A PERSONAL VIEW OF A WEEKEND AWAY

Once upon a time not so long ago (6-8 March) and not so very far from here (York) in a time known as BC19 a group of intrepid explorers from Lancashire ventured into darest Yorkshire.

The notice on the A59 which declared "Welcome to Yorkshire, Like Lancashire but better" had mysteriously disappeared on the Sunday and been replaced with "Welcome to Lancashire, Like Yorkshire but MUCH better".

The Friday evening got the group off to a cracking start with an excellent meal, good wine and super company. Maybe you can spot some one you know in the snaps taken of the collected throng and judge for yourself (those who did not attend), from the many happy faces, what you missed!!!!

Saturday began, of course, with breakfast before different groups dispersed on foot, by car, bus or cycle to explore the delights offered by York and surrounding area. 

Four keen cyclists took a trip around the area and crossing the Fisherman's Bridge over the River Ouse

Wound their way to Bolton Percy and the Church of All Saints (formerly All Hallows pre Reformation!)

and, of course the obligatory Crown Pub for light refreshment, before setting off homeward and having a "spiritual" experience!!!

Others, meantime, wandered the Shambles,

enjoyed the street entertainment,

and paid homage to one of England's most gallant martyrs.

One of the highlights of York at this time was a stunning exhibition of van Gogh's work with many quotes from the master himself and a fantastic virtual journey through his works.

One quote that caught the bloggers eye although not attributable to van Gogh struck a chord re the recent questionnaire he had returned to HQ.

His wife, however, preferred one seen in a cocktail bar, passed on the way back to the bus

and is one I'd second when this miserable virus is beaten and we can all meet again.

A super weekend away, with little thought of the seriousness of the weeks and months to come, and so a huge THANK YOU to the organisers

Thank you Sandra and Terence for a most enjoyable weekend from all at Longridge.

FURNESS CIRCLE'S LAST MEETING

Despite the fact that the Province was losing another Circle the day was glorious in many ways - the sun was shining, the venue (The Olde Mill at Bardsea) was excellent, the food wonderful and the company assembled all enjoyed themselves. 

The Circle was formed in 1946, number 130, but in recent years has struggled to get and retain new Brothers.  Still one good aspect is that the local active Brothers are all joining Westmorland Circle despite the distance some will have travel.  Invitations had been sent to men who had once belonged to the Circle and some were pleased to be able to come.  Also there was Bro. Mark Nuttall, a Circle member living in Billericay, Essex.  His father was a founding member of the Circle and Mark will be President of Billericay Circle for the year 2020/21.

The Brothers of Furness Circle with Direct Mark Conroy (left) and Provincial President Terence Donnelly wearing his collarette

Once the formality of the meeting was over the Circle members, past and present, and visiting Brothers and ladies sat down for a splendid afternoon tea.  The food came out bit by bit starting with plates of sandwiches of different varieties, then savouries, sausages, sausage rolls etc.  Then the sweet stuff, a posset, scones with jam and cream, biscuits and large chocolate eclairs with the cream oozing out - scrumptious.  A fitting farewell to Furness Circle.     

BEATING THE LOCKDOWN – CHORLEY GO OVER THE BORDER

On 15^th March Chorley President Bill Critchley and his wife, Pauline, led a party of 12 Brothers and wives on a 5-day break over the border, to Scotland. The party travelled by coach to Kingussie, where they spent 4 nights at the ‘Duke of Gordon’ Hotel, used for some of the scenes in the TV serial ‘Monarch of the Glen’.

Trips were arranged to The Highlands Wildlife Park, a journey from Fort William to Mallaig on the West Highland Railway, arguably the most scenic rail journey in the UK, a few hours in Perth, and a guided tour of the ‘Cairn O’mohr’ Fruit Winery, where all enjoyed numerous samples of the produce.

The break was voted by all to have been a resounding success, marred only by the closure of the hotel in accordance with Government instructions shortly after the group left, and the temporary laying-off of the staff.

The group is photographed by the side of the River Tay in Perth.

LONGRIDGE SUSPEND MEETINGS

On Thursday 12th March 65 had booked to attend the meal at the New Drop but unfortunately due to the escalating situation with the Covoid 19 virus only 43 sat down for the usual wonderful meal.

With eight visitors from across Province President Richard presided over his final meeting (or did he?). Longridge has a leader not afraid to make difficult decisions and, not waiting for guidance from afar, he informed Circle that April and future meetings were cancelled to protect the safety of Circle members as a priority, reliant on the fluid situation. 

Provincial Councillor Ted poking fun at Province suggested it had not had a good year with the demise of two Circles Blackburn and Furness. He presented his report in the form of a ditty which for amusement I reproduce:

The Province has had a bad year

Not much fun and nothing to cheer,

Two Circles have died.

And no ones surprised,

Who will be next is the fear.

Members are needed the VP said

And Mark the Director nodded his head.

I have a good plan said the bald young man,

Let’s all go to Longridge instead.

So tonight at the New Drop they’re here

The VP and his President dear.

They’ve made a decision without any division,

To apply to join Longridge next year.

😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

Although formal gatherings are suspended, both the Cycle Group and Walking Group will offer events for those who wish to take part.

Watch this space for blogs of happenings in Longridge and hopefully the resumption of normal proceedings.

In the meantime let's hope and pray we all see this scourge through and KEEP HEALTHY!  

MORE BACON BUTTIES

The parishioners of Our Lady of the Assumption, Blackpool were in for a treat when they went for their bacon butties or toast after Sunday Mass recently.  They were served by Paula and Denise wearing Catenian aprons.  With his back to the camera working busily away is husband Bro. John Maquire of LSA Circle (Bro. David Burdess is behind the camera).  Catenian advertising was available for the parishioners to peruse.  It hoped that once the Coronavirus epidemic is over that this might become a regular event.

PROVINCIAL WEEKEND, ESCRICK near YORK

The Parsonage Hotel in Escick village a few miles south of York was a delightful location for a wonderful weekend organised expertly by Provincial President Terence and Sandra Donnelly.  We were even blessed by good weather.  The staff were very attentive, the food excellent and company of over 100 brothers and ladies was most convivial.

The activities undertaken on the Saturday were varied.  Some went cycling:

Outside the Crown pub

some went on a 6 mile walk organised by Adrian and Susan Crook:

There's always one!!  

Others went into York by bus from outside the hotel, but some fell by the wayside at the Designer Outlet!  Some of the things done by those who stayed on to the terminus were visiting the Van Gogh Experience, National Railway Museum and shopping.   

The Gala Dinner on the Saturday night was most enjoyable:

The entertainment after the meal was provided by Rhythmic Sounds DJ and the highlight was the performance by The Dancing Queens. 

The weekend was rounded off with Sunday Mass celebrated by Canon Michael Ryan, a local retired priest who said he only had one set of vestments - WHITE ones.  They were most appropriate as the gospel was that of the Transfiguration and which county were we in!

Thank you Terence & Sandra.

LWG DO LSA

On a crisp February morning, not to be outdone by the hardy cyclists, 16 just as hardy walkers of LWG set out for a voyage of discovery around Lytham, this time organised by Bob and Sue Rhimes.

Starting at the windmill in Lytham and making for the wonderful grounds surrounding Lytham Hall they set off in glorious sunshine.

Posing for a picture by the hall

They continued with no styles or steps to hinder a very pleasant morning stroll.

Although some stopped to take in the wonderful surrounds and listen to the music of nature 

The ultimate goal was of course the waiting food at The Ship at Freckleton where Bob & Sue hosted lunch "at The Captain's Table".

A good time was had by all and once again the sun shone on the righteous!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to Bob & Sue for organising.

A Charitable Presentation

Preston & District Circle's president, Brother Tony Murphy, chose  'CAFOD' for his charity this year.
A cheque for £2,000 was presented to Mr. John Woods, a representative of CAFOD, on behalf of the Circle.
In the picture, Brother Tony and John are joined by our Circle Treasurer, Brother Eric Bolton.

Preston 144 Circle - Trainspotting

Preston & District Circle's 'Trainspotting Group' held their first outing of 2020, a trip to Chester

Our Circle's treasurer is working out if he can afford such an extravagant outing! 

For others, it's time for a selfie or two.

After a short coffee stop at Cafe Nero, it was time for some culture...a walk (in the rain) around part of the city walls.

Chester cathedral

The entrance to Chester Racecourse

Another photo-call for the record.

Following the recent heavy rain, the River Dee was in flood.

Time for lunch (and a few bevvies) in 'The Square Bottle' (Wetherspoons) 

Brother President, Tony Murphy is enjoying his fish 'n' chips.

BACON BUTTY TIME IN LSA

Following our Mass for Vocations last Sunday at the 9.15 Sunday Mass at St Joseph's, Ansell, Lytham St Annes Circle made a donation for parishioners to enjoy their bacon butties and tea/coffee free of charge.  Normally they make a contribution towards the cost.  Nine brothers identifiable by their Catenian ties mingled with the parishioners and advertising material was available. 

President Mike King and VP-elect David Burdess

 Next Sunday our two brothers in Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Blackpool will be making bacon butties dressed in their Catenian aprons!