The Westmorland Gazette has always aimed to report what is happening in the towns and villages in its circulation area over the years.

Many of these stories show that residents have a really strong element of community spirit – and Milnthorpe is no exception.

A trawl through the Gazette’s archives reveals scores of photographs and stories which show this to be the case.

In December 1988, Milnthorpe’s Market Square was preparing for a full programme of musical entertainment to accompany the late-night opening of many of the village’s shops in the run-up to Christmas.

Among those due to take part were the Dallamite Marching Band, the Dallam and Storth school bands, clog dancers, bell ringers – and Father Christmas himself!

Anyone with their own musical instrument was also given the chance to accompany the bands, with the whole resonant ensemble conducted by Alan Gardener.

Trevor Slade, chairman of Milnthorpe Trade and Professional Association, said he just wanted people to ‘come along and have some fun’.

In February 1990, the Gazette reported that one of three new litter bins for Milnthorpe was being paid for by an optician in the village, Linda Baverstock.

In the same month it was reported that parish councillors had decided to spend £9,000 to improve the village’s playing field at Park Road. Part of the play area would be surfaced with bark chippings and a dog-proof fence would be installed.

Milnthorpe could soon have ‘the best playing field in South Lakeland’, commented Coun Roger Bingham.

In November 1983, Derek Batey from Border Television visited Milnthorpe. He entertained an audience of around 90 people for an hour before conducting a local ‘Mr and Mrs’ show. Proceeds from the event amounted to £156 and were for the Carlisle Cathedral Appeal Fund.

Milnthorpe Carnival has been a major event in the village for many years.

Large crowds gathered around the attractions in 1984, which included a large Ferris wheel, roundabouts, fairground organ, car boot sale, display of vintage cars, miniature train rides, an assault course provided and manned by the Army and a motorcycle trials course organised by the Royal Signals.