Annual Partners’ Dinner marks the end of an era for South Lakeland District Council

by Joe Sanders

Almost 230 guests attended Cumbria Chamber & South Lakeland District Council’s twelfth dinner which took place on Friday night at Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.

With the theme of “celebrating the past, embracing the future”, the dinner celebrated the achievements of the council as SLDC becomes part of the new combined authority Westmorland and Furness Council from April.

The event brought together local businesses along with local government representatives, councillors and staff from several district councils. As ever it was a vibrant and lively event, with an immensely convivial atmosphere.

After welcome drinks, guests were seated for the first speech of the evening, given by Cllr Pete McSweeney, chairman of South Lakeland District Council, who talked about the numerous achievements of the council over the years.

The plans for the changeover into the new council were then outlined in a speech by Cllr Jonathan Brook, leader of South Lakeland District Council and Westmorland and Furness Council.

Cumbria Chamber MD Suzanne Caldwell thanked the council for its work during its tenure remarking on the committed, proactive and supportive approach of elected members and staff, adding “I know those moving into the new Council will take that with them” and wishing well both those moving into the new council and those moving on to other things.

The after-dinner speech was given by Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems Submarines in Barrow, who spoke about his own career path from a 16-year-old apprentice to Managing Director, the delivery of the Dreadnought nuclear submarines programme, and BAE’s plans to significantly expand its workforce over the coming years.

Chamber Head of Commercial & Business Growth, Eve Halliday, rounded off the speeches, pointing people to keep an eye on their emails for further events! At the end of the evening prizes were drawn from the raffle which raised £1,300 for Carer Support South Lakes.

© Cumbria Chamber of Commerce