DARTS & DOMINOES

The annual Phil Morris Memorial Darts & Dominoes evening took place at BAEs Canberra Club, Salmesbury, again this year.  More than sixty brothers representing a good number of Circles within the Province had a most enjoyable evening.   Chorley brothers were elated as their Bro. Brian Bunting won the dominoes with a score of 38, John Burrow of Burnley Circle was the runner up with 36.5 points, AND their darts team beat Preston 14 in the final 2-1.  The darts semi-finals finished much earlier than usual and only the final had to be played after the meal of either hot pot or cheese pie.

Bro. Provincial President thanked the members of Blackburn with Ribble Valley Circle for hosting the evening and for doing so in the past.  In future Provincial Council will run the event.

Provincial President Terence Donnelly and dominoes runner up John Burrow

PP Terence Donnelly and dominoes winner Brian Bunting

Director Mark Conroy with the winning darts team: Lawrence Moore, Terence Donnelly, David Walmsley (captain) and Philip Southworth

ACCRINGTON UPDATE

Following the October meeting Mike Neild organised a "Call my Bluff" session which proved very popular and produced some very witty descriptions and replies. Prior to the November meeting the Circle held its Annual Mass for Deceased Brothers and also the War Dead as this was held on the anniversary of Armistice Day. The celebrants were Fr David Yates and Fr Tim Curtis who are seen on the attached photograph with Circle President Andrew Snape. 

 

 

Following the Mass around 70 Brothers, wives, friends and visitors enjoyed an excellent dinner which was followed by a talk entitled "From Priesthood to Engineering" given by the President of Broughton-in-Craven Circle, Franklin Schutz. This was an account of his life as a priest and afterwards as an engineering representative. The December meeting was followed by Christmas Dinner which around 70 people enjoyed. The after-dinner entertainment was provided by the Circle Choir which in effect was a rehearsal for the Provincial Carol Concert to be held later that week in Garstang. Also in December the Circle Choir joined in the Carol Concert which was a very pleasant evening on the run-up to Christmas. Later in December a party of around 30 members, wives, children and grandchildren enjoyed a visit to the pantomime "Cinderella" in Blackburn.

PAST PRESIDENT'S LUNCH

Over 80 people attended this year's Past President's Lunch at Ferraris near Longridge last Sunday.  Despite a slight hiccup in the number of seats available on each table, (the hotel had ignored the Past Provincial Presidents heading each table!) the food was excellent and the service quick.  The company was of course very genial as usual. After the meal it took a long time for the room to be vacated.

As Provincial President Terrance and Sandra Donnelly are in their second term in the job they hosted two tables with Terrance on one and Sandra on the other.  At some point during the meal they swapped places.

ST BEDES, LYTHAM, PRESENTATION

For many years now Lytham St Annes Circle has provided a shield, plus miniatures, to be awarded to the pupil(s) who, in the view of the school, have best contributed to the life of the school as well as the community.  I had been present at Sunday Mass a couple of weeks before the Presentation evening and witnessed Billy Hotchkiss, a chief altar server, being commissioned as a Minister of the Eucharist.  The other winner was Mya Passi; she is not a Catholic. 

Mya Passi, Robert Thompson (LSA Circle St Bedes school liasion officer), Billy Hotchkiss

Garstang Circle's 'Burns Night'

Following Garstang's Circle meeting on 16th January, the ladies and brothers of Garstang Circle enjoyed a traditional 'Burns Night' dinner compete with haggis, neeps and tatties and a piper to pipe in the haggis. 

Carol Masterman, wife of Brother Steve Masterman, provided a fluent and entertaining rendition of Burns' "To a Haggis" and expertly wielded her knife to cut the haggis along its length before everyone raised their drams to toast the haggis.

LONGRIDGE CIRCLE CYCLE GROUP MIDWEEK RIDE

On Wednesday 15th January, while this blogger was hitting 100 golf balls from the comparative "warmth" of LGC driving range, 5 riders from the LCCG were lucky enough to enjoy first class winter cycling weather with the rare sight of blue skies and sun!!!

Riding from Gibbon Bridge to Dunsop Bridge through the stunning Hodder Valley and flanked by magnificent fells on either side.

A coffee break in Dunsop Bridge at The Puddled Duck followed by some challenging climbs in the face of a strong headwind .......... invigorating!!!!!

Then back to the Gibbon Bridge to a welcome lunch.

If anyone, from Province or beyond, would like to join these happy cyclists or find out details of future rides please contact President Richard or cyclist extraordinaire Ted.

LONGRIDGE WALKING GROUP BRING IN THE NEW YEAR

With no walk in December the Longridge Walking Group decided a few years ago to meet up to celebrate the Christmas season

As this is such a busy time with friends, family and others it was decided to meet early in January for a meal, celebration and of course good company. there are now more than 40 in the group and 28 met at Bistro Pierre in Preston on Wednesday 8th January.

One can tell from the photos that an enjoyable afternoon was had, enjoying such dishes as Fritot de Brie, Toast et Champignons or Calamari as starters followed by such delicacies as Poulet Chasseur, Parmentier Maison or traditional Boeuf Borguignon for mains and for those not completely replete, possible something sweet from the Bistro Creperie. (Other dishes were available)

A great start to 2020 Longridge Walking Group. All from Longridge, Province 10 and beyond are very welcome. the walks are on the last Wednesday of the month and if interested, please get in touch with Bob Barron or Joe Carroll.

And to all we:

A GOOD START TO 2020

Why go further afield when beautiful countryside around Longridge beckons?

7 Longridge Circle cyclists braved a cold Saturday, January morning to work off the Christmas and New Year excess calories with a short but "lumpy" ride involving challenging 700 feet climbs and wonderful views of Beacon Fell, Parlick and of course Longridge Fell.

And then they regained all those calories thus expended by dining at the Derby Arms!

Thanks to Ted for the photo that saves me a thousand words. 

Bonne appétit  et bonne année.