News
Members' Christmas lunch 16 December 2009
This year's member's lunch was held at the Rheged centre near Penrith.
Partnership Director Sue Savege gave a roundup of the year.
Sue said "Despite 2009 being a difficult year for everyone due to the recession, the Partnership has still seen 25 new members join, giving a total of 225 members which represent some 750 businesses. We have at the moment got 42 projects on our books which we are financially supporting and these range from large high profile projects like Fix the Fells and Save our Squirrels to small community orientated projects such as the Riverside Walk at Staveley.
"We also now have established a small grants programme to provide funds for smaller projects which are largely community orientated or community led. These grants are for up to £1000 and our grants advisory panel allocate the funds twice a year. In the next round of small grants allocations we shall be committing these funds to the Flood Restoration Work.
"Our expertise has been very much in demand in providing assistance to other regions who want to set up their own Visitor Payback Schemes. At the moment we are working with the Friends of Loch Lomond to set up a VPS for the Loch Lomond National Park and also we are working with Scottish Enterprise to set up a VPS for the 7stanes Mountain Bike Project in Southern Scotland. I have even had one of Prince Charles’ Aides talking to me on the Princes behalf about what makes our system so unique and successful."
Guest speaker Sarah Dunning
Guest speaker Sarah Dunning, of Westmorland Limited, inspired attendees with her enthusiasm for local produce and green living, which form the basis of her family-run business.
Sarah described how her father's farming business had grown and evolved over the years, to include Europe's largest grass covered building, the Rheged Centre, and the only locally owned Motorway Service Area in England. The company now provides employment for 500 people.
Sarah has now taken over the business from her father and plans to expand with a further Motorway Service area in Gloucestershire.
Special awards were given to two Partnership Members at the Christmas lunch.
Dolly Waggon Guesthouse, Keswick, received the award for 'Most Creative Fundraiser'.
The Elder Grove Bed and Breakfast, Ambleside, received the award for 'Most Commitment to Sustainability. |
