VISITORS flocked to Furness Abbey in 1995 to pass the time delighting in some nostalgic crafts and entertainment activities.
The first family fayre organised by the Friends of Furness Abbey was billed as an afternoon of enjoyment and learning for the public.
MAKER: Anna Kelly and 7 year old Bethany Dutson look on as Tom Dutson from Witherslack demonstrates the art of Oak Swilling
It provided guided tours, pony rides, stalls, displays and demonstrations of traditional skills that were historically related to the time period and the Abbey itself.
Stepping out to entertain the crowds were the Furness Morris Men, the Dorian Players, clog dancers, maypole dancers, handbell ringers and archery.
AIM: Alex Middleton demonstrating his skills with a bow for the visitors
Among the various crafts being demonstrated were the blacksmith, the stonemasons, a pole-lathe bodger, potters, leather workers, spinners, weavers and charcoal burners.
Visitors also got the chance to look at old farm implements and see displays of heraldry and local art.
WORKING: Arthur Barker at work at the Family Fayre at Furness Abbey
Friends' chairman Malcolm Cross said the day was to attract people to the English Heritage-controlled abbey and let Barrow residents known they could gain free admission by obtaining a pass from Barrow Borough Council.
The day, which was held in May 1995, was very well attended, and attracted families, historians, school teachers and local residents.
Some of those involved in demonstrating the skills required for the time period were Arthur Baker, who demonstrated woodworking, and Alex Middleton, who showed off his skill set as a archer.
Archery received great interest from both young and old who observed Alex’s shooting.
CRAWL: 2 year old Emily Carr cooling off in the sun in 1995
The Fayre Family organisers were pleased with the attendance rate of the event and were open to the possibility of further historical days and demonstrations being held at Furness Abbey in the future.
The abbey itself has been dated back to 1123. It stood as the second wealthiest and most powerful Cistercian monastery in the country, behind Fountains Abbey.
It saw its dissolution during the English Reformation in the 16th century when the Church of England broke from the pope.
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