PROVINCIAL INSTALLATION 2023

A week after organising his successful Provincial weekend Bro. John Waddingham handed over the reins of Province to Bro. PGP Mike O'Malley.  The event took place at Ferrari's Restaurant on Sunday 2 April and after the excellent meal the proceeding began.

'Retiring' Provincial President Bro. John Waddingham

Incoming Provincial President Bro. PGP Mike O'Malley

Following the changeover of power, each incoming Circle President, or their representative, introducded themselves and their lady and gave a brief summary of their main events for the coming year.  Below are two of the photos taken during this part of the evening.

 

PROVINCIAL WEEKEND

Initially 65 rooms had been booked at Celtic Manor Hotel, Caernarfon but some had to cancel due to illness etc.  

Those who did attend the event had a marvelous time.  Some spent the Saturday traveling by narrow gauge steam train the 25 miles to Portmadoc and back through the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park on the first day of its operation in 2023.  Others visited the nearby magnificent castle, drove onto Anglesey, went to Conwy [that's the Welsh spelling]. 

The Gala dinner was excellent and the dancing superb with just the right music for those assembled.

The Mass on the Sunday morning was celebrated by the local priest and was a really joyous occasion.

DOUBLE CELEBRATIONS AT CHORLEY

Chorley Circle had two reasons to celebrate at their March meeting. Firstly, presentation of a cheque for £1,000 to High Five Lancashire, a play and support group providing activities for children with severe learning disabilities, and the President’s Charity for 2022/23. High Five is a non-profit making organisation run entirely by volunteer parents, currently supporting over 80 families. More information is available on their website – High Five Lancashire. Chorley’s President, Peter Hughes, is photographed presenting the cheque to Sarah Kiley, daughter-in-law of Chorley Brother Bernard Kiley, and one of the founding members of High Five, who is accompanied by some members of the group. 

 

Also, two Chorley Brothers received scrolls and miniatures to mark their 40 years’ membership of the Association, all with Chorley Circle. Eddie Brierley should have received his in June 2022, but Covid struck, and Eddie decided to postpone his presentation to coincide with that of his good friend, Brother Bob Hodgson. In fact, Bob should have received his in January but he was out of the country, at his daughter’s wedding. Bob now lives in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, but remains a member of Chorley Circle, and made the journey specifically to receive the presentation. 34 Brothers and Ladies enjoyed dinner to celebrate the occasion. Bob (on the left) and Eddie (on the right) are photographed receiving their scrolls from Chorley President, Peter Hughes, and Director of Province 10 and Chorley Brother, Terence Donnelly, respectively.

LSA DOMINOES CHAMPIONSHIP

This year's championship took place after their March meeting.  The winner of the Ladies trophy was Mrs Pat Murphy, her husband Bro. Tony had won the Men's trophy last year.  This year however was the turn of Bro. John Maguire.

Bro. Organiser PGP Mike O'Malley with Mrs Pat Murphy

Winning Bro. John Maguire with PGP Mike O'Malley

LSA 100 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP

At the February meeting of Lytham St Annes Circle two scrolls were awarded.  Bro. Tom Carter received his 60-year scroll from Bro. GB National President Roger Lillie and Provincial Secretary Bro. Mike Grayston his 40-year scroll from GB National VP Mark Conroy.

Bro. Tom (seated) with his scroll and GB NP Roger Lillie

Bro. Mike Grayston and GB NP Mark Conroy

BROUGHTON-IN-CRAVEN'S BURNS NIGHT

This year Broughton-in-Craven Circle celebrated Burns Night at Colne Golf Club.  There were 30 diners including guests.

PAST PRESIDENT'S LUNCH

This year's Past President's lunch was again held at Ferrari's and the food and service were as good as ever.  The numbers were down on previous years but those who attended all enjoyed themselves.