Broughton in Craven sail on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal

On Thursday 27th June 39 brothers, ladies and friends from Broughton, Wharfedale, Harrogate, Chorley and Blackburn with Ribble Valley sailed along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal from Skipton to Farnhill. The Sun shone, the food was good and the bar stayed open.
Franklin and Deirdre in Skipton before cast off. 

Thanks go to Brother Franklin Schutz, Broughton President, and his wife Deirdre for organising a most pleasant interlude. Three hours of peace tranquility and loud chatter.

Preston 144 Circle go 'Trainspotting' (literally!)

Preston 144 Circle's latest 'train-spotting' outing was to York.
It was inevitable that we should begin with visit to the National Railway Museum. (Who said these trips were all about drinking!!)

This young lady gave us a very interesting 'tour' of the Royal trains.

The buffet service was excellent!

The River Ouse (not in flood for once!)

A little 'imbibement' before lunch

Mike returns to the place of his birth.

Part of the minster.

Walking down The Shambles

LONGRIDGE DO NORTHUMBERLAND

Sunday 9th to Wednesday 12th June

22 gradely folk from Longridge Circle set out to experience the Northumberland coast  staying at the Doxford Hall Luxury Hotel and Spa near Alnwick.

An advance party called in at The Lord Crewe Hotel Bamburgh, before a warm up ride exploring this historical area.




With ideal weather for cycling and walking, the sun shining, blue skies, others enjoyed the award winning beaches for exercise and admired this super part of our wonderful country. 

It's amazing how empty the beaches were and even after a couple of hours it wasn't much busier!!!
The hotel was of high quality as one expected and reserved a private dining room for us for both breakfast and dinner. Our host was a young lady whose previous experience was at Buckingham Palace and we were certainly treated "royally".

Fine surroundings, fine food, fine wines and even finer company.What's not to enjoy for a few relaxing days away.





Day two and the hardy cyclists ready for a trip to Craster and those famous crab sandwiches.        

craster harbour

Others preferred the more gentle  pursuit of a visit to Cragside Gardens. 

Whether cyclists, walkers or anything in between a visit to the Farne Islands to see Puffins, seals, Arctic Terns, guillemots and razorbills was taking one's life in one's hand with aerial bombardments a threat, but the protection of cycling helmets not allowed as "they may damage the birds' beaks"!

Far too many pursuits to record here but hopefully a flavour of what happened and all look forward to next year.

A very successful few days with the weather being very kind to us and grateful thanks go to Ted and Richard for organising another enjoyable Longridge event.

Another International Visitor

Lytham St Annes Circle were very pleased to welcome their second international visitor in two months.  Tony & Kathi Jordan from Harare, North Circle had attended in May and in June it was the turn of Lou Daily of Dianella Circle in Western Australia.  Lou had been over for the Liverpool Conference as part of a much wider trip and some of the LSA members had met Lou there.

Lytham St Annes Circle is twinned with Dianella Circle.  The 'ceremony' took place on 31 March 1988 when Ralph Clarke and George Hancock were the respective Circle Presidents.  The twinning document is also signed by Patrick Coker, Grand President.

The photo shows President Mike King presenting Lou with a LSA Circle tie.  The tie was commissioned to commenerate LSAs 50th anniversay in October 2018.

Mike King and Lou Daily

Preston Circle 14 President's Sunday

A very uplifting Mass, celebrated by Fr Andrew Allman on 2nd June at the Carmelite Convent in Fulwood, was followed by a wonderful meal at Tino's restaurant in Preston.

President, Richard Hazeldine with Jenny and Fr Andrew 

Happy diners at Tino's

Broughton in Craven celebrate President's Sunday

 On Sunday 26th May Broughton-in-Craven Brothers wives and guests celebrated President's Sunday with President Franklin Schutz and his wife Deirdre. 
We began to with Mass at Thresfield celebrated by Monsignor Andrew Summersgill. Then enjoyed an excellent meal at Coniston Hall Hotel. 
Our celebration was completed by an address from a newly promoted scullery maid, now housekeeper. She regaled us of her adventures and entertained us well.

The Circle wish Franklin and Deirdre an excellent year. 

ONE CIRCLE - THREE PRESIDENTS

Following the installation of Andrew Snape as President of Accrington Circle 80 on 12 May, Preston Circle 14 now has THREE current Presidents - Andrew, Terence Donnelly, President Province 10, and Richard Hazeldine, our own Circle President. Whilst it is probably not unique for a Circle to be so blessed, it is unusual, especially as all three Presidents are joint members of our Circle.

The three high office holders are pictured following Andrew's installation, which was well attended by Preston Circle 14 Brothers.

WET,WET,WET

"This tiny Lakeland honeypot missed out on the Best Places to Live list last year, thanks to concerns about parking (limited, crowded, pricy) and a worry that it might be turning a bit (Michelin) starry. This year, though, it’s too delicious to leave off the menu: as well as being back in our guide, it’s in the running to be BBC Countryfile’s village of the year." So was written in The Sunday Times April 14th 2019.

Longridge Circle and friends would dispute this but would recommend " This tiny Lakeland oasis could possibly be one of the wettest places on the planet", as demonstrated on Wednesday 29th May 2019.

22 hardy souls ventured forth to Cartmel Races for a pleasant evening of comradery, a little liquid refreshment, wholesome food and not forgetting the horse racing. The first picture of the day shows, "Three little maids who all unwary, wished they'd stayed in the ladies' seminary". (Apologies)

After much hard-nosed negotiation we managed to secure some cover for the evening and it must be said that it takes more than a bit of rain (in fact more than a deluge of rain) to deter these hardy racegoers.

There was a suggestion that some of the photos reminded members of days many years ago and long forgotten "Altar boys' awaydays!!!!!

As we all traipsed onto the coach, cold, wet, lighter in pocket but happy, the  contemplation was "Bet it won't rein furlong".

HOW WRONG CAN ONE BE?

Chorley Circle's Night to Remember

Chorley Circle’s meeting on 13^th May 2019 was memorable for four reasons – the enrolment of a new Brother, long service awards to two Brothers, and the presence of GB National President John Hogan and his wife Pauline.

Neil Bresnahan became the latest addition to the Chorley roll, and together with his wife Catherine, was enthusiastically welcomed by Chorley Brothers, our ladies and visitors.

Brother Bill McAllister received an award for 50 years membership of the Association, and Brother Jim Glynn received one for 40 years membership. Both had ‘served their time’ wholly in Chorley Circle.

The meeting was followed by a celebratory dinner, enjoyed by 43 Brothers, wives and widows. 

GB National President John Hogan welcomed Neil to the Association and presented him with a copy of the latest Catenian publication, and made the awards to Bros. Bill and Jim, one of the last official duties of his Presidential year. Brother President of Chorley Circle, Bill Critchley, presented gifts to Brother John, reflecting Chorley Circle’s appreciation of his attendance.

CHORLEY CIRCLE’S MAGNIFICAT SEVEN

At the March meeting of Chorley Circle seven Brothers received 25-year miniatures. Between them their length of membership of the Association totalled 245 years, an average of 35 years each, although several of them will be receiving their 40-year miniatures in only 3 years. From left to right they are Nick Hanley, John Holland, Eddie Brierley, Bob Hodgson, George Culshaw, Bernard Kiley, and Damian Turner.