SVP enriching parish life

As we start 2015 we look back at some of the highlights of the parish St Vincent de Paul conference and remind you of their annual Epiphany party to be held on Sunday 4th January, between 2.00 and 5.00pm in the Social Centre.  Please get in touch with Sue 07881 386 922 or Cathedral Office 384820 if you know of anyone who would like to attend and who needs help with transport.  
Throughout the year members of the SVP visit, shop, bring people to Mass, offer assistance to families in need, organise activities including the annual Epiphany party and this year a summer trip to Keswick.

On the 20^th September a group of twenty one set off from the cathedral at 8.30 for a day out in Keswick.  It was run and funded by the Cathedral’s SVP conference thanks to a bequest made by Frances Tanner.  We chose Lune Valley Transport as they have a tail lift and space for those with mobility needs. Upon arriving in Keswick at about 10am, we all made our separate ways around Keswick. As it was Saturday it was market day and thus as well as the shops and cafes, we looked around the different stalls set up in the lovely market square.  At noon, the group then went to Castlerigg Manor, the diocese centre used for 

retreats.  Fr Phillip welcomed the group, giving us a tour around the newly refurbished building and of course having the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views over the North Lakes.  Lunch was then provided (roast chicken and potatoes and vegetables followed by apple pie).  It was delicious.  

After lunch a number of year 11 and 12 students from All Hallows School in Preston met our group, served us coffee and then chatted with everyone.  

They were on a retreat for the weekend and are members of the school SVP society. They were a credit to Castlerigg and their school and for many of the group, it was one of the highlights of the day.  We left Castlerigg at 2pm and then headed off to the lake.  Most of the group went on a trip around Derwent Water on a lovely old launch.  The views from the boat were spectacular.  The rest of the group had tea and cake in the Theatre Café.  All good things have to come to an end and we departed from Keswick at about 3.30 and made our way back to Lancaster.
 

We are sure that Frances Tanner would have been pleased that we used her bequest in this way. We are already planning the next trip out.  Thanks to Nial a member of the SVP for his account of the day out.

To learn more about the SVP and ways you can join the group or contribute to their work please see SVP page