LONGRIDGE'S 40 YEAR CELEBRATORY SUMMER BALL

On Friday 12th July Longridge Circle, friends and many from across Province gathered at The Gibbon Bridge Hotel to celebrate 40 years since Inauguration. 

 

The menu as always was superb with complimentary wines offered at reasonable prices.

Once again Longridge scored a first with Jenny Lea, on the right of the picture, proposing the "Loyal Toast"






Someone on the night was heard to comment that they felt the event was a "very informal "formal do"!! The very epitome of what those putting on the event were trying to achieve  

The weather was kind and guests enjoyed the superb views of the garden offered from the terrace with a glass or two of refreshment, good company of friends and family and a super meal to follow.

The band, all professional musicians, showed their class with renditions of contemporary classics and well known musical favourites which filled the dance floor over and over.

And as the night wore on with enjoyment in abundance the terrace provided a respite from the dance floor and young and older agreeing that  the night was as "grand as owt" as Tom would have put it!!!! 

 Time for a final quaff and many good nights to be said as cabs arrived, drivers found their keys or those staying over made their way "up the wooden hills" to sleep the sleep of the just and the very much sated.

We thank all those who came from near and far, for the support from other Circles and our many friends, Janet, Edward and all the staff and the brilliant Dave Peters Trio. 
If anyone was ever in doubt of the future of the Catenian Association they should come along next year to celebrate:

LONGRIDGE'S 41 YEAR CELEBRATORY SUMMER BALL. 

LONGRIDGE CIRCLE CONTINUES 40 YEAR CELEBRATION

St William of York (known locally as Lee House) was the venue for Longridge Circle Celebration of Holy Mass acknowledging 40 years since inauguration.

The parish was founded in 1738 and served by Franciscans until 1826 when Benedictines took over.
An old tradition states that when Holy Mass was to be said at Lee House, washing was hung out in a certain field. This could be observed from farms on the hillsides around and word would be passed from neighbour to neighbour that a priest was in the district.
The Parish closed in 1991 but Joe Howson, with volunteers, now runs Lee House Centre for Mission Awareness.

On the 23rd of December 1979, although there is no memory of any washing being displayed, Longridge Circle celebrated it's first Circle Mass at Lee House before visiting Longridge Golf Club for a meal.

40 years later on Sunday 30th June 2019, members, family and friends joined together with Fr Tony Dutton and Fr John Gray who concelebrated Holy Mass celebrating 40 years of the Circle.

President John and Jenny gave the readings and Fr Tony delivered a meaningful homily referencing some of the activities of Longridge Circle over the past 40 years. The final bidding prayer set the context for the next 40 years "For the last 40 years, for those who have gone before us, for us here now and for future members help us provide an exciting and interesting Longridge Circle. Let us pray to the Lord."

With a rousing and sometimes "racing" rendering of "Colours of Day" bringing the religious celebrations to an end, the spiritually fed were joined by others at Ferraris Country House Hotel and Restaurant where Sue and family hosted a super Sunday Lunch.

Thanks must go to Fathers Tony and John for a lovely Mass, Joe and Rosalba Howson for the flowers and candles at the Church and Sue and staff for a wonderful lunch.

Here's to another 40 years of Longridge Circle.

Next 40 year celebratory event Longridge Summer Ball.