ANOTHER FIRST FOR LONGRIDGE. BUT WHAT A SUCCESS!!!!

After an uneventful coach trip from Longridge, Halfpenny Lane, Horn’s Inn, Cabus and Forton, with our driver Brian, from Manilla, we arrived at Cartmel.

Wednesday 30^th May is “PICNIC DAY” at Cartmel. This is the final day of a three day meet and Mike and Bridget invited anyone who wished, to join them at the Racecourse. 28 made their way onto the course to find a spot for the day.

Lord Cavendish welcomed us to Cartmel and all the staff made us so welcome with our own Christine and Joe directing us to a superb place by the finishing post.

 

We set up camp and with discussions on M&S profits increasing with the purchases for our picnics we settled to study form and taste the local beers. A quick wander round Cartmel village and it was time for the racing to start.

Prayers were offered “Dear Lord help me to break even. I need the money”, and the comment was heard “Horse sense is a good judgement which keeps horses from betting on people.”

Cheers and moans in abundance as we watched horses and jockeys race over the winning line.

Lytham St Annes retain two trophies

At the recent Provincial Council meeting Provincial President Jim Livesey presented last year's LSA Circle President Tony Godden with both the Mather Trophy and the Taylor Platter.  In thanking Jim for the awards Tony remarked that 19 LSA Circle Brothers had made 369 visits during 2017/18.  He also said it was sad that the circle had won the Taylor Platter by enrolling only three new Brothers.  

Annual retreat

Once again the annual retreat to Ampleforth organised by Preston South Circle was a thought provoking success.  As the monk's accommodation is being upgraded the monks are living a short distance away from the monastery and are holding their services of  Matins, Lauds Vespers and Compline in their temporary residence where there is no room for visitors to attend.  We were privileged however to be present at the Solemn Profession Mass of Br Joseph Benedict when he dedicated his life to the Benedictine Order.  Also during our free period on the Saturday afternoon some of us went up the hill to the main road to watch the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race whizz passed.

Thank you from the Pals

When Tabor closed last July the Province Pals relocated to the Ladyewell Shrine for their monthly mass where we were looked after very well by Mrs Sue Gornall, wife of two former Catenians.  In recognition of her welcome Bro. Jim Livesey presented Sue with a bouquet of flowers.  Whilst Tabor is not yet fully open the Pals moved back there for their mass earlier this month.

LONGRIDGE CIRCLE MASS AND LUNCH

Mike and Bridget with members of Longridge Circle celebrated "Strengthening family life through friendship and faith" by celebrating Holy Mass with family and friends on Sunday 20th May at St Francis', Hill Chapel.

St Francis Hill Chapel is a beautiful historic 'barn style' church set in colourful gardens, it was founded in 1755. It is a small rural Parish in the heart of the countryside, close to the village of Goosnargh. The Parish Administrator is Father Sony Joseph and the Parish is part of the diocese of Lancaster.

The picture below is of a stained-glass display, within the church, of Blessed George Beesley, a martyr, who was born about 1562 in the farmhouse that is now the Presbytery.  He died on 2^nd July 1591 in Fleet Street, London.

His last words are reputed to have been, "Absit mihi gloriari nisi in Cruce Domini Nostri Jesu Christi" (Far from me to glory except in the cross of Jesus Christ) and, after a pause, "Good people, I beseech God to send all felicity ".(happiness).

Having "nourished the soul" members, family and friends "nourished the body" at Ferraris, (well known throughout Province)

 and enjoyed each others company and delicious food.

                All that remained was for a group photo after a thoroughly enjoyable "Catenian Day". 

Thanks to Bob for his photographic skills and keep watching for a report on

 "The Buxton Adventure".

A new brother for Garstang Circle

Brother Geoff Stubbs of Central Circle, previously of the former Blackpool & Fylde Circle, was enrolled into Garstang Circle at its meeting on 17th May

Left to right:  Brother Gerard Power, Garstang President, Brother Geoff Stubbs, and on the right Past Grand President Brother Mike O'Malley, Lytham St. Annes Circle.

A BUSY YEAR AHEAD WITH MIKE AND BRIDGET AT LONGRIDGE

MIKE AND BRIDGET’S YEAR

         

Mike and Bridget have many activities planned and invite you to attend any or all these events.

On May 20^th President’s Sunday at Mike and Bridget’s Parish Church of St Francis, Hill Chapel 10.30, a lunch will follow at Ferraris – 12 for 12.30.

The same month, 24/25 May, the one or two night break away at Lee Wood Hall Hotel, Buxton with walking, cycling and viewing “Well Dressing”. If you are interested, please book directly with the hotel quoting “Ted Donnelly”.

June 9^th Join us for a full and exciting day of clay pigeon shooting on the Huntroyde Estate, Padiham, organised by Stonyhurst College. Bacon sandwich breakfast, a two-course lunch and afternoon snack included. Book now as places are limited. No previous shooting experience necessary!

A trip to the Lowry to see “War Horse” on 14^th June.

On Friday July 13^th Mike and Bridget host the Longridge Circle 

Summer Ball at Gibbon Bridge

Tickets now on sale at just £35 and there is a limit on numbers so 

DON’T DITHER BOOK NOW!

A Ceilidh on September 14^th at St Wilfrid’s Club, Longridge (this will be great fun)

 and on 4^th October a visit to the Terracotta Army in Liverpool.

Into the new year of 2019, join us for our annual quiz night on February 8^th at Longridge G.C.

There are, of course the cycle rides on the first Saturday of each month.

The first cycle ride just 12 months ago.

and on the last Wednesday of each month walks to which all are welcome.

Some of the walking group take a photo opportunity with our friends from Brooklands Circle.

We will also be organising visits to PNE for an evening weekday match and to Preston Grasshoppers and Blackburn RFC for a meal prior to games in the autumn.

Any Catenian or Friend is welcome to join us.

For further details contact

Mike Bryan,

Swallow Cottage, Eidsforth Lne, Barnacre, Preston PR3 1GZ   

Tel: 01995 601114 or 07940 063749

Email: mbryan@dsl.pipex.com