It’s that time again, folks, when we are constantly reminded that Christmas is just round the corner, with many upcoming events focusing attention on festive activities, such as official switching on of Christmas lights in towns and villages around the Lakes, Christmas Craft Fairs and Markets, workshops, parties and many more. Further, this is the season when many local groups and clubs host interesting talks, usually by a guest speaker, such as the Kendal & District History Society, Westmorland Geological Society, The Stephenson Locomotive Society among many others. If you’d like to get involved or just pop along occasionally then refer to the Lakes Diary pages in the Gazette for more information. Here's my choices ...

I’VE picked up two Festival of Remembrance Concerts which are being staged in anticipation of Remembrance Sunday (November 13) – Ulverston’s Coronation Hall is hosting a concert in Royal Albert Hall style and features the Muster of Standards, vocalists Becki Fishwick and Ian Honeyman, plus the Ulverston Town Band, tomorrow (Friday, 7.30pm). This is followed on Saturday (November 12, 7.30pm) by the Morecambe Brass Band performing at The Platform, Morecambe.

Box offices: Coronation Hall – 01229-588994 / The Platform 01524-582803.

THE Winter Droving held at Penrith is a magical day of rural celebration, food, drink, crafts, masquerade and fire. The event takes place on Saturday (November 12). The market features tasty hot and cold foods, hot toddies, and food produce and gifts to take home. The main event though is the spectacular torch and lantern procession - everyone wears a mask and joins in. There's also the Kyloes Drovers Cup; contestants compete in four events comprising Hay Bale Racing, Pint Carrying, Sausage Eating and a good ol' fashioned Tug-o-War.

Details www.winterdroving.co.uk/.

A NEW solo exhibition 'Landscapes and Flowers in Pastel and Print' by talented artist Karen Lester, takes place at Low Sizergh Barn, near Kendal until December 15.

Karen finds inspiration from a variety of sources, and it is the natural landscape that has recently become a focus of her work. Karen is a member of the Green Door co-operative, and her work has been inspired by the forms of the fells and trees, and the colours of stone in and out of water. It brings together her pastel paintings and etched prints, which capture the beauty of the Cumbrian landscape.

For more information contact Janice Benson on 07812-172193.

TOOT, toot, the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway is again running its Diesel Hauled Weekends this month (November 12/13, 19/20, 26/27). Here, you have the opportunity to travel back in time on board a fabulous clanking, chugging, bell-ringing monster, a distant memory of bygone years for some and a new experience for others. From your carriage enjoy the picturesque views of the Lakes and the southern tip of Windermere. You can also combine your experience with a visit to The Lakes Aquarium or continue your journey aboard a Windermere Steamer to Bowness or Ambleside.

Details www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/.  Tickets: Child return (under 5 for free) £3.40; adult return £6.70; family (2 adults, 3 children) £19.

EDUCATING Rita, performed by theCompany, follows the relationship between, Rita, a Liverpudlian working class hairdresser and Frank, a middle-aged university lecturer. The theme of working class girl making good through education was influenced by George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Pygmalion’ and it has become one of the late 20th century’s most well regarded and popular plays. On stage at The Heron Theatre, Beetham, tonight, tomorrow and Saturday (November 10, 11 & 12) at 7.30pm.

Box office 015395-64283. Tickets: £5-£12.