Lives In: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

1. What has been the most significant spiritual experience in your life, and how has it shaped your faith? My 6 years at an Irish Christian Brothers Boarding School in India shaped my faith significantly. Majority of my teachers were missionaries, & nearly all of my closest friends at school were Catholics. They all are still one of my closest & greatest source of friendship and support through our common faith. I was also deeply influenced by Jesuits & St Anne’s Sisters through my adolescence and young adult years. Meeting Blessed Saint Mother Teresa & Pope Francis in person were definitely significant spiritual experiences and we were blessed to have met them. 

2. How has your faith influenced your involvement in the local Catholic community? My parents, sisters, in laws, are all involved in local Catholic Community activities through volunteering their time or giving charitable donations. Seeing them give freely from what they have received has influenced my involvement in the local Catholic Community.

3. What are your favorite hobbies or interests outside of the club? Travelling, listening to music, reading, & walking (to both save the environment & stay in shape 😀).

4. What do you love most about living in Wokingham? Close knit Catholic Community that is social, welcoming, diverse, and inclusive. 

5. Share a memorable moment or experience from your time with the club. My most memorable experiences were Surprise Dining (because they caught us by surprise), Bangla Night (as I rarely seem to remember what happens at these), participating at the Parish Panto where I played the Sheriff of Nottingham (despite limited practice 😀) and volunteered to draw the curtains. 

6. What are your personal or professional goals, and how does the club support them? 

7. What is your favorite quote or motto? All we are is dust in the wind. 

8. What advice would you give to new members joining the club? Be open minded, try out all the social events on offer, settle in to participate and attend only those which appeal the most, volunteer your time, make new friends, and have fun (occasionally this is to drink beer, have a laugh, followed by a curry ) !! 

9. Is there a particular Catholic tradition or celebration that holds special meaning for you? Sept 8, The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Lives In: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

1. What inspired you to join the Wokingham Catenians?

After moving into the parish, everyone was very welcoming. When I was told about the Catenians, I attended a few meetings as a guest and enjoyed the banter with the guys. Nearly 2 years has now passed and it is great to know so many people in the community.

2. How long have you been a member?

2 years in September.

3. What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community?

It has been good to get to know so many people in our community especially in a world that can be so busy and impersonal. The craic with the guys and the fact that everyone is ready and willing to support each other if needed is great.

4. What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the Catenians?

Love watching sport and travelling, especially getting home to Ireland to visit family whenever possible. Apart from that, my wife and I love spending time with our daughter doing fun things like swimming, bringing her to ballet classes and generally having fun!

5. What's your profession or area of expertise?

I am a Deputy Headteacher of a Catholic secondary school.

6. What's one piece of advice you would give to someone considering joining the Catenians?

Enjoy the craic with the guys and the sense of care and support shown for each other.

Lives in: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

1. What inspired you to join the Wokingham Catenians?

I used to live in Manchester before I relocated to Wokingham. Whilst living in Manchester, I was in a men’s group of practicing catholic men in my catholic parish in Manchester. When I moved to Wokingham, I looked for a similar group within Corpus Christi parish and Wokingham Catenians ticked all the boxes for me. Since joining Wokingham Catenians, I have never looked back…

2. How long have you been a member?

I joined Wokingham Catenians in 2015

3. What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community?

Being surrounded with like-minded men from all works of life is very enriching and this is what find very cool about being a Catenian. I enjoy how down to earth and easy going every member is and how we laugh, joke, and support each other.

4. What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the club?

I am keen artist when I have the time for it. I like to play football almost every week, and I support the best EPL in England and in the world Manchester City

5. What's your profession or area of expertise?

I am a Computer Science and Communications Engineer by profession and currently work as an IT Technical Consultant for a Software company.

6. What's something unique or interesting about yourself that most people don't know?

I’m a keen baker. What can I say? I like cakes so I learnt how to bake them.

Lives in: Bracknell

Parish: Holy Ghost, Crowthorne

I joined the Catenians nearly 30 years ago. Initially in Bracknell Circle and then joined Wokingham 3 years ago. I am currently Circle Treasurer and have served as Secretary and two terms as President with Bracknell.

Being a member of the Catenians gives me and my wife Carole a circle of friends and opportunities to get involved in several social activities, such as BBQs, theatre visits and places of interest such as Sandhurst Military Academy.

I am now retired but spent several years as a Business Analyst working for companies in aerospace and finance.

If you are thinking of joining the Catenians you can look forward to making lifelong friendships with a bunch of guys who share your faith and values and their families who will offer support and fun. I get the opportunity to keep both mentally and physically active.

Lives in: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

1. What inspired you to join the Wokingham Catenians?

My wife and sister in-law first introduced me to the Wokingham Catenians, they felt that I was living a boring lifestyle and that I should get out more LOL.

So, I got to read a few things about the group and interviewed one of our members Brother, Ben.

2. How long have you been a member?

8 months

3. What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community?

The feel of brotherhood and the meeting and dinners is a place where like minded people can come together and share ideas and experiences of life

4. What's your favorite memory from an event or meeting?

My wife and I don’t drink, however seeing the way her eyes twinkled when she won a bottle win in the laddies’ night was a good memory.

5. What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the club?

Enjoying my family, gardening, worm farming, and planting vegetables

6. What's your profession or area of expertise?

Cybersecurity

7. What's something unique or interesting about yourself that most people don't know?

Noting really

[Editor: I think Raph is being very modest here! I mean 'worm farming'?! We'll have to find out more about that!]

8. What's one thing you hope to achieve or experience through your involvement with the Catenians?

Regain my faith back to 100%

9. What's next for you in terms of personal or professional goals?

Retire and have fun with my family.

Lives in: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

I have been a member of Wokingham Circle for 37 years.

The idea of becoming part of community of friendship is what attracted me to the Association when I was asked if I was interested in joining and I have not been disappointed in all that time.

I am a retired primary headteacher, though I am still doing consultancy work mainly in the area of school governor training. I am also the Chair of Governors at a local Catholic school. All of this keeps me busy.

The friendships I have made as a member of Wokingham Catenians have sustained me in many ways, in good times and bad! I am very grateful for this network of support.

I also look forward to meeting up every month and the social events that take place. They can be very organised and “official” like the regular Curry nights or else more casual like the recently formed guitar group to which I belong. There is something for all tastes and ages.

Nigel deSouza

Lives in: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

What inspired you to join the Wokingham Catenians?

I was aware of the Catenians for a long time, but it was only after attending the meetings and social events that I could see how friendly everyone was and decided to join.

How long have you been a member?

I have been a member since September 2009, which is 14 years.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community?

It is the friendship that exits and that connects us through being a Catenian. The friendly chats we have after mass as well as the opportunity to attend a variety of social events.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the club?

I enjoy watching sports, mainly football though I am often disappointed by my team - Spurs.

What's your profession or area of expertise?

I retired in 2019 but previously worked for a number of oil companies dealing with Oil Taxation.

What's one piece of advice you would give to someone considering joining the Catenians?

It is a chance to make good friends, have a social life as well as strengthen your Catholic faith.

Richard Roberts

Lives in: Barkham

Parish: Corpus Christi

What inspired you to join the Wokingham Catenians?

I must admit I hadn’t heard about Catenians, despite attending Catholic schools and being a part of Catholic parishes. I had volunteered to be part of the Safeguarding team for Wokingham Parish, I was invited to a Catenian meeting to find out more, I enjoyed the warm welcome, I joined – and what a great decision that was.

How long have you been a member?

I have been a member since 2010

What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community?

Fellowship, friendship, social life, the fun of socialising and making new friends.

My wife Mel and I had lived in Wokingham for many years, we didn’t know many local people. Through Catenian meetings and a variety of events we have expanded our social circle and made great and lasting friendships.

What's your favourite memory from an event or meeting?

Many memories from times, both good and not so good. When I had an extended stay in hospital, the Catenian family supported through visits and bedside companionship, enabling my wife to not worry about entertaining me. Almost every day for five and a half weeks, Catenian colleagues were there to support me. There was never a dull moment.

Regular beer and curry nights are always enjoyable as are the many, varied other events that are organised

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the club?

DIY – restoring old French house and helping others who have hit a DIY problem.

Holidays, especially in Greece, France and the Low Countries.

What's something unique or interesting about yourself that most people don't know?

I have always been interested in volunteering, putting something back into the community. I served my community as a Retained Fireman in Buckinghamshire for over eight years and a Special Constable in both the Metropolitan Special Constabulary and Thames Valley Police for over 20 years.

What's one piece of advice you would give to someone considering joining the Catenians. Come along to a social event or join us at one of our monthly meetings and experience the friendship for yourself. We’re a very welcoming bunch.

What inspired you to join the Wokingham Catenians?

I must admit I hadn’t heard about Catenians, despite attending Catholic schools and being a part of Catholic parishes. I had volunteered to be part of the Safeguarding team for Wokingham Parish, I was invited to a Catenian meeting to find out more, I enjoyed the warm welcome and felt very welcome, I joined – and what a great decision that was.

How long have you been a member?

I have been a member since 2010

What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community?

Fellowship, friendship, social life, the fun of socialising and making new friends.

My wife Mel and I had lived in Wokingham for many years, we didn’t know many local people. Through Catenian meetings and a variety of events we have expanded our social circle and made great and lasting friendships.

What's your favourite memory from an event or meeting?

Many memories from times, both good and not so good. When I had an extended stay in hospital, the Catenian family supported through visits and bedside companionship, enabling my wife to not worry about entertaining me. Almost every day for five and a half weeks, Catenian colleagues were there to support me. There was never a dull moment.

Regular beer and curry nights are always enjoyable as are the many, varied other events that are organised

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the club?

DIY – restoring old French house and helping others who have hit a DIY problem.

Holidays, especially in Greece, France and the Low Countries.

What's something unique or interesting about yourself that most people don't know?

I have always been interested in volunteering, putting something back into the community. I served my community as a Retained Fireman in Buckinghamshire for over eight years and a Special Constable in both the Metropolitan Special Constabulary and Thames Valley Police for over 20 years.

What's one piece of advice you would give to someone considering joining the Catenians. Come along to a social event or join us at one of our monthly meetings and experience the friendship for yourself. We’re a very welcoming bunch.

Mick Breslin

Lives in : Woodley

Parish: Corpus Christi

I first heard about the Catenians when I was a young man in my twenties just arrived in England having grown up and studied in Northern Ireland. Work and travel prohibited me from following up any interest up at that stage but after marriage and settling our home in Wokingham I received a ’tap on the shoulder’ from a fellow parishioner who was already a Catenian. Our first introduction to Circle was at a President’s Sunday family picnic and our eldest son had not long celebrated his 1st birthday. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive and it felt a very natural step to join.

That was 22 years ago and during that time I have made so wonderful friends and it genuinely feels like being part of an extended family within Circle. I have undertaken a number of key roles during that time, including Membership Officer for 2 periods and I am now the Secretary.

For me the joy of our group is the social network it provides. This comes through in the variety of social events and the relaxed atmosphere that is always evident during them but equally as important is the solidarity that families offer each other through the difficult times we occasionally face.

I think the memory that seems to flash back most often with me was a Christmas gathering with a number of the Catenian families we knew so well. As most of the children were early secondary school age we organised a 10 pin bowling session followed by a Christmas party back at our house. The whole relaxed atmosphere amongst parents and children enjoying and supporting each other completely portrays the ‘family’ aspect of Catenianism that isn’t easy to articulate to potential members until they join and experience it.

My main hobby these days is golfing which provides a great way to enjoy time with other golfing members. I have joined a local golf club where some of us regulatory play and there are also 2 main golfing events held as part of our etensive social calendar. In addition, adjacent Catenian groups also organise separate golf days so there is plenty of opportunities to play.

I studied electrical & electronic engineering at Queens in Belfast and then joined a company in the Electricity Supply Industry where I spent my whole working life as a power system engineer / manager. I’ve had a very challenging and rewarding career and in 2018 was able to retire to allow me to play more golf

Very few people will know but when I was 20 years old I played against the World Darts Champion Jock Wilson. He had come to Northern Ireland to participate in an exhibition tournament and I was fortunate to get the call up from our Darts team to challenge him. Needless to say he did beat me but a lovely memory to share the ‘oche with Jocky’.

For someone thinking of joining I would say look at joining from a family perspective. So much of what happens within our group involves wives and/or children so it’s important to get them interested as well. Couples can form great bonds through initially getting to know each other via Circle events.

I have already achieved what I consider the most important aspect of being a Catenian and that is to establish some very strong friendships with people that I know I can fully trust and who I would be happy to support if needed and who in turn would equally support me.

In my retirement, I get a great deal of satisfaction out of the community volunteer roles I undertake. I also envisage I’ll remain as Secretary for a couple of years yet.

Damian Comerford

Lives in: Earley

Parish: St. William of York, Reading

1. What inspired you to join the Wokingham Catenians? My father was a member of Chester Catenians and he and my mother made many close friends as a result. Also, a pal of mine was a member of the Wokingham group.

2. How long have you been a member? Twenty years

3. What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community? The sense of camaraderie of being among a group of like-minded people whose company I enjoy.

4. What's your favorite memory from an event or meeting? There are many! The wonderful company on several countryside walks, Theatre trips, The T20 cricket match at the Oval between Surrey and Middlesex, Bangla nights and many Burns night celebrations.

5. What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the club? My family, children and grandchildren, Rugby, Walking, Bowling, and playing the Guitar.

6. What's your profession or area of expertise? I retired about 12 months ago. Prior to that I was a commercial Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Arbitrator

7. What's something unique or interesting about yourself that most people don't know? In 2022 I completed the Camino Frances walking from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela on the north-western coast of Spain. Although I walked alone, I made many friendships with pilgrims from many different countries including Spain, France, South Africa, USA, Australia, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand and UK.

8. What's one piece of advice you would give to someone considering joining the Catenians? Be yourself. One of the most rewarding things about being in the Catenians is the company of others who share the same ideals but have a wide variety of interests and backgrounds.

9. What's one thing you hope to achieve or experience through your involvement with the Catenians? To participate in and enjoy the many social events for Catenians and their families.

10. What's next for you in terms of personal or professional goals? To travel with my wife Marguarita as much as we can 

Martin Robins

Lives in: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

How long have you been a member? I have been a member for just over 20 years - I was a mere 32 years old when I joined.

What's your favourite memory from an event or meeting? Not one event per se, but I really enjoyed my year as President of Wokingham Circle. It’s a bit like doing a Best Man’s speech at a wedding - everyone wants you to succeed. I was able to make a few changes, which was great.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the club? Well, apart from rugby (see pic of the 2023 Rugby World Cup game in Marseilles), as all my friends know all too well, I have been into pantomime for the past decade. Acting, directing, producing, script writing - I can do anything badly! Keep your diaries free for the last weekend of January 2024 - Mother Goose is coming your way! The photo is me as the Sheriff of Rottingham - I’ll keep the dame photos in reserve…

What's your profession or area of expertise? I have been in banking all my working life. 30+ years in Credit Risk Control, most of it at UBS. Since COVID I have given up my team management responsibilities and mostly work from home - and I have to say that I don’t miss the daily commute into London.

What's one piece of advice you would give to someone considering joining the Catenians? Give it a go! Come along and see what we’re about - the first meeting dinner is free so you can ’try before you buy’. As I said in my recent pulpit talk on the topic, it is often the partner/wife who encourages the man to join, so they can get an instant new circle of friends for them both.

What's next for you in terms of personal or professional goals? Retirement! I expect that to be 5-10 years away, and I shouldn’t wish my life away, but…yeah I’m looking forward to that.

George Uketui

Lives in: Finchampstead

Parish: Corpus Christi

What inspired you to join the Wokingham Catenians?

I used to be a member of a catholic men’s group back in my parish at Lagos Nigeria before I moved to England in 2018, so when my friend Nickson told me about the Catenians I got interested and after I came to a couple of the events, I found it’s much more than what I was looking for. An instant network of real friends with shared values, diverse backgrounds, and a great support system was all I and my young family needed to integrate into our new community.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community?

The warmth at the beer and curry evenings, dinners, and the other social events are amazing, but it’s also great to have a network of like-minded friends from all walks of life who are willing to support one another in need.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the club?

I enjoy travelling with family, garden barbecues with close friends and their families, watching football highlights, and taking long walks in nature while listening to the news.

What's your profession or area of expertise?

I am a telecommunication network engineer focused on building the infrastructure that keeps us connected and managing their performance.

What's one piece of advice you would give to someone considering joining the Catenians?

We live in an increasingly busy world, but spare time to attend one social event and you may be on your way to making lifelong and dependable friends.

Gerry McCormack

Lives in: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

1. What inspired you to join the Wokingham Catenians?

At the second time of asking I joined because I recognise so many of the Parish were members, and I wanted that social interaction with them.

2. How long have you been a member?

1996

3. What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community?

It is truly caring. And more often than not, good fun!

4. What's your favourite memory from an event or meeting?

It was a Burns Supper and Anna’s cousin who was in the RAF and working in High Wycombe (and had joined The Catenians)) came to address the haggis with his ceremonial “implements”. When he got to the part of the address where you cut open the haggis, he did it with such vigour that there was haggis all over the roof and carpet!

5. What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the club?

I’m a very occasional golfer, a regular walker, theatre goer and traveller, with a passionate love for Dundee United (formerly Dundee Hibernian).

6. What's your profession or area of expertise?

I’m a chartered accountant (Scotland - the first chartered institute!) with a law degree from Edinburgh who now chairs two Audit Committees as a non-Executive Director and Chairs an independent Catholic Girls school, not t mention the Parish Finance Committee

7. What's something unique or interesting about yourself that most people don't know?

I lived and worked in Libya for almost six happy years with my (then growing) family.

8. What's one piece of advice you would give to someone considering joining the Catenians?

Do it! You won’t regret it.

9. What's one thing you hope to achieve or experience through your involvement with the Catenians?

That we support Catholic youth at all stages of their educational life and create the platform for an Association for the 21st century.

10. What's next for you in terms of personal or professional goals?

Retire at some stage - but not now!

Sam Sudlow

Lives in: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

What's the most unexpected or surprising thing you've discovered or experienced since joining our social club?

The most unexpected aspect of joining was the variety of ages, backgrounds and nationalities. This challenged my initial perception of the group and has been great to get to know so many new people

Share a memorable moment or event that you've participated in during your time as a member. What made it so special?

During the first lockdown we had to find innovative ways to socialise. When some members organised a virtual brewery tour and beers were delivered in advance of a Zoom gathering where we all enjoyed drinks together, that made it a wonderful way to connect.

Share a unique or lesser-known hobby or interest that you enjoy outside of the club activities.

Outside of the club and work I play piano/keyboard in a jazz band. Like the Catenians, it's a fantastic way to mix with different people with a common interest. We do one or two gigs a year so look out for posts on social media for Dr G’s Little Big Band

What's the most adventurous or daring thing you've ever done in your life?

When I was eighteen, I went backpacking around the world for 5 months. It seemed like a natural thing to do at the time, though looking back, particularly as I have children around the same age, it seemed quite an adventurous thing to do

If you were given a free trip to any destination in the world, where would you go and why?

I would like to explore Southeast Asia. It’s an area rich in culture and diversity as well as stunning coastlines and scenery.

If you could have a conversation with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you talk about?

Not a fictitious character, but I’d would love to have a conversation with John Lennon about the 21st Century. Partly because I am a Beatles fan, but also because he was an activist on many fronts including promoting peace and equality. I’d be interested in his views on modern society, religion, music, and the environment.

John Kerr

Parish: Corpus Christi

Lives in: Crowthorne

What's the most unexpected or surprising thing you've discovered or experienced since joining our social club?

I’m a Founder Member, so over 40+ years, and the most surprising thing is the long-term friendships which have endured, despite members moving away. E.g. we’ve stayed connected, and met up etc.

Share a memorable moment or event that you've participated in during your time as a member. What made it so special?

One Catenian event has resulted in forming a ski club with other members, which lasted over 20 years, and included many family ski trips, which has made lasting friendships for our children also.

Other trips include:

We on Catenian trips to Rome and Malta.

I have also attended both National and local golf tournaments, at least two involving trips to Ireland.

What's one skill or talent that you've developed or discovered through your involvement in the club?

Through my membership of the Catenians I developed my public speaking skills.

Tell us a littel about yourself:

I’m a retired local GP, married to Carrie for 50+years, who was a nurse. We have 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren. One daughter is in Brussels and one in Scotland, and we enjoy visiting both families.

Charles Paumelle

Lives in: Finchampstead

Parish: Corpus Christi

1. What's the most unexpected or surprising thing you've discovered or experienced since joining the Catenians?

I believe the Catenians has been one of the few places where I have made real friends as an adult. It’s easy to make real friends at school or university but much harder to do so later in life as we have so many competing areas of our attention.

2. What's one skill or talent that you've developed or discovered through your involvement in the club?

I feel like I’ve got better at listening. The variety of experiences and the mix of generations we have in our own Catenian Group and in other groups offer great opportunities to learn from people both my age and older. I really enjoy and feel more at ease going to a total stranger at a meeting and ask them about their life.

3. Share a unique or lesser-known hobby or interest that you enjoy outside of the club activities.

I often spend evenings playing a card game with friends, called French Tarot (no relation whatsoever to trying to surmise anyone’s future). We have a whole local group with a semi-regular schedule and rotating host. It’s a wonderful way to keep in touch with regular and meet new friends.

4. If you were given a free trip to any destination in the world, where would you go and why?

I would go to Japan and do a train trip across as much of the main islands as possible. I have always been fascinated with the Japanese culture and would love to discover more of its diversity beyond the large cities we see from Europe.

5. Share a book, movie, or TV show that has had a profound impact on you and why it resonated with you.

One of my favourite book series is called “Les Rois Maudits” (The Accursed Kings) by Maurice Druon. It tells the incredible family story of the events which led to the hundred-year war (between France and England). As a Frenchman living in England and a lover of history, these books bring me some comprehension of why our two cultures are so similar and yet so different.

Simon Spilsbury

Lives in: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

1. What's the most unexpected or surprising thing you've discovered or experienced since joining the Wokingham Catenians?

The camaraderie. Prior to joining, my father nagged me for many years to join, but I didn’t listen. I should have done. The friendship and ability to get to know families in the local area has been really good.

2. Share a memorable moment or event that you've participated in during your time as a member. What made it so special?

There are two: Attending Burns night – always a good night with good food and good entertainment.

Separately, a fellow member invited a colleague along to lead a Whisky tasting evening.

3. What's one skill or talent that you've developed or discovered through your involvement in the  Catenians?

My wife and I help to organise the “Surprise Dining” events (the editor: an evening where members are paired up to enjoy a dinner together without knowing the other parties). Organising this has helped me to develop my skills of “herding cats”.

4. Share a unique or lesser-known hobby or interest that you enjoy outside of the club activities.

I am lucky to have many interests: I (try to) play the guitar; ride a motorbike; enjoy caravanning; attend live music and theatre events; cruise in our own motor cruiser on the Thames.

5. What's the most adventurous or daring thing you've ever done in your life?

Riding my motorbike: around the Nürburgring and having a (motorbike) track day at Castle Coombe Race circuit.

6. Share a book, movie, or TV show that has had a profound impact on you and why it resonated with you.

I used to really enjoy “Tomorrows World” (shows my age now). Growing up it showed how much technology was developing and influencing our lives then and now. The pace of change in the world now is such that a 30 min slot on TV each week couldn’t do justice to all of the latest items that we are developing. It had a lasting influence as I either wanted to become an Electronics Engineer or work in computing/technology – which is what I did for most of my working life.

John Diffenthal

Lives in: Sandhurst

Parish: Holy Ghost, Crowthorne

1. What's the most unexpected or surprising thing you've discovered or experienced since joining our social club?

When my eldest son died, I had messages of consolation and support from people I knew and many I didn’t including some in Australia and India

2. Share a memorable moment or event that you've participated in during your time as a member. What made it so special?

Attending a Carols and Champagne event held at the National Liberal Club a private club in a great Victorian building, right in the centre of London.  My wife and I were with a group of people from the Chiswick branch of our club and the building, the atmosphere, the entertainment, the champagne, food and the company were all stupendous.

3. If you could organize a dream event or activity for the club, what would it be and why?

A Barn Dance, something which would allow all my family members to take part from the oldest to the youngest.

4. What's one skill or talent that you've developed or discovered through your involvement in the club?

Given the right circumstances I can tell a long shaggy dog story which produces either laughter or groans at the appropriate points!

5. What's the most adventurous or daring thing you've ever done in your life?

Attempting to learn how to glide – the gliding part was straightforward, but the landing part always seemed to be highly adventurous and dangerous (at least the way I tried to do it). It goes without saying that I unsuccessful.

6. Share a book that has had a profound impact on you and why it resonated with you.

The Madness of Grief by the Rev Richard Coles.  I thought that I understood sadness because I had lost friends and relatives, but I had no understanding of how visceral grief is.  I read this book shortly after my son died and it resonated very strongly with me and helped me to understand how I could begin to recover.

Chimezie Emuwulu

Lives in: Winnersh

Parish: Corpus Christi

1. What's the most unexpected or surprising thing you've discovered or experienced since joining the Catenians?

That People are actually interested in having meaningful conversations with you and they are mostly willing to be vulnerable.

2. Share a memorable moment or event that you've participated in during your time as a member. What made it so special?

Surprise dining at Martin R. and later Barbecue at John R. I got hosted by both father and son. They were such a great host and made sure everyone was having meaningful conversations. I learnt a thing or two about cheese at the surprise dining

3. If you could organize a dream event or activity for the club, what would it be and why?

My dream event is not the conventional Catenian social events. It will be to organise a Gospel praise concert and bring the entire Wokingham community to an evening of pure unusual praise to God. Pure undiluted praise with great praise ministers leading the praise, worship, and people giving their lives to Christ as a result. I had organised one before in Nigeria called "Unusual praise" in 2017 and it had over 40k persons in attendance. Second event will be an evangelism outreach.

4. What's one skill or talent that you've developed or discovered through your involvement in the club?

Besides the beautiful sense of humor, dressing properly

5. If you could invite any historical figure or celebrity to join our social club, who would it be and why?

I will invite Padre Pio! Our gathering could start having more sharing of the daily bible reading where people share what they learnt from the bible reading of the day and how it touched them

6. Share a unique or lesser-known hobby or interest that you enjoy outside of the Catenian activities.

In between my schedule, I love preparing spicy hot Nigerian dishes and delicacies as well as frying akara for my kids Saturday mornings

7. What's the most adventurous or daring thing you've ever done in your life?

I went sky diving in 2018. Jumped out of a moving airplane at 14k feet. I am still alive that is what matters.

8. If you were given a free trip to any destination in the world, where would you go and why?

I would go to Bermuda to relax and also prove no such evil triangle exist there or just go to China just to experience their maglev trains

9. Share a book, movie, or TV show that has had a profound impact on you and why it resonated with you.

The primary book that impacted me the most is the Holy Bible. I get to read it daily and spend some quality time with the Holy Spirit getting much needed direction. The other book is Rich Dad Poor Dad that solidified me the mindset of not climbing the ladder but owning the ladder, which is why I setup a company, Seamfix

10. If you could have a conversation with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you talk about?

I am not sure this is fictional though, but I would love to talk to Biblical Daniel to learn more about the secrets of his excellence, the biblical sons of Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel had to do. I would love to learn more from them, their thoughts on the current times and confirm from them what present day Israel ought to do. Mischievously I would speak with Issac; I want to understand how he perceived his father Abraham after he tied him up to kill him before the Ram came. I would also love to speak with Lord Lugard to understand why on earth he amalgamated Nigeria and eventually speak with Peter to learn what he was high on when he asked permission from Jesus to walk on water.

Chris Alder

Lives in: Wokingham

Parish: Corpus Christi

1. What's the most unexpected or surprising thing you've discovered or experienced since joining our social club?

I already knew several members prior to joining, so I knew the organisation would be welcoming and friendly. However, as I've got to know more members, I've been surprised to find just how much we all have in common and how much I enjoy the regular meet ups.

2. Share a memorable moment or event that you've participated in during your time as a member. What made it so special?

There have been so many fun social events, but one that I remember (somewhat hazily) is a tour of a local brewery shortly after I joined. It was a great opportunity to get to know people and enjoy some fantastic local beers.

3. What's one skill or talent that you've developed or discovered through your involvement in the club?

I found out that quite few members are talented guitarists! I play a bit myself, some of us meet occasionally to practice and try to learn from each other. It's always great fun and certainly helped expand my rather limited repertoire!

4. Share a unique or lesser-known hobby or interest that you enjoy outside of the club activities.

My children and I started karate lessons several years ago and continue to train every week. We're all black belts now, karate is a great physical (and mental) workout, and I would definitely recommend it.

5. What's the most adventurous or daring thing you've ever done in your life?

There have been a few, but for sheer exhilaration it's hard to beat the skydive I did a few years ago. I have never liked heights so I'm quite proud of myself for seeing it through, even though it was absolutely terrifying!

6. If you were given a free trip to any destination in the world, where would you go and why?

One place on my bucket list is Japan, there is something about the country and culture that has always fascinated me. I'm hoping to visit next year.

Peter Molloy

Parish: Corpus Christi

Lives in: Wokingham

1.    What's the most unexpected or surprising thing you've discovered or experienced since joining our social club?

I have been in the Catenian Association for over 12 years, the thing that continues to surprise me is the generosity and friendship and the willingness we have to support each other and our families.  We are lucky because we have a diverse membership and are open to new ideas.

2.    Share a memorable moment or event that you've participated in during your time as a member. What made it so special?

Runing the endure24 Wasing Park, with other members and their families. I enjoyed the challenge and the fellowship and after gruelling 24 hours the sense of achievement we all had plus we helped raise money for a local charity,

3.    What's one skill or talent that you've developed or discovered through your involvement in the club?

It’s has helped to develop my cooking skills through surprise dinning: Three or four couples meet at the host’s house. The host is the only one who knows all the couples and provides the main course. The other couples contribute the starter, dessert or cheese course.

It is always a great evening of fabulous food od and company!

4.    Share a unique or lesser-known hobby or interest that you enjoy outside of the club activities.

Outside of the Catenin’s, from September to January, I am involved in the Parish Pantomime which has been going for over 20 years From age 11 upwards, anyone can join, no experience is needed so everyone is welcome. It makes me laugh and it’s great because your meet new people and make friends.