Members - Nottingham

Nottingham  DIOCESAN BRANCH - Founded 1934

President: Mrs Joan Linder
Vice-President Mrs Odette Millar
Treasurer: Mrs Peggy McCarthy
Secretary: Miss Marion Smith
Liaison officer:  Miss Marion Smith

The Branch has eight Sections. Beeston, Carlton, Derby, East Leake, Lincoln, Newark, Sleaford and Stamford. They cover the five counties of Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. There are 6 Direct members.

The counties within the diocesan boundary vary considerably in character, ranging from the more densely populated Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire towns to the rural areas and huntin’ country of these counties; from the wind-swept and gull-haunted coasts of Lincolnshire to the sheep- haunted and wildly dramatic Peak District. (You want haunting? We’ve got it!) We must make mention also of the many historic market towns, ancient churches, cathedrals and the stately homes.

Catholics in each of these counties honour the many martyrs who died for the Faith during the Reformation. There are two main Pilgrimages arranged to commemorate all who suffered persecution during those dark days. The first will take place in 2006 on 7th May and commemorates the very first martyrs of the Reformation, St. John Houghton and St. John Lawrence, at Beauvale Priory, near Greasley Nottinghamshire.

Each year a pilgrimage to Padley in Derbyshire takes place on the second Sunday in July which will be July 10th 2006 to commemorate Blessed Robert Ludlum and Blessed Nicholas Garlick who were captured at the county home of the Fitzherbert’s,a prominent Catholic family and who themselves suffered persecution. The house is still in use as a shrine.
These pilgrimages, in the best medieval tradition, provide not only an opportunity to worship together as a witness to our Catholic Faith but a grand chance to meet old friends, make new ones and have, weather permitting, a jolly good picnic. Though included as a parish occasion, members of the Catholic Women’s League participate as part of their annual programme.

www.nottingham-diocese.org.uk