HERE are the latest announcements from our community news correspondent Myra McCraith for Grasmere.

The annual General Meeting of Grasmere Village Society (GVS) was held on Zoom, with forty members in attendance (one of whom is still stranded in South Africa after a year).

The committee was re-elected en bloc, and joined by three new members: Andy Astle, Simon Hey and Diane Bettington.

Nick McCraith remains as chair, with Louise Sykes appointed Vice-Chair.

After the formal business, members participated in lively discussion on several local issues, including traffic calming measures, the pharmacy's successful vaccination roll-out at the village hall, dark skies, and litter - especially the ubiquitous poo bags.

Thirty Wombles and GVS members carried out a major litter pick from Dunmail Raise to White Moss, around the village and the lakeshore.

After three hours they collected 34 bags of rubbish, an entire car exhaust, a car tyre, a wooden pallet, and an estate agent's board.

The village had never looked so pristine, yet barely 24 hours later, a further haul included 6 drinks cans, 5 plastic bottles, 3 plastic bottles, 3 face masks, a thermos flask, 2 cigarette packets, sweet wrappers, and a full bag of barbecue detritus.

RAMBLES have restarted monthly on the fourth Thursday, in socially distanced groups of six.

The first groups walked around the lake and ended with a long-awaited chat over a cup of tea at the Garden Centre.

DOVE Cottage remains closed until mid-May, but the garden and woodland are open to visitors without pre-booking.

Little Wanderers in the Woodland will encourage young children to be creative and playful outdoors (Fridays, advance booking essential).

For further information see www.wordsworth.org.uk.

Allan Bank grounds have reopened but the house remains closed.

Local residents may apply for a free garden pass on proof of address.

To book entry to the grounds, and for information about when the house will reopen, please see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/allan-bank-and-grasmere.