PRESIDENT CHARLES'S FAREWELL

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.

Some came attired as if it was a St Patrick's do.

HELP FOR THOSE IN NEED

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. 

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.

PROVINCIAL WEEKEND - YORK MARCH 2022

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.  

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.

Table 1 - Burnley (1)

Table 2 - Burnley (2)

 

Table 3 - Broughton-in-Craven

Table 4 - Preston & District

Table 5 - Lytham St Annes

Table 6 - Chorley

Table 7 - South Ribble

Table 8 - Preston South, Garstang and Westmoreland

Table 9 - Longridge

Table 10 - Accrington and Preston 14

LSA DOMINOES CHAMPIONSHIP

At our March meeting we were able to resume our annual dominoes championship.  Ladies and gents play for separate trophies and the competition is fierce and intense.

 

This year the best chance of winning was to be a Murphy.  The men's final was fought between President Charles Murphy and recent member to the Circle Bro. Tony Murphy.  As you will see from the photo Charles M. presented the trophy to Tony M.

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.

 

Now President  Charles didn't go away empty-handed.  As there were no visitors at the meeting, a rare event, he awarded himself the Warm Welcome trophy for having come the furthest.

Preston 144 Circle Charity Presentation

Preston & District Circle's President, Bro. Shaun Horsfield, chose Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) as his presidental charity.

Inspite of 'lock downs' and zoom meetings the Circle raised the magnificent sum of £2,106 for the charity.

Prior to the March Circle meeting, Bro. Shaun presented a cheque to Caroline Hull, the Regional Director of A.C.N.

Caroline informed the meeting of the work of A.C.N. and the donation would be sent immediately to their contacts in the Ukraine.

Click here to hear what Caroline had to say

 

Preston & District Circle Lunch

After a gap of a number of years, fifteen brothers and ladies of Preston & District Circle gathered for a lunch at The Stag's Head restaurant in Goosnargh. 

The food, the company and the banter were enjoyed by all present.

Here's to the next gathering!!

 

AYNSOME MANOR, CARTMEL

 When Denise and Peter Russell spotted a deal at the Aynsome Manor they were not slow in booking half the rooms at this small hotel with a very big reputation.

The age of elegance is not past; it still lives on at this lovely old manor house where two generations of the Varley Family have created a special atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Once the distinguished residence of the descendants of William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, founder of the historic 12th Century Cartmel Priory, Aynsome still echoes with the character and traditions of that bygone era. Located in the still untouched Vale of Cartmel and with views southwards to the Norman Priory, meadowlands, and woods.

DAY 1 A climb up Gunner's How

Although the climb was only 180m the going was too strenuous for some, notwithstanding the fabulous views of Lake Windermere.

Bubbly at 6pm with fine dining, and the odd glass or two of Sauvignon and Malbec at 7pm ended a cracking first day.

Day 2  A climb up Hampsfell 6.5 miles (group1) or a stroll into Cartmel 0.5 mile (group 2)

After a hearty breakfast of bacon, sausage, egg, tomatoes, etc, or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or indeed anything the chef was prepared to cook a hard choice was to be made and the two groups were to meet for lunch in Cartmel.

Group 1 discovered a Lime kiln

 A shelter for  walkers with a huge compass on top giving the direction of numerous places to be seen from this elevation

One wrong turn and no stiles but the adventure of climbing walls bringing back memories of childhood or something!!!!

A slice or two too much of toast for breakfast, or are those stiles shrinking?

 Our intrepid walkers arrived back in Cartmel, having done a 7-mile yomp and now a well-earned rest with group2 who had been patiently waiting while partaking in a little retail therapy and the most delightful hot chocolate in the quaintest of cafes.

The well-earned rest was in Unsworth's Yard with its cheese shop, wine shop, craft brewery, and tea shop providing both groups with wine, beer, meat pies, sausage rolls, and cheese for a "light" lunch!!!!

A visit to The Priory and then back to the hotel and another delightful dinner and wines before retiring for the night.

DAY 3 Ulverston and Hoad Hill

While yours truly was called back to Longridge with urgent building work to be supervised, the remaining couples ventured forth to Gill Banks and Hoad Hill, hence

"Three little maids  at Hoad Hill are we".

While the fellas could be waiting on the first tee!!

The day was completed by a wander around Ulverston and so with thanks to Peter and Denise for organizing and all those who took part in making it a real fun getaway, see you again at the next one.

And finally a poser. We reckon this is circa 1996/7 making it one of the first Longridge Catenian Walking Group photos. How many can you name?