A WOKINGHAM Catholic organisation recently celebrated one of their members’ 50 years long contribution to the group.
John Robins first joined the Maidenhead Circle of the Catenian Association, a group for Catholic laymen and their families,in 1974.
More than 50 people, from Maidenhead, Reading, and Wokingham Catenian Circles joined John at East Berkshire Golf Club, for an evening of food, wine and laughter, to celebrate his half century membership.
His son, Martin Robins paid a warm tribute.
He said: “A few years after joining the Maidenhead Circle, John and his good friend David Irwin were travelling back home when they realised that they had many Catholic friends in Wokingham, who might be interested in setting up a Circle nearer to home.
“That turned out to be true, and Wokingham Circle was founded in 1982.
“It has since gone on to become the largest Circle in the Association, with more than 70 members.
The Catenian Association provides practising Catholic laymen and their families with friendship, social activities, and support.
Three short after dinner speeches attested to the huge impact John has had on each of these areas,” said Martin.
GB vice national president Gerry McCormack spoke warmly about their long friendship, and John’s various roles including as circle president, and provincial membership officer.
Martin spoke with affection about his father’s role-model influence, as well as his ongoing and remarkable 40 plus years as chairman of the Wokingham Benevolence Board, providing advice and financial support to many members who were in need.
Finally, Brian McGinley described John’s time at Maidenhead, including a long perioud as the group’s secretary and the great friendships which continued long after he left to establish Wokingham Circle – evidenced by the number of visitors from Maidenhead and Reading who came to support the event.
Gerry presented John with a framed 50th anniversary scroll, Stefan Dahmann presented a pair of commemorative champagne flutes on behalf of Wokingham Circle, and Martin added a bottle of champagne to the mix.
In reply, John said that he and his wife Barbara were very touched by everyone’s kindness, and that it was an evening he would remember for the rest of his life.
“It was a most joyful celebration,” added Martin, “Congratulations, John.”
For more information, visit: www.thecatenians.com
