There was fierce competition for the title of Friends of Furness Hospitals Carnival Queen in the year 1989 in Barrow. The Imperial Hotel on Cornwallis Street, Barrow, was the venue for that year’s preliminary round of judging. The age limit was lowered to 17 at the time and judging was to select seven young women to take part in the final at the Cemetery Cottages Club on Schneider Road, Barrow. While each lady waited their turn, they learnt that some of their fellow contestants were only there because “they fancied” giving it a go. Two friends who had entered separately surprised each other while waiting.
VICARS, brass bands, Donald Ducks and Teddy Bears were all in attendance at Mrs Mopps and the silent scout’s events day during the large South Cumbrian effort for Children in Need that took place in November, 1989. Money came pouring into the BBC Radio Furness show as part of the nation-wide charity appeal that make a total of £31,529,58 up until that year. The £30,000 barrier was broken just before the end of the Ron Duxbury auction. According to senior producer Aileen Ross, the total was already more than £11,000 up on the previous year’s donation of £19,725. The auction raised £750 and included a weekend for two in London, which was donated by Patrick and Jane O’Hare of Marton Close, Dalton.