Circle hits new heights

Circle members enjoy a hot air balloon ride

Circle members reached for the stars this week when they enjoyed a hot air balloon ride across the Lake District.

The event had taken a lot of planning and had fallen foul of inclement weather on a couple of occasions but finally happened with a dozen happy members enjoying the trip of a lifetime.

Circle is a membership organisation for the over 50s. The group arranges social events and offers practical support for over 500 members.

With the average age of the party being a little over 70 years old this was quite an endeavour for all concerned, but showed the spirit of adventure within the group.

Joan Cody a Circle member from Middleton, said: “I am over 80 years old and I can honestly say this is the greatest experience of my life.”

Norden based member Janet Green put the idea of the hot air balloon forward after she had discussed the idea with a group of friends.

Circle Director Mark Wynn said: “It has been a real challenge putting Janet’s idea into reality but thanks to the support of the members and the hard work of Leanne and Pat in the Circle office we have managed to pull it off.

“Events such as the hot air balloon ride obviously turn heads, but it’s the regular events Circle organise such as meeting up for a brew or going out for a meal that really make a difference to people’s lives.”

Launched in June 2013, Circle covers Rochdale, Middleton, Heywood and the Pennine villages. It organises over 20 social events each month, which member’s access via a monthly calendar.

The practical side of Circle is a group of trusted tradesmen and women who offer help and support with small jobs around the house and garden.