The Catenian Association is an international body of proudly Catholic laymen and permanent deacons who meet at least once a month in local groups called Circles, to enjoy each other's company and thereby strengthen their family life through friendship, faith and fun! It is open to practising Catholic laymen from the age of 18 years. Many of the Circles’ activities involve the members’ wives and families.
It now appears to becoming an annual event for members of Lytham St Annes Circle to partake of afternoon tea at Lytham Hall, the ancestral home of the Clifton family. The meal started with warm savoury items followed by dainty sandwiches and cakes and finished with freshly made warm scones with jam and cream. Too much for some people but Adrian was there to assist them. We all had an enjoyable time in splendid surroundings with excellent service.
Brother Tom Carter celebrated his 100th birthday on 27 March 2024. Unfortunately he was taken into Blackpool Victoria Hospital the day before. However he managed to get a pass out for the celebrations organised by his family and the parish the following weekend. At this celebration his presence was announced by the Town Cryer; he was presented with a card from the King by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire; presented with various items by a detachment from RAF Leeming and received a Papal Blessing from Canon Peter Hart on behalf of the parish.
Although he wasn't able to attend the April Circle meeting we nevertheless celebrated his achievement along with his daughter, Bernie, and two nieces, Theresa and Mia and a cake. Bernie accepted a scroll from HO signed by the National President commemorating Tom's achievement. Tom is now back attending Circle meetings.
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| Nieces Mia and Theresa, daughter Bernie |
Chorley Circle 23 recently presented St Catherine’s Hospice, Bamber Bridge, with a cheque for £5,746.97 in memory of Pauline, the wife of Circle President Bro. Bill Critchley, who died in March 2023. The funds were raised during Bro. Bill’s Presidential year by raffles, sponsored walks, including the annual ‘Moonlight & Memories’ walk organised by the Hospice, and general donations, some of which were kindly match-funded by Bill’s business – Astra Vehicle Technologies Ltd.
Pictured, left to right, are Circle President Bill Critchley, Terence Donnelly, Circle Secretary and Province 10 Director, Peter Hughes, Alan Alty of St Catherine’s, and John Holland.
The annual competitions between Circles for the honour of being crowned Provincial Darts or Domino champion was again held at the BAE Canberra Club at Samlesbury. Most Circles in Province were represented and the evening was very successful despite the need to stand in the car park for a time when the fire alarm went off. This didn'nt affect the meat & potato pie and apple pie which was excellent value at £8.00. The Provincial Treasurer, Mike Simpson, of Preston & District (144) became this year's dominoes champion. The darts were won by Preston South (235); the other finalists being Preston & District (144). The trophies were presented by Provincial President Mike O'Malley.
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| The finalists - 235 to the left, 144 to the right |
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| The finalists |
After 20 years, the Circle left Burnley Football Club as the venue for monthly meetings, meals and other events as the new, outsourced, hospitality operation required a significant increase in price and tighter restrictions on ordering and minimum numbers. We moved to Nelson House with effect from our August meeting.
In October, we welcomed Brothers and Ladies to our joint meeting with Broughton-in -Craven Circle. The following week, we held our annual Pie Night at Rolls Royce Club at Barnoldswick where we had 46 diners including a good number from Broughton.
18 Brothers, Ladies and friends dined at the Burnley Mechanics Bistro before the Upbeat Beatles show in the theatre.
Our Vice-President John McNabb, starred as the Family solicitor, Parchester in the St Cuthbert’s production of Me and My Girl. Brothers and Ladies dined at the Kettledrum Inn before the show.
We held our annual Ladies’ Night Dinner Dance at Nelson House. It’s the last remaining traditional such event in Province and we were rewarded by an excellent attendance from across Province and great support from Brothers and their families.
The Circle’s support for Blessed Trinity RC College continues with the donation of a prize for the Contribution to the Community. Bro President Terry Hephrun participated in the College’s Awards Night.
Finally, our December meeting and festive menu was followed by carol singing led by Bro Peter Marsland and his wife, Mary.
On 19th October a group of 20 members and Ladies was led over the border, to Scotland, by Chorley President Bill Critchley. The group included members and Ladies from Longridge and Lytham St. Annes Circles.
The party travelled by coach to Kingussie, where they spent 4 nights at The Duke of Gordon Hotel. The hotel featured in the TV series ‘Monarch of the Glen’ many years ago. One Chorley member, Bob Hodgson, and his wife Mary, journeyed by car from their ‘new’ home in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, to join the group and meet old friends, in spite of storm Babet.
During the stay members of the group enjoyed various activities – a guided tour of the Ben Nevis whisky distillery (with samples, of course), a visit to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, a sail on the glass-bottomed boat on the Kyle of Lochalsh, a guided tour of the Rothiemurcus Highland Estate, and short ‘shopping’ trips to Aviemore and Fort Augustus. Some members of the group took the train to Inverness for a visit to the Cathedral and a walk along the river Ness. On Sunday the group attended Mass at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Columba in Kingussie, and some met the Parish Priest, Fr. Emmanuel Alagbaoso.
Accommodation, food, and service at the hotel was enjoyed by all, although entertainment was limited as a consequence of storm Babet, which prevented entertainers travelling to Kingussie.
The party arrived back in Chorley in late afternoon on 23rd October, tired after the 7 hour journey, but happy, and wondering where their next trip would take them.
For more photographs see the Chorley Circle website - https://chorleycatenians.org
On Sunday 10 December 2023 Lytham St Annes Circle held their very successful annual family Christmas lunch at the Glendower Hotel. As usual the hotel provided an excellent meal after which Father Christmas and his loyal Elf gave out presents to the children and some other lucky individuals. Then following the raffle carols were sung. A good time was had by all.
