Rampside Women's Institute did not hesitate when its members were approached by Barrow's Civic Pride committee for help to brighten up the borough in 1988.

They immediately collected £15 and used the money to plant bulbs on the roundabout at the approach to the village. 

"It's the first time we have ever done anything like this," said WI member Ada McCourt.

"We have started in the centre and we will see how it goes. If it is successful, perhaps we will plant some more."

Rin out, WI bells!

Rampside Women's Institute was 75 years old in 1990 and, to mark the anniversary, committee members Lillian Baines, Hazel Park and Ada McCourt rang bells at Rampside Village Hall.

At the same time, other WI member rang the bells in St Michael's Church.

In 1992 400 members of Women's Institutes from across south Cumbria attended the 74th annual council meeting of the Cumbria-Westmorland Federation of WIs.

It was the first time for many years the premier event in the WI calendar had been held in Ulverston instead of Kendal and local members pulled out all the stops to ensure visitors received a warm welcome.

The neo-classical splendour of the Coronation Hall was enhanced by floral displays by Kirkby WI, while Ulverston WI laid on a market stall in the foyer and ladies from Rampside, Scales and Ireleth served up coffee.

Chairman Doreen Galbraith, from Preston Patrick and Preston Richard WI, welcomed guests, who included the mayor and mayoress of Ulverston Cllr Colin and Mrs Connie Hodgson.

The main speaker was Rosemary McCulloch, who worked as a radio presenter, producer and studio manager for the BBC for 17 years.

She delighted her audience with her talk entitled 'Have a Go', outlining her broadcasting experiences and her philosophy of life.

Secretary Dorothy Rawson said she was delighted that the federation's 75th anniversary year was being launched in Ulverston and said a full programme of events was arranged for the following 12 months.