the deepest inland loch, or noticing the continuous bailing to keep the water in the boats down to three inches deep or the fact that, halfway across, the heavens opened up and all were soaked. Nor did it come on landing, where the combination of bracken and mud caused feet to sink into the ground. Nor did it when the guide couldn't find the seminary. No, the real excitement was caused by the clouds of midges rising from the bracken, shouting "Come on, boys, it's lunchtime". A cold, wet, dirty and itchy group returned. However, all agreed that it was a grand day out, especially for those who stayed on shore.
The Circle is happy to announce that Jack and Pat (see above) are applying to join the Association. Perhaps they like to lead an exciting life?
In August, Fife St. Margaret Circle had cause for triple congratulations. Firstly, to President Alex Burns for a speedy recovery from a heart operation and secondly to Past President John Dew and his wife Moya on celebrating their Golden Wedding. Thirdly, congratulations and welcome went to new brothers Jack Anderson and Pat Dolan.
In October, Fife St. Margaret Circle spent their winter away weekend in Oban. On the Saturday, 18 people, including Bishop Murray, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles and Past Provincial President Tony Godden, travelled by a ferry, a bus and another ferry to Iona. After a short walk, mostly through a flock of sheep, they reached the House of Prayer. This was blessed and dedicated in 1997, establishing the first permanent Catholic presence on Iona for 400 years.
After Mass in the small but beautiful Oratory, the Bishop glanced through the window and on seeing the sheep, remarked “And other sheep I have that are not from this fold”.
On return to Oban, the Circle were delighted that the Bishop could join them for dinner. Mass in Oban Cathedral on Sunday ended a memorable weekend.
In October, Fife St. Margaret Circle welcomed 13 reverend gentlemen, including a Coptic priest, to their biennial Clergy Night dinner. The feast was accompanied by a feast of discourse, wit and repartee, which was not surprising with 13 professional speakers present.
The Circle was happy to greet as guests Mr. Ian Salmon and his wife and also welcomed the return of Circle President Alex Burns after a heart operation.
In December, Fife St. Margaret Circle welcomed children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren to their annual Carol Concert and Children’s Party, organised by Vice-President John Molloy. Also welcomed were Jennifer Williams, widow of the late Len, and guest Mr. Hugh Doherty.
Secretary John McLean provided the entire orchestra with his keyboard and guitar. The carols were interspersed with children’s games and the room echoed to the rumble, rather than patter, of tiny feet and adults kept out of the way. Notable among the performances of the carols were the “Three Kings” of John Molloy, Peter Carney and Patrick Bacon. The portrayal of “Three French Hens” by John Dew’s son Martin would have given Lily Savage a run for his/her money. Rosemary Carney’s reading of “The Night Before Christmas” was heard in utter silence by the children.
In due course, Santa (Peter Carney) arrived, complete with elf (daughter Jillian) and distributed presents. The afternoon concluded with a buffet and “A Happy Christmas” from all to all.
No, not the SAS, but Grand President Gerald Soane who not only dared to infiltrate deepest Scotland to attend the Fife St. Margaret Circle Burns Supper, but also had the audacity to propose the toast of “The Immortal Memory” which he did in style.
President Alex Burns (no relation!) was also happy to welcome Grand Vice-President John Clarke, guest Mr. Hugh Doherty, guests Mr. and Mrs. Ian Salmon, Jennifer Williams, widow of the late Len and ten visiting brothers. Ken and Maureen Ritchie gently mocked each other in the “Toast to the Lasses” and the “Reply”.
The evening proceeded with music, songs and humour, before “Auld Lang Syne” and the piping-out of the company.
In November 2001, a shy young seminarian entertained Fife St. Margaret Circle with a fascinating account of his journey to the Catholic faith and training for the priesthood. In February 2004, a quietly confident Father Kevin Dow returned to talk about his experiences since being ordained in June 2003. He found that one of the most difficult aspects of being a priest was that he was expected to know all the answers. Being the most junior priest, he well understood the significance of the Pope’s title of “the servant of the servants of God”. Life has been much busier since Archbishop O’Brien became a Cardinal, what with press conferences and TV interviews. It all takes some organising, but he is working at it and has high hopes for the future.
Vice-President John Molloy gave thanks for the talk, noting that Catenians were enthusiastic about vocations and expressing the hope that Father Dow would soon return to the Circle.
At the March meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle were pleased to welcome Past Provincial President and Director-Elect Tony Godden. Also present were Mr. Ian Salmond and Mr. Hugh Doherty who will be inducted at the April meeting.
After supper, brothers and guests were privileged to hear a thoughtful Lenten Homily, presented by circle Chamberlain Patrick Bacon. He gave a fascinating account of the history of deacons, starting as far back as 53 A D. They were originally priests and bishops helpers, their status not being regarded as a step on the way to becoming a priest, as is often mistakenly thought. The role died out in the third century, but was revived during WW 2 and the permanent diaconite established by Vatican 2. Patrick spoke movingly of his experience of training to be a deacon, cut short because of the unwillingness of a new priest to accept a deacon’s role. He then read a prayer for vocations for both priests and deacons and concluded with some interesting statistics, e.g. The Americas have over 18000 deacons and Ireland only 2.
President Alex Burns warmly thanked Patrick on behalf of the Circle and guests.
In May, the Fife St. Margaret Circle team of Chris Barlow, John McLean and John Molloy ventured north to Perth to take part in the annual Provincial Games Night for the A P Taylor trophy.
Amid scenes of wild excitement, Fife triumphed. This trophy now joins the Provincial Quiz and Membership trophies on the Fife mantelpiece. The Circle’s thanks go to Dundee and Perth Circle for organising such a fun event.
An additional bonus for the Circle was the recent announcement that Brother Roy Maxwell, already Financial Controller of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, had been appointed Diocesan Treasurer for the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles, being the first layman to receive this honour.
After the May meeting, guests and brothers of Fife St. Margaret Circle held a treasure hunt. As it was thought that the hotel might object to cars racing around the dining room, people had to race instead, searching for clues and answering quiz questions.
The winners were a team led by Roy Maxwell, with teams in charge of John Slater and Tom McColgan coming second.
The event was organised impeccably, as usual, by Peter Carney. President John Molloy thanked him for providing such a fun evening.
In June, Fife St. Margaret Circle celebrated their annual President’s Mass at St. Peter-in-Chains Church in Inverkeithing, Fife. Afterwards, all repaired to the hall, to enjoy a sumptuous buffet organised by President John Molloy and his wife Margaret.
The Circle was pleased to welcome Christine Christie, widow of John, and Jennifer Williams, widow of Len. They were both presented with flowers, to Jennifer for passing her driving test and to Christine for her forthcoming 91st birthday. Brian MacKenzie was also congratulated for reaching 21 for the third time.
Vice-President Alex Burns noted that the Circle’s 40th birthday is in October and arrangements are well in hand for a celebratory dinner, to be attended by Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien and Grand President John Clarke.
Concluding, he expressed the Circle’s thanks to President John and Margaret.
After the September meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle hosted the annual Provincial Quiz, welcoming a combined team from Edinburgh and West Lothian, and teams from Stirling and Dundee and Perth Circles.
A very close contest resulted in a tie for the Edinburgh and West Lothian and Stirling teams, with Fife St. Margaret and Dundee and Perth also tied at just one point behind.
In response to the tie-break question of “How many verses in the Greek national anthem”, Edinburgh and West Lothian guessed 12 and Stirling 6. Stirling were further away from the correct answer of 138, so Edinburgh and West Lothian won the day.
Provincial Vice-President Eddy O’Donnell presented the trophy to the winning captain, Director Tony Godden, who thanked the host Circle for arranging the event.
In October, Fife St. Margaret Circle were pleased to welcome guests Mr. Noel Fusco and Mr. David Hewson, brother of Campbell. Hats were essential and came in all shapes and sizes, rather like the people wearing them. The competition for best and silliest hats was ably presented by Peter Carney, with Brian MacKenzie as judge.
Best were those worn by Margaret Magill and Christopher Barlow and silliest by Helen Hewson and Alex Burns, who seemed to wearing part of the garden hedge.
President John Molloy thanked the organisers and reminded everyone of the 40th anniversary meeting in November, when the Circle will be honoured by the presence of Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien and Grand President John Clarke.
In November, Fife St. Margaret Circle celebrated their 40th Anniversary and were honoured by the presence of His Eminence Keith Patrick Cardinal O’Brien, Grand President John Clarke and Helen, two Directors, two Provincial Presidents and a host of Provincial luminaries.
After the Loyal Toast, proposed by Provincial President Denis Naulty, Director Tony Godden toasted the Scottish Hierarchy. In reply, His Eminence was generous in his praise of the Association.
Grand President presented scrolls marking 40 years of membership to founder members Patrick Heneghan and Douglas Lamond and, in a stirring address, proposed a toast to the Circle, to which President John Molloy responded.
The evening ended with Past President Christopher Barlow toasting the Circle guests.
In December, Fife St. Margaret Circle held their carol concert and children’s Christmas Party, and were pleased to welcome guest Mr. Noel Fusco.
The new generation of grandchildren and great-grandchildren was much in evidence, with more babes-in-arms than ever before.
The carols were accompanied, as usual, by John McLean on keyboard and guitar, while the ladies helped to organise games for the little darlings. Progress was halted because the “Three Kings” of Pat Dolan, Ken Ritchie and Chris Barlow couldn’t agree which verse to sing, although Chris later distinguished himself in “Twelve Lords A’leaping” by moving with the grace of Nijinski (the horse, not the ballet dancer). Santa (Peter Carney) arrived, with little helper daughter Joanne, and noisily gave out presents to all the children. Peter could ho-ho-ho for Britain.
Vice-President Alex Burns wound up proceedings by thanking all who had helped to make the afternoon a success.
And many did indeed “tak their place” at the Fife St. Margaret Circle’s Burns Supper in January. The Circle were pleased to welcome Fr. Thomas Mullan, Director (16) Tony Godden, Provincial President (3 N) Mike Pioli, Dundee and Perth President John Joyce, Mr. Noel Fusco and, of course, the lasses.
The Supper proceeded in time-honoured fashion, with the haggis carried by Stephanie Pioli (as Poosie Nancie), piped in by Stuart Reid and addressed by President John Molloy. Later, Brian McKenzie, principal organiser of the event, movingly proposed “The Immortal Memory”. This was followed by songs, piping and the “Toast to the Lasses” and the “Reply”, in which husband and wife Alex and Bridie Burns gently insulted each other.
Mike Pioli proposed a hilarious vote of thanks and, finally, President John Molloy thanked the organisers and said farewell to the guests.
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Home pageAt the February meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle were pleased to welcome Mr. Noel Fusco, who is to be admitted to the Circle in March. The main objective of the evening was to test the indoor games, designed and constructed by Peter Carney, in preparation for the Provincial Games Night in May for the Taylor Trophy. Two teams of ladies were pitted against the men and showed their prowess at croquet and how many pegs they could hold in one hand, but other games defeated them and the prize was eventually won by Pat Dolan, Noel Fusco and Alex Burns.
President John Molloy thanked the team of Peter Carney, Brian McKenzie and Alex Burns for their hard work in organising such a fun evening.
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Home pageIn March, Fife St. Margaret Circle were delighted to enrol Mr. Noel Fusco and also pleased to welcome Brother Bernard Griffin, visiting from Wigan Circle.
After the meeting, Peter Carney, assisted by wife Rosemary, conducted a blind wine-tasting quiz with his usual verve. To the utter chagrin of the men present, the ladies team of Jennifer Williams and Joan MacKenzie came first, with everyone else nowhere. There were dark mutterings as to how they acquired their knowledge and some spectacular guesses that they strenuously denied.
President John Molloy thanked Peter and Rosemary for providing, yet again, a fun evening.
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Home pageIn May, Fife St. Margaret Circle hosted the Scottish Presidents’ Games Night for the Taylor Trophy, having won the event last year. Nine of the eleven Scottish circles sent teams to compete in a series of games designed by Peter Carney, with assistance from Brian McKenzie and Alex Burns. Victors were Strathkelvin Circle, who also won the dubious privilege of organising next year’s contest.
Phil Taylor, the donor of the trophy, presented it to the winning team, remarking that the intention of holding the games was to bring all the Scottish circles together.
A raffle in aid of the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes raised £300.
Circle President John Molloy thanked the organisers for all their hard work in providing such an enjoyable evening.
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Home pageIn June, Fife St. Margaret Circle held their annual President’s Mass. A complete hijack of the Mass was achieved when Circle brothers gave the readings, the bidding prayers, formed the Offertory procession and acted as Communion Ministers. An additional bonus was the presence of the Editor of this esteemed journal, Gil Whale and his wife Sue. The Mass was followed by a buffet, arranged by President John Molloy and his wife Margaret. During this, it was revealed the Chamberlain Peter Carney had reached the age of 30 for the second time around. In conclusion, Vice-President Ken Ritchie thanked John and Margaret for such a splendid evening.
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Home pageIn October, on the occasion of the 450th meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle held their biennial Clergy Night. In addition to parish priests, there were representatives from the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Episcopal Church. Guests were warmly welcomed by President John Molloy, who invited all to relax and enjoy the evening and each others company. After a splendid dinner, Peter Carney, in verse, pointed out that the Circle was founded in 1964, in a decade which other notable world events were the moon landings, the publication of Chairman Mao’s Red Book and England winning the World Cup. Reverend Peter Elston (Church of Scotland) thanked the Circle for their hospitality, the fun, the chat and the opportunity of learning from each other, guided by a common Christian faith. In conclusion, President John Molloy thanked Brian McKenzie for organising the event and wished all the guests a safe journey home.
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Home pagePresident John Molloy welcomed 40 adults and 30 children to Fife St. Margaret Circle’s Christmas children’s party (noisy) and carol singing (loud), although many of the adults were children and many of the children were grandchildren and great-grandchildren - a sign of the times? With Alex Burns acting as M.C., John McLean led the singing with his entire orchestra of guitar and keyboard. The ladies helped to organise the games, although musical chairs appeared to be more of a rugby scrum. Peter Carney’s global version of “Twelve Days of Christmas” involved most of the company. “We Three Kings”, as performed by John Molloy, Ken Ritchie and Patrick Dolan, brought tears to the eyes, particularly those of music lovers. Joanne Carney actually managed to keep the little darlings quiet with her reading of the “Christmas Story”. Santa (Peter Carney) duly arrived to give out presents, booming away in a broad Yorkshire accent. After an excellent buffet, John Molloy thanked all who had helped to organise the event and wished everyone a happy Christmas.
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Home pageA pithy comment on the life of Robert Burns by the principal speaker at Fife St. Margaret Circle’s Burns Supper. But back to the beginning. President John Molloy welcomed all the guests and intoned the “Selkirk Grace”. Poosie Nancie, fetchingly portrayed by Stephanie Pioli and accompanied by a piper, brought in the haggis for Vice-President Ken Ritchie to address with tremendous verve. During the interval, a raffle raised £160 for “Youth for Lourdes”. After supper, Mr. John Kelly, a playwright, thespian and retired teacher, proposed the “Immortal Memory”. He gave a clear exposition of the life of Burns, illustrated with facts, poems and songs and was rightly accorded an acclamation. Mike Pioli, (Circle 145) highlighted the foibles of women in his “Toast to the Lasses”. They could never resist a bargain and would buy anything that was marked down. Last week, his wife came home with an escalator. Rosemary Carney, in reply, clearly demonstrated the iniquities of men. Every woman prayed for a perfect man, but look what she got! Singers and piping followed. Director Tony Godden ( Province 16) proposed a vote of thanks to all who had contributed to making the evening a tremendous success and in his farewell message, President John Molloy thanked the organisers, Brian McKenzie with his helpers Peter Carney, Alex Burns and Ken Ritchie for all the work they had done. There remained only “Auld Lang Syne” and “Goodnight”.
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Home pageIn May, Fife St. Margaret Circle held their now famous Oscars night, noisily conducted, as usual, by Vice-President Peter Carney. As well as the awards, there was a quiz based on film topics, for which everyone received a prize, much to the chagrin of Treasurer Joe Wilson. The first Oscar went to Bill Stratton, for exemplary service and attendance over the past 32 years. The second was presented to Jim Etheridge, for his success in getting reports into Catena. The next recipient was Past President John Molloy, for guiding the Circle through two important years. The most successful newcomer, at the early age of 82, was Noel Fusco. For performing an excellent balancing act, Treasurer Joe Wilson received the next Oscar. A surprised Catherine Etheridge was presented with an Oscar for having to put up with husband Jim when he didn’t get his piece in Catena. A star trekker, Secretary John McLean received his award for making more visits than anyone else and for being the entire orchestra at the Christmas carol and party event. Finally, President Ken Ritchie thanked Peter for designing the event and presented him with a surprise Oscar for his contributions to entertainment and comedy over the years.
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Home pageFife St. Margaret Circle never do things by halves and, in a packed programme in September, they started by welcoming Provincial President Eddie O’Donnell and Catherine and prospective new member Alan Moore and Jessica. Next came a delayed award of Oscars to Campbell Hewson for his work over the years and Helen for her support. The father of the Circle, Bill Stratton, was then presented with a cake and liquid refreshment to celebrate his 90th birthday and Vice-President Peter Carney, after reminding the Circle of Bill’s achievements as a sportsman, soldier, P O W and escaped P O W, offered a well-researched poetic summary of the main world events during Bill’s 90 years. Secretary John McLean, ably assisted by Peter, then presented a quiz designed, not to test people’s knowledge, but their ability to think. This caused considerable anguish. The eventual winners were the team of Eddie O’Donnell and Catherine, John Molloy and Margaret and Joe Wilson. President Ken Ritchie closed the evening by thanking John and Peter for entertaining the Circle so well.
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Home pageIn December, Fife St. Margaret Circle held their annual Christmas carols and children’s party and welcomed guests Mr. Alan Moore, who will be enrolled in January, and the Circle’s Chaplain, Father Mullen. Carols were sung, accompanied by Secretary John McLean on keyboard and guitar, although not at the same time. The highlight was the trio of Alan Moore, Ken Ritchie and Brian McKenzie singing “We Three kings”, with cheerful disregard for key, tempo and rhythm. The party involved lots of running about, including some by the children. Santa, played by aptly named Noel Fusco, duly arrived and every child received a present. Father Mullen also was given a gift, but was excused from sitting on Santa’s knee. President Ken Ritchie thanked all who had contributed to such a successful afternoon.
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Home pageAt the January meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle were pleased to enrol Mr. Alan Moore. There followed the annual Burns Supper, commencing with the Selkirk Grace declaimed, appropriately, by Alex Burns. The haggis was piped in, carried by a winsome and demure Poosie Nansie (Stephanie Pioli) and accompanied by Piper Dennis Johnstone. President Ken Ritchie recited the “Address to the Haggis”, well demonstrating his memorising and acting ability. After supper, Mr. John Kelly gave a thought-provoking toast to the “Immortal Memory”, full of well-researched facts. Mike Pioli (Huddersfield Circle 145) found new ways of humorously insulting women in his “Toast to the Lasses”, but was promptly put in his place by Rosemary Carney’s spirited “Reply”. Singers from the local opera group entertained with Burn’s songs and, after a vote of thanks by Jim Etheridge, President Ken Ritchie wished all a safe journey home and led the singing of “Auld Lang Syne”.
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Home pageAt their April meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle were pleased and honoured to welcome Grand President Mike O’Malley, together with Director Tony Godden, Provincial President Eddie O’Donnell and Province 15 Provincial Chamberlain Trevor Fairlamb. The Circle admired the fortitude with which the guests endured the AGM, followed by the monthly meeting.
In his remarks after supper, Grand President was hopeful for the future, with numbers going up. He urged brothers not to take themselves too seriously, but also to remember their duty to faith, families and the community. He had enjoyed his year, and, in particular, meeting people. He shared with Circle President Ken Ritchie the experience of being a Lourdes Pilgrimage doctor and found it altogether a joy.
Brother Ritchie thanked the guests for attending and Vice-President Peter Carney presented Grand President with a Circle Millennium tie.
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Home pageAt the May meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle brothers were pleased to welcome Director Tony Godden. They were not so pleased when he won the raffle but good humour was restored when he generously donated the bottle of fine wine for the next raffle. Vice-President Peter Carney introduced a new game, giving everyone a chance to win a wrapped prize by throwing a double with dice. The snag was that when all the prizes had been won, the throwing continued and anyone with a double could take a prize from anyone else. This led to typical Circle reactions, viz. avarice, greed, jealousy and lots of noise. When the prizes were unwrapped, they seemed to suit people, the men getting pegs, candles and stationary and the ladies obtaining paintbrushes, scrapers and playing cards. Treasurer Joe Wilson received anti-wrinkle cream. Someone mentioned that the prize of potpourri was particularly suitable for Catholics. When order was restored, President Ken Ritchie thanked Peter for once again providing the Circle with a fun evening.
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Home pageAfter their September meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle hosted the Province 16 Quiz, having won it last year. Vice-president Peter Carney presented an unusual quiz, where the rules were more difficult than the questions. The Fife team were under strict orders not to win it again or face the penalty of organising it next year. So a cunning plan was devised. Fife lent Edinburgh Pat Dolan, one of their star quizmasters, to make up the numbers. A brilliant success! Edinburgh won and were presented with the trophy by Provincial President Eddie O'Donnell, who, in his concluding remarks, congatulated Peter on presenting the quiz in a novel format.
A raffle , in aid of Fife President's charity, Scottish International Relief, raised nearly £170.
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Home pageAt their October meeting, Fife St. Margaret Circle were pleased to welcome Director Tony Godden and Kelly, his wife. It was an evening of contrasts. After dinner, Tony gave a graphic and moving account of his experiences in Zimbabwe, while accompanying the Grand President. It took a little while to lift the sombre mood, but Peter Carney did his best by providing a series of indoor games, which was the scheduled entertainment, with the added spice of pitting the ladies against the men. It was really no contest, with ladies teams coming first and second. President Ken Ritchie thanked Peter and his assistant Alex Burns on behalf of the assembled company.
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Home pageIn November, Fife St. Margaret Circle held their annual Mass for deceased brothers. The circle were pleased to welcome, as guests, five widows and three visiting gentlemen and their wives. The Mass was said by the circle's chaplain, Fr. Thomas Mullen, who gave a brief but thoughtful homily on remembrance. The next event on the calendar is the children's Christmas party so, after dinner, Vice-President Peter Carney, who usually appears at the party heavily disguised as Santa, gave an amusing rhyming description of how Santa is plagued by political correctness, equal employment (why only reindeer?) and unionisation of the vertically challenged, otherwise known as elves.
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Home pageIn December, Fife St. Margaret Circle held their annual Children's Party and Carols meeting, a family gathering, in the best traditions of Catenianism. The Circle were pleased to welcome a visiting gentleman, who brought along his wife and three grandchildren to enjoy the fun. With Alex Burns as M. C. and Secretary John McLean providing the music on keyboard and guitar, the event went with a swing from the beginning, with carols interspersed with children's games, although the thunder of feet during “Musical Chairs” was reminiscent of movement on the Serengeti plain. Ken Ritchie, John Molloy and Alan Moore did the annual hatchet job on “We Three Kings” and “Twelve Days of Christmas” was acted out by unwilling volunteers, to words written by Peter Carney. Rosemary Carney managed to keep the little darlings quiet with a beautifully read poem about the night before Christmas and Santa (Peter Carney, booming for Britain) appeared, with toys for Rosemary's audience. An excellent buffet followed and President Ken Ritchie thanked all who had worked to make the afternoon a success.
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Home pageIn January, Fife St. Margaret Circle were pleased to welcome Provincial President Eddie O'Donnell and Catherine, Director Tony Godden and Kelly and Mr. Jim McGill, a prospective member, and his wife Columba. After the meeting, the annual Burns Supper was held, but with the difference that all the performers were from the Circle. After the “Selkirk Grace”, proposed by Father Thomas |Mullen, the Circle chaplain, John Molloy painfully recited the “Address to Toothache”. This was followed by Secretary John McLean's rebel songs, accompanying himself on guitar, and Allan Moore being simultaneously sanctimonious and hypocritical while declaiming “Holy Willie's Prayer”. After more songs from John, Jim Etheridge embarked on the heavy task of rendering William McGonagall's verse praising Burns into something like poetry. The entire company then joined in singing more songs, following which John Molloy recited Seamus Heaney's tribute “A Birl For Burns”. Maureen Ritchie charmed her audience with “Cuddle Doon” a poem by Alexander Anderson. Vice-President Peter Carney gave a vote of thanks to the performers and announced that the raffle had raised £70 for the Presidents charity Scottish International Relief. The fund for this now stands at over £500. The evening concluded with “Auld Lang Syne”
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Home pageAt the meeting in February, Fife St. Margaret Circle enrolled Mr Jim McGill. They were also pleased to welcome as guests Tom and Gerry, otherwise known as Fr. Tom Mullen, the Circle Chaplain and Fr. Gerry Hand, the new Vicar Episcopal for Fife. Instead of the expected Lenten Homily, Fr. Gerry embarked on a discussion of the difficulties facing the Archdiocese in the future and what to do about them. Shortage of priests would be a major problem, with the prospect of only five for the whole of Fife by 2015. Solving the problems would involve sharing of resources, agreeing common actions, aims and objectives, and establishing what requires to be strengthened and what needs to be changed, while, at the same time, recognising the desires of parishes to be in control of their own destiny. Fr. Gerry concluded with the Lenten thought “to keep going with hope and work together for Christ and the Church”. A lively discussion followed, showing that Fr. Gerry had given the Circle much to think about. He was thanked by President Ken Ritchie.
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Home pageAccording to research by Peter Carney, Vice-President of Fife St. Margaret Circle, it was the birth year of Andy Warhol, Shirley Temple, Stanley Kubrick, Bruce Forsyth, Rosemary Clooney, Vidal Sassoon and many more celebrities. It was also when Douglas Lamond, a founder member of the Circle, was born, 80 years ago. He shares his birthday with Tchaikovsky and Robert Browning . The Circle seized the opportunity to enliven the AGM (who wouldn't?) by presenting Douglas with a cake, appropriately numbered. He has been a Catenian for nearly 44 years and demonstrates the Catenian virtues of friendship, kindness and generosity. The Circle hopes that Douglas with be with us for many years to come.
P. S: the cake was lovely!
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