Broughton in Craven Circle installations

On 5th April Broughton in Craven installed their new officers for the coming year. It was an excellent evening when we welcomed many visitors and wives to a full meeting.

This year our President will be Franklin Schutz for the second time. His VP is Robert Greenwood (for the fourth time). Franklin and Deirdre have a full programme of events prepared and the Circle look forward to another successful year. Brother Michael Limb was presented with his Presidential medal and thanked for his hard work last year.

Photograph shows. Director Mark Conroy, Provincial President Terence Donnelly, Circle President Franklin Schutz and Circle VP Robert Greenwood. 

LSA Lunch at new venue

Members of Lytham St Annes Circle meet once a month for lunch and are usually accompanied by two wives of deceased Brothers.  This month was no exception.  Twelve of us sat down to dine at Tiggis Italian restaurant in the centre of St Annes.  Included in the party was a grandson of Marion Oakes, Josh and his wife Jen.  The photo was taken by Josh.

LONGRIDGE MONTHLY CYCLE RIDE

Many reports of recent rides show a number of eateries that the cyclists found, at the start, halfway and at the finish of reported rides.

Being a cynic at heart the writer questioned whether in fact rides took place and the collecting of individuals with cycles was merely a cover for a Saturday "coffee morning" "afternoon tea club" or "luncheon club"!!

I'm happy to report that, dismissing the possibility of a huge charade, members and friends of Longridge Circle do still collect on the first Saturday of the month and ride considerable distances with the occasional break at a local cafe or bar.

Exhibit 1

Some of the happy riders from last Saturday ready to set out on a tour de Fylde Coast.

Exhibit 2

More evidence?

How many Catenians does it take to mend a puncture?

Leave it to the expert and it'll be sorted in no time.

Not an eatery in sight!!!!!!

Couldn't close the blog without wishing Ted "Happy Birthday", 76 years young on Monday 8th April, from all at Longridge.

LONGRIDGE SUPPORT YOUTH

When Longridge Circle received a request to assist some school children who were visiting Lourdes but didn't qualify for "official" funding a stated aim of our Association came to mind "To advance the interests and development of young Catholics...."

It was put to Circle that a donation of £250 be given to the Year 9 and 10 pupils of St Augustine's RC High School. The vote was unanimous. 

The cheque was duly presented to school by Ted Donnelly who reported what a  great bunch of children they are from Years 9 and 10.
In fact 13 children will be travelling to Lourdes, to help when they can and observe some of their older colleagues, with 2 teachers and chaplain Fr Kevin Murphy from Sacred Heart Rochdale on  22nd to 26th April.
Good luck for the future to all.

LONGRIDGE INVADE HOPPERS

Saturday March 23rd a good number of members from Longridge along with some of their ladies arrived at PGH with anticipation of an enjoyable meal and catching up with some old friends.

The ladies obviously enjoyed the meal and maybe binding for a scrum?

Many an anecdote exchanged of days many years ago when some of this lot donned kit and boots and ran around a pitch or two!!!!

The weather was kind so all wandered outside to cheer on Hoppers, and how we cheered.
Great result and performance 48-19 to PGH. A lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon, good food, good company and good sport.

Donation for Morecambe Lifeboat

This is a press release by the Lifeboat Association

The North Lancashire Circle of the Catenian Association, an organisation for Catholic Men (named after Catena – Latin meaning chain) have made a donation of £500 to Morecambe’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat station.

Wilfred Gill, this year’s President, explained that the North Lancashire Circle meets monthly for a short meeting at the Morecambe Hotel on Lord Street, Morecambe, and to enjoy a meal afterwards. The members wives join them once a quarter and the £500 donation was raised for this year’s President’s Charity (RNLI) by the members and their wives at various social functions held over the last twelve months.

Presenting the cheque to Morecambe RNLI Acting Lifeboat Operations Manager Harry Roberts MBE, Wilfred said ‘We are always seeking new members and those wishing to find out more about the Catenian Association can find us by googling Catenian Association.’  Further enquiries may be made to Wilfred Gill 07870 140145.

Association President, Wilfred Gill, presents the cheque to Harry Roberts MBE

Provincial Installation 2019

The event was held at Ferrari's, Longridge. After the meeting 94 Brothers, wives and guests sat down to an excellent meal.  This was followed by speeches from Bro. Provincial Vice-President Bernard Swarbrick, Bro. Provincial President Terence Donnelly and Bro. Immediate Past Provincial President (IMPP) Jim Livesey after which the incoming Circle Presidents introduced themselves, their wives and their events for the forthcoming year.

A wonderful evening enjoyed by everyone which hopefully will be reflected in the year to come.

PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT AND HIS FELLOW OFFICERS

Standing: Bros Mark Conroy (Director), Jim Livesey (IMPP), Mike Grayston (Secretary), Chris Beesley (Membership) Seated: Ted Donnelly (Chamberlain), Mike Simpson (Treasurer), Terence Donnelly (President), Bernard Swarbrick (VP)

PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT AND HIS FAMILY

Bro. Ted & Janis Donnelly, Bro. Terence & Sandra Donnelly, Son Paul Donnelly, Daughter Anne & Darren Malone

Photos courtesy of Steve Masterman