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.