Barrow and District Caged Bird Society’s annual show in October 1989 saw a high standard of exhibits.

However, there was a disappointing number of entries, according to show secretary Chris Carter.

PRAISED: Marie Cowley, aged ten, and her dad Robert, from Swarthmoor, and the best novice border in the show in 1989

PRAISED: Marie Cowley, aged ten, and her dad Robert, from Swarthmoor, and the best novice border in the show in 1989

“We have had a very good show, but not as good as I would have liked,” he said, before the presentations. “I’m hoping for more entries in 1990.”

The show in 1989 attracted around 250 entries and the judges praised the quality of the birds offered for show at St Paul’s school hall on Hawcoat Lane.

Ian Mulcaster, aged 15, the son of an Ulverston builder, won best junior in the show with his zebra finches.

WINNER: David Swann, of Millom, winner of the new colour class, the best gloster and the best fife in 1989

WINNER: David Swann, of Millom, winner of the new colour class, the best gloster and the best fife in 1989

Ian, an enthusiastic newcomer, said: “I started off with three pairs from a top breeder - they didn’t even cost that much in the end.”

He kept them in his bedroom at first, but with 33 feathered friends to look after they were moved to a shed built by his father and he was now winning prizes with his home-bred stock.

He said: “There are lots of books and everyone will give advice to a beginner.”

CAGED: Alex Dancer, of Barrow, who won the best border canary, best unflighted canary, best champion border and best champion green border in 1989

CAGED: Alex Dancer, of Barrow, who won the best border canary, best unflighted canary, best champion border and best champion green border in 1989

Ian, who had been showing birds for three years, added: “I’ve already won quite a few prizes and I’m off to the national show in Birmingham soon.”

Colin Meachin, a prison officer from Haverigg, used to play professional rugby league for Salford and Rochdale.

He took the prize for best budgerigar in the show, unusual for a beginner, he said.

Several rewards were announced.

Among the prize-winners of the events prizes were:

COMPETITOR: Alan Edwards, of Ulverston, with his best British exhibit in 1989

COMPETITOR: Alan Edwards, of Ulverston, with his best British exhibit in 1989

Best border in show - A. Dancer; Best Border opposite sex - C T Newby.

Best gloster in show - D Swann.

Best champion corona - D Swann.

Best new colour in show - D Swann.

Best champion Yorkshire/Norwich - A Edwards.

Best British in show - A Edwards.

Best foreign exhibit - M Evans.

Best foreign seedeater - M West.

Best zebra finch - R Rimmer.

Best budgerigar in show - C Meachin.