AN HISTORIC moment took place on Wednesday evening as members of South Lakeland District Council gathered for the authority's final ever meeting.
There were toasts made and warm words aplenty ahead of the move to a unitary system of governance in Cumbria on Saturday.
Among those to speak was Cllr Roger Bingham, who has served on SLDC since 1984 but is not moving on to Westmorland and Furness Council.
"It's been my life," he said.
"This has been my family. I will miss you all.
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"I was born in Westmorland. I live within half a mile of where I was born.
"I'm very pleased that the name Westmorland has come back."
Cllr Peter Thornton looked back to 1973 when votes for SLDC councillors were initially cast. The council formally came into being in April of the following year.
He said 32 independents, eight Conservatives, six Liberals and four Labour members were elected to serve in 1974.
"This council spent its first 32 years of existence in no overall control," he said.
"When I joined this council 20 years ago, it was in no overall control.
"[A] sense of place rather than politics has been a feature of this council."
Cllr Thornton is to be cabinet member for highways and assets on the new authority.
Cllr Janette Jenkinson said it had been a 'privilege' to represent the residents of the Ulverston West ward for 32 years and had a message for those set to serve as councillors for Westmorland and Furness.
"Go out to the people and tell them that you're there," she said.
SLDC leader Cllr Jonathan Brook, who is also to lead the Westmorland and Furness authority, said SLDC had developed into a 'progressive, modern and innovative council that has overcome many challenges'.
"Officers and councillors from all sides of the political spectrum have kept the interests of residents at the forefront of our priorities," he said.
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Kind words were spoken about SLDC chief executive Lawrence Conway, who is not joining the new authority.
"I had the opportunity to work with many multinationals in my career before I became a councillor, many executives, and you match up to the best of them," said Cllr Giles Archibald.
"I know, Lawrence, that you will be successful going forward because of your tremendous talent."
Mr Conway described it as an 'honour' to have served in the role and said: "Meeting people, learning what they need, has been an absolute pleasure."
Cllr Pete McSweeney, SLDC chairman, led a toast to the district council at the end of the meeting at South Lakeland House in Kendal and welcomed the Westmorland and Furness unitary authority.
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