Heading for the great outdoors!

The brothers of Preston & District Circle (144) responded to the request from the headteacher of Holy Family Catholic Primary School, in Ingol (Preston) for financial assistance to fund an educational visit for the pupils in Year 6.

The pupils are going to spend three days at Waddecar Scout Camp in July, engaging in various outdoor activities. This is the first time the school has been able to take the pupils on an residential trip.

The picture show Past President, Shaun Aspden, presenting a cheque for £300 to the headteacher, Mrs. Janet Westray, watched by Year 6 pupils, Martha, Isaac, Livia and James.

'Putting' it all together for Broughton-in-Craven Circle

Broughton-In-Craven Circle held their annual putting competition on Wednesday 13th. June at Shipley Golf Club for Brothers, family and friends.
We were blessed with very good weather and the competition providing plenty of friendly fun, which was followed by a 'fish and chip supper', thoroughly enjoyed by all. 
This year the competition was won by friends of Broughton-In-Craven, the Lady winner being Mrs.Claire Wilson and the men's Mr. Brian Eddy, who over the years support many of the Circles
social events. 

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LONGRIDGE CIRCLE

On Saturday 9th June members and friends of Longridge Circle had a hard choice to make. Should they watch Longridge Field Parade
             Longridge Band lead the way

or England v South Africa playing rugby , 

Oh dear enough said!!!!

take part in a cycle ride from Pilling to Knott End and back, around trip of approximately 20 miles 

Relaxing after a hearty lunch at Knott End Cafe before the ride back

or have a go at Clay Pigeon shooting?

with plenty of instruction

The clay pigeon shoot was on the Huntroyde Estate at Simonstone, a secluded location (and it needed to be), in the Forest of Bowland.
This is an area of outstanding beauty providing a delightful backdrop to a private simulated game and clay pigeon shoot.

Does anyone know what's happening?

A bit of training before we start.






President Mike shows the way

Was that a hit or a miss?

The five musketeers

Whichever activity was chosen I'm sure all had a great day, maybe with the exception of those who chose the rugby, and thanks go to all who arranged, organised and took part.

STRENGTHENING FRIENDSHIP WITH FUN

Accrington's busy circle life

On 26th March the snooker team travelled to Preston to meet Preston South Circle in the Provincial Snooker Competition. They emerged victorious and added that trophy to the golf and bowls trophies they had won earlier.

On 14th April the Circle held their Annual Dinner Dance at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel. The event was attended by more than 100 people including many from other Circles in the Province. After an excellent meal those present danced the night away to the music of "T'Others."

On 26th April the Annual Mass for Vocations to the Priesthood was held at St Annes Church, Accrington, and was celebrated by Fr Simon Stamp. Again there was a good attendance and following Mass the group enjoyed a Polish style buffet supper at the nearby Retro Bar. 

On Sunday 13th May the monthly meeting included the Installation of Circle Officers. This year the format will be different as three Brothers Nick McNeil, Neil Goodall and John Whiteside, will each serve as President for four months. Over 80 people attended including several Provincial Officers on their way home from the National Conference.

On 15th May around a dozen Brothers attended Longridge Circle's meeting. This was to support John Stancliffe, a long-standing member of Accrington Circle, who was transferring to Longridge Circle. During the meeting Accrington President Nick McNeil presented John with a framed print of Blencathra as a token of appreciation for his work in many fields at Accrington. The photo shows John surrounded by Accrington Brothers.

Congratulations Bernard

At the joint meeting of Blackburn with Ribble Valley and Burnley Circles Bro. Bernard Swarbrick of Burnley (and Broughton-in-Craven) Circles, and Provincial Chamberlain, received his 25-year scroll from Bro. Provincial President Jim Livesey, also of Burnley Circle.  The photo show Jim presenting Bernard and Elaine with his scroll.

104 Not Out for Chorley widow!

On 1st June Mrs Margaret Rigby, BEM, widow of the late Chorley Brother Tom Rigby, celebrated her 104th birthday. 
She lives in Devonshire Court, Chorley and can often be seen around the town, still doing her own shopping.
Margaret was awarded the Empire Medal in the 2014 New Year's Honours List, when she was 99, for services to the Girl Guides Association and was then recognised as the country’s longest serving member. 
She joined the movement at the age of 13 and has been continuously involved since then, now being a member of the Trefoil Guild, an adult membership organisation giving practical, financial, and moral support to the guiding and scouting movements.
Chorley President, Peter Hughes, is pictured presenting Margaret with a bouquet of flowers and a card, signed by the Brothers and Ladies of Chorley Circle.

ANOTHER FIRST FOR LONGRIDGE

On Thursday 24^th May, 24 members of Longridge Circle set out for the Lee House Hotel in Buxton. 

Walkers walking "Chee Dale"

Some would enjoy some time cycling the “Tissington Trail” while others would walk through attractive limestone gorges and others would discover some of the poignant, fantastic and extraordinary historic sites around Buxton.

The riders stop to take in the view

A visit to Haddon Hall

     This was a first for Longridge Circle and Mike, Ted and Richard had spent time organising the walks, rides and of course the hotel 
and the social side of the two days, and what a cracking job they had done.

It should be noted that individuals chose how they spent the time available between eating, drinking and sleeping. The weather, at least on one day, was very kind and it is obvious from the photos that those taking part in whatever activity had an enjoyable time.

     After a strenuous  day's activities, the first night's serious eating and drinking. With varied menu and a very palatable Romanian Sauvignon Blanc!!! 

Aperitif enjoyed before descending to the dining room.

Some friends we met from Holland "Just passing through"

As with most activities at Longridge the emphasis was on friendship and fun. And fun was the order of the day enjoying each other’s company and spending time outside meetings and other formal meals, Dinner Dances or organised activities giving everyone the chance to strengthen friendships. 

 


Visits to Chatsworth and "The Plague Village, Eyam.

Just to prove some cycling actually took place.

  John obviously can't hear the instructions coming from the camera man although Jenny had no such problem.

And as the sun came down on a fabulous three days our two VPs with Jenny and Janis visited a Well Dressing in the village of Monyash, and didn't they dress well!

As mentioned earlier in the blog this was a first for Longridge Circle but will not be the last, as discussion has already begun to decide where next year’s residential trip will take place.

Thanks to all those who contributed to the organising of this super event and "bring on next year"!!!!!!!