Catenian Province 5 Annual Windermere Rally 50th Year Anniversary

The renowned, and now legendary, Catenian Province 5 Windermere Rally celebrated its 50 years of existence recently. The Province takes over the Windermere Hydro Hotel in the beautiful town of Bowness for the weekend and this year it was attended by over 150 brothers and their wives, including Grand President Vernon de Cruz and Evelyn, Past President Joe McNally and Philomena, and Director Province 8 Odran Steed and Margaret.

Friday night saw an excellent buffet supper followed by entertainment provided by Paul Sowden and members of the audience including Grand President Vernon and Audrey, and Past President Joe. Pictured above at the cutting of the anniversary cake are (from left to right) Jeanne McLoughlin, Bill and Sue Moloney, who were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, Provincial President Jim McLoughlin, Grand President Vernon de Cruz, Brenda and Ian Calvert, who were celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary, and Evelyn de Cruz.

For the first time, Fancy Dress was encouraged with prizes going to Biddy O’Brien as Dusty Springfield and Brian Gibbs as a clown.

Saturday was a free day with the option of a mini golf competition, organised by Ian Calvert, or a country walk led by Bob Turner, with the dinner dance in the evening.

Sunday saw a special Catenian Mass held by Mgr Slattery at the church of Our Lady and St Herbert of the Lake. Mgr Slattery was the Province’s guest at the farewell lunch afterwards.

The Rally was superbly organised by Bob O’Brien and his team, who built on the excellent work by the previous organiser Doug Bell, and presided over by Provincial President Jim McLoughlin. Brothers and their wives are already looking forward to next year.

The Catenian Association is always actively recruiting and welcomes new members. Enquiries about membership should be directed to Terry McQuillan, tel 0191 259 5259 or e-mail tandlmcq@blueyonder.co.uk