More than 3,000 people flocked to the annual Barrow Rotary Club Gala in 1997.

It was a lovely June day, so the crowds were able to enjoy the various activities while soaking up the sun and enjoying an occasional ice cream.

There were all the usual stalls and rides and various displays.

The Mail:

Organisers estimated that the fun day for all the family had raised about £1,500.

Among the attractions were street entertainers The Barracudas, St Andrew’s Pipe Band, the Furness Shotokan Club and stunt rider The Kangaroo Kid.

Rotary spokesman Andrew Sherwen summed up the day by stating: “Everybody enjoyed themselves.”

The Mail:

Local charities benefited from stalls run by, among others, Furness Lions, the Blind Society and the Family Placement Team.

The Mail’s report of the 1997 gala highlighted that Barrow Rotary Club had raised £10,000 during 1996 for a variety of causes.

It also added that the club, along with Barrow Schools Music Association, was organising A Country Ramble at Forum 28 later that month.

The Mail:

The following year, in 1998, more than 4,000 visitors attended the Barrow Rotary Club Gala.

The fun-filled day at Furness Abbey Amphitheatre went without a hitch and more than fulfilled its aim of providing a cheap and great day out.

Community Services Chairman Andrew Sherwen said: “It was an excellent day. The numbers attending were up on last year, at four and a half thousand.

“I think after all the bad weather we have been having it was refreshing to have some sun.”

The Mail:

Children and adults alike marvelled at the skydivers performing their stunts.

And world champion strongman John Evans treated his audience to several breath-taking displays of strength.

Mr Sherwen added: “The children love it - it is really for them.

“Our main aim is to provide a cheap day out.”

The gala raised around £2,000, which was to be given away to various local charities.