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?

The snooker tournament has begun

The first snooker match of this season was between Chorley and Lytham St Annes Circles which the hosts, Chorley, won 3-1.  The winning team consisted of Bill Dixon, Bernard Kiley, Jack Knight, Lawrence Moore, and non-player Terence Donnelly plus their supporters Peter Hughes and Nick & Kate Hanley and their dog.  The visitors were Adrian Crook, Mike King, Pete Rickards, Perry Sinacola and their non-player Mike O'Malley.  Robert Thompson was their supporter.  Both teams enhanced the scores of their opponents by missed shoots etc.   And Chorley had a secret weapon TWO BROWN BALLS!! 

The hospitality was greatly appreciated by all who attended thanks to Kate and Nick.

 

Catenian Caravanning Fellowship

Click here to find out more about the Catenian Caravanning Fellowship

LONGRIDGE & PRESTON144 CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

 On Sunday 19th December, despite many hiccups, Longridge and Preston 144 hosted a gathering of 50 for a Christmas Celebration meal at Gibbon Bridge Hotel and Restaurant in Chipping. 

All enjoyed mulled wine on arrival and a sumptuous three course Christmas Dinner,

Good to see friends old and new but especially those not seen for a while (Looking good John and Rita).

A sadly depleted table of the "Walking Group" but guys quality always trumps quantity....only 3 bottles of wine!!!!!

The two presidents table looking replete and as was once said "I just love it when a plan comes together".

What's the best thing to put in a Christmas pudding?

Your teeth!!

The diners were entertained throughout the meal by a superb pianist, Simon McClure with his sensitive and discerning choice of music.

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?

It's Christmas, Eve!

Enough of that mince pies and coffee to come.

A special mention to the pianist Simon McClure who played during the meal, and then stayed on to accompany the hearty singing of Christmas carols.

A big thank you to Ted for his doggedness in organisation and success in providing a super pre-Christmas 2021 event which will live long in the memory.

Happy Christmas and hopefully a prosperous New Year.

Burnley Circle Centenary