July 2022 Update

Environmental Awareness


With a temperature of 40.3°c recorded at Coningsby on 19 July it was even more pertinent that our July programme should include the opportunity to hear first hand how each and every one of us needs to respond to the consequences of Climate Change.

As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems, so we were delighted to hear Judy Fry’s personal experience of having a domestic Solar PV installed at her home. Her excellent PowerPoint presentation took us through all the aspects of removal of roof slates, installation of the solar panels & battery and running costs, benefits etc.  It was pleasing to hear that so many members are now encouraged to make enquiries for their own installations.

Following on with our July environment theme, we welcomed an excellent gathering of interested attendees at an Open Meeting held in Ambleside Parish Centre for our speaker Matt Staniek, ecologist.

Pursuing his lifelong passion for wildlife in his native Windermere area Matt has witnessed a sharp decline in the water quality which is having a serious detrimental effect on biodiversity.  He is determined that the Lake District as a World Heritage Site should be leading the way for others by doing far more to preserve natural balance by combatting the water pollution havoc being wreaked by man.  As a result he is taking time out from his career to mount a self-funded crusade to educate and raise awareness about the vital importance of preventing Windermere, the jewel in the crown of the Lake District, from suffering an ecological disaster.  Through his efforts he has gained nationwide attention for the  problem.

Matt explained the damage that the combined effects of sewage pollution from water treatment plants emptying into Windermere and tributary rivers Brathay & Rothay, outfall from around 1900 unregulated private septic tanks in the surrounds, and agricultural run-off from farm fertilisers are having by over nutrifying the water with phosphates at an alarming rate.  This leads to algal blooms which feed on nutrients from the phosphates. Algae starves the fish of oxygen, can cause serious illness in humans swimming in the lake and be fatal to animals.  It sinks to the bottom forming a thick layer starving the oxygen in fish spawning grounds so eggs and young do not develop.  Atlantic salmon, Arctic Char and Trout are already known to be in alarming decline as a result.

Matt’s work is already having an effect by focussing attention on the problems, constantly questioning and challenging authorities such as United Utilities & Environment Agency, seeking practical solutions to reduce agricultural pollutions and working with multiple agencies to try to reverse the decline, but acknowledges that there is an enormous way to go to achieve success. 

He explained that individuals can also play their part by such as using phosphate free cleaning products, reducing fertilisers on lawns and gardens, maintaining efficient septic tank systems, not discharging boat waste and supporting local initiatives from Rivers Trusts and Wildlife groups. (Many thanks Judy for Matt’s report)

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2024 Winners Freshers 
The BEST cafe in town!

Another successful quiz raising £640 for Charity!

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Wet weather never deters AK and its supporters!

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AK member Alec Burford clocked up his 100th parkrun Marshalling duty today! And he's 90 years young!

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Sir Ben Helfgott MBE, a young holocaust survivor and one of the Windermere Boys was the inspiration behind the Lakes School
Strength & Fitness Gym. Our club is honoured to have played a part in helping to establish the facility.

Local History, School Initiatives and our Quiz Fundraiser

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Harry stars in the Finals!

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Pink5K cheque presentation to Richard Cogger, Area Fundraiser for St Mary’s Hospice. We were delighted that representatives Daryl Hardy & Chris Moore of our main sponsor The Inn Collection were also present.

Over £6000 donated to good causes!

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Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

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This years Silver Sunday get together and Afternoon Tea

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Ambleside Primary School's DDay Commemorative Display

DDay Commemorations, Langdale Gala and AK starts its 22nd Year!

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From Titanic to Orrest Head

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A sunny day, daffodils in bloom and AK members have a 'Spring' in their step with lots to look forward to!

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A new President, AG Linda and a Dame Grand and that's just in July!

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Over £285,000 raised to date and more added to the coffers at the Big Easy Quiz!

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Silver Sunday

Another very enjoyable Silver Sunday Afternoon Tea for elder folk in our community who would otherwise be alone on a Sunday Afternoon

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Christmas Get Togethers

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Another happy Pink5k Walk & Afternoon Tea this year in aid of Bowel Cancer UK

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Environmental Awareness

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An astonishing amount raised in just 4 weeks!

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Good things happen when you have fun £645 raised for P.I.E.S

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A glorious evening for learning more about Galava Roman Fort

Enjoying fun & friendship in glorious weather

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A great afternoon walk followed by delicious scones and a cuppa all in aid of St Mary's Hospice

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Martin Clark takes a very early dip to raise more donations for our Pink 5K Appeal for St Mary's Hospice!

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Presentation to Becky Brown Area Fundraiser for St Mary's Hospice

From Pink 5K celebration to Crocus planting & Poppy Remembrance

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More Zoom, a 1374 Mile Walk & a virtual Pint at Lands End!

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Let's go for a walk someone said!

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Latest update & information from this local Charity

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An Unforgettable Month

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Poppies to parkruns a busy month with lots of community involvement

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Happy activities as the club meets in person again!

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A Month of Storms, Fraud, Bridge and Caring for others

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Over £2400 raised for Alzheimer's Research UK at this years DUCK RACE!

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An amazing afternoon of Pink Fun raising vital funds for Target Ovarian Cancer

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Community Visits and Events

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69 large poppies, inscribed with the name of a local man who gave his life in WW1 have been erected on lamp -posts around the town.

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