The Catenian Association is an international body of proudly Catholic laymen and permanent deacons who meet at least once a month in local groups called Circles, to enjoy each other's company and thereby strengthen their family life through friendship, faith and fun! It is open to practising Catholic laymen from the age of 18 years. Many of the Circles’ activities involve the members’ wives and families.
On 17 March 2022, St Patrick's Day, Lytham St Annes Circle met at a restaurant in Freckleton to thank Charles and Yvonne for their work in leading the Circle during the past two years and the difficult times of the pandemic. It was a most enjoyable meal and gathering.
Province 10 again went over the Pennines for their weekend away staying at the Parsonage Hotel just south of York. Upon arrival Bro. Adrian Crook of Lytham St Annes Circle was horrified to discover that he had not brought his dress suit and more importantly there was no sign of his wife, Susan’s, dress coverall. Mortified, he was prepared to drive the 5-6 hour return journey to recover the situation that is until they received offers of help. So at the Gala Banquet and Ball the following evening they were able to attend suitably attired.
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Susan wore a dress and jacket by Josie,
Adrian a dress shirt, bowtie and cuff links from the Terence collection.
Taking the opportunity on the Saturday, Josie visited the nearby Designer Outlet and bought a new outfit for herself whilst her husband, Paul, was leading an ever-lengthening walk together with Adrian. Now Adrian wasn’t the only brother to arrive without a change of clothes, Bro. Ken Dennis of Preston South Circle had left his and his wife, Mary’s, suitcase at home. He was able to resolve his dilemma by asking his son to meet him halfway.
After the successful weekend in 2020 we again travelled across the Pennines to the Parsonage Hotel in the village of Escrick just south of York. The entertainment arranged by Provincial President Bernard Swarbrick on the Friday night was first class. It started with a few songs from May Marian and was followed by an hour of laughter provided by comedian Jimmy Cricket, including a letter from his mammy. Jimmy's act was very topical and occasionally required some sound accompaniment which was organised by his wife, aka May Marian.
Saturday saw 18 people eager to start on a supposedly seven-mile walk organised by Paul Bates and Adrian Crook. The weather was perfect for the walk, better than had been forecast.
Starting from a nearby village of Kexby we walked the correctly advertised 3.2 miles to Stamford Bridge where we were given a history lesson by Adrian Crook on the battle which took place in 1066. This is where King Harold beat the invading Vikings before marching south for three weeks only to lose to the invading Normans at the Battle of Hastings.
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| The plaque commemorates the Battle of Stamford Bridge |
Lunch was taken in the old railway station which had been transformed into a non-profit community heritage centre with sports facilities, bar and cafe. We were made very welcome. Afterwards we walked along the old railway line and over a viaduct and eventually returned to Kexby. This is when it became apparent that the distance walked was not seven miles but nine, ten or even eleven depending upon whose contraption you believed! Still it was an enjoyable walk although only 17 made it all the way!
Of the non walkers, a number went to the nearby Designer Outlet village, some out of necessity, whilst others went into York or travelled further to the coast.
Prior to the Gala Banquet and Ball we posed for a group photograph.
There were ten tables.
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| Table 1 - Burnley (1) |
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| Table 2 - Burnley (2) |
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| Table 3 - Broughton-in-Craven |
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| Table 4 - Preston & District |
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| Table 5 - Lytham St Annes |
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| Table 6 - Chorley |
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| Table 7 - South Ribble |
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| Table 8 - Preston South, Garstang and Westmoreland |
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| Table 9 - Longridge |
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| Table 10 - Accrington and Preston 14 |
It is not known if Anne-Marie O'Malley has any Murphy's in her ancestry but she managed to overcome her challenger Pat Murphy, wife of the a fore mentioned Tony.
