n THE annual meeting of the Kendal and District Voluntary Group of Diabetes UK takes place on Saturday, February 19, at 1.45pm, at the day care centre, Dowkers Lane, Kendal. Anyone with diabetes, or who cares for someone with diabetes, especially if recently diagnosed, will be welcome. For more information contact Malcolm McCrindle on 01539-735459.

n STEPHEN Greenwood will be giving a talk on Syria and the Crossroads of Ancient Civilisations in aid of the Mothers' Union Relief Fund. The relief fund supports overseas projects helping women and children of all faiths survive in their communities. The fund also helps with humanitarian disasters around the world. The talk will take place at The Institute, Kirkby Lonsdale, on February 18, at 7.30pm. Anyone attending will be asked to pay a donation of £2 on the door.

n WHEELCHAIRS and power scooters are now available in Carnforth to help disabled people get their shopping on a Saturday. The mobility aids are available for short-term hire from Booths car park between 10am and 4pm. Disabled and elderly people can gain access to shops and stores in Carnforth thanks to the scooters, which can be hired for just £1. Anyone interested in using the Shopmobility service can contact Marc Livesey on 07966-451613.

n SWARTHMOOR Hall's great hall was filled with the sounds of medieval singing on Sunday (February 6) at a fund-raising concert. The packed performance by the Dorian Players supported by readings from the Ulverston Writers Group raised £275 for the Amazon Ferry project, which is kitting out a medical boat to serve remote rainforest communities.

n A BLOOD donor session is taking place at the Grammar School, in Kirkby Stephen, on Wednesday, February 23, from 3.15pm to 7pm.