LONGRIDGE SUSPEND MEETINGS

On Thursday 12th March 65 had booked to attend the meal at the New Drop but unfortunately due to the escalating situation with the Covoid 19 virus only 43 sat down for the usual wonderful meal.

With eight visitors from across Province President Richard presided over his final meeting (or did he?). Longridge has a leader not afraid to make difficult decisions and, not waiting for guidance from afar, he informed Circle that April and future meetings were cancelled to protect the safety of Circle members as a priority, reliant on the fluid situation. 

Provincial Councillor Ted poking fun at Province suggested it had not had a good year with the demise of two Circles Blackburn and Furness. He presented his report in the form of a ditty which for amusement I reproduce:

The Province has had a bad year

Not much fun and nothing to cheer,

Two Circles have died.

And no ones surprised,

Who will be next is the fear.

Members are needed the VP said

And Mark the Director nodded his head.

I have a good plan said the bald young man,

Let’s all go to Longridge instead.

So tonight at the New Drop they’re here

The VP and his President dear.

They’ve made a decision without any division,

To apply to join Longridge next year.

😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

Although formal gatherings are suspended, both the Cycle Group and Walking Group will offer events for those who wish to take part.

Watch this space for blogs of happenings in Longridge and hopefully the resumption of normal proceedings.

In the meantime let's hope and pray we all see this scourge through and KEEP HEALTHY!  

MORE BACON BUTTIES

The parishioners of Our Lady of the Assumption, Blackpool were in for a treat when they went for their bacon butties or toast after Sunday Mass recently.  They were served by Paula and Denise wearing Catenian aprons.  With his back to the camera working busily away is husband Bro. John Maquire of LSA Circle (Bro. David Burdess is behind the camera).  Catenian advertising was available for the parishioners to peruse.  It hoped that once the Coronavirus epidemic is over that this might become a regular event.

PROVINCIAL WEEKEND, ESCRICK near YORK

The Parsonage Hotel in Escick village a few miles south of York was a delightful location for a wonderful weekend organised expertly by Provincial President Terence and Sandra Donnelly.  We were even blessed by good weather.  The staff were very attentive, the food excellent and company of over 100 brothers and ladies was most convivial.

The activities undertaken on the Saturday were varied.  Some went cycling:

Outside the Crown pub

some went on a 6 mile walk organised by Adrian and Susan Crook:

There's always one!!  

Others went into York by bus from outside the hotel, but some fell by the wayside at the Designer Outlet!  Some of the things done by those who stayed on to the terminus were visiting the Van Gogh Experience, National Railway Museum and shopping.   

The Gala Dinner on the Saturday night was most enjoyable:

The entertainment after the meal was provided by Rhythmic Sounds DJ and the highlight was the performance by The Dancing Queens. 

The weekend was rounded off with Sunday Mass celebrated by Canon Michael Ryan, a local retired priest who said he only had one set of vestments - WHITE ones.  They were most appropriate as the gospel was that of the Transfiguration and which county were we in!

Thank you Terence & Sandra.

LWG DO LSA

On a crisp February morning, not to be outdone by the hardy cyclists, 16 just as hardy walkers of LWG set out for a voyage of discovery around Lytham, this time organised by Bob and Sue Rhimes.

Starting at the windmill in Lytham and making for the wonderful grounds surrounding Lytham Hall they set off in glorious sunshine.

Posing for a picture by the hall

They continued with no styles or steps to hinder a very pleasant morning stroll.

Although some stopped to take in the wonderful surrounds and listen to the music of nature 

The ultimate goal was of course the waiting food at The Ship at Freckleton where Bob & Sue hosted lunch "at The Captain's Table".

A good time was had by all and once again the sun shone on the righteous!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to Bob & Sue for organising.

A Charitable Presentation

Preston & District Circle's president, Brother Tony Murphy, chose  'CAFOD' for his charity this year.
A cheque for £2,000 was presented to Mr. John Woods, a representative of CAFOD, on behalf of the Circle.
In the picture, Brother Tony and John are joined by our Circle Treasurer, Brother Eric Bolton.

Preston 144 Circle - Trainspotting

Preston & District Circle's 'Trainspotting Group' held their first outing of 2020, a trip to Chester

Our Circle's treasurer is working out if he can afford such an extravagant outing! 

For others, it's time for a selfie or two.

After a short coffee stop at Cafe Nero, it was time for some culture...a walk (in the rain) around part of the city walls.

Chester cathedral

The entrance to Chester Racecourse

Another photo-call for the record.

Following the recent heavy rain, the River Dee was in flood.

Time for lunch (and a few bevvies) in 'The Square Bottle' (Wetherspoons) 

Brother President, Tony Murphy is enjoying his fish 'n' chips.

BACON BUTTY TIME IN LSA

Following our Mass for Vocations last Sunday at the 9.15 Sunday Mass at St Joseph's, Ansell, Lytham St Annes Circle made a donation for parishioners to enjoy their bacon butties and tea/coffee free of charge.  Normally they make a contribution towards the cost.  Nine brothers identifiable by their Catenian ties mingled with the parishioners and advertising material was available. 

President Mike King and VP-elect David Burdess

 Next Sunday our two brothers in Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Blackpool will be making bacon butties dressed in their Catenian aprons!