Burnley Circle's forthcoming Centenary

 

NEW VENUE, NEW NIGHT

 On the 13th July, the second Tuesday, members of Longridge Circle met  at Ferraris Country House Hotel, the new venue for Circle meetings and meals, under the supervision of Susan Ferrari.

With social distancing and careful planning Richard Maher chaired the 40th AGM of the Circle and it was agreed that with the presentation of accounts that no subscriptions would be charged for the current year.

Richard then installed President Ted Donnelly who in turn installed Vice President Peter Jones. All other officers remaining in position.

The meeting opened with prayers and the comment that these should be meaningful, appropriate and thoughtful.

There was little business with not much happening in the 15 months since our previous meeting. With AGM, Installations and meeting lasting 28 minutes there was just time for a group photograph before joining tables of 6 to enjoy a hearty meal and good company.

All present agreed it was good to be back and looked forward to our next meeting on Tuesday 10th August which will be a Ladies and Guests Night.

JUNE WALK

 Brockholes is a nature reserve near Preston, Lancashire, England, just off Junction 31 of the M6 motorway. It is owned by the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. Situated in the flood-plain of the river Ribble, how many times we had all passed the signs on the motorway without stopping to have a look.

24 of Longridge walking group gathered in the car park at Brockholes and made their way to the Visitors Village, the UK's first floating visitor village.

A short walk along the floating platform soon immersed us in the one of many woods leading down to the river.

A haven from everyday life, and dare one say Covid, but in the background  a reminder with the constant noise from the traffic, on the M6, only sometimes metres away.

The weather was very kind to us and we then had a interesting stroll along the bank of the River Ribble with its flora and fauna.

Leaving the river behind we circled Nook Pool, Ribbleton Pool and the enormous Number One Pit all supporting a variety of birds. 

There were many stop off points but with time pressing to conclude the walk and seek out lunch at The Anderton Arms 18 walkers became motorists and reconvened at said pub for a well earned quaff and food.

Another successful activity with many quoting that they would be revisiting the Brockholes site in the near future.

Come on July walk!!!!

MAY 2021 WALK

 On Wednesday May 23rd for our first walk in 2021, we chose a rural area and bluebells, but with an important industrial past, Calder Vale. Despite their natural concerns from the lockdowns, 28 walkers chose exercise and fresh air. Ably led by Peter and assisted by wife Denise, I include some of the interesting information passed on to those 28 walkers.

We walked through the village across the Calder and past the mill and original terrace of cottages, reflecting on how this little stream powered 7 important mills before joining the Wyre near Garstang. We walked past the Mill Pond and a hillside covered in bluebells, late this year due to the cold weather in May, but a beautiful display.

Up the long hill important materials including gaskets for the war effort before it’s closure in 1971. to the church and school reminded many their lack of fitness after so long at home. We paused half way up and reflected on the Mill history and the Quaker owners influence on the village. Then we were on to Oakenclough, joining the old Roman road from Ribchester to Galgate near the old Moorcock Inn,(1663), closed for some years, but remembered by a few. 

On to the old Paper mill at Oakenclough which produced  many important materials including gaskets for the war effort before it’s closure in 1971. 

We then took footpaths to look over the Reservoirs above Nicky Nook and then strolled back down to Calder Vale through rolling farmland enjoying the views north to the Bay and Lakeland Fells and then the Fylde to the coast. Most of the styles were avoided by gates that opened, and only one minor path error got us back into the village on time for lunch at the Horns Inn, Churchtown.

 Hopefully the first walk of many in 2021.

Congratulations and thanks to Peter and Denise for organising and Richard for the photos.

Getting together again!!

On Saturday June 26^th 2021 a gathering of Circle Presidents from the year 2019-2020 met at Ferrari’s to present a token of appreciation to the outgoing Provincial President, Terence and Sandra Donnelly.

This was the first actual get-together since the Provincial Weekend at York in March 2020 and it was a wonderful occasion on a sunny afternoon in the gardens of Ferrari’s where friendships were renewed in ambient surroundings.

Sandra and Terence were greatly appreciative of the Hotel Voucher they received from their Presidents and have been eagerly looking at which luxury hotels they can visit.

Terence, on behalf of them both, expressed their gratitude to Bill and Pauline Critchley for arranging the occasion; for Susan and Anna for the excellence of the food, and to all their Presidents for such a wonderful year. He also asked everyone to join with him to offer good wishes to Gerard and Irene Power who would celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary in early July.

(A local photographer was on hand to record the occasion!!)