4th      Today I was back at the Carlisle and Eden Districts Citizens Advice Bureau to sign the monthly cheques.   In the evening I attended the annual Celebration of Learning at Tullie House.   This event celebrates the achievements of members of staff, and occasionally members, to attain further qualifications.   It is a great pleasure to see so many of the staff who during the year have gained further knowledge and to acknowledge this we have an award ceremony following a light buffet.

5th   The start of the International Christmas Market in the city centre which continues until the 9th.                                                                                                            This afternoon my wife and I were invited by the Wednesday Fellowship Club of Scotby to take afternoon tea in the Village Hall with entertainment supplied by the orchestra and choir of Scotby Junior School who sang and played Christmas Carols .   In the evening there was the bi-annual Joint Meeting between the Executive of the City Council and the Carlisle Parish Council Association which I have been attending for some 20 years.   This meeting Garry Schubert , Development Manager of the Sport and Physical Activity Alliance Foundation spoke  regarding the uptake of the Summer Play Schemes.   He was followed by the Finance Director of the City Council who gave an update on the Localisation of Income Tax Relief and how this would have an affect on the necessity for Parish Councils to re-assess their Parish Precepts.   Also that the Concurrent Services grant from the City Council to the Parishes is also going to be reduced by 30% over a two year period and this will also have an impact.   Darren Crossley, the Stategic Director, in the abscence of the Environment Portfolio Holder, informed the meeting of the new “Love where you Live” project in order to clean up the City and keep it clear of litter, graffitti, dog fouling and fly-tipping by Enforcement, Education and Engagement (i.e. Communication).   The Chairman of CPCA, Ronnie Auld then updated the meeting on the installation of Superfast Broadband.   It was then time for questions and answers before light refreshments were partaken.

We spent the rest of the week delivering leaflets advertising a meeting on the 14th December regarding the de-trunking of the A69 with our two M.Ps. and also delivering Christmas Cards.   Next week looks exceedingly busy.