Provincial President Peter's Peregrinations

The first in a series of infrequent ramblings.

Wooosh!! Wow, the year is passing so quickly!! A third of it has gone by already ... so many meetings and functions … here’s just a few we’ve attended so far, starting with the installations of Circle Presidents in April and May … we got to them all, except, sadly, North Lancs. Sorry, Brian and Eileen, we did try to arrange things, but it was not to be …

Then, Conference in Brizzle … immediate PGP David Rowley looks more and more like Captain Birdseye as he says a few words on board SS Great Britain … I don’t think the guy sat behind him seems too convinced … and at the Conference itself, keynote speaker Fr Frankie looks as if he’s conducting the choir as he implores us to "hold the line" …

                     

As well as Conference, we’ve attended three lovely President’s Sundays hosted by the three “T”s – Ted, Tim and Terence. It’s such a shame we’re unable to get to every President’s Sunday, as there are many date clashes. Then two wonderful lunches - the three northern Circles (Furness, North Lancs and Westmorland) and Garstang; followed by a truly splendid summer ball at Longridge.

And all sorts of social functions – including the barbecue at Preston 144; the Accrington canal cruise; the Blackpool bowls night; the cheese and wine "do" at Lytham and the Lytham brewery visit; and the hog roast at Preston.

                                          

Joan and I are most grateful to all the Brothers, wives and family members of Province 10 who joined us at such short notice for the Lancaster Diocesan pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Fernyhalgh at Ladyewell (previously reported on the blog). A great turn out, and an event that we will always remember - hopefully Province will arrange pilgrimages in future years.

If we’ve missed any of your Circle events, please accept our apologies; Joan and I will try to support as many of your functions as we can this year – just let us know what’s happening, and we’ll try our best to get there!

Province 10 supports Lancaster Diocesan Pilgrimage

Inspired by the words of GB National President Peter Rogers at the Bristol Conference, a merry band of pilgrims from around Province 10 recently joined the Pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Fernyhalgh at Ladyewell. We were delighted that Peter and Joan Rogers were able to join us as we processed from St Mary's Church to the shrine at Ladyewell.

                                           

Being Catenians, we did our bit to help and support the event.

John Lord of Preston and District Circle (back to camera) holds the thurible, whilst the canopy covering the Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament, carried by Bishop Michael, is held by Robert Thompson, Mike Finley, Mike O'Malley and Peter Western. The Catenian banner is carried by Andrew Wygladala of South Ribble Circle. David Pope of Lytham Circle and Ted Donnelly of Longridge Circle helped carry the statue of Our Lady.



Bishop Michael's own words sum up the occasion -
"We are here on pilgrimage at Ladyewell today to meet the Lord and drink from that living water he wants to give us. We come to him as a diocesan family in prayer and worship to find rest and renewed energy on life’s journey. He waits to listen to us as we tell him our particular story and our need of his divine grace and help."

This was a truly wonderful occasion, at which Brothers from around Province came together to help and support the work of the Church. For more photos etc, go the Lancaster Diocesan Bishop's Blog at http://www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk/our-bishop/bishops-blog/

Brooklands Invasion of Longridge

On Tuesday 18th July, 22 visitors from Brooklands Circle 196 from Province 17 attended Longridge 286 Circle meeting. They enjoyed the relaxed dress code and Meeting Procedure and hope to replicate this in Province 17. Provincial President Peter Kerr and Circle President Phil Green along with Provincial Chamberlain Mike Chidgey requested copies of the Procedure and hoped that when Longridge Circle reciprocated,  they would possibly have it in place in their Circle. 

They were pleased with the relaxed dress code as can be seen in the photograph when before the meeting they enjoyed a beer, or two, or four outside on a typical Longridge summer evening!!

After the meeting 42 members sat down to dine in friendship a true reflection of our Catenian values. 

Ted welcoming members of Brooklands Circle to Longridge.

LONGRIDGE SUMMER BALL 2017

Venue chosen:

The Gibbon Bridge Restaurant

Scene is set

Owner Janet and Manager Edward check all is well

With 100 tickets sold and a promise of super food and fabulous entertainment but most of all great company Ted and Janis greet the first arrivals to the social event of the year with Glynne the photographer from Lancashire Life in attendance. (probably August edition)

                                                                             

With a sumptuous meal ( just a couple of the choices)

                                                

 The contented diners had enjoyed the meal

                                                   

The entertainment till past the witching hour

Brought to a close the wonderful evening that was:

LONGRIDGE SUMMER BALL 2017

(Bookings have already been taken for next year Friday 13th July 2018)

Burnley Family Bowling competition

Burnley Circle held their annual family bowls event at Greenhill Bowling Club.  

 

Finalists (l-r) Simon Walton, Peter Nuttall, May Swainbank, Steve Swainbank),

The winners with their prize 

and Burnley President, Terry Hephrun.

LSA Circle Charity donation

After our July meeting Bro. John Gildert presented a cheque to Sharon Smith, a member of Caritas Care, for their ACE Project.  The total raised for John's charity whilst he was Circle President last year was £1,700.  After Sharon had thanked the Circle she asked Andrew Thornton, a volunteer, to read a poem he had written in appreciation (see below).

Andrew Thornton, Sharon Smith, Bro. John Gildert

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you

For all the money raised and everything you do.

It has helped pay people’s electric or got them a bed,

Funded their transport, even put toward an allotment shed.

With our Men After Prison group we are able to give back,

Speaking to schools and colleges, trying to keep kids on the right track.

You’ve helped so many people who wouldn’t normally get a second glance

I know I speak for all of them when I say thanks for giving us a chance.

Preston & District Circle's Charity BBQ

On Saturday 8th July and in glorious sunshine, Preston 144 Circle enjoyed a sumptuous barbecue at the home of John and Sandra Waddingham.

The event raised over £1,600 for the President's Charity, which this year is 'Aid to the Church in Need' (ACN). The charity supports displaced families in Syria, Iraq and other troubled parts of the world.

Brother President, Shaun Aspden, with his 'Gin Stall'.

Brother Past-President, John Lord, manned the Bar and made sure the 'Honesty Box' was not ignored!

The chefs, Mike Cowley and Eric Bolton sweated over hot charcoals.

We were honoured to be visited by the National President and his wife, Peter and Joan Rogers of St Helens Circle. They are pictured here with Shaun & Jean Aspden and Vice-President, Andrew Kok and his wife, Vicky.

Our Hosts: John & Sandra Waddingham with their daughter, Fiona and Sandra's brother and his wife, Martin & Hazel Wright.

What a wonderful view!?