In Memorium

The Brothers of Brooklands Circle remember those of our members who have died with our prayers and with fond memories, may they all Rest in Peace;

Peter Callaghan passed away at the age of 83 on 20 September 2020 following an accident at home. He was enjoying something of a renaissance while undertaking the role of Provincial President for the second time.

Brian Dempsey died after a short illness on the 29 October 2019 aged 90 years. Brian was born in Sale in St Joseph’s Parish where he lived and worshipped all his life. He married Jean in 1951 and they were blessed with four children and later 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. 

Brian was a Structural Engineer & Surveyor. He was a member of Sale Amateur Dramatics Society. He loved dancing and had a passion for music and was an accomplished keyboard player.

Brian joined Brooklands Circle in July 1969. He held the Offices of Circle Secretary and Circle President in 1984-1985. Brian was presented with a 50 Year Membership Scroll in September 2019. A full St Joseph’s Church on 13^th November 2019 for Brian’s Requiem Mass  bore testament to the loving affection and high esteem in which Brian was held.

Pat Jones was born in 1931. He studied at Plater College, Oxford, and McGill University in Canada where he studied the Trade Union Movement, He served in the British Army in Korea. After the war he developed a career in journalism. He married Imelda in 1962 and they had 8 children.

When Pat became the Head of Communications for USDAW the family moved to Sale and into St. Josephs’ Parish. He joined the Knights of St. Columba in 1955 later serving as Grand Knight of the Altrincham Council. He joined Brooklands Circle in 1991 served as President in 1995-96. Pat died on 21 May 2019. He was a man of great integrity and Christian principle, who never had a bad word to say of anyone.

Gerry Lowe was born in Warrington in November 1927,  he married Josie in St. Anthony’s Church, Trafford Park in 1954. They had three children. Gerry was a metallurgist but found fame as a professional Rugby League player with Warrington, playing in the Cup Final at Wembley and then in the replay at Ordsal Stadium in Bradford in front of a crowd of 102,569.  He was also an accomplished musician with his own band “The Allenites”. Gerry was a larger than life character with a huge personality and was much loved by everyone. Gerry died on 2 March 2018, leaving many happy memories with his family and friends.

Brian Riley was born in Ashton-under-Lyne in November 1938. Brian began teaching in 1961, initially as a supply teacher at St Mary’s School, Denton, where he met his wife, Pat. They were married in 1963. Brian loved being a family man and was proud of his daughters Catherine and Helen. Brian joined Knutsford Circle in 1978 and later transferred to Ashton-under-Lyne Circle. On moving to Timperley in 2003 he joined Brooklands Circle and enjoyed the many generous friendships of Brothers and their wives. Brian died on 28 March 2017.

Kevin Conway  only discovered the Association late in life, he constantly told us that his biggest regret was finding us so late. He played a full and active role in Circle until ill health prevented him from doing so enjoying every minute of his limited time as a member. He succumbed to ill health on 21 March 2016 and St Ann’s Church was full with family, friends, parishioners, old colleagues and Catenians for his funeral which bore testament to the loving affection and high esteem in which Kevin was widely held.

Tom Webster was born on 28 March 1918 and educated at both Xavarian and St. Bede’s Colleges before reading Philosophy and History at Manchester University. Tom married Marjorie in 1943 and they had five children. Tom trained with the Royal Corps of Signals, serving throughout most of the war after which he worked in the Chemical industry. He was an active and committed member of the Catenian Association for over 64 years. He was a Founder Member of North Cheshire and Didsbury Circles, and Founder President of Brooklands Circle serving as a brother with them for 53 years. Tom died on 14 December 2014 with his funeral bearing testament to the high esteem in which Tom was widely held.

Ged Stone was born in April 1965 in Urmston. He studied at Brunel University and De La Salle College, Hopwood Hall. After marrying Lorraine, they made their home in Timperley and had two children, Luke and Callum. His passion was Rugby and he travelled the world as an international referee. He was appointed Head of Physics at St Ambrose College, Hale Barns in January 2013 and joined Brooklands Circle in march of that year. He was diagnosed with cancer a few months later. Sadly he lost his fight with the disease and died on June 29 2014.

Mike O’Sullivan was born in County Kerry in 1935 and moved to England at age 17. He married Maura and they had three children. He joined Brooklands Circle in 1994 and served as President for year 1999-2000. He was a very keen golfer. He died on 24 April 2013 and after an extremely well attended requiem Mass at St Joseph’s Church in Sale his body was transferred to Blackwater in County Wexford to be buried with his beloved Maura.

Louis West was born in 1932 in Manchester. He married Maureen in 1964 and they had three children. Louis joined Brooklands Circle in February 1997, he served as president in 2002. Louis became Provincial Councillor in 2009 and was elected Provincial VP the following year. Shortly after taking up the role of Provincial President he was diagnosed with Cancer. He bravely completed his year but a few days after doing so Louis sadly died on 17 March 2012.

Mike King was born in April 1926. He married Flo at St Patrick’s Chapel, Maryport, Cumbria and settled in Bolton. Mike was founder treasurer of Brooklands Circle and went on to be President twice. In 1974 Mike was a founder Councillor of the newly formed Borough of Trafford, and was proud to be its first Catholic Mayor. Mike was involved with many local charities and served on a number of school governing bodies. After a period of ill-health Mike passed away on 26 September 2012.

Richard Foster Dick was born in Wigan in 1916. He married Irene in 1945. He served thirty-eight years in the Police force (interrupted by service in the Navy where he drove landing craft on D-day) retiring as Chief Superintendent. He was appointed head of security for the Co-op. Dick joined the Association in 1962 and was always actively involved; he served Circle as President & Provincial Councillor. He became Provincial President and later Provincial Treasurer. Dick died on 16 August 2011 aged 95 years.

Patrick Doherty. Paddy was born in April 1924, saw Military service throughout the war. In 1959 he became headmaster at St Mary’s School in Congleton. While there he joined Macclesfield Circle. After he became head of Our Lady of Lourdes in Partington he transferred to Brooklands Circle.  He served the Circle as Secretary, President and Provincial Councillor before ill-health forced him to take a back seat in Circle activities.  Paddy died on 22 April 2010.

Pat Dwyer was born in Blarney, County Cork, in 1935 and married Theresa. He worked in journalism. He put great efforts into the building of both All Saints Church and the parish community. Pat was President of Brooklands Circle in 1996/7. He was a keen golfer and won the Catenian Irish Senior National Trophy. After struggling with cancer for some years, Pat died on 27 February 2009. His requiem was celebrated by his son Fr. Stephen Dwyer, along with 16 other priests and deacons.

Arthur Eden was born on 15 January 1915 in Sale. He attended St. Josephs’ school. Arthur was a founder member of Brooklands Circle and became President in 1967. He was also deeply involved with the SVP and was presented with the Bene Merenti medal in recognition of all his charitable works. He was married to Helen and had two children. Arthur died in Wythenshawe Hospital, on 18 February 2009.

Frank Kelly was born in Liverpool in 1918. He served in the mounted section of the Indian Army Service Corps during the Second World War and then worked for the Post Office until retiring in 1978. He was a founder member of Brooklands Circle, serving for many years as Registrar before becoming the Circle’s first membership officer. He was married to Ailsa and had three sons. After a short illness, he died on 29 January 2009.

John (Jack) Mather was born in 1923 in Birkdale near Southport but moved to Manchester as a child. He attended St. Bedes College, leaving at 14 to work in the Cotton Trade. After war service in the Royal Air Force he later became an accountant. He married Shiela in 1954. He joined Brooklands Circle in 1989 serving as chamberlain and welfare officer. He died on 26th November 2003.

Tom Higgins was born in Trafford Park on 23 February in 1913, he started full time work at fourteen, becoming an apprentice with Vickers in Trafford Park. Tom went on to become a member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers; he later worked for Ferranti and Vickers in Barrow. He also owned and ran a newsagents for 10 years. He married Jessie in August 1938, was a keen ballroom dancer and had a passion for Manchester United. He died on October 17th 2002.

Peter Roberts was born in Barrow in Furness in 1928, he became a Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. He married Catherine in 1948. In 1965 Peter moved to Sale ande became a member of Brooklands Circle serving as registrar and treasurer. Peter was also an active member of the Knights of St. Columba, SPUC, Lifeline and Serra. After a long illness he died on 17 January 2002.

Jim Benson was born in County Sligo in 1936 and qualified as a mining engineer and surveyor. He came to England in 1956, married Maureen in 1967 and had three children. Jim joined the Catenian Association in 1985 and served for a number of years as both Registrar and Treasurer. After a long illness he died on 18 January 2001.

Bill Rowley was born in Staffordshire in 1919 and moved to Miles Plating at the age of 11. He joined the South Lancashire Regiment in 1939 and served throughout the war. He was an accomplished ballroom dancer and teacher of dancing. He married Verna in 1948 and they moved to Ashton on Mersey. Bill joined Brooklands Circle but never took office. Bill died on 7 February 1999.

Bob Jordan was born in Chorlton in 1905. After school he qualified as an accountant. He married Molly in 1935 and they had two children. Bob was involved in many aspects of church life. He eventually moved away to be near his daughter. He died on 18 February 1994.

Bill Hockenhull was born in Preston in 1926, he remained a bachelor. He taught science at St. Bedes Manchester for 40 years. Bill was a founder member of Brooklands Circle in 1961 and President in 1979/8. He was an enthusiastic visitor and took an active part in social activities, he also served as secretary. A parishioner of All Saints parish and an active member of the SVP, he died suddenly at home on 11 October 1998.

Vin Morgan was born in Leeds in 1911, became a teacher and served as a major in the army. He joined Leeds Circle in 1937 and then became a member of both Newcastle and North Cheshire Circles. He was a founder member of Brooklands Circle and President in 1964-65. After serving 60 years as a Catenian he died in March 1997.

George Carroll was born in Middleton in 1909 and married Doris in 1935. They moved to Sale in 1959 and subsequently he became a member of Circle. He was President in 1978-79 and was an active member of the Golf Society. As a result illness they both spent their last years in a care home. George died on 21 February 1993.

Colum Phelan A Prestonian, he was born in 1937 and married Peggy in 1962. He joined Brooklands Circle in 1973 and whislt sponsoring many new brothers, he never held office. He was diagnosed as terminally ill in 1992 and died, aged 55, on 20 January 1993.

Bill Hodkinson was born on 11 August 1909 and had been a member of the Association for many years before relocating to Sale to be closer to his family. He transferred to Brooklands Circle but sadly before he become involved with Circle activities he died on 10 May 1991.

Bill Sykes Born in 1913, he worked at ICI Blackley until retirement. He married Betty and was a founder member of Brooklands Circle where he acted as Treasurer. He was Granada TV’s first champion in Criss Cross Quiz. He died, aged 75, on 28 January 1988.

Bill Sparks Born in South Wales in 1910, Bill became a Catholic before marrying Nora in 1937. Bill managed a grocery shop and joined Brooklands Circle as a founder member. He was President in 1974-75. Both Bill and Nora suffered ill health and Bill died on 4 November 1987 aged 77 years.

Jim Davies was born in 1909 and lived in New Moston. He worked in Insurance and served in the Royal Artillery from 1940 to 45. He married Mary in 1940 and they moved to Ashton on Mersey in 1950. He was a founder member of Brooklands Circle becoming President in 1972-73. Jim died on 25 August 1987.

George Salter Born in 1913 in North London, he later served in North Africa as a major. He married Ronnie and then moved to Timperley where he became a Catholic. George was a founder member of Brooklands Circle and served as President in 1970-71. He received the Bene Merenti Medal in 1985 and died on 23 June 1987.

Bill Crook was born in Liverpool in 1927, he was married to Jean. They moved to Sale and St. Joseph’s parish in 1980 and he became an active member of the SVP. He joined Brooklands Circle in the same year and became secretary to the circle in 1984. Soon after taking up these duties he suffered a fatal heart attack during a lunch stop on a circle hike on April 14 1984.

Frank Shiels Born in 1915, he ran a decorating shop in Sale Moor. A founder member of both Brooklands and North Cheshire Circles, he was President of Brooklands in 1962-63 and Provincial Councillor for 6 years. He suffered serious ill health over his last two years and died on 30 November 1983.

Tom Kershaw served in the RAF throughout the war and was mentioned in dispatches. He joined Brooklands Circle after his wife had died, becoming an active member of the social life of Circle. Tom had no family of his own and spent a lot of time with his three sisters. After a short illness he died on 25 May 1983 aged 78.

Michael Conroy was born in Blackpool in 1928. He had vocational aspirations for Medicine, the Priesthood and then as a monk with the Benedictine order before finding his true vocation in his marriage to Audrey. He joined Manchester City Circle in 1957, transferring to Brooklands two months before he died on 23 July 1980.

John McCarthy Born in 1923 in London John was a Master Baker, living with his family in Timperley. He joined Brooklands Circle in 1964. Unfortunately during his 13 years as a member he suffered from ill health and died in hospital on 11 November 1977.

Ken Benbow was born and brought up in Blackpool. He was married to Nan and initially joined Blackpool and Fylde Circle. He then joined Leeds Circle and Newcastle upon Tyne Circle before joining Brooklands. He was very active in Catholic Action. Ken died on 23 July 1977.

John Donnelly was born in Manchester in 1906. He worked as a plumber and joined the Association as a founder member of both North Cheshire and Brooklands Circles. He was nominated as Vice President but died on 13 November 1972 as a result of an accident and before he could take up office.

Eric Manson was a journalist. He was due to be a founder member of Brooklands Circle but a minor illness delayed his joining by a month. He served for 3 years as secretary. Accompanied by another brother en route to Scotland, he died suddenly near Wetherby on 20 June 1972.

John Astin was born in Manchester in 1915. He attended St. Bedes College and in 1932 started work in the motor trade. He married Marie in 1940 and they had three sons and a daughter. During the war years he became a manager of a factory, manufacturing aircraft components. John was a founder member and President of Davyhulme Circle, a member at Brooklands and was active in politics, St. Bede’s Old Boys and Catholic Action. John sadly died on 17 June 1972.

Bill Metcalfe was a Prestonian who trained for two years as a Jesuit before going to Bristol University. He joined Bristol Circle. After the war he joined South Manchester, and then became a founder member of North Cheshire, Didsbury and Brooklands Circles. He was the second President of Didsbury Circle. Bill died on 20 March 1971.

Walter Birch was born in Redcar in 1920; he studied Pharmacy ay Manchester University. He married Betty in1945 and they moved to Sale in 1955. Walter was a founder member of Brooklands Circle and a regular supporter of social events. He struggled with poor health which prevented him taking office and he died prematurely at age 49 on 20 September 1969.

John Gilligan was born in Sheffield in 1911, spent the war years in the RAF, graduated from Manchester University and became a teacher. He married Kathleen and was headmaster at St. Ambrose Primary School. Jack was heavily involved with several teaching, church and political societies. He was a member of Brooklands Circle and died on 20 August 1968.

Norman Wills was born in 1940 and was a convert before his marriage to Anne Doherty. After a relatively short membership of Brooklands Circle he was tragically killed in an road traffic accident when called out to work. One of our youngest members, he was 27 years old when he died on 11 November 1967.