Garstang Circle's Installation and Enrolment

The Garstang Circle Meeting on Thursday, 19th April commenced with the installation of Brother Gerard Power as President, followed by the enrolments of Brothers Pat Dempsey,

Frank Morlidge and Gerard Reppe on transfer  from the former Blackpool & Fylde Circle.

The evening concluded when Brothers were joined by their ladies and 51 diners sat down  to enjoy an excellent dinner.

Pictured; left to right at rear- Pat Dempsey, Gerard Power. Gerard Reppe.

Front- Frank Morlidge.

“Life moves on and so should we”

A group from Longridge went walking,

We would never consider balking,

At distance ‘cross heather,

What-ever the weather.

The miles o’er the years we’ve been clocking.

When a walk is mapped out and conveyed

The route, time and venue relayed.

The question that’s asked,

What to have for repast?

Is the food really homemade?

Some-times we go country yomping,

But always end up chomping.

With a pint or some wine

On fine food we dine,

 Till the next time you’ll find us stomping.

The moral, indeed, if there is one

Is got from the company and fun,

As we’ve covered some miles,

Always with smiles

The time’s now right, let’s “Move On”.

A quality group of "The Longridge Circle Walking Troupe".                                         25th April 2018

Longridge Installation 2018

Before the Circle meeting on Tuesday 17th April Longridge Circle recognised the contribution By Richard Maher to the development  and "Moving On" of the Circle with President Ted Donnelly presenting the "Ted Bateson Trophy" which is awarded annually by the outgoing President, on behalf of the Circle, to the Member who has made a significant contribution to Circle Life.

Ted's presentation to Richard

Ted then installed Mike Bryan as the 40th President of Longridge Circle with Mike promising to continue Ted's legacy maintaining the four pillars of our Association, FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP and FUN with maybe this year emphasis on the FUN.

Ted & Janis hand over to Mike and Bridget

After the meeting 55 sat down to a hearty meal enjoying each other's company. Mike then presented, on behalf of the Circle, a gift of a bag of apples (including a small surprise) to Ted, with Bridget presenting a basket of spring flowers to Janis. A token of the the thanks for a super year under their stewardship.

There then followed a sad goodbye to a founder member, Gerard Waddingham and wife Angela. Gerard has trouble driving, particularly at night, and so has transferred to Preston 144. Both have contributed greatly to the legacy that is Longridge Circle today ( the best in Province a voice proclaimed; and who could argue?)

Mike and Bridget with Angela and Gerard (Longridge member for 39 years)

Mike presented Gerard with a bottle of his favourite Rioja and Bridget presented Angela with a plant for their garden to remind them of grateful friends at Longridge. Both assured us they will attend as many Ladies nights as possible so the sad farewell became a more cheerful Au Revoir!

 Longridge Circle members, Ladies, and Friends wish Mike and Bridget a super year and look forward to expanding Longridge Circle in FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIPS and FUN.

William Crook Trophy Presentation

Since 1971 a Trophy has been presented to one of the Brothers of Lytham St Annes Circle by the Trophy’s previous incumbent, so two years ago Brother Mike King received the Trophy for his excellent recruitment drive. And this year Brother John Gildert, who had won the Trophy for an exciting and enjoyable year as President had the freedom to present it on again for some aspect of Circle life.

After much deliberation Brother John chose an experienced, indeed a very experienced Brother to receive the Trophy for basic and grass-roots support of less experienced Brothers,  This award also highlights some of the other aspects of the awarding Brother’s concern to help those in higher offices himself. The Award – Winner is equally concerned for the welfare of those who have already been recruited and will support Brothers who need on-going support and welfare. 

So who was awarded this year’s Trophy? - No other than Brother PGP Mike O’Malley.

Bro. PGP Mike O'Malley receiving the William Crook Trophy from Bro. John Gildert

Provincial Installation 2018

At the usual venue of Ferrari's on Sunday 25 March 2018 Brother Jim Livesey of Burnley Circle was installed as Provincial President.  In his speech, after an excellent meal, Jim recalled that he had undertaken a different job each year since joining the Association six and a half years ago.  Now on his seventh job he wondered if recorded on a CV a prospective employer may ask why he cannot stick to one job for more than one year!  Jim will be accompanied by his daughter Angela during the year.

Also installed that evening were Provincial Councillor Bro. Ted Donnelly (Longridge) and Provincial Vocations Officer PGP Bro. Mike O'Malley (Lytham St Annes).  Congratulations to all.

Brother Provincial President Jim Livesey

The Top Table with Jim in the middle and his daughter Angela to his left

Some of the diners