Whirlwind of a month

The whole month so far has been like a whirlwind, the people I have met and their organisations have both amazed and warmed me.

Since my last update I have taken a group of young people to see Kendal Town play at home, a very good game with Kendal winning 4-1. I am taking the same group to see Kendal Rugby play in March.

Joined Hall Garth Senior Citizens for their Christmas Fair, met the Little Kickers football team at the Castle Street Centre – Toby was invited to join in and had a very enjoyable hour and now wants to be a professional footballer, (as long as he can still be a Judo black belt!).

Organised a stall at a Christmas fair serving hot chocolate, coffee and decorate your own biscuits. The children loved it, I am still finding icing sugar and sprinkles in places you’d least expect.

It was the United Nations 60th Anniversary this month and I went along for a little while to listen to a selection of local schools – KKS, QES, Lakes, Lancaster Royal Grammar and Ulverston all represented. They were demonstrating the opinions of different countries and debating various issues around the world. I must say I was very impressed; they had really grasped the arguments their selected country would have and managed to keep their own thoughts aside.

I visited the new Carers facility on Castle Street and opened the Young Carers side of things, a needed facility to help and support these very special young people who give their childhood to the needs of their families – heroes in my opinion.

On a lighter note The Kendal Concert band invited Sasha and I to their Christmas concert in the Town Hall, we had a great time. I really would recommend you go listen to them if you get the chance; they are first-rate and have so much fun it rubs off.

I attended the Cancer Care Star Lights switch on at the Unitarian Chapel, a very moving experience in a beautiful setting; the lights will be on now until the New Year. So if you would like to go take a look and remember a special person or just see for your self, the Unitarian Chapel is off Branthwaite Brow and serves a very good cup of coffee on Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

That very same evening I went along to the Amabile girl’s choir Christmas concert at the Parish church. A real treat, all the age groups came together for the first time I believe, from the little tots at 4yrs to the more mature ladies.

Such talented young people we have in our Town, they were astounding.

That just gives you a snap shot of the first week in December; I could go on and on and you would be here all day reading or maybe just give up.

I would however like to mention the other events I have had the pleasure in attending as they have all been outstanding, welcoming and I must say fun.

The Riversiders carol service at the Unitarian Chapel, Let’s Cook at the Hall Garth community centre, Derian House carol service at the United Reformed Church with the pupils from Ghyllside school, Kendal Chamber of Trade Christmas networking lunch, K Shoes Male Voice Choir – (a must to see if you can), Kendal-in-Bloom coffee morning, Dean Gibson School Christmas Lunch with all the school, WOSP, OKS Christmas concert – (another fantastic professional performance, well-done to all) The Kendal Sea Cadet annual trophy night, The Mayors Coffee morning – thanks to all the helpers, and last night I went along to the Leisure Centre to the 27th Christmas Charity Concert. All the funds raised goes to two charities differing each year, this year saw £2000 go to each chosen charity – South Lakes Talking Newspaper Association and the South Lakeland Carers’ Association. The wealth of talent in the building was quite simply remarkable.

We still have a week to go until Christmas Day, tonight I am going along to the Parish Church and their 9 lessons and 9 carols service, I will be reading the 5th lesson.

I finish my week on Christmas Day, with a visit to the Hospital.

I look forward to the New Year and all that it brings. A Very Merry Christmas to you all and a healthy, happy New Year.