Reunion of 2014-15 Presidents

The event was superbly organised by Jane and Steve Hardacre at the recently expanded Italian Orchard restaurant near Broughton, Preston.

The event was a great success with an excellent choice of menu and there was a terrific amount of chat and banter taking place as the photos show. There were some unfortunate absentees due to work, holidays, ill health and a most important Golden Wedding for Mike and Anne-Marie. Sandra organised everyone to sign a card for the Happy Couple.

John and Trish Whiteside were very keen to organise another reunion later this year and everyone will be looking forward to the next re-union.  These are some of the photos taken by a John Mills of the Presidents from around Province 10 attending the event.

 

 

Preston 144 - Trainspotting.....again!

The 'Trainspotting' group, led by Mike Cowley, chose Clitheroe for their April outing. 

As directed by the sign in the previous picture, our first destination was the Castle with its commanding views over the Lancashire countryside.

Is Gerard saluting the soldier or trying to spot the Pendle witches?

The view towards Beacon Fell and Parlick Pike.

A fine panorama over the town to Kemple End on Longridge Fell and Parlick in the distance.

Looking down from the Keep.
 Inside the Keep
Outside the Keep

"I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure!"

Lunch was taken at Holmes Mill, home of the Bowland Brewery.

(I'll leave the rest to the readers' imagination!!)

Broughton in Craven news

On Tuesday 23rd April Brothers, Ladies and friends enjoyed afternoon tea at Utopia restaurant, part of the Broughton Hall Estate. President Franklin presented Chris Bohills with a prize for winning his Yorkshire dialect competition. What is the meaning of the word "Chover". 

We were then met by the owner Roger Tempest who gave us a talk on the philosophy of the modern country estate, showed us future plans for development and reminded us of the importance of the Tempest family to Lancashire Catholicism as described in the book, 'Struggle for a minority'.

Following his talk we were shown around the new Avalon, Mindfulness Centre and spa. Before leaving a visit to the Chapel rounded off a very pleasant afternoon. 

Thanks to President Franklin and Deirdre for their organisation.

LONGRIDGE DOES FORMAL

On 19th April 1979 Longridge Circle 286 was granted its Charter and began life at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel with 3 Grand Presidents, 8 Grand Directors members from 38 Circles and 41 founder members totalling 188 Catenians. 

On 16th April 2019 Longridge Circle celebrated 40 years of Catenianism and with 41 present at the meeting (the same number as founder members) John Lea was installed as President and Richard Maher as Vice President.

Gil Hughes was enrolled as a member making Circle strength 35.

 The photo shows President John welcoming Gil and Lisa with Gil's sponsor Peter Kok looking on. 

With 30 ladies joining members for dinner in traditional Longridge style with no "Top Table" but founder members and ladies of founder members taking centre stage. John asked those present to toast our new members Gil and Lisa.

Secretary Joe reminded those present of a few memories from 1979 and some salient points from the first minute book, commenting that some things had not changed even after 40 years. He proposed a toast to founder members and ladies.

President John had some anecdotes and reminded circle that our founding members had been very keen on the social aspect of Catenians and not afraid to embrace change and we in 2019 should have the courage to follow their example.

Our founder members and ladies

From left: Mary Eccles, Peter and Denise Russell, Mary (Barr) Eccles, Gerard and Angela Waddingham, Peter and Anne Marie Jones, Teresa Wilcock, Mary Jones, John Lea and Ellen Woods.

Before the conclusion of the evening PP Mike and Bridget were presented with tokens of thanks from the Circle for all their efforts as President 2018/19.

Finally PP Mike presented the Ted Bateson Trophy to Bob Barron for his contribution to the life of Longridge Circle during 2018/19.

Who said Longridge couldn't do formal?

Preston Circle 14 ... Snooker Champions!

After a tumultuous tussle against a brave team from Accrington Circle, Preston Circle 14 held their collective nerve to win the coveted trophy ... and it could hardly have been closer!

At 2 frames each, it all depended on the final frame. The atmosphere was tense, and eventually, at the end of the fifth frame, just the black ball was left, with all still to play for.

Fran, who, with cue in hand, has been compared to Alex Higgins before a bender, managed to double the black the length of the table to secure the win.

They were certainly dancing in the streets of Fulwood that night ...

The winners with the trophy ... Paul, Fran, Andy, James, Steve and Paul (apologies to Pauline if I've got her lads mixed up ...)

Broughton in Craven Circle installations

On 5th April Broughton in Craven installed their new officers for the coming year. It was an excellent evening when we welcomed many visitors and wives to a full meeting.

This year our President will be Franklin Schutz for the second time. His VP is Robert Greenwood (for the fourth time). Franklin and Deirdre have a full programme of events prepared and the Circle look forward to another successful year. Brother Michael Limb was presented with his Presidential medal and thanked for his hard work last year.

Photograph shows. Director Mark Conroy, Provincial President Terence Donnelly, Circle President Franklin Schutz and Circle VP Robert Greenwood. 

LSA Lunch at new venue

Members of Lytham St Annes Circle meet once a month for lunch and are usually accompanied by two wives of deceased Brothers.  This month was no exception.  Twelve of us sat down to dine at Tiggis Italian restaurant in the centre of St Annes.  Included in the party was a grandson of Marion Oakes, Josh and his wife Jen.  The photo was taken by Josh.

LONGRIDGE MONTHLY CYCLE RIDE

Many reports of recent rides show a number of eateries that the cyclists found, at the start, halfway and at the finish of reported rides.

Being a cynic at heart the writer questioned whether in fact rides took place and the collecting of individuals with cycles was merely a cover for a Saturday "coffee morning" "afternoon tea club" or "luncheon club"!!

I'm happy to report that, dismissing the possibility of a huge charade, members and friends of Longridge Circle do still collect on the first Saturday of the month and ride considerable distances with the occasional break at a local cafe or bar.

Exhibit 1

Some of the happy riders from last Saturday ready to set out on a tour de Fylde Coast.

Exhibit 2

More evidence?

How many Catenians does it take to mend a puncture?

Leave it to the expert and it'll be sorted in no time.

Not an eatery in sight!!!!!!

Couldn't close the blog without wishing Ted "Happy Birthday", 76 years young on Monday 8th April, from all at Longridge.

LONGRIDGE SUPPORT YOUTH

When Longridge Circle received a request to assist some school children who were visiting Lourdes but didn't qualify for "official" funding a stated aim of our Association came to mind "To advance the interests and development of young Catholics...."

It was put to Circle that a donation of £250 be given to the Year 9 and 10 pupils of St Augustine's RC High School. The vote was unanimous. 

The cheque was duly presented to school by Ted Donnelly who reported what a  great bunch of children they are from Years 9 and 10.
In fact 13 children will be travelling to Lourdes, to help when they can and observe some of their older colleagues, with 2 teachers and chaplain Fr Kevin Murphy from Sacred Heart Rochdale on  22nd to 26th April.
Good luck for the future to all.

LONGRIDGE INVADE HOPPERS

Saturday March 23rd a good number of members from Longridge along with some of their ladies arrived at PGH with anticipation of an enjoyable meal and catching up with some old friends.

The ladies obviously enjoyed the meal and maybe binding for a scrum?

Many an anecdote exchanged of days many years ago when some of this lot donned kit and boots and ran around a pitch or two!!!!

The weather was kind so all wandered outside to cheer on Hoppers, and how we cheered.
Great result and performance 48-19 to PGH. A lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon, good food, good company and good sport.

Donation for Morecambe Lifeboat

This is a press release by the Lifeboat Association

The North Lancashire Circle of the Catenian Association, an organisation for Catholic Men (named after Catena – Latin meaning chain) have made a donation of £500 to Morecambe’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat station.

Wilfred Gill, this year’s President, explained that the North Lancashire Circle meets monthly for a short meeting at the Morecambe Hotel on Lord Street, Morecambe, and to enjoy a meal afterwards. The members wives join them once a quarter and the £500 donation was raised for this year’s President’s Charity (RNLI) by the members and their wives at various social functions held over the last twelve months.

Presenting the cheque to Morecambe RNLI Acting Lifeboat Operations Manager Harry Roberts MBE, Wilfred said ‘We are always seeking new members and those wishing to find out more about the Catenian Association can find us by googling Catenian Association.’  Further enquiries may be made to Wilfred Gill 07870 140145.

Association President, Wilfred Gill, presents the cheque to Harry Roberts MBE