ONE of Scotland Yard’s top police chiefs and a former rector of Ulverston were two principal guests at Ulverston Rotary Club’s 54th charter anniversary dinner at the Coot, Urswick, in 1990.

Chief Insp Ken Day, who began his career as a bobby in the East End and later joined the elite anti-terrorist squad, was in 1990 involved in community relations with particular emphasis on racial problems.

HOTEL: The Rotary Club of Barrow’s 61st annual charter dinner and ladies night at the Lisdoonie Hotel, Barrow, in 1993

It was his second official visit to the club, having being invited back by president Jack Thompson after previously speaking to members about the world of anti-terrorism.

In 1990 he spoke about everyday policing in London.

The Rev David Smethurst, Ulverston’s former Rector, who was then working with The Acorn Trust in Hampshire, was also given a warm welcome. He was a former member of the club.

Rotarians from 19 clubs in the North West were among the 134 attending the event.

The Rotary Club of Furness was officially given its charter in October 1991 at a celebration dinner at the Lisdoonie Hotel, Barrow.

Bill Wood, district governor of Rotary District 1190 covering Cumbria and North Lancashire, handed over the charter to Furness president Brian Jardine.

DINNER: The Rotary Club of Barrow dinner in 1987

DINNER: The Rotary Club of Barrow dinner in 1987

The ceremony recognised the acceptance of the Furness Club as a full member of the Rotary movement. The club had started in April that year and had 34 members.

Barrow's two rotary clubs were celebrating a double in 1996 - both had been awarded Presidential club citations for acting with integrity, serving with love and working for peace.

Each club had to attain a number of targets in the avenues of service, vocational activities and community and international service, as well as furthering the aims of the rotary polio plus award.

BARROW: President Dave Ward with some members of the Rotary Club of Furness presents a cheque for £250 for the Citizens Advice Bureau to Noreen Thompson in 1999

BARROW: President Dave Ward with some members of the Rotary Club of Furness presents a cheque for £250 for the Citizens Advice Bureau to Noreen Thompson in 1999

Rotary International had played a major part in the worldwide fight to eliminate polio and the two Barrow clubs had played their part.

The citation also recognised the work each club had undertaken to increase membership and to concentrate on helping the family, which had been an ongoing theme of that rotary year.