Monmouth Wyedean Catenians

The Restructure Review Group recommended in 2022 that national councils should be independent, underpinned by a Catenian Charter, and that membership should be opened to women and to Christian men who regularly support their Catholic spouses at Mass.

The Catenian Association

We are a worldwide network of Catholic men who meet regularly to enjoy eachothers company and to help and support charities and each other. The Catenians were established in Manchester in 1908, originally known as the Chums Benevolent Association. The name Catenian derives from Catena, Latin for chain. Circles exist in Great Britain (GB), Ireland, Australia, Malta, India, Bangladish, Israel, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

On 31 March 2016, when our Circle was inaugurated, the worldwide, Great Britain, Province 12 and Circle membership stood at 9,590, 8,061, 437 and 17 respectively. Numbers are in decline and by 31 August 2025 we recorded 6,744 and 5,225, 262 and 19 respectively.

A Restructure Review Group was commissioned in 2021 by GB National Council, to urgently and comprehensively review its structure and address its membership decline. It consisted of three Catenians, chaired by Lt. Gen. Louis Lillywhite (Walsall and Bath Circles), Robert Derricott (Monmouth Wyedean Circle) and Iain Stitt (Harrogate Circle). It concluded that on current trend and without significant action membership would become non-viable in the UK within 10 years. Its final report, with 13 urgent recommendations, including a Draft Charter, was submitted to GB National and Central Councils in October 2022. The Association is currently considering the admission of female members.

We believe in informality, good food and keeping our local costs as low as possible.

Monmouth Wyedean Circle

Our Circle serves Welsh Monmouthshire and the English Forest of Dean. It is the only circle in Province 12 that was set up to serve areas of both England and Wales. We were inaugurated in 2016 with 17 members.

We begin 2025/2026 as strong as before

On the close of Hereford Circle 190 on March 2024, 2 of our joint members from Hereford transferred in as full members and we gained 1 new member from Hereford who transferred in. Despite losing 2 members on transfer out during 2024, by 31 March 2025, we have a current membership of 19, increasing our 2016 complement by 2 members.

The Province 12 challenge

We fully embraced the Province 12 challenge to be relaxed and lively. In line with the Province 12 Membership, Recruitment and Retention Strategy Report, published in September 2022, we let people see that being a Catenian is fun; our meetings are short; with dated and non value-added formality dropped; with a smart casual dress code; with members engaging and socialising with Parish life; and opening our social events to parishioners including non-Catholics who reguarly attend Mass.

We are a friendly, welcoming and informal Circle.

We welcome new younger members.

We are welcoming, active, charitable and entertaining.

Covid 19 greatly impacted our Parishes, and Circle managed to retain and grow its membership

We meet at lunchtime in Monmouth

Since none of our current members are in full-time paid employment, since October 2024, we meet in our new venue at Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth, NP25 5AS on the third Thursday of each month except December. All our meetings are held at lunchtime, except where otherwise notified in our monthly circulars and on the Province 12 website where we also notify times for registration, meetings and meals. All our short meetings are followed by with-Ladies dining. Our dress code is smart casual. We believe informality, good food and keeping our local costs as low as possible is essential.

Bookings should be made with our Dining Secretary, contact details in our monthly Circulars and on the Province 12 website no later than 10:00am on the Monday preceding a meeting, after which menu choices may not be changed and cancellations may have to be charged.

Visitors are always most welcome

Please note that only our Circle President will wear insignia at his discretion. Visiting Officers may of course wear insignia at their discretion. It is no longer necessary to stand in our meetings when speaking.

The future

Our parishes have been impacted by the pandemic as a result of which potential members attending Mass regularly have sadly reduced. The continuing national and provincial membership decline, if not corrected, may render membership unaffordable unless national and provincial expenditure is reduced. Without replenishment Circle will age and viability may be threatened by an inability to function as intended. We are a rural Circle without access to a Catholic school, tertiary college, university, or military establishment from which to recruit younger members. We are committed to keeping our local fees and dining costs down to the minimum sustainable levels, and to maintaining a friendly atmosphere in informal meetings and meals. This recipe has so far enabled us to hold membership against national and provincial trends. However, we cannot be complacent in the face of rising costs, national intransigence towards change, reduced national and provincial membership, a limited source of new members, and our ageing profile.

About our Circle

Monmouth Wyedean Circle was inaugurated in April 2016, becoming the first new circle in Province 12 for 48 years. Our current roll has members drawn from a wide and largely rural area centred on Monmouthshire, the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. In the wider area, we have joint members living in Bath, Bicester, Herefordshire and Powys. Our membership also boasts a healthy Scottish and Irish heritage!

We welcome vistors from other Circles. Our social calendar traditionally includes dining with ladies, family visits to places of interest, theatres and walks and these are open to friends. So far we have visited Harvington Hall in Worcestershire notable for its seven priest-holes, the Royal Mint at Llantrissant, the seminary at St. Mary's College Oscot, the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley and Tredegar House and Orangery in Newport.

In addition we have had a number of guest speakers including Sir Gerald Davies CBE DL of the Welsh Rugby Union and the British Lions, Andrew Blake of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and representatives of various local charities that we support. We host an annual Provincial Race Night in April, an annual Clergy Meal for our priests, and annual Masses for Vocations and for Deceased Catenians.

Our small Circle has raised some £25,000 for our Presidents' charities since 2016, and has also spawned a musical group known as the Celtic Collectors who comprise Catenians and valued guests and ladies. They have performed Welsh- Irish- and Scottish-themed entertainment following our meetings, concerts for our parish and community and a concert for a local charity, so far raising some £17,000 for local charities; they can be seen in our Photo Gallery below.

The Catenian Bursary Fund exists to support young people who volunteer to individual or group projects overseas. A young member of our parish received a bursary matched by additional support from our Circle to undertake voluntary service in India.

We love to welcome any visiting Catenians with their ladies, and to hear from any gentlemen interested in joining or hearing more about us; please see contact details below.

The Coronavirus pandemic

2020-2021 was like no other year, with no formal meetings for months at National, Provincial or Circle level other than by Zoom, when virtual meetings became the order of the day for most Circles. The internet did allow members to “visit” other Circles not only in GB, but also worldwide!

Parish Mass was celebrated for much of the year streamed on-line without congregations. National Conference, due to take place in 2020 in Edinburgh, was cancelled and in May 2021 was conducted by Zoom. There is no doubt that the pandemic has caused major problems for the Church, the Association, Circles and venues. While Zoom enabled us to stream Mass, there is nothing as good as meeting with colleagues over a meal and. Happily, we were able to resume both face to face Mass and meetings from August 2021. However, Brexit, the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East wars have all conspired to cause a huge challenge, in which energy, fuel and food costs have led to increases in the cost of traveling, accommodation and meals. In order to maintain being a Catenian affordable, we continue our commitment to keep our local costs down.

The project team ensured we were formed as a Group just 7 months after inception

Our Circle was inaugurated just 6 months after Group formation

Our Formation as Monmouth Wyedean Group 932

Our journey really began on 9th March 2015 with the first meeting of a project team set up to consider the potential for membership growth in Monmouth, the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean.

Initially the project team consisted of four members of Abergavenny Circle 238: Chris Cherry, Robert Derricott, Geoff Quinn and Dave Andrews, all of whom are parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Monmouth. The then Provincial Membership Officer, Gervase O'Donovan of Bath 192, joined the project team as its fifth member, and pulpit presentations were held in Monmouth, Chepstow and the Forest of Dean parishes, and a social evening was held for interested parishioners to learn more about the Catenian Association. The parish priest of Monmouth, Canon Nicholas James, joined the team as an observer.

In all just seven monthly meetings of the project team were held, and Monmouth Wyedean Group 932 was founded on 15th October 2015 by the then Province 12 President, Pat Burbidge, with 17 founder group members including the five brothers who formed the project team, five joint brothers from Abergavenny: Jim Cronin, David Nuttall, Mike Parry, Malcolm Rebeiro and Larry Thomas, a joint brother from Hereford 190, Michael Hoddinott, a joint brother from Bicester 360, Paul Kallay, and 5 new members: John Fallon, Anthony Midgley, Pat Moriarty, Ali Szwagrzak and Bob Tomkins.

In 2016, we became the first new Circle in Province 12 for 48 years, and the first Circle in Province 12 to serve both Wales and England

Inauguration as Monmouth Wyedean Circle 374

Within six months of the Group being formed by Province 12, Chris Cherry was elected Founder President and he accepted on behalf of the 17 members the Charter granted to the new Monmouth Wyedean Circle 374 from the then Great Britain National Grand President Peter Woodford on 21stApril 2016.

On 19 June 2025 Circle, along with 15 Visitors, celebrated our 100th meeting.

Our Photo Gallery

Tour of Harvington Hall, Worcestershire, for tales of devotion and Catholic persecution arranged by Geoff Quinn, 9 July 2017

Assembling for a Royal Mint Tour, Llantrissant, arranged by Geoff Quinn, 25 November 2017

Anniversary celebration aperitifs, AGM, at Forest Hills Golf Club, Coleford, 19 April 2018

Ralph Fitzpatrick, Australian National President, generously presented Circle with a crucifix on his first visit to Monmouth on 17 May 2018. He was accompanied by his wife, Liana.

WRU and Lions Rugby legend, Gerald Davies was guest speaker at our Clergy & Ladies Night at Forest Hills Golf Club, Coleford, 20 September 2018

Third Provincial St. Patrck's Day Charity Race Night, hosted by Monmouth Wyedean 374 and arranged by Dave Andrews at Whitchurch & Ganerew Community Hall, 16 March 2019

Joint walk with Abergavenny 238 arranged by Chris Cherry and hosted by Monmouth Wyedean 374 in the Cyril Hart Arboretum, Forest of Dean, attended by 24 brothers and wives, 10 June 2021

Joint Industrial Heritage Walk with Abergavenny 238 arranged by Larry Thomas and hosted by Abergavenny 238, starting at Llanfoist Car Park, following the disused railway line to Govilon and returning along the Monmouthshire and Pontypool Canal toepath, 29 July 2021

Visit to Tredegar House, Newport on 14 October 2021

Joint walk with Abergavenny Circle around Llanthony Abbey on 29 October 2021

Christmas Party at the Three Salmons Hotel, Usk, 28 January 2022, delayed by the pandemic

Joint walk with Abergavenny Circle around RSPB Newport Wetlands, 30 March 2022

Presidential Handover Meal at the Kilpeck Inn, Herefordshire, 24 April 2022

Eyes down for Province 12 Royal Ascot Race Night, held at the Whitchurch & Ganarew Memorial Hall, Herefordshire on 18 June 2022

Before the deluge! Circle fielded a party of 12 to attend an open-air performance by The Lord Chamberlain's Men of "As You Like It" at Raglan Castle on 24 June 2022. Hats off, the show had to go on to the end!

Picnic at Lydney Harbour, after the Joint Walk with Abergavenny Circle on 13 July 2022

Visit to Kentchurch Court & Gardens, 10 August 2022

Advent Music and Shared Supper Event, 15 December 2022

Dr Rob Jones' presented “Stuck in the Middle with You – the Marches, Monmouth and the Forest of Dean in the Middle Ages” to 20 members, wives and visitors, 19 January 2023

Mine host Dave Andrews at the microphone, with the winners at Provincial St. Patrick's Race Night held on Saturday, 18 March 2023, attended by over 40 Catenians, visitors, parishioners and wives

Presidents' Handover Lunch at the Three Salmons, Usk, St. George's Day, 23 April 2023

Intrepid Walkers in the Forest of Dean, about to walk off the Coronation weekend festivities, 10 May 2023

Mike Bushell, presented with his 50-year Anniversary Scroll at our 77th Circle Meeting held on 18 May 2023, in the presence of 38 attendees including Mike's wife, Christine and visitors from Newport and Bristol Circles and their wives

At our July 2023 meeting, President Tony (pictured centre) welcomed Glyn Jones back into the Circle, bringing our membership to 20 in the presence of 11 visitors. After lunch all 43 present were entertained by the Celtic Collectors (pictured left) consisting of three Monmouth Catenians: President Tony Forster (guitar), Dave Andrews and Glyn Jones, together with Mike Keating (mandolin), and singers Chris Lowry, Pat Stewart and Helen Quinn. Plaudits received from attendees asserted this was our best ever meeting, hopefully securing the future of the ensemble!

The Celtic Collectors performed at the opening and closing ceremonies, and during a 24-hour sleep-out at the medieval bridge in Monmouth, which began at 10 am on Thursday 29 February and ended at 10 am on Friday 1 March 2024. The event was organised to highlight homelessness, poverty and loneliness, and was supported by local schools. The High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant of Gwent also attended.

The 2024 Provincial St. Patrick's Racenight, held on 16 March 2024 and hosted by Monmouth Wyedean Circle under the presiding guidance of Dave Andrews, was attended by more than 50 people, including Provincial Membership Officer Stephen Lake, Catenians from Swindon, Newport and Abergavenny Circles, and parishioners from Monmouth and Ross parishes. Here are this year's winners!

In June 2024, President Martin led a visit to Hellens, a Tudor/Jacobean home with beautiful gardens and a history dating back to 1057. Attractions included heirlooms of Anne Boleyn, Queen Mary Tudor's bedroom, and paintings by Gainsborough, Van Dyke, and tales of three ghosts!

On 8 July 2024, parishioner Charles Boase led a Historical Walk of Monmouth, attended by 18 Catenians, wives and friends, which included St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Mary's Priory Church, Monmouth Castle (pictured here), the Robin Hood Inn where Mass was celebrated in penal times, and inside the Medieval Bridge, ending with Afternoon Tea at the Bridges Centre.

On 18 July 2024, we celebrated our 90th meeting in the presence of 30 Brothers, wives and visitors including Provincial President Steve Elliot. Here, Immediate Past President Tony Forster (right) presented a cheque for £3,034.14 to ReachOut Monmouth volunteers (left to right) Mary Boase, Fran Kelly and Joe Facchiano. This was a record amount raised for our Circle President's Charities so far.

On 30 September 2024, our Circle hosted a second visit to Monmouth by Ralph (second left) and Liana (fourth on the right) Fitzpatrick. Ralph is currently Immediate Past President of the Australian National Council of the Catenian Association.

Tony Forster, Dave Andrews, Martin Flach and Glyn Jones attending the Circle Visit to the National Motorbike Museum in Birmingham on 12 February 2025.

9 Celtic Collectors, who have now grown to 11 members, performed a "St. Patrick's special" at Bridges Community Centre on Saturday 15 March 2025, raising a further £800 to be split between Bridges and the President's charities. The event, which saw the audience singing and dancing, was attended by the Mayor of Monmouth Town Council, Councillor David Evans.

Newly installed Circle President at the AGM on 24 April 2025, Dave Andrews (right), presented Mike and Christine Bushell with an Apostolic Blessing, a gift of Circle, to commemorate their 60th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, 19 April 2025. 15 Brothers including visitors from Cardiff, Newport and Malvern and 9 wives witnessed the presentation following lunch.

Immediate Past President, Martin Flach, (pictured far left) presented two cheques totalling £3,450 to two local charities. Here, Paula Evans of Enviro-Ability of Ross-on-Wye is seen receiving her cheque for £1725. Enviro-Ability provides people from disadvantaged groups in Ross with real work opportunities and experiences. At the same meeting, Martin presented a second cheque for £1725 to Mary Boase of Reach Out Monmouth, which supports the homeless and disadvantaged in Monmouth.

Monmouth Wyedean 374 Catenian Circle celebrated its 100th meeting on Thursday, 19 June 2025, along with 14 visiting brothers and 1 priest. Afterwards, the ladies joined us for lunch and entertainment.

Circle member, Mike Bushell, 89, joined the BBC Assisted Dying Debate on 19 June 2025. He asserted that the Bill “is dangerous and should be stopped…it may have been introduced with good intent but the harm it will do is quite enormous…one person’s right will become another person’s duty to die…the great danger is if it looks right, and becomes law, to the great mass of people it must be right.” The controversial Bill passed the House of Commons with a reduced majority of 23 and now moves to the House of Lords before returning to the Commons.

The Celtic Collectors (not Central Council!) made it to the stage, performing to a packed theatre at the Savoy, Monmouth, on 5 September 2025, as one of three acts in Monstock (the new Woodstock?) All proceeds were donated to the Savoy.

Members and wives enjoying a visit to St. Fagan's National Museum of History on 9 September 2025.

Our Presidents

Chris Cherry: 2016-2017

Geoff Quinn: 2017-2018

Rob Derricott OBE JP: 2018-2019

Dave Andrews: 2019-2020

Glyn Jones: 2020-2021

Malcolm Rebeiro: 2021-2022

Chris Cherry: 2022-2023

Tony Forster: 2023-2024

Martin Flach: 2024-2025

Dave Andrews: 2025-2026

How to contact us

If you live in Monmouthshire or the Forest of Dean and you wish to enquire about our activities, membership, transfer-in or ask about joint membership, please contact Head Office in the first instance for our current Secretary's contact details, or if as a Catenian already you wish to visit us as we hope you will, our Secretary's and our Dining Secretary's contact details are published on the Association and Province 12 Websites.

Thank you.

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