The speaker at the meeting of the Rotary Club on 8^th April was John Farmer, one of our own members. He is especially interested in the possible, and controversial, plans to build a new nuclear power station at Moorside, not far from Sellafield.

He talked about the need for a new route to transfer the electricity onto the National Grid, and detailed the three possible options under consideration, whether it be by overland pylons, underground cables, undersea cables or possible a combination of all of these and the routes they would take through Cumbria.

The speaker on 11^th March was Jane Lyons, the Fundraiser for ‘Sight Advice South Lakes’, who gave a presentation on the work of the charity.

Its main aim is to maintain independence for visually impaired people in the South Lakes area by providing help and advice through its many different roles.

They provide an Information Service at WGH, a Sight Advice Centre at Stricklandgate House, Drop-in Sessions, Home Visits, Support Groups, a Technical Service, a Craft Group, Visual Awareness Training and help for Children and Young people to mention only some of the benefits on offer.

The speaker at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Kendal on 25^th February was Stephen Wilson of ‘Impact Housing’ who gave a presentation outlining the history and work done by the Association.

Originally started in 1975 in Cleator Moor to rehabilitate two streets he went on to explain how the business has grown since then and now encompasses many aspects such as, new build schemes, rehabilitating existing property, supported housing schemes for young people and elderly and social housing.

Looking after over 2500 homes in Cumbria they work closely with SLDC, the Police and Social Services.

The speaker at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Kendal on 4^th March was Sharon Clegg of the Leonard Cheshire YouthAbility scheme which had benefited from a grant of £800 from the club to fund an activity day at Bendrigg Lodge last November.

She explained how the charity run youth clubs in Barrow and Kendal are aimed specifically for children with both physical disabilities and learning difficulties.

The clubs, run by both full time staff and many volunteers, were able take the members to the Bendrigg centre to take in take part in many of the activities provided there. This was an invaluable experience for these disadvantaged children.