Ormskirk Circle No 285

In the beginning…

…there was Bro. Bernard Carter of St Helen’s Circle. In 1977 he was asked by Provincial Circle to consider whether a new Circle might be established in Ormskirk. His first step was to contact a number of potentially interested gentlemen. He invited them to attend an exploratory meeting, to be held in the old Conservative Club in Prescot Road.

Some seven gentlemen responded, and at the meeting Bernard outlined the history and objects of the Association, and explained what he was hoping to achieve. His proposals were well received. It was decided that there should be monthly meetings, followed by dinner, and that these should be held in the first instance at the Hayfield restaurant.

With the support of existing brothers from other circles it was not long before we were able to meet the requirement of having fifteen new members to enrol, and so the proposal for a new Circle was accepted. It was decided that Bernard Carter should be the first President, and that Bro. Ron. Burrows should be the Vice President. The inaugural meeting, a grand occasion, took place at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Southport on 30th June 1978. The Grand President, presided, Bro. Patrick Stevens – a most patrician figure.

Following inauguration the Circle expanded steadily. Its meeting places changed from time to time – The Wincot Country Club; West Towers; Mossock Hall Golf Club;  Hurlston Hall Golf Club and then Ormskirk Cricket Club. The Circle has always been a dining circle. At present the Circle has a membership which currently stands at 44, and although one cannot rest on one’s laurels, there is quiet confidence that the Circle will continue to prosper.

Ormskirk Circle meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 7.15 for 7.30pm.  Our Venue is Ormskirk Cricket Club, Alty’s Lane, Ormskirk L39 4RE, Dinner follows meeting, no meeting in December.

For further information on our Circle please visit our website; http://www.ormskirkcatenians.co.uk

Steve Marston-Yim