Manchester
Set off Thursday on bus to Euston. On arrival there found that there was major signal failures and our train was cancelled. We got one one hour late and Laurence and Kate Jones were on it too. Got the metrolink (we had to pay for this) to Old Trafford and booked into Old Trafford Lodge. Liz had chosen this because of the dinner/dance at the football ground on Saturday and we were in an executive suite with a lovely view over the cricket ground! We took buses to Salford Cathedral for the centenary mass of Manchester No. 1 circle. We sat in front of the tabernacle behind the altar. Could not hear the bishop or readers well. The cathedral was pretty full. Martin Barry directed the choir who were placed at the side next to the unimpressive Makin organ which ahd speakers in the tower and around the building. Spoke to the organist afterwards and met several friends. We ate at Pizza Express in Piccadilly gardens before getting the bus back to the hotel.
Friday Liz met up with Helen and went to the Old Trafford shopping mall. I visited the excellent Imperial Museum north and the Lowry with a fine display of Lowry's paintings and a special exhibition of Dame Laura Knight's theatrical pictures. Met John and Nahini Almeida and got the tram to the Palace hotel for the Manchester circle meeting attended by 550 brothers. This was the second biggest ever Catenian meeting. I was at the largest ever - the opening of London Northern Heights circle. The meeting was very well conducted. I then went to the library to see the small Catenian historical exhibition. Bill Beach will be pleased as his item on St Thomas More was included. Interesting that the early Chums wore name badges.
Met Carol and Liz and we went to Brasserie Blanc for an excellent special offer meal.
To the civic reception at the Midland hotel. The new Lord Mayor has purple hair! A Bolton barbershop choir entertained us. They did well but sounded a tad tired by the end. Bought the new Catenian history book for Simon and the author signed it. 2 references to Norwood circle but the book is dry!
Friday Liz met up with Helen and went to the Old Trafford shopping mall. I visited the excellent Imperial Museum north and the Lowry with a fine display of Lowry's paintings and a special exhibition of Dame Laura Knight's theatrical pictures. Met John and Nahini Almeida and got the tram to the Palace hotel for the Manchester circle meeting attended by 550 brothers. This was the second biggest ever Catenian meeting. I was at the largest ever - the opening of London Northern Heights circle. The meeting was very well conducted. I then went to the library to see the small Catenian historical exhibition. Bill Beach will be pleased as his item on St Thomas More was included. Interesting that the early Chums wore name badges.
Met Carol and Liz and we went to Brasserie Blanc for an excellent special offer meal.
To the civic reception at the Midland hotel. The new Lord Mayor has purple hair! A Bolton barbershop choir entertained us. They did well but sounded a tad tired by the end. Bought the new Catenian history book for Simon and the author signed it. 2 references to Norwood circle but the book is dry!
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