Hawkshead Show is always a great favourite, due to its high standard of entries and its glorious setting in the heart of the Lake District.

In August 1989, the popular show drew 4,500 people to scenic Hawkshead Hall Meadow.

Early morning drizzle gave way to glorious sunshine to ensure success for the third year running for this homely show, which embraced an array of displays, competitions and events.

The Westmorland Gazette:

The day was another triumph for Ulverston great-grandmother Dorcy Storey, who added the show’s private driving trophy to her earlier successes at North Lonsdale, Cartmel and Kendal.

Mrs Storey cut a marvellous sight in the parade ring with her spindle back gig and her beautiful nine-year-old Welsh mare Leyswick Firefly.

Hawkshead, in the heart of sheep country, is renowned for the quality of entries. This year was no exception – and winner of the prestigious supreme champion award was local man Jack Thackeray, of Town End Farm, with a blue-faced Leicester ewe.

The Westmorland Gazette:

Jack, 25 years a show committee member, was delighted with his success and the show’s continuing popularity.

The hand-crafted shepherd’s crook or walking stick competition attracted a record 65 entries.

Judge was Brian Godfrey, of Windermere, who was making his first appearance at Hawkshead. An electrical engineer who made sticks himself as a hobby, he said the standard of entries was good.

The Westmorland Gazette:

Among qualities to look for in a stick, he said, was quality of wood, (usually hazel), strength, shape of neck – and it must also be functional.

In the marquees, craft displays - including traditional lace-making - took up twice the area this year, including mouth-watering displays of cooking, chocolate hedgehogs and Dundee cakes.

Veteran horticultural exhibitor Mr W.W. Howarth showed what looked to be ‘the biggest aspidistra in the world’ and Rusland Young Farmers staged an interesting display on a British food and farming theme.