CA Lourdes 125 ‘Spirit of the Soli’ - successful event

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill

On 11 July 2026, the CA were able to enjoy their first event for CA Lourdes 125 to celebrate 125 years since the CA first came on pilgrimage to Lourdes.

The event was organised and arranged by a small committee which included: Amelie Addison, Janet Addison, Matt Betts, Jess Bolton, Milly Bolton, Dom Hartley, Elliot Hartley, Nik Hartley, and Jo Wager. We thank each of them for their time and energy in making sure this event could happen and happen in style! The group met frequently from late 2025 via Zoom.

Early on, we approached Mrs Aodain Clover about hosting the gathering at Saint Mary’s school in Cambridge – good friends of the CA. Thanks to Aodain, the event was held in the gardens of Saint Mary’s Junior School. We are very grateful to Aodain for all her help before, during and after the event – we could not have had a better host or a better venue. Thank you Aodain and Saint Mary’s.

It was a beautifully sunny day – children and adults were able to enjoy many of the tunes heard in the Solitude thanks to the talents of Dom, Elliot, Oliver, Rose Hartley, and Milly Bolton – plus at one point many others. The gardens also became the site of classic games such as giant Jenga and croquet (as well as some football). Thanks to Fr. Peter Wygnanski who started everything off with a prayer, followed by Matt Betts who introduced why this anniversary is so important.

Food and refreshments were available throughout – again with thanks to Amelie and Janet for organising this mammoth part of the party (and then going back to get more when we ran out). There was also an opportunity to purchase the new CA 125 bottle (you could do so here if you missed out on the day!

Thank you to all the guests who joined us – many of whom have not been able to join the CA on Pilgrimage for a few years but remain committed CA Hospitalité members and will support when they can.

Near the end of the day, we were able to hold a small raffle – congratulations to all the winners but particularly Lina Al Araj and Frances Presgraves who won the two main prizes: a drinks tab and a spa visit! With thanks to the kindness of the Hotel La Solitude who provided these vouchers, and to Nicole Gallop Mildon for organising this with the hotel company. Thanks too to Matt Betts and Jo Wager for other prizes.

Finally, a thank you to Clara and Joseph Betts who created several signs and posters for the party (some examples below) so that everyone could find the toilets or the raffle/refreshments.

We are very pleased to announce that the event has raised an amazing £2000.

Thank you everyone.

Of course, we are still raising money for CA Lourdes 125 to reach the target of £125,000. You can do this in a few ways.

First, please sponsor Matt who is walking 125 miles across the CA dioceses, or secondly, you can purchase CA Lourdes 125 items from eBay. Thank you.

PS: thanks to Milly, Nimal, and Terri for all the photos and to Dee Mallabone for being our first aider and Judy Ball for printing posters at the last minute.