Posh pie night

Burnley Circle has been able to restart the former annual Pie Night at Rolls Royce Social Club, Barnoldswick. Brothers were joined by Brothers from Broughton-in-Craven Circle and wives, families and friends.

 

Broughton Ladies Evening

On the 8^th October 2002 Broughton-in-Craven Circle organised a low-key ladies evening at their usual venue, the Tempest Arms, Elslack.  A good time was had by all. The flower posies and prosecco were much appreciated by our ladies. 

 

Another new Brother

John Sunderland is a new member of the Broughton-in-Craven Circle and lives in Silsden, on the periphery of Province 10. John is a retired engineer and speaks Dutch fluently as his wife, Corrie, comes from Rotterdam. Both are also coming to our Provincial Weekend in March, an excellent way to meet more Catenians. 

 

Circle president Tom Hayes, new member John Sunderland and Director Terence Donnelly.

BURNLEY CLAIM ANOTHER TROPHY

Burnley Circle's run of sporting (and other) success continues. The Circle's snooker team won the Province 10 2021/22 Snooker Knock Out competition by beating Preston 14 in the final held in an upper room at the KSC 110 Club, Burnley, not far from Turf Moor. This was the first time that the final had been staged there.

The winning team [L to R] - Terry Walne, Circle Pres. John McNabb, Ken Tyson, Mick Armfield, Robert Thompson and Terry Hephrun

The trophy was presented to Burnley's captain Mick Armfield by Robert Thompson, the only representative of Province there. 

The finalists

Thank you to Preston 14's President Mike Swift for taking the photos.  He was there to support his team.  There were no other supporters.

This victory for Burnley follows the Circle winning the Province 10 2022 Crown Green Bowls Competition in July, and earlier this year, Burnley Brother (and GB NVP) Mark Conroy won the Rowland Young Memorial Bowl at the National Golf Competition.  Both these events have been reported on the blog.

Finally, the Circle is the holder of Province 10's Mather Trophy.

LSA REACHES 600

On Wednesday 5 October 2022 Lytham St Annes Circle 89 celebrated its 600th meeting.  The guest of honour was GB National President Bro. Roger Lillie of Southampton Circle.  Many Brothers from Province came for the meeting and most stayed for the excellent meal afterwards.  There were also Brothers and their wives from Province 1.  

 

In his address following the meal Bro. Roger said that this was the furthest north he had been since taking on the role in May and the previous weekend he had been in Jersey, the furthest south he could go.  Margaret Lillie was  presented with a cheque for her charity, Motor neurone disease, by newly installed Circle President, Bro. Mike King.   

Bro. President Mike King, Margaret and Bro. GB National President Roger Lillie

The Three Peaks

On Friday 23^rd of September, I [Chris Beesley of Broughton-in-Craven Circle] ran the Three Peaks of Yorkshire to raise some money for Ukranian refugee children. First of all, a big thank you to all the people who sponsored me: your generosity was overwhelming and the fund now stands at £1,300. A number of people have asked me why did I do it, especially at my age. The answer is two-fold: I love fell running and I wanted to do something to help the Ukrainian refugees. So why not combine the two?

The weather could not have been better. Blue skies, very little wind and not too hot: ideal running conditions with the bonus of outstanding views. Roger and Eleri arrived at my house at 9am, and Paul drove us to Dalehead for the start. Pen y Ghent was straightforward and we were ahead of schedule when we arrived in Horton, to be met by Anne and Gordon, and flasks of tea. I should explain that I am physically incapable of going for more than a couple of hours without black tea.

Chris at the summit of Pen Y Ghent

 

Eleri had to leave us at this point as she was going away for the weekend, but Gordon replaced her so we were still a gang of three. The ascent of Ingleborough is long and at times tedious, but it was enlivened by discussions on an eclectic mix of topics from the Royal family to Brentford FC. The descent proved problematical. I have known Gordon for well over 30 years and he is a top bloke (he had driven up from Horwich to join my run) but he is not a good descender. So Roger and I got ahead going down the first steep bit, and after running along the ridge we realised that Gordon was not behind us. We surmised that he must have taken the tourist route instead so we carried on to the Hill Inn where Anne, Peter and Shelagh were waiting with food and more tea. After ten minutes anxious wait, Gordon appeared having taken the tourist route as we had guessed.

Chris, now in a red top, with friend Gordon Stone at the summit of Ingleborough

 

At this stage I was feeling a little tired and decided to press on, telling the other two (mere youths in their 60s) to catch me up. The ascent of Whernside was a slog: the sun came out and it was very warm. In addition, there was a charity walk going the other way which led to some awkward manoeuvres on the steps. Eventually I reached the ridge where things became much better. I soon reached the summit to be joined by Roger, and then Gordon. The descent was straightforward, although we had to be wary of tripping, easily done with tired legs on rough ground. Down past the viaduct and the finish was in sight. The support crew were there with the finish tape, and more importantly, more tea. We then went to the Station Inn for some well-earned food and drink.

It was a very enjoyable day and my especial thanks go to my support team and my fellow runners, without whom none of this would have been possible.

At the last peak Whernside

 

 

 

And the finish at Ribblehead.