THERE was a chance to look back through the decades in 1998 as the Heritage, Heart and Hope exhibition took over Barrow Town Hall.

The Mail, on Monday, October 19, noted:"The Barrow Age Concern event filled the banqueting hall and drawing room with art, crafts, music and activities.

"A vintage bus took guests on a tour of Heart of Barrow projects which will help transform the look of the town.

"Inside the town hall there was music from Ulverston Victoria High School's saxophone ensemble."

There were displays by The Mail - in its centenary year - Barrow Transport Group and the Dock Museum.

One of the more unusual exhibits on loan from the Dock Museum was a bone-shaker bicycle from 1890.

Youngsters from Greengate Junior School and Dane Ghyll Primary School had artwork on display at the town hall and provided demonstrations of traditional Victorian games.

The article noted: "Among the most popular exhibits was a range of 10 large oil paintings by Joe Bircher showing the town centre before the major changes which Barrow has seen in the last 30years - including the Coliseum, Forshaw Street and Paxton Terrace."