CHORLEY CIRCLE’S 1200th MEETING CELEBRATIONS

On Monday, 11^th December, Chorley Circle celebrated their 1200^th meeting at Shaw Hill Golf Resort & Spa Hotel.

After the meeting 76 brothers, wives and friends enjoyed dinner. National President, Brother Peter Rogers and his wife, Joan, were guests of the Circle and both were presented with mementoes of the event.

In December Chorley Brother Louis Nightingale celebrated 40 years membership of the Association, all in Chorley Circle but was too unwell to be present on the night and separate arrangements were made for him to be presented with his scroll at a private ceremony. 

After dinner, Brother Bill McAllister, who celebrated 40 years membership and received his scroll several years ago, in the days before miniatures were presented, received his 40 years' miniature from National President Brother Peter.

Dinner was followed by Christmas carols. The enthusiastic singing was led by Christine Edwards and John Booth of St. Gregory’s choir and Fr. Graeme Dunne, parish priest of St. Gregory’s. They were ably accompanied on the keyboard by Brother Ted Donnelly, President of Longridge Circle and real life brother of Chorley Circle President Brother Terence Donnelly.

Garstang Catenian of the Year

At Garstang Circle's Christmas Dinner following the Circle Meeting on 21st December at the Garstang Country Hotel, Brother Steve Masterman presented Brother Gerard Power with the Circle's Catenian of the Year Trophy. Since Brother Gerard transferred to the Circle twelve months ago he has made an excellent contribution to the life of the Circle; He took on the office of Vice-President in April and has been a prolific visitor to Circles in Province 10.

The photograph shows our President, Steve Masterman (left) making the presentation to Brother Gerard.

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS LONGRIDGE STYLE

After our December meeting at which President Ted introduced a  (yet to be ratified by National Council) new trophy: the Longridge "keeping meetings short Trophy”, 73 members, ladies, guests and clergy retired to enjoy a superb meal with meaningful readings from Charles Dicken’s          “A Christmas Carol” reminding those present of the real message of Christmas. 

 Many had come attired in suitable Dickensian/Victorian costume but all entered into the spirit of Christmas celebration as the Catenian family.

 The meal was concluded with a reminder from Ted in Charles Dickens words of the continuing of the Christmas theme throughout the year. 

Then followed a boisterous rendition of Christmas Carols and songs accompanied by many percussion instruments and Hannah on flute, Chris on ukulele, Fr Mario leading the singing and our very own “twinkle fingers Ted” on keyboard.

A group of those in Dickensian/Victorian attire which it was suggested may be submitted for the December 2018 issue of Catena!!!!

A super night was had by all.

PRESIDENT TED AND JANIS ALONG WITH ALL AT LONGRIDGE CIRCLE WISH ALL IN PROVINCE 10 A HAPPY AND HOLY CHRISTMAS, A VERY EXCITING NEW YEAR AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE OF THIS GREAT ASSOCIATION.

Provincial President Peter's Peregrinations (continued)

October started with a visit to Cork; Joan and I were there for a couple of weeks visiting relatives, and we joined up for a couple of days with a hardy group of visitors from Lytham St Annes Circle (and one or two others), under the leadership of Tony and Kelly. Here we are at Jamesons distillery in Midleton, enjoying the tasting ...

The return journey - for all except those who use Hanley Airlines - was "different" - although a 7 hour delay at Cork airport became rather tedious ... but compensation helped ease the pain (eventually).

A great night was had by all at Burnley Circle's 1100th meeting (well organised by Terry and the Brothers), and then the first of two Provincial events in the quarter took place - the Mass for deceased Brothers and family members. This was celebrated for the first time at Our Lady and St Edward's, Fulwood by Rev Canon Bob Horn. I also attended Mass for deceased at Preston, Preston South, Preston and District, Accrington and Garstang Circles.

Burnley Circle Ladies Night was a great success - thanks again to Terry, the Brothers and ladies - and I then had the honour of judging the Blackburn with Ribble Valley Christmas jumper competition. Here are the brave competitors

Winner was Mike O'Grady, far left - he was really lit up! Well done, Mike!

Chorley Circle celebrated their 1200th meeting, in the presence of National President Peter and Joan Rogers. The evening was very enjoyable, and very well organised by Terence, the Brothers and ladies.

The Provincial Christmas event - Christmas Starts Here! - was well supported by many Circles, and the audience was entertained by the Accrington choir under the leadership of Maestro David Cockett; Mrs Anne Beesley, wife of President Chris, of Broughton-in-Craven Circle; and The Valley Singers under the musical directorship of Chris Beardsley, accompanied by James Hawkes.

"A Lad In Verse" was also performed by a group of Circle Presidents and partners (oh yes it was!) and here's Wishy Washy and Princess Hoo Iz Shee's maid relaxing afterwards ...

The main raffle prize - an overnight stopover at Tankersley Manor Hotel, to help Joan and I taste and decide the menu for the Saturday Gala Dinner at the Provincial Weekend - was won by Mike and Celia Neil, and the four of us will be going across to Barnsley in the New Year for the tasting.

As well as the Provincial weekend, we have the Past Presidents' lunch on 21 January at Ferrari's to look forward to in the final quarter of our year, and I'm sure many enjoyable Circle meetings, after proceedings and events around Province.

Joan and I would like to wish you all a very happy and holy Christmas, and a great New Year!

Christmas meal - Lytham St Annes style

 

 LSA Circle held their traditional Family Christmas Sunday lunch last weekend.  Fifteen children and 101 adults sat down to a most enjoyable meal at the Glendower Hotel.  This was followed by a visit by Father Christmas who distributed gifts to all the children ably assisted by an elf. There were a few other lucky recipients including the wives of deceased Brothers who were guests of the Circle.  The afternoon was concluded by the singing of carols.

CHRISTMAS WISHES FROM THE CARROLLS

To all our family and friends  

As last year we have decided to not send cards but to give a donation instead to a charity. 

We think most are aware that in October our first granddaughter was born. A beautiful, healthy little girl. We have decided to give a donation to the Preston Baby Beat Appeal Charity for babies and their families who are not so fortunate. 

We wish everyone a happy, holy and enjoyable Christmas and a New Year that is all you want it to be.

Our love and best wishes to you all

Elaine & Joe

Accrington Circle's recent activities, accompanied by others

On 28th November Catenians from Accrington Circle joined forces with those from  Blackburn with Ribble Valley Circle for a trip to Manchester. The day started with rosary and Mass at The Hidden Gem Church followed by a festive lunch at "Bill" restaurant and a visit to the Christmas Markets. On the way to The Hidden Gem a photo was taken outside the Barton Arcade where the first ever meeting of the Catenian Association took place. A wall plaque commemorates this event. As they had "shopped until they dropped" the group were in need of liquid refreshments and the day ended happily.

 

The photo shows the group assembled outside the Barton Arcade with Presidents' Chris Daly and Andrew Dabrowski in the foreground.

On 29th November Accrington Circle joined in a celebration Mass for Thanksgiving and Investiture of Brother Anthony Baron as a Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great. The Mass and Investiture, held at Oakhill College, Whalley, was conducted by the Right Reverend John Arnold, Bishop of Salford. Anthony, a long time Catenian, was being honoured for his work for the Church and the local community. Papal Knighthoods are a rare award going to those with a lifetime of outstanding service to the Church and local community.

Photo l to r: Mike Finley, Neil Goodall, John Whiteside, David Cockett, Anthony Baron, Bishop John Arnold, Tom Ibison, Paul Birch and Francis Hayes.