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The Athenaeum Management Committee AGM was held in the hail under the chairmanship of Les Askew.

The chairman gave a short report on the activities of the committee during the year and he referred to the sad death of Mrs McBride who had carried out her cleaning duties so efficiently.
Booking secretary David Tonks, commented on the usage of the hail over the year, which had been up to average despite losing at least three bookings due to the foot~and-mouth crisis. He said he felt that a modest increase in hiring charges was now warranted.
The chairman complimented the treasurer, Malcolm Davison, on his work in keeping the accounts. As refurbishment was now virtually complete the Restoration Fund would be closed and merged with the general fund.
The chairman, booking secretary and treasurer are standing down from the committee and were thanked by George Handley, who is also retiring.
At a subsequent meeting of the new committee, Carl Smith, Adelle Shepherd and Margaret Rendell were elected to the positions of chairman, treasurer and booking secretary respectively.

A remarkable concert was given in St Peter’s Church when the Konevets, a vocal quartet from St Petersburg,’ gave a varied programme of Russian sacred and secular songs. The quartet was founded by graduates and students of the St Petersburg Music Conservatoire in 1992, and has toured extensively across Europe and the USA.

Trees on Princes Way were again one of the matters dealt with at the parish council meeting when it was reported that Cumbria County Council has suggested some pruning to improve the overall state of the trees, and that one horse chestnut tree should be felled.

The children’s playground continues to claim the parish council’s attention and the gates to the site have now been locked for the time being, but the grass will continue to be cut. An estimate for removing the old equipment is awaited from SLDC and a meeting between members of the council and the Playground Working Group will be arranged. It has been suggested that a skateboard facility be included in the new layout.
It was felt that the precept on SLDC might need amending if money is to be used for new playground equipment and for celebrating the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. A letter has been received from the Royal Mint intimating that special medals will be available and costs and designs are awaited for consideration.

Your Correspondent
Malcolm Sisson
Tel: 015395-63100

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