Eastern Link
February 2022
Share your stories of Circle activities and anything that might be of interest to our fellow Catenians, stories and news of upcoming events, and guest speakers that might be of interest, reports on any events that might be of interest. Email Eastern Link at p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au with your stories and photos (as seperate files please).
Thanks Paul
Without your stories Eastern Link doesn't exist.
Contents:
Congratulations to Kathryn Palmer winner of the inaugural Catenian Association Arts Travel Prize The National School of Arts and the Australian National Council of the Catenian Association are delighted to announce that ACU BA (Humanities) student Kathryn Palmer is the inaugural winner of the Catenian Association Arts Travel Prize. |
Catenian bond with (ACT) 2022 Young Australian of the Year The announcement by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Canberra on Australia Day 26 January 2022 thatSEAN DONDAS was the recipient of the "2022 (Australian Capital Territory) Young Australian of the Year" award has some real significance to Province 20 Brothers and underscores the important contribution that the Catenian Youth Support Project makes to the community. |
Save the Date! - City of Sydney Law Night Dinner - Wednesday, 6 April 2022 As part of its Circle Development Programme and as a contribution to the professional life of the Archdiocese, the City of Sydney Circle will join with the St Thomas More Society to host a Law Night Dinner on Wednesday, 6 April next. The event will be held at the Circle's usual meeting venue, the Fairmount Restaurant in the Occidental Hotel, corner of York and Erskine Streets, Sydney. |
Join Ku-ing-Gai Catenians at the Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour 30 Seats have been reserved, for the 'Phantom of the Opera' on Sydney Harbour, 7.30pm Sun 27 March 2022, prices $190, $220 or $260. 20 seats taken, 10 TICKETS LEFT. Contact Martin Stebbings 0421 064 686 if interested ASAP |
Adelaide City Circle Inauguration Following approval by Australian National Council, Province 20 has announced that the inauguration of a new Circle, Adelaide City will occur on 11 June 2022. The event will take place at 11.00 am (Central Standard Time) in Adelaide, South Australia at <em>Adelaide Royal Coach Hotel</em>, followed by a formal lunch at 1.00 pm. This will be the first Circle to be formed in South Australia. |
Faith Based Friendship - Our Catenian Charism. Our Gift When Jesus speaks of his "friends" He points to a hard truth: true friendship involves an encounter that draws me so near to the other person that I give something of my very self. Jesus says to His disciples: "No longer do I call you servants... but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you". He thus establishes a new relationship between man and God, one that transcends the law and is grounded in trust and love. At the same time, Jesus frees friendship from sentimentalism and presents it to us as a responsibility that embraces our entire life: |
Farewell to the Saint Mary MacKillop SuperCat … With over 20 years' service under her helm, the St Mary MacKillop SuperCat ferry recently enjoyed a suitable send-off on Sydney Harbour. Over 50 sisters and staff from the Sisters of Saint Joseph gathered to say a special farewell to the vessel which was named in honour of Australia's first saint. |
The life-experience of the deacon and synodality I preached a homily on Christmas day, during which I mentioned the life of my good friend and colleague, Dr. Joe Pereira, who died just before Christmas. In the homily, I paid tribute to Dr. Joe's life as a witness to the themes of communion, participation and mission as a family man, medical doctor and advocate for the refugee communities of Myanmar. |
Another 4 OBE's for Pittwater Circle On the 8th of Dec Pittwater Circle held a Christmas party at Long Reef Golf Club. During the evening our President, Michael Maynard, presented Three O.B.E (Over Bloody Eighty) certificates to three of our brothers. Russell Collins who played a very active roll in Pittwater circle & is a life member, moved up to the central coast a few years ago |
| News from Around the Circles Stories and news gathered from Circle Newsletters |
In Memoriam - Anthony (Tony) Boyle Canberra Circle was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Brother Tony Boyle on 15 January 2022, aged 85. Tony was the youngest of eight children, born in Liverpool England in 1936, and left school at the age of 14. Tony held various jobs before doing National Service 1954-57. Tony joined the RAF and mostly served in Germany and the Netherlands. From 1957 till 1959, Tony worked in the Police Force. |
| Let's have a laugh ... Humour gathered from contributions and circle newsletters :-) |
Congratulations to Kathryn Palmer winner of the inaugural Catenian Association Arts Travel Prize
Kathryn Palmer is enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) at the Strathfield campus of ACU.The National School of Arts and the Australian National Council of the Catenian Association are delighted to announce that ACU BA (Humanities) student Kathryn Palmer is the inaugural winner of the Catenian Association Arts Travel Prize.
Kathryn was overjoyed to receive the news: "I express my immense thanks to the donors of this prize money, as well as those involved in the Catenian Association, the Exchange and Study Abroad Office, and the ACU Faculty of Education and Arts, for making this possible". As part of her degree, Kathryn is studying global religions and is keen to pursue her interest in Comparative Abrahamic Theology.
The $2000 travel prize is being awarded annually to a high-achieving student enrolled in a degree offered by the National School of Arts. The recipient must be eligible to enrol in the ACU International core curriculum unit UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World, in Italy (or another core program location in New Zealand or Australia if travel to other locations is not possible).
In congratulating Kathryn on her award, the Australian National President of the Catenian Association, Ralph Fitzpatrick, said that an important Association Aim was to advance the interests of young Catholics.
"By supporting Kathryn with this Travel Prize as she participates in the Universities International Core Programme we not only progress an Association Aim, but also enhance her opportunities to realise the Programme's potential for personal and spiritual growth.", he said.
The Catenian Association is an international fraternity of Catholic men. Australian Catenians share the interdependence of St Mary MacKillop's charism, lived through faith, friendship, respect and service. For more detailed information please visit:
Catenian bond with (ACT) 2022 Young Australian of the Year
The announcement by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Canberra on Australia Day 26 January 2022 that SEAN DONDAS was the recipient of the "2022 (Australian Capital Territory) Young Australian of the Year" award has some real significance to Province 20 Brothers and underscores the important contribution that the Catenian Youth Support Project makes to the community.
Sean, who grew up in Perth and attended Trinity College, was awarded the inaugural Province 20 Youth Support Project bursary in 2013 on a needs basis whilst he resided at St Thomas More College in Crawley. His three-year bursary of $2,000 per year provided essential financial support while he completed an Economics/Arts double degree at the University of Western Australia. He was active in college life as a Residential Advisor and Eucharistic Minister until he graduated in 2015.
He subsequently graduated from Murdoch University with a Masters in International Affairs and Security.
Since then, Sean has kept in regular contact with the Catenians, providing updates on his career development and it was pleasing that in less than a day or two after receiving the prestigious Australia Day award he acknowledged the support he had received from Catenian Association members in a heartful message to the Youth Fund.
"I was only 14 when my mother Saluna was diagnosed with cancer. There was massive uncertainty in our lives. We didn't know if Mum would survive, we didn't know how long she'd have the treatment for and what this meant for the rest of our childhood, our schooling and our lives. Even though I can't share my success with her I know Mum is looking down and smiling at me," Sean said.
Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott congratulates SeanThe eldest of three brothers with no other family in Australia, Sean wasn't sure who to turn to until he was referred to Canteen the charity that supports young people whose lives are touched by cancer.
"Canteen provided the space for me to connect with other people going through the same trauma. It was like a lifeline to tap into what I was feeling," Sean says.
When his mother died in 2009, Sean was just a teenager and became a ward of the State.
After joining Canteen in 2008 at the age of 14, Sean became an integral member, first as a local Youth Leadership Group, then Secretary, Vice President and President in Western Australia. He later joined the national Youth Advisory Team before being appointed a director on Canteen's board in 2015.
Sean has spent the past 13 years with Canteen helping many young people in similar situations cope with a cancer diagnosis in their family and has been a staunch advocate for young people's needs. His input has helped shape decisions on a range of vital strategies, including clinical trials, youth cancer services, community-based support and an online support community and counselling service.
Province 21 Golf Day at Gordon
Our annual golf competition Entry Forms are available for download below, together with an explanatory Flyer + menu. Details of all the arrangements are provided therein.
We are following the format adopted at last year's event which was well received.
Hopefully we can get a strong field together for the day and look forward to renewing the fraternal friendships again. The event is being run by Br Stim Robinson who can be contacted via email at: stimrobinson@hotmail.com.
Download the Entry Form. (16kb, docx)
Download the Flyer + menu. (19kb, docx)
Save the Date! City of Sydney Law Night Dinner - Wednesday, 6 April 2022
As part of its Circle Development Programme and as a contribution to the professional life of the Archdiocese, the City of Sydney Circle will join with the St Thomas More Society to host a Law Night Dinner on Wednesday, 6 April next.
The event will be held at the Circle's usual meeting venue, the Fairmount Restaurant in the Occidental Hotel, corner of York and Erskine Streets, Sydney.
Guest speaker will be Emeritus Professor Greg Craven AO, KGCSG, former Vice Chancellor of the Australian Catholic University.
Registration details will be circulated during March.
In the meantime, please save the date!
Join Ku-ing-Gai Catenians at the Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour
30 Seats have been reserved, for the 'Phantom of the Opera' on Sydney Harbour, 7.30pm Sun 27 March 2022, prices $190, $220 or $260. 20 seats taken, 10 TICKETS LEFT
Contact Martin Stebbings 0421 064 686 if interested ASAP – first come first served! Brothers, family and friends welcome. Covid restrictions apply at all events.
Experience the phenomenon as the Music of the Night resounds across Sydney Harbour.
The longest-running show in musical history is coming to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in a dazzling new production.
This is The Phantom of the Opera as you've never seen it before. Under the stars, on a floating stage with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline glittering in the background. With fireworks every night and themed pop-up bars and restaurants, this will be an unforgettable evening.
Having played for 35 years on the West End, and 34 on Broadway, this inspired interpretation of Gaston Leroux's novel remains one of the world's favourite musicals. The story of a mysterious masked man who lives beneath the Paris Opera House, and the beautiful young singer who becomes his obsession and muse, seduces generation after generation and continues to enchant long-time devotees.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's score — immortalised in one of the highest-selling cast albums of all time — is studded with melodies famous the world over: from the haunting beauty of 'The Music of the Night' and 'All I Ask of You', to the splendour of 'Masquerade', and the crashing chords of the title song.
Two of Australia's most in-demand theatrical talents, director Simon Phillips and designer Gabriela Tylesova, bring a whole new level of spectacle to the show's defining moments — the mirror, the journey to the Phantom's lair, the chandelier — on an enormous purposebuilt stage over the water.
See them bring the Phantom's extraordinary world to life, complete with a massive cast of musical theatre and opera's top talents accompanied by a live orchestra hidden beneath the stage.
Adelaide City Circle Inauguration
An article submitted by Christopher Downey, Province 20 President
Michael Cogman, Chris Downey (Province 20 President) and Kingsley ForsythFollowing approval by Australian National Council, Province 20 has announced that the inauguration of a new Circle, Adelaide City will occur on 11 June 2022.
The event will take place at 11.00 am (Central Standard Time) in Adelaide, South Australia at Adelaide Royal Coach Hotel, followed by a formal lunch at 1.00 pm. This will be the first Circle to be formed in South Australia.
This is the culmination of just over a year's endeavour by the creators of the initial Group, Brother Michael Cogman (former member of Southgate Circle 122, Province 14 and joint member of Joondalup Circle 339, Province 20) and Brother Kingsley Forsyth.
Kingsley is the Founder of a Catholic Men's Group at Adelaide Cathedral that provided the impetus to transition into an organisation with structure, clearly defined purposes and strong organisational support (the Catenians). Their efforts are now ably assisted by a strongly supportive Executive team that has recruited 26 plus members in just over 12 months with the expectation of inducting more before inauguration.
Prior to inauguration, at the Group's Annual General Meeting, the Office Bearers of the new Circle will be Kingsley Forsyth (President), Andrew Mulholland (Vice President and Treasurer), Conroy Saldhana (Secretary) and Michael Cogman (Provincial Councillor).
The inauguration ceremony will be live-streamed to interested Brothers, Circles and Provinces and sign-in details will be advised closer to the date. Brothers who wish to pre-record their congratulations and best wishes on behalf of a Circle or Province may contact the Adelaide City Group Chairman, Brother Michael Cogman on mmcogman@gmail.com.
Brothers are welcome to visit Adelaide for the inauguration, but due to current venue capacity restraints numbers may be limited.
Although this may be a travel and logistics challenge in the current COVID-19 pandemic environment, most of Australia is now open to international and intra-State travel into South Australia. Visitors are strongly advised to check prior to making firm plans and the following sites will provide helpful information www.covid19.sa.gov.au and my.sa.gov.au. Brother Michael Cogman can also provide the latest vaccination certification and quarantine regulations by phone (08) 8278 1443 (home) or 0448 867 161 (mobile).
On Sunday 12 June 2022 the new Circle members, their families and visitors will attend a High Mass at Adelaide's St Francis Xavier Cathedral at 11.00 am. The Mass will be concelebrated by priests who are strong supporters of the Association's introduction into South Australia.
It is a long-standing tradition for Circles and Provinces to make generous gifts to a new Circle on inauguration. To facilitate this goodwill gesture, Province 20 has opened a dedicated bank account to receive donations as it is considered impractical in the current environment to post or ship physical items as dedicated gifts.
The account name is: Catenian Association Province 20 ACC account, BSB: 086 006 Account No: 485080036.
Province 20 and the Australian National Council look forward to sharing this historic occasion with the worldwide Catenian fraternity.
Faith Based Friendship - Our Catenian Charism. Our Gift
An article by George Kazs, past ANC president.
When Jesus speaks of his "friends", He points to a hard truth: true friendship involves an encounter that draws me so near to the other person that I give something of my very self. Jesus says to His disciples: "No longer do I call you servants... but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you".
He thus establishes a new relationship between man and God, one that transcends the law and is grounded in trust and love. At the same time, Jesus frees friendship from sentimentalism and presents it to us as a responsibility that embraces our entire life: "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"
We become friends, then, only if our encounter is more than something outward or formal and becomes instead a way of sharing in the life of another person, an experience of compassion, a relationship that involves giving ourselves for others.
Let us reflect on what friends do. They stand at our side, gently and tenderly, along our journey; they listen to us closely, and can see beyond mere words; they are merciful when faced with our faults; they are non-judgmental. They are able to walk with us, helping us to feel joy, knowing that we are not alone. Does this sound familiar?
As Catenians, the concept is central to our ethos. We are not meant to be alone. But the spirit of our time is individualism. As Christians we are meant to be connected. We want to tell someone our story without fear of judgement or condemnation. So we gather together with a view to forming relationships which last a lifetime.
Writing for the ABC, Anastasia Hronis, provides some insights into the concept. She notes that researchers found that the most important challenge to adult friendship is a lack of trust. The risks of being judged by others, of not being liked, of being rejected or hurt. To trust a new friend means opening ourselves up and being vulnerable. As an adult, that's hard. The second issue was lack of time. We know this is a challenge for younger adults. It seems US researchers have quantified this too. So, against the idea of a monthly meeting and dinner, it has been estimated that some 50 hours of shared contact is necessary to move from acquaintance to casual friendship – and more than 200 hours to be a close friend. And this is more than professional connection – there is a need for personal connection. Of course, there are other barriers too. But with commitment and mutual understanding it can happen. It is not a process of osmosis! Perhaps with modern Catenians we need to work harder with our friendships, especially new ones. There are many options – emails, phone calls, social media, informal contacts as well as more formal social opportunities. Risks can be managed in all sorts of ways.
And in respect of faith – that concept which both makes us unique and joins us together. St Paul says that together we are Christ's body but each of us is a different part. What do you understand about your faith and the faith journey you are on?
How do you reach out to others? And how do you respond when others reach out to you?
Are you comfortable in your faith? Do you appreciate that all life's answers might not be easily found? How important is community in your faith development and do you see Catenians as part of that community?
Do you have a realization that other people's faiths might inform and deepen your own?
As Catenians it should be that our faith based friendship strengthens and reinvigorates us; like footsteps in the sand, it helps us when we are down and gives us joy when we are up – it makes our life's journey that much more enjoyable.
And a final note: our faith based friendship is inclusive and comprehends both men and women. We should all understand how our catholic men's organisation might best operate in our modern society and how our ladies add value, complement and enrich our catenian experience. Together we are different; equal; complementary.
Women need the company and support of women.
Men need the company and support of men.
Often they need each other's company and support. In doing so they complement each other. They are equal and part of the same body of Christ.
So too in the Catenian Association.
Farewell to the Saint Mary MacKillop SuperCat …
Sr Monica Cavanagh with the Saint Mary MacKillopWith over 20 years' service under her helm, the St Mary MacKillop SuperCat ferry recently enjoyed a suitable send-off on Sydney Harbour.
Over 50 sisters and staff from the Sisters of Saint Joseph gathered to say a special farewell to the vessel which was named in honour of Australia's first saint. Launching from McMahon's Point and hosted by NSW Transport, the final cruise was an opportunity for everyone to enjoy one last ferry ride before her 'retirement'.
"It was such a lovely surprise to be invited to enjoy and acknowledge the life of this lovely ferry," said Sr Monica Cavanagh, Congregational Leader. "We were all able to reflect on the life of this vessel and the community it served, the special trips, and its many circuits around the inner harbour. Ferries were an important part of Mary MacKillop's life. According to our archives, when the Sisters moved to their home in Mount St, North Sydney in the late 1800s, they used ferries to cross to the charity house known as Providence in The Rocks where they worked.
"At first they walked down Blues Point Rd to catch the punt. When trams were introduced in Blues Point Rd, the Sisters came back from the ferry by tram. Later they caught the ferry at McMahons Point and then at Lavender Bay which was much closer. Mary also used to take the ferry from Woy Woy to Kincumber on the NSW Central Coast where we ran an orphanage."
Inside the 275-seater ferry, there is a depiction of Mary and one of her favourite quotes Oh, how I wish that we would only remember, we are all but travellers here.
"It made me think of all the hundreds of people who have been on this ferry over the years. I hope they were inspired by Mary's story," continues Sr Monica.
Launched in 2000 as one of 12 new Sydney SuperCat catamarans, the Saint Mary MacKillop was named by the general public in a competition. Mathieu Paroissien, Director of Ferry Contracts for TransDev, thanked the sisters and staff for attending and presented Sr Monica with the SuperCat's original name plate which says Mary MacKillop (1842-1909), Australia's first saint, a regular traveller on the waters of Sydney Harbour on errands of service to the people of Australia.
"I'd like to thank everyone for coming along for this special trip, and I'd also like to thank all those including St Mary MacKillop, if she's watching us today, for lending her name to this vessel," says Mathieu. "It's really special to have you all here to be part of this vessel's life, its launch, through its renaming after Mary MacKillop's canonisation and now here today for one of the last services the vessel will complete."
The life-experience of the deacon and synodality
An article by Deacon Michael Tan, Provincial Councillor of Parramatta Circle.
I preached a homily on Christmas day, during which I mentioned the life of my good friend and colleague, Dr. Joe Pereira, who died just before Christmas. In the homily, I paid tribute to Dr. Joe's life as a witness to the themes of communion, participation and mission as a family man, medical doctor and advocate for the refugee communities of Myanmar.
I preached as a deacon of the diocese, and yet I also gave witness to Dr. Joe's life in witnessing to the Word Made Flesh in the vulnerable infant Jesus.
Dr. Joe's life is an example of the life that is lived before it is told. It is a true synodal witness to the mission of the church in today's world.
RELATED: The life of Dr Joe Pereira and the consultation for the synod of bishops
The Permanent Deacon typically enters formation at an older age than the average seminarian. This means that at ordination, he will already have significant life experience – that has the potential to make a significant contribution to his ministry as a deacon. In particular, he will bring to his ministry a deep understanding of issues affecting the family, the domestic church, since he will have experience in bringing up his own family in communion with his wife.
At the same time, his work experience, especially where this involves caring for the more vulnerable, marginalised and powerless members of our society, provides a foundation that enables him to engage compassionately and justly with these issues in his ministry. Finally, where he has prior experience volunteering in the community, such as with the Vinnies' night patrol, he will be able to bring to his ministry an awareness of the needs of the poor and the marginalised that is born of experience in the field.
In this respect, the servant leadership role of the deacon as an ordained minister of the diocese who is called to be a herald of the Gospel, builds on this rich life experience. For example, in that he has cared for a sick child in the early hours of the morning in his own family, he will bring empathy and compassion in ministering to families caring for a sick child. Another example is where his work in legal aid for victims of domestic violence places him well to care for domestic violence victims in his ministry.
The life experience of the deacon prior to ordination demonstrates, and gives witness to his life-long commitment to following the Gospel in his life. This commitment provides the foundation and starting point for his discerning of his call to the diaconate. Through the formation journey, he deepens his commitment to the Gospel in communion with his wife and family. Out of this communion, he is ordained to ministry in communion with his bishop. The fruits of his ministry may be understood in terms of the church called to be a synodal church on its mission to be Good News for one and all.
Given this context, the Synod of bishops' focus on communion, participation and mission gives us a focus for reflection and discernment leading up to the National Deacons conference. The deacon is called to diocesan ministry while placed in a parish in communion with his bishop, other clergy, his wife and family (the domestic church), the 'team' that supports him in his ministry, and of course, the people to whom he is sent on mission.
Deacon Michael Tan is a member of the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Parramatta and serves the parish community of St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst.
Another 4 O.B.E.'s for Pittwater Circle
An article submitted by Lionel Stacey, Provincial Coucillor at Pittwater Circle.
On the 8th of Dec Pittwater Circle held a Christmas party at Long Reef Golf Club. During the evening our President, Michael Maynard, presented Three O.B.E (Over Bloody Eighty) certificates to three of our brothers.
Gavin Williamson drove Bob and Marita Dartnell and my wife, Maureen to rendezvous at Mooney Mooney Club with Russ and Jacqui Collins who were heading home to Tea Gardens. Bob had secured Russ’s OBE to present to him. Russell Collins who played a very active roll in Pittwater circle & is a life member moved up to the central coast a few years ago but still enjoys a relationship with our circle.
Some background, our circle believes that reaching the ripe old age of 80 is a milestone in our lives & should be celebrated by those who reach that age.
Brother Michael Maynard spoke to the members & their wives asking for congratulations be extented to the OBE,s & joked that made light of their disabilities, canes & the problems of not being able stand for too long.
A cheer went up when he mentioned he was pleased they could make the meeting & asked all to remember that one day they too would be reaching this age some snooner than others. This drew a lot of laughing. The OBE,s are now linked linked by their age, their friendship & their faith.
News from Around the Circles
Stories and news gathered from Circle Newsletters
Cairns:
President Joe and the Cairns Catenian Circle Council members, had to cancel the January meeting owing to the ever increasing Covid Pandemic. Many of our own Brothers have already been diagnosed with it. Let's remember all our Brothers of our Circle and their loved ones in our prayers that they get through this terrible nightmare. Many Catenian meetings in the UK have been cancelled over the last couple of years since the virus hit the world.
IT'S ALL HAPPENING!!! IN THE COOLICAN HOUSEHOLD…
This is a picture of our visitor; a snake that that payed us a call. It took three of my chooks over three weeks and the cat is missing too! Eventually I caught it and it was a three metre one. Pics above and below are of the snake with one of my chooks in its belly. We relocated the snake to Kuranda. /Snake Catcher Simon Coolican!!!
Carlingford:
Circle Council has decided to postpone the celebration of our 400th Dinner meeting on 15th March, 2022 until a more suitable time.
City of Sydney:
50 YEAR CELEBRATION
Keep the 6th July 2022 free as our Circle celebrates our 50 years since we were inaugurated in 1971. The years have flown and we still have three brothers who were at the inauguration – Max Cattle, Ron Daly and Peter O'Reilly. They are all pharmacists so they must be using the correct medicine and vitamins for longevity.
Peter Gialouris is going down to Hobart and will be an apology for the March Meeting and the Little John Mug Competition. We wish Elizabeth and Peter Godspeed and safe return in these uncertain Covid times.
Peter has put so much effort over the past 2 years to keep the Circle intact and has done the same for the L J M night in March. It is a bit early but we all thank Peter for his dedication to the Circle.
Your secretary has had a rough trot of late with two clots appearing in the left leg and top of this - three times a week peritoneal dialysis. It is all going well and the medical profession is happy with my compliance. These have slowed me down but not out! I will be able to attend the meeting on the 2nd March for the little John Cup.
Max Cattle has been on the phone and is keeping in reasonable health. He goes to Concord Golf Club each Wednesday, plays in a cart and stays in the evening for a steak in the dining room. He has a lot of good mates at the club as he has been a member for many, many years. We look forward to meeting up with Max at the July celebration for his and the Circle's 50 years.
Poor Brian Goodacre has had a bad period with the Covid restrictions with his wife Beverley in a nursing home. He went for quite a time when he was not allowed to visit her. Brian struggled through this period and thankfully the restrictions have eased and he can visit Bev each day. Our prayers are with Brian for strength and patience.
Harbourside North:
Position vacant - Circle photographer
It is always hit and miss in our Circle as to whether anyone takes photos to record Circle occasions such as the enrolment of a new member, an after dinner speaker or a ladies or clergy night. It is great when we are able to record any such events in our subsequent newsletters with photos. We need someone to put up their hand to act as our Circle photographer.
ANYONE WILLING TO VOLUNTEER?
Manly:
John McCarney 25-year certificate: During the meeting, Graham Short (ANC Vice President and Director) "virtually" presented Manly's John McCarney with a certificate recognising his 25th anniversary of membership of Manly Circle. Graham acknowledged John's comprehensive involvement in, and contributions to, Association/Circle life through his extensive office bearer roles and numerous activities. Congratulations John, well deserved.
It was again a great pleasure to have our UK Brothers participate in our January meeting, and especially Roger Lillie (GB National Vice President & Southampton 12 Circle). Roger said he was delighted to be able to join the Zoom meeting (the time in the UK was 8am so that worked well) and to see so many other UK Brothers participate. He indicated that he is hoping to come to Australia in about 12 months' time and was looking into spending a week in WA and then 2 weeks on the East Coast. All this is yet to be finalised and further details will be advised when known.
The pre-meeting chat among all attending was also a very enjoyable feature of the night. Discussion covered important matters such as The Ashes cricket tour in Australia, COVID, the weather (it was COLD in the UK – Peter Cash said it was 3C at Bournemouth at 8am in the morning, and probably not going to get a lot warmer!), Brothers' holiday plans, etc! John Tweedie advised that he and a number of other Brothers are participating in the "Australian Camino" walk (in the tradition of Spain's Camino de Santiago) in mid-March 2022 from Portland in Victoria to Penola in South Australia, a distance of about 175km. The walk is in recognition of the life of Saint Mary of the Cross, Mary MacKillop, Australia's only saint. She taught in Portland between 1862 and 1866, and Penola is the birthplace of her congregation, the Sisters of St Joseph.
Manly's twice weekly walks continue at Manly Dam, 2nd Friday Lunch and we're hoping Trivia at Balgowlah RSL will start again in March.
In Memoriam - Anthony (Tony) Boyle
Canberra Circle was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Brother Tony Boyle on 15 January 2022, aged 85.
Tony was the youngest of eight children, born in Liverpool England in 1936, and left school at the age of 14. Tony held various jobs before doing National Service 1954-57. Tony joined the RAF and mostly served in Germany and the Netherlands. From 1957 till 1959, Tony worked in the Police Force.
The irony of being a Policeman was not lost on Tony’s family and friends. To Tony’s dying day, his family managed the latest accumulation of driving and parking infringements which he challenged and refused to pay.
Tony had a wide variety of jobs including as a waiter, real estate agent, welfare officer, social worker and salesman.
Tony migrated to Australia for the first time in 1959. Tony placed great value on Australia, and recognised the extraordinary opportunities Australia offered. However, he never became an Australian citizen, always identifying himself as a British immigrant, with his roots remaining firmly entrenched in England. It was a routine catchcry by Tony to his children “You must always remember you’re British”.
Tony returned to England in 1961 and drove an ambulance and worked as a lifesaver at Southport.
He returned to Australia again in 1965. Tony met Mary Martin in 1965 in Canberra, and it seems it was close to “love at first sight” for them both, with Tony asking Mary to marry him on their second date. On this same date, Tony ran out of petrol and had a jerry can in the boot of his car, which suggests this had probably happened before.
Tony and Mary married in 1966, and after time in Canberra and Sydney they left for Liverpool, England, for about two and a half years.
During their time in Liverpool, Tony had the opportunity to introduce Mary to his family, and Mary formed close relationships with them. Anne was born in 1969 and Lizzie in 1970. Tony and Mary returned to Australia in 1971, and Michael was born a few months later.
After running a Sydney newsagency (with three children under three years of age!), Tony and Mary returned to Canberra, and Cate was born in 1975. Tony never fitted any neat labels and was unconventional in many ways. Tony never stopped working hard and was a great provider for his family, but he spent many years “on the road.” There have been times over the years when Tony’s children rolled their eyes when Tony would say “It is all for the children”, but deep down they all knew it really was. This deep love for his children later extended to his grandchildren. Tony loved cars. His son, Mike, calculated Tony owned over 100 cars in his lifetime!
Tony spent a lot of time looking for lost keys and it is appropriate that the patron saint of lost things is Saint Anthony, as he got a serious work out. The tune Wandering Star was one of Tony’s signature tunes. Tony always said you should have a good pair of shoes and a good bed! Tony’s last years were tough on a number of levels.
The charming, artistic, determined, resilient man who was Tony Boyle was harder to find as his health deteriorated. His family and friends recognised the pain of his deep loneliness in his last years, without being able to do much to help him. His physical stoicism was remarkable and he never complained about the pain and discomfort of ageing and serious illness.
Tony’s last days were marked by a strong sense of having found peace in his Christian faith.
May he rest in peace
Let's have a laugh ...
Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer asks a young engineer fresh out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "And what starting salary are you looking for?"
The engineer replies, "In the region of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package." T
he interviewer inquires, "Well, what would you say to a package of five weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?"
The engineer sits up straight and says, "Wow! Are you kidding?"
The interviewer replies, "Yeah, but you started it."
Someone posted that they had just baked some synonym buns. I replied, you mean just like the ones that grammar used to make?
Now I'm blocked!
Parenting tip: when you can't find your children in the house, just turn off the wi-fi. They'll come out immediately!
Your neighbours might even drop by as well!
You never realise how ant-social you are until there's a pandemic and your life doesn't really change that much!
Carrots may be good for your eyes, but booze will double your vision!
I hate it when I mean to buy seedless grapes, but instead I accidentally get … well you know … Oreos!
Me: "I am surprised at how winded I am by this exercise".
Personal trainer: "This was just the tour of the gym!"
Men say that women should come with instructions! What's the point of that? Have you ever seen a man actually read the instructions?!
Overheard a lady saying she won't let her child watch Peppa Pig because it encourages bad behaviour like "jumping in puddles".
I watched Road Runner as a kid and I haven't blown up anyone with dynamite – yet!
Wife: Shall we try different positions tonight?
Husband: Excellent idea.
Wife: OK, you stand at the sink and wash the dishes and I'll be on the sofa watching TV !
Principal: Your child always causes trouble at school … so this is why I call you.
Me: My child causes trouble at home – do I ever call you?!
I'm a person who wants to do a lot of things trapped in a body that doesn't!
When a kid says "daddy, I want mummy", that's the kid version of "I'd like to speak to your supervisor"!
Brain cells, hair cells, and skin cells all die constantly. But freaking fat cells seem to have eternal life!
God promised men that good and obedient wives could be found in every corner of the world.
Then he made the Earth round … and laughed and laughed and laughed!
English Teacher: Give me the opposite of this sentence: "Children in the dark make mistakes".
Student: "Mistakes in the dark make children."
Teacher: "Get out"!
Wife: Yesterday, my husband thought he saw a cockroach in the kitchen. He sprayed everything down and cleaned the kitchen thoroughly.
Today, I'm putting the cockroach in the bathroom!
Two little boys were at a wedding when one of them asked the other "how many wives can a man have". His friend answered, "16 – 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer and 4 poorer"!
Guys I need your help. In the middle of an argument with my wife, she told me that I was right! What the hell do I do next….!
Coffee is vital for survival. Dinosaurs didn't have coffee, and look how that turned out!
Famous Quotes to reflect upon in these testing times:
- That which does not kill us makes us stronger - Friedrich Nietzsche
- Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans – John Lennon
- If you are going through hell, keep going – Winston Churchill
- When life gives you lemons, make lemonade – Elbert Hubbard
- When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on – Franklin D. Roosevelt