SPEAKER at the meeting of Kendal Rotary was Andrea Aldridge, the chief officer of Manna House.

She gave members an overview of the work of the charity which is now housed in new premises in Ann Street and gave them a resume of a typical week and the projects involved.

Their remit is wide reaching and includes such things as drop-in days three times a week, men’s and women’s support groups, housing support and advice, benefits support, winter shelter for three months every year and providing hot lunches which are all cooked by volunteers. 

A GROUP from the Kendal and District Engineering Society visited the Haverthwaite operation of PlayDale, a Cumbrian-based company that designs and manufactures play-ground equipment.

The visit was hosted by Dave Wilson, HSQE manager. The group learnt about the whole process of production from making the company business efficient, detailed design process to the sources of materials and finally seeing prototypes. It was an excellent visit, one of many the society enjoys each year. 

GILES Archibald of South Lakeland District Council gave a stimulating talk on the Science behind Climate Change to a joint meeting of the Kendal and District Engineering Society and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

He showed how greenhouse gasses are warming the planet, the impact this will have on sea levels and biodiversity and how human activity is the primary cause. The talk created a lively discussion, touching on how to mitigate the effects of climate change, the politicising of the young and the need for new coal mines in West Cumbria. The conclusion? We should all eat less, buy less, walk more! The next meeting on Wednesday, November 13 (7.15pm) will see Stuart Atkinson of the Eddington Astronomical Society talking about The Mars and Horizons Missions and the plans of Space X, at the Castle Green Hotel. 

KENDAL Fellwalkers A group followed the lakeshore path from their starting point at Buttermere to Gatesgarth.

Here the climbing began up the ridge of Fleetwith Pike to its summit. Walking now in mist and showery rain, they continued to Haystacks, High Stile and Red Pike before returning by Scale Force.

The B group’s route began near Bassenthwaite from where pleasant paths led beside the lake to the slopes of Dodd, Carl Side and the misty summit of Skiddaw. They returned by Bakestall and field paths from Peter House Farm. 
The C group climbed from Grasmere to Helm Crag. There were colourful views into Far Easdale on the ridge walk to Calf Crag from where they continued to Steel Fell and the gentle descent back to Grasmere.