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!!)

Trainspotters Re-United!

 

For the first time since February 2020, Preston & District Circle's 'Trainspotters' group met for an outing on the
East Lancashire Heritage Railway.

The outing began with a short train journey from Preston to Bolton followed by a taxi ride to the Bury terminus of the heritage railway.

During the short journey to Rawtenstall, the young cabin steward gave us a very detailed history of this railway.

The 'Golden Age' of steam;!

Rawtenstall - What? No pubs?!

Lunch was taken at a restaurant near Rawtenstall station named 

'The Fire Pit'.

Our journey back to Bury was interrupted in Ramsbottom, where we managed to find two pubs!!

LONGRIDGE BREAK AWAY 2021

 20th June 2021 was the date Longridge Circle intrepid explorers were looking forward to after the Covid restrictions were to be lifted and the freedom of 2019 was to be resumed. Not to be so and with a weather forecast not boding well and restrictions still in place we set out for Eshott Hall in Northumbria.

What a surprise that the forecasters once again were wrong and here we were as we swept up the drive with blue skies and sun and a lovely hotel!!!!

Our organiser had arranged private dining in tables of 6 and the food, along with the service was excellent.

Of course, there were to be cycle trips for the fitter and more adventurous while others enjoyed trips to Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Bamburgh Castle and the wonderful beaches along the coast.

Richard, Janis, Helen, Carol Ted and Charles taking a "selfie" break

After breakfast on the third day it was agreed that this had been a super trip and one hopefully to repeat.

Well done Ted and Janis for their superb organising of the "Longridge Break Away 2021" Grateful thanks from all.

LSA Circle Recent Donation to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation

 

Charles, our President, along with Brother Frank Smith (on the left), recently presented a cheque for £1,400 to Rebecca Arestidou, Fylde area Fundraising Co-ordinator, on behalf of our Circle, to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

The Rosemere was our President’s chosen charity and Rebecca recently gave us a Zoom talk about the wonderful work the Foundation does here in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The money was raised by donations, the Christmas raffle and the sponsored 100 mile bicycle ride from Cleator to Squires Gate undertaken by Brother John McGuire.

The Rosemere Centre is the prime cancer centre for Lancashire and South Cumbria. Monies raised fund state of the art robots which allow surgeons easier access to parts of the body that are difficult to reach, using keyhole procedures reducing the risk of complications and allowing speedier recovery.

The Centre also funds research into preventing and curing cancer, and making sure that patients have the most effective treatment for their particular form of cancer.

A very worthy charity cause on our doorstep that needs all the financial support it can get.

Easter greetings from Preston & District Circle

Preston & District Circle's recently formed 'Craft & Chat' group presented each 'household' in the Circle with a very special Easter gift and greetings, the result of their work (and chat) over recent weeks.