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?