Be afraid! Be very afraid!

After years in the Provincial Bowling 'wilderness', Preston & District Circle are staging a comeback!

For the first time in recent history the Circle's bowlers won through to the semi-final stage of the competition.

The semi-finals and the final were played at St. Joseph's Parish Centre in Chorley but, because of Bank Holiday commitments, three of the teams star players were unable to compete.

However, three new signing were made and after intensive workouts with the team's trainer and psychologist (or should that be 'psychiatrist') and inspired by the successes of Team GB, the team faced up to the challenge presented by Blackpool Circle.

Success isn't achieved overnight and the might of Blackpool's bowlers could not be overcome. 

Well done Blackpool! (...but they were beaten in the final by Burnley Circle (with their towels tucked in their back pockets.)

Inspired - Perspired - but not expired!

Photo: (l to r): Shaun Horsfield, Harry Mounsey, Paddy O'Donnell, Anthony Donlan & Ted Donnelly.

Preston 14 Circle 'Going for Gold'!

A highly trained squad of nine Brothers from Preston 14 circle, in true Olympic style, dived in a synchronised style upon Garstang circle's meeting on Thursday the 18th of August to collect a 'gold', 

Although the brothers came first they only managed a 'silver' in the form of the Visiting Trophy

Accrington's Annual Summer Evening Walk

Accrington Circle held their Annual Summer Evening Walk on Wednesday 10^th.August. 

The weather was typical for a Lancashire summer evening, cold, wet and windy. Around 30 walkers met at the Boatyard Inn, between Blackburn and Preston. The seasoned walkers, lead by Andrew Dabrowski, followed a route in the beautiful countryside around Hoghton Tower. 

The less energetic walkers, lead by Karen Dabrowski, enjoyed a walk on the scenic towpath of the Leeds – Liverpool Canal. However the wise walkers stayed in the pub. All walkers returned very wet and bedraggled but agreed it had been a good evening. A supper and liquid refreshments was enough to make them seem human again. 

The photo shows the group about to depart suitably attired in waterproofs etc.

Burnley Catenians raise money for Pendleside Hospice

 Members of Burnley Catenians have raised money for Pendleside Hospice by donations and the proceeds of a concert held jointly with the Knights of St. Columba.  

The cheque was presented to the hospice at a Mass in St Mary's Church.  

Catenian Past President, Jim Livesey, said, "The hospice movement nationally supports at least 120,000 people with terminal and life-limiting conditions each year. This increases to around 360,000 people when their family members are included.  The hospices in east Lancashire provide a wonderful and essential service that touches many families including those from the Catenian community.

The photo shows (l-r) Jim Livesey (Past President 2015/16), 

Fr Laurence Gambella (Assistant Priest at St Mary's) and Vikki Bassek (Pendleside Hospice).

Broughton-in-Craven Circle ‘International 9 Pin Skittles’ Contest

Broughton-in-Craven Circle hosted the second 

‘International 9 Pin Skittles’ Contest, following their August meeting. 

Last year there was no trophy for the event, however, Brother David Wortley has made and donated a trophy which was initially presented to last year’s winner, Brother President Bernard Swarbrick, who held it for around two hours, before presenting it to this year’s winner!

The tightly fought contest was finally won by Brother Mike Finlay, Provincial Membership Officer with a two ball total of 16 points.  Second place went to Brother Provincial Vice-President Peter Western and third place to Broughton-in-Craven’s own Secretary Chris Nash.

Great fun was had by all and the event raised £51 for the President’s Charity.

Westmorland Charity Cheque Presentation

Brother Mike Goodier, President in 2015-2016 presents a cheque for £500 to Mary Woodward,
the Kendal Area Representative for Myeloma UK, watched by Brothers of Westmoreland Circle.