Hastings 900th

With just over a week to go before Hastings's Circle 900th meeting, there is still time to make a booking for the celebratory meal after the meeting itself. Grand President Philip Gidman will be in attendance. The Dress code is :LOUNGE SUITS 21st February at the Beauport Park Hotel

BRIGHTON DINNER & DANCE

Brighton Circle's Dinner and Dance is being held this year at the Lawnsdowne Place Hotel (formerly The Dudley ) in Hove. The cost is £35.00 pp and it will be held on the 1st march. Grand President Philip Gidman and his wife Arleen are the VIP guests. Unlike many dinner dances, Brighton has organised a top level band to ensure a quality evening. Contact David Tillson for more details or to make a booking.

Grand President at Eastbourne's Clergy Night

Last night Grand President Philip Gidman and his wife Arleen were VIP guests along with the Mayor of Eastbourne Cllr Mary Pooley at the Eastbourne Circle Clergy Night. Many local clergy attended including the Dean of Eastbourne Father Barry Anderson and Canon Seamus Hester. A picture album of 40 photographs has been uploaded onto the Eastbourne Web Site . More pictures will be added soon.

Provincial President Visits for February

Provincial President Paul Allen will be visiting Bexhill on 10^th Feb to Seaford and 21^st Feb to Hastings (900th Meeting)

Brighton Circle, 40th Scrolls presentation

At last night's Brighton Circle meeting, Brother Director Martin Klust presented 40th Anniversary scrolls to Brother Hugh Diamond and Brother David Kelly.

Provincial President visits

Brother Provincial President Paul Allen will be visiting two more Circles this week )last night he was at Brighton Regency Circle). On Wednesday 23rd he will be at Arundel Circle and on Thursday 24th at Crawley Circle, please support him on these visits.

Provincial Quiz 2008

Everyone is reminded that the annual Provincial Quiz will be held at Rowfant House, on Friday 22nd of February. This event organised and hosted by East Grinstead Circle is always an enjoyable occasion.

HASTINGS CIRCLE 900TH MEETING

The Hastings Catenian Circle;s 900th Meeting and Dinner will be held on Thursday 21st February at the Beauport Park Hotel, with special guest Grand President Philip Gidman. The dress code is now: Lounge Suits.

2008 The Golden Jubilee of Province 18

This year will be the Golden Jubilee of Province 18 of the Catenian Association. A special 50th Anniversary dinner will be held on the 12th April at the White Hart Hotel in Lewes. Grand President Phil Gidman and Bishop Keiran will be amongst the VIP guests.

2008 is also the Centenary year of the Catenian Association. Details of events are on the Provincial web site: www.prov18.org.uk

Mayfield College

I recently visited the former Mayfield College, which has been fully restored and converted into luxury 2 bedroomed apartments. It has been renamed Mayfield Grange, and the main building is called "The Great Hall". There are two large apartments on each of the four floors and the chapel has been converted into an open plan (loft style) apartment. It has been tastefully executed and the tower has had its spire re-instated. The prices of the apartments are all £750,000 plus! For fellow Xaverians, I have posted pictures of the restored building on at http://magavelda.blogspot.com/ I will add more pictures in the next few days.

Contrary to many peoples' opinon, the Xaverian Brothers are flourishing and 11 brothers were received into the Order, last year. They still run over 150 schools in the USA and they still control Notre Dame University in Boston. The Order are still strong in many parts of Africa and Europe, however their are only a few retired brothers living in the UK.

Merry Christmas

There are no more provincial events this year. The prototype Province web site will be upgraded between now and the New Year, The full site will not be uploaded until Provincial Council have approved its format, content and style.

Paul & Brenda Allen at Eastbourne Circle Christmas Dinner

On Thursday 13th December, Brother Provincial President Paul Allen and his wife Brenda were guests of honour at Eastbourne Circle's Christmas Dinner at the Langham Hotel, Eastbourne. A full report will be posted on the Provincial website soon. More pictures (which can be downloaded) can be found at: www.eastbournecatenians.org.uk )

Eastbourne 2 new members

On Thurdsay 13th December enrolled two brothers in the Presence of provincial President Paul Allen. Vice President Peter Oakshott stood in for President Philip Goodman who was away in South America visiting his new grand-daughter Nina. Full report soon.

BEXHILL CHANGES MEETING VENUE

From January , Bexhill Circle will meet at 8pm at the COODEN BEACH GOLF CLUB (not the Hotel). The annual Bill Gower night will also take place here. Apart from the said Bill Gower Night all meetings will take place on Thursdays and not Fridays as at present. Full details will be added to both the web site and blog next week.

Circle Meetings in December

Many Circles do not hold a December meeting, especially those whose meeting dates fall between 24-31st of the month. Others start their meetings earlier than usual such as Eastbourne , who on the 13th start at 7pm. It is best to check with the secretary or VP of the Circle that you intend to visit before setting out.