A new President and a new Brother for Preston South Circle

Debbie Edwards, Dorothy Stapley and Val from Booths

John Lea (President of Longridge Circle) and Bro. John Lee

Bro. President, Steve Edwards welcomes Bro. John Lee

Provincial President, Robert Thompson, Preston South Circle's President, Steve Edwards, Brother John Lee 

and Director Mark Conroy

New President and Brother in one night

Preston South (235) circle had a busy night at their April meeting when Steve Edwards took over the reins from Immediate Past President, Arthur Whitlock and straight away presided over the installation of a new Brother, John Lee, into the circle 

Steve is an active member of the circle organising days out at the races, rugby league and cricket all whilst holding down a full time job as Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Retired Police Officers.

Debbie Steve’s wife is busy too, running her own hairdressing business in and around Preston but that didn’t stop her organising a fantastic ladies night. Cheese and wine specialists from local supermarket, Booths, were on hand with tasty Lancashire cheeses made locally and all washed down with a nice glass of wine. Steve’s year as President is set to be an entertaining and busy one and he vowed to keep 235 as vibrant as ever throughout 2016 /17.

Double take for Preston South

Brothers of Preston South Circle did a double take at their April meeting as they welcomed new brother John Lee. Why the double take you ask? Well sitting beside him at the meeting was another John Lea (subtle difference but near enough to raise a chuckle) who has just become the president of Longridge circle.

John (Preston South) lives locally in St Oswald’s parish, Longton with his wife Janice and their three children Kaitlin, Levi and Ellie. By day he is a quantity surveyor working as the commercial manager for a major Scottish house building company at their Manchester office. As well as the obvious family commitments John seems to find time to do a great number of other things in his spare time.

John says ‘I have been a drummer in semi-professional band for many years and enjoy the buzz of live music and gigging all over the North of England. I am currently not in a band but my Son is now learning to play. We host a big live music event at home once a year, The Housegig with Henry Priestman, ex of The Christians and his side kick Les Glover raising funds for various charities whilst having a great evening’. 

As if all that wasn’t enough John spends time fell walking having already completed 150 of the 215 Wainwrights to date, enjoys mountain biking, swimming, running and is a season ticket holder at Preston North End. Phew it looks like there are 8 days in a week in Longton!