By Isle of Wight Observer
The Island’s Catenians celebrated its 60th anniversary with a lunch at the Royal Solent Yacht Club, Yarmouth, on Saturday.
Around 70 members and guests, including GB National President, Gerry McCormack, attended the occasion.
It was Gerry’s first public occasion since being appointed President last week, and he said: “We need to continue celebrating the Circle’s 60 years of friendship and look forward to 70 years with new members. It’s incredibly important the Circle survives. We are a social organisation and it’s about getting together and enjoying each other’s company and visiting places near and far.”
Gerry presented long service medals to treasurer, Joseph O’Driscoll, and retiring secretary, Malcolm Bulpitt, while Eddie McMahon was presented with his past president’s medal.
The Island’s vice-president, Richard Giddens, welcomed guests, after the president, David Shields, pulled out with illness at the last minute.
Other guests included Province 11 director, Peter Daniels (Jersey), and Provincial President, Roger Lillie (Southampton), as well as presidents from other South Coast Circles.
A charity raffle raised £250 for Holy Cross Primary School, East Cowes.
The Catenians Association is a worldwide group of Catholic laymen who meet regularly to enjoy each other’s company and to help and support each other throughout the world.
