A corps of drums heralded a gala day of fun at Stainton in 1994, which raised approximately £5,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

A seemingly never-ending stream of people visited the gala on the village green.

Despite changeable weather, crowds flocked to see karate demonstrations, ride and sideshows.

Bernie Cooper, landlord of the Miners Arms, Stainton, said: “It was unbelievable. There were lots and lots of people round all day and they spent quite a lot of money.”

A sponsored pram-push involving 19 teams of three people raced around a course, which took them through the nearby village of Urswick.

“One group of lasses raised £75. It was a great day,” said Mr Cooper.

"It is all down to the committee. The lads and lasses have put in a great deal of hard work.”

In another community event, Urswick’s historic Rushbearing procession proved a colourful spectacle around the village in 1995.

Led by Vickers Junior Band, the procession included that year’s Rushbearing Queen Kerry Bennett, 12, and her three maids of honour Sara Jeory, 12, and Rachel Sawrey, 11, all from Great Urswick, plus Lauren Berrett, 11, from Ulverston.

Alison in the procession was retiring queen Sarah Stubbs, 13, from Great Urswick.

Villagers turned out in force to watch as the procession set off from Low Furness School and toured Great and Little Urswick.

A specially embroidered Urswick Rush sheet was used to collect donations from villagers.

Organiser Sheila Clark said: "Vickers Junior Band were very good and played and marched wonderfully."

That's year's procession reverted to the traditional route around Urswick via Daisy Hill before returning to the church for the Rushbearing Service, which was conducted by the Rev Mary Day.

Children entering the church spread rushes on the floor and during the last hymn placed flowers on forgotten graves in the churchyard.