As restrictions on the hospitality industry were relaxed last week in Scotland, members of the Catenian Association in gathered for its Annual Family Weekend at Crieff Hydro. The occasion was attended by the GB National President, David Arundale and his wife Maureen, who are undertaking a tour of Scotland to visit the Association’s Circles in Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth, Stirling, Fife, Edinburgh and West Lothian, Glasgow and Giffnock.
The Catenians are a network of Catholic men who meet regularly to enjoy each other’s company and to help and support each other throughout the world. Founded in Manchester, Catenians can now be found in many countries and today are active throughout the U.K., Ireland, Australia, Malta, India, Bangladesh Zimbabwe, South Africa and Nazareth.
The local groups are called Circles and meet monthly and arrange activities both for their members and their families: meals together, barbecues, picnics, visits to the theatre and sporting events are all popular.
Circles in the U.K. raised over £250,000 in the past year for local charities as well as supporting the Association’s two in-house charities; the Benevolent Fund which supports members and their families and the Bursary Fund which sponsors young persons in projects contributing to wider society at home and abroad.
Scottish President Archie Maclellan also welcome past GB President Eddie O’Donnell and his wife Kathleen from Stirling Circle; past GB President Phil Brown and his wife Linda; and ex-Lawside pupil Gerry McCormack – now Director of Province 8 (from Wokingham Circle). The event was organised by John Russell, Director of Province 22.
Bishop Stephen Robson was the guest of honour at the Association’s meal on the Saturday evening and he celebrated Mass on Sunday morning.