ENJOY YOUR Leisure continues on February18 at 10.30am at the Marchesi Centre, when Stephe Cove will give a talk entitled 'Have you ever noticed?'

Refreshments will be served between 9.45am and 10.15am. Note that programmes may be changed without notice due to cancellations.

WINDERMERE Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories is hosting 'Nature's Winter" until March 1 during opening hours. This exciting and immersive installation, exploring nature and weather through a sensory experience of light, sound and story, is perfect for families. It is designed to encourage people to slow down and enjoy the details in the world around us.

AT A very successful and entertaining chamber of trade meeting, membership secretary Bonnie McNab was very happy to announce that three new members joined with a potential of two more.

There were nearly 30 members, dignitaries and guests attending with the mayor, Cllr John Saunders, regally attired with his chain of office as he presented ADL Architects Ltd, Windermere, its prize for the 2019 Winter Window Dressing Competition. Scott Keenan, chair of the chamber, presented Brackens of Bowness its award.

Jenny Clayton from ADL said: "I wanted the window display to relate and link to architecture; this is where the idea for the buildings came from. As the office window is set back from the street I thought it best to make the buildings 'blocky' and bold in order to be seen. To give the display a Christmas feel I incorporated the snowflakes, trees and snowmen. The nature of ADL Architects' work means that we print plans A4 size to A1 so any cut-offs or waste paper I saved throughout the year. All the display was cut by hand by me. Because of ADL Architects' office being in a prominent position, we intend to create other seasonal displays through the year."

Jayne Pearson from Brackens said: "Each year we have our regular customers and people local to Bowness always interested to see what creation we will have for our window displays. It is always lovely to hear the comments from people passing by, so this year we went all out and based the theme of our Christmas display on the Northern Lights, basing it around the idea of the environment, incorporating glass baubles as ice and the main feature being Paul the polar bear, which brought much joy to the village. Here at Brackens of Bowness we have gone bio degradable on our packaging and are trying to limit waste."

There then followed the business part of the meeting with some very informative presentations, including from Youth Independent Business

Enterprise, an update on the sculpture trail and a suggestion that businesses this coming Christmas be encouraged to put up small Christmas

trees at each end of their properties in order to create a festive feeling. These were on top of the usual agenda items.

THE Lake District Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute held a luncheon at Windermere Golf Club recently. The event was entitled 'Sip

our Soup' from the SOS appeal and consisted of delicious soup and sandwiches supplied by the golf club. Thanks to the stewards and staff were extended.

There was a raffle and souvenir stall and the event was welcomed as an ideal diversion on such a wet and windy day, while also raising money for a good cause.

WINDERMERE Town Council heard from Polly Straker, of South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), who gave a presentation which explained the new staffing structure and the organisation into localities. The services that are included in the localities were explained in a short video. Polly is the locality head for the Lakes area and the council's key contact point on a number of issues. Polly also confirmed that SLDC was aware of the problems with the quality of the flower beds at the Glebe. She explained that there had been a lot of planting and lots of spring bulbs, but the lack of maintenance and weeding had hindered their growth and show. This will now be corrected.

Cllr Lilley reported that the fifth anniversary of the friends of the 597 bus is due on April 23 and it is hoped that town councillors will support this.

Cllr Saunders reported on discussions with SLDC councillors. It has been agreed that the town council will put together a list of priorities for the

next 5 years, where input and assistance from SLDC will be welcome and needed. This will help the partnership work more effectively. The policy and finance advisory group will make a first attempt at a list at their meeting on January 23.