SKIES cleared as Grange carnival parade formed up on a Saturday in August 1989 and the crowd lining the route from Windermere Road to the Playing Field enjoyed the fun in the sun.

The procession was led by carnival queen Sarah Tomlinson and her attendants, Anna Roberts and Collette Appleby, in a decorated car loaned by Batemans of Lindale and escorted by the First Flookburgh Cubs.

Following was Flookburgh charter queen Karen Hill on a pink and white float, the Round Table Rolla Dice car, Ulverston Town Band, Ulverston Drum Majorettes and Band, St Martin’s Church Lads and Girls Brigade, 43 brightly dressed dancing troupes, decorated floats, bicycles and prams and many individuals in fancy dress.

During the parade more than £500 was raised in a street collection for various charities.

It was estimated around 3,000 people went on to the field for the carnival day gala, which members of Grange Round Table had set up in the pouring rain from 7.30am. The day had a circus theme.

Round Table chairman Robin Webster welcomed the queen and attendants, Mayor and Mayoress Cllr and Mr Aidan Smith and the president of Grange British Legion, Mr GM Webster and Mrs Webster.

There was entertainment by Ulverston Town Band: a Cumbria Police dog handling demonstration; marching displays by Ulverston Drum majorettes and St Martin’s Lads and Girls Brigade, from Castleton.

Other attractions included: a fun fair; Punch and Judy; miniature fire engine; pony rides; charity stands in two large marquees; and a huge circus in a tent at the bottom of the field.

After the carnival the atmosphere was extended into the clubs and hotels during the evening.

At Hadcragg Hotel, Stonecracker John and his country dance group, from Wakefield, played on the lawn for dancing.

At the British Legion club the carnival queen presented a snooker competition trophy to M Gibbons.

At Flooks Leisure Centre the music was provided by multi-instrumentalist duo White Gold.