A Visit to the National Arboretum

Mary and John Holland took their grandsons, Matthew and Tyler, to visit the National Arboretum at Alrewas on VJ Day (the 15th August.)
This was John's third visit, but the first since the new Catenian Memorial was dedicated.

Chorley Circle (23)  remembers one of their own brothers, Cpl. Bernard Thompson, an employee of Williams Deacons Bank who was killed on Christmas Eve in 1917, aged 30.

Preston 144 Trainspotters outing

The destination for the August outing for the 'Trainspotters' was Glasgow.
Brother Ennis O'Donnell was delighted to be able to guide us around some of the haunts of his medical student days and his early married life.

Some of the group were staying overnight at the Central Sation Hotel. So overnight bags were deposited in the hotel.

Two taxis ferried us to our first destination.....

.....the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
(You can't beat "a bit o' culture"!).......but...

.......before visiting the Kelvingrove, it was time for a little libation.

We were greeted in Kelvingrove with a live organ recital.
The magnificent organ can be seen in the centre of the picture.
(More culture!)

The building houses a splendid museum...

....and an Art Gallery housing the famous Salvador Dali picture
'Christ of St. John of the Cross'
(Yet more culture!)

Anothe view of the main hall

All this 'culture' requires another libation and eventually....
..fish & chips!

(Our correspondent didn't stay overnight so the pics end here.)

DIDN'T YOU USED TO BE SOMEONE IMPORTANT

At the August meeting of Lytham St Annes Circle were entertained by Past Grand President Tony Godden and his wife Kelly on aspects of his two years, first as GVP and then as GP.  They related stories of their travels not only in this country but in Australia, the Indian sub-continent, Malta and Jersey as well as around this country and Ireland.  Travel arrangements were not always straight forward as at one location they were transported by ambulance.  On another occasion Tony was provided with a Bentley complete with mini bar and chauffeur.  The numbers of miles travelled by car, air and train, beds slept in, Circles visited etc were staggering.  We only received a flavour of what it was like as no doubt there are many more tales that could have been given had time allowed but it was a most enjoyable evening.  The photo shows Kelly just having received a thank you gift from Bro. President Mike King.

LONGRIDGE CLERGY NIGHT

On Thursday 8th August Longridge Circle members invited clergy from parishes of members to join in a celebratory meal to thank them for their support over the last 40 years and hopefully the next 40 years.

16 members of the clergy were invited but, with holiday time, retreats, visits abroad and our change of meeting night, it meant Circle entertained the 7 who could make it.

These nights give members a chance to thank the priests for their work and also gives an opportunity to reflect on how fortunate we are to have so many parishes around us.

Alston Lane's Canon Doyle

Fr John Moore (rtd) from St Mary's, Chipping

  Fr Sony from St Thomas, Claughton and St Francis, Hill Chapel 

Fr Mario and Ernest from St Mary's, Fernyhalgh

  Fr Tony Dutton from St Wilfrid's, Longridge, St Peter and St Paul, Ribchester, St Mary's, Chipping and St William of York, Lea House.

There was also present Fr John Gray, a local lad who was ordained and served in Westminster Diocese but retired to Longridge and now is called upon by most of those above to help out when he can.

We thank all our priests for the work they do in our parishes and the support they give our Circle we hope that they may join us for more social functions and  maybe one or two more may join us for a meal at our next Clergy Night in 2020.

PROVINCIAL GOLF CHAMPIONS

Wednesday 31st July saw golfers from across the Province gather at Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Club to compete for the "Province 10 Team Trophy".

There were also a number of competitions within the main competition and a special trophy based on the British Open Claret Jug for the guest with the highest score.

After a hearty meal of steak pie followed by sticky toffee pudding, the serious business of the evening took place.

Prizes were presented by Provincial President Terence under the watchful eye of organizer Mike Finley.

The winner of the "non Catenian Trophy" was won by Steve Wells with a score of 32.

The highest overall individual score was by Lawrence Moore of Chorley Circle with a score of 37.

"Nearest the Pin" on the 16th Hole was Brian Ryan of Longridge Circle.

The "Longest Drive" Prize on the 18th went to Steve Hardacre of Longridge Circle.

Andrew Dabrowski of Accrington Circle received the organizers  prize for "taking part".

And so to the main prizes. 

The Runners Up were Longridge Circle's team of 

Steve Hardacre, Brian Ryan and Joe Carroll (he being camera shy!) with a combined score of 90.

And the Winners of the Province 10 Team Golf Trophy 2019 were a joined  team of John Knight, Lawrence Moore (Chorley Circle) and Chris Bohills (Broughton in Craven Circle) with a combined score of 94.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHORLEY AND BROUGHTON!

Thanks go to Terence for not only presenting the prizes but also for scrutinizing the cards and ensuring all was correct, to the groundsmen at Garstang for a superbly presented course and not least to Mike Finley for organising the weather as well as a good golf day. Well done Mike !

Happenings in Accrington

Accrington Circle's May meeting saw the installation of Andrew Snape as President and John Slater as Vice-President. Over 90 people attended including Andrew's special guests - his brother John (Birmingham 9 Circle), Fr Yates (Whalley) and Fr Curtis (Stonyhurst).

Andrew was well supported by Brothers and wives of Preston 14 Circle of which Andrew is a Joint Member. The photo shows Andrew, centre back row, with his Special Guests and various Provincial Officers.

On 1 June Accrington Circle held a Clay Pigeon Shoot at Stonyhurst College. 15 Brothers, wives & friends attended. The day started at 9.30 am with bacon butties & coffee to get them in the right frame of mind. The actual shooting showed a marked difference in the abilities of those competing. The overall winner was John Whiteside. Everyone attending said how much they had enjoyed the experience before departing for home to nurse bruised shoulders. 

Accrington Circle held their Annual Dinner Dance at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel on 13 April with over 100 attending people. Dancing was to the Backbeats. All who attended enjoyed good food, music and conversation.

The Circle held President's Sunday on 7 July. The day began with Mass at St Peters, Stonyhurst, followed by a drinks reception in the recently restored Theodores Hall. Lunch followed at the Newdrop Hotel with around 80 members, wives and families attending. It was a lovely warm and sunny day and all present enjoyed themselves enormously.