Provincial Ball 2018

Once again the venue for the Provincial Ball was at the easily accessible Dunkenhalgh Hotel.  And those who went had a jolly good time.  The food and service was excellent.  

The entertainment provided by Backbeat was mainly sixties music which most of us could remember and relate to.  A good number of people remained long after the band had finished.

HOWZAT! AT LONGRIDGE

There was a bit of a cricket theme going on at Longridge's last meeting.
Our Australian members may have said it was 4 for 286.

Longridge Circle, well known for "Moving On" were proud to welcome 4 new members in front of 22 Longridge members and visitors including Provincial President, Provincial Treasurer and Provincial Chamberlain. 
Procedure encompassing "the modernity and simplification of language" which "worked well in practice and ran smoothly", both comments by Provincial Chamberlain, was used and appreciated particularly by the new members.

From left to right Peter Mawson, Chris & Susan Daly, Mike & Bridget Bryan, Anne Marie & Peter Jones(a founder member of Longridge) and Joan & John Marshall.

At the conclusion of the meeting a representative from Burnley Circle, Bernard Swarbrick, presented President Mike with a Cricket Trophy won by Longridge more than 23 years ago(but not competed for since), and following much misadventure will now sit proudly on Longridge Circle table until such time as competed for in a cricket/sporting competition.

Following the meeting 52 sat down for a super meal and the pleasure of each other's company.

Longridge Circle "Moving On" Strengthening family life through friendship and faith!

LONGRIDGE CEILIDH

`It's a celebration. You have the ability to make something out of a few notes and movements together with a bunch of people, some you might know and some you don't, or don't yet... And that next time 'that something' will be a bit different, and in odd measure, maybe better....`Anon

And on Friday 14th September at St Wilfrid's Club in Longridge there certainly was a celebration, although some may question what "that something" was made out of the notes and movements.

I think the photos speak for themselves:

With participants from 9-80+years young, and whether it was a Barn Dance or The Gay Gordons or taking a breather in between, all agreed that it was a super night when maybe strictly dancing was not the most important thing but the friendship and enjoyment that everyone took away. 

So If you like your dances slick, expert, and predictable, stay away. But if you like a sense of community, dangerous music & unpretentious friendly company, this is it. Join us next time, if you dare!!!!!!

"A Jolly Boys' Day Out! "

"This looks like a jolly boys' day out" was the comment made by the ticket collector on the Northern Rail train (Yes, there was one running!) as seven brothers from Preston 144 Circle ventured out on another Away Day recently.

This was to have been a trip to Hebden Bridge. However, the train to Leeds was cancelled at the last minute so it was agreed that we should board the Northern Rail train to Barrow-in-Furness, which was waiting on platform 5.

The first stop was Grange-over-Sands, with a coffee stop in one of the delightful cafes on the main street.

Then it was a quick dash in the rain back to the station for the next train, alighting at Ulverston,
the birthplace of comedian Stan Laurel.

Many a true word is spoken (or written) in jest!!

A splendid lunch and few beers were taken here at 'The Farmers',
followed by further imbibing at 'The Rose' and 'The Old Friends'.

Seven comedians and two personalities.
A visit to Ulverston would not be complete without a picture of Ulverston's famous son...and his pal.

What a jolly day out, boys!

Weekend Away

The destination of this year's circle weekend away for Lytham St Annes Circle was Knaresborough in Yorkshire.  Whilst it rained on the Saturday it did not stop the planned walk by the River Nidd where we passed the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag (only open on Sunday afternoons), the House in the Rock and visited St Robert's Cave and Mother Shipton's Cave and Petrifying Well.  Those who didn't do the walk took the bus into Harrogate and visited Betty's tearooms.  The photo shows us all enjoying ourselves between courses on the Saturday night.

LSA Charity donation and dance

At the September meeting of Lytham St Annes Circle Bro. PGP Tony Godden presented a cheque for £800 to Angela Hesketh on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support.  This was the second of his main charities during his Presidential year (2017/18).   The photo below was taken after the presentation of the cheque as those taken at the time were rather blurred [you can't get the staff these days].

Following the presentation the rest of the evening was handed over to Bro. Elwyn and Dorothy Smith who guided those who were up for it to perform the 'Blackpool Belle'.  Most picked up the steps quite quickly and those watching were well entertained.

Front row: Dorothy in the middle and Elwyn on the right

LONGRIDGE CIRCLE DONATION

In Victorian times there were Workhouses. In the twentieth century Soup Kitchens gained prominence. In the twenty first century there has been an "explosion" of Foodbanks.
Although 20 tonnes of food and toiletries are donated annually there are shortages of some essential items to be distributed to the most needy in our society.
The Longridge Foodbank, aligned to the Trussell Trust, helps local families in dire need of food and other essentials.
Longridge Circle recently donated £730 to the local foodbank to help local families "in difficulty or need".

President Mike presenting the cheque of £730 to Rev John Ball representing Longridge Foodbank.

LONGRIDGE AUGUST WALK

In an article in a January edition of the Longridge & Ribble Valley News this walk was described as the prettiest “lake” walk south of the Lake District.
The walk was a leisurely stroll of about 4.5 miles around Entwistle reservoir ( and a bit of Wayoh) which lies between Bolton and Darwen in the West Pennine Moors.

With the recent dry weather like most reservoirs around, water levels are still low.

Through some wonderful countryside and sculptures of interest:

On the northern shore there's a galvanised steel sculpture of a heron, it's feet usually in the water, by UK based Dutch artist Marjan Wouda.

The happy group of walkers with George the dog posing before retiring for a well earned lunch at the Chetham Arms in Chapeltown.

Well done to Ted and Janis for organising a super walk.

Friendship and FUN!!!

LONGRIDGE CIRCLE REFUGEE AID

When Longridge member Ted Donnelly heard of the sad plight of two refugees he brought it to the attention of the Circle Council.
The two are being shown local hospitality by Rev John Ball and St Cecilia's High School in Longridge. 
Circle Council had no hesitation in offering a donation of £500 to support them.

 The picture shows Past President John Lea presenting Rev John Ball with a cheque for £500 in St Paul's Church Longridge.

Longridge Catenians committed to those in need.