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North Scale is a unique as a residential suburb of a Larger town, since its geographical isolation and its clear boundaries help to preserve the village's identity. As in many villages, much of the social events have and do revolve around the village pub. The local Hospital Carnival Parades, revived in 1971, saw decorated floats from the Crown at North Scale for many years. Regulars arranged many fund-raising events, including a sponsored parachute jump, a sponsored row from the Isle of Man, and instituted the crown raft race. This was a light hearted event in which rafts were paddled from Walney Ferry to Piel Island. As well as raising thousands of pounds for charity, this event attracted thousands of spectators. There was a football team, and teams in other typical pub past times. The 900th anniversary of the Domesday Survey was celebrated in an unusual fashion. The old rivalry between North Scale and Biggar was harnessed in a challenge family sports day, but unfortunately this didn't survive beyond its second year.

The concern for the village environment, along with a recognition of uniqueness of North Scale (village) prompted the formation of the North Scale Residents Association (NSRA) in April 1990. This rapidly grew in membership, so that the current level (at time of writing in 1992) showed that over 35% of households were represented. This compared with only 10% for similar organisations in other parts of Barrow-in-Furness. In 1992 the NSRA were actively campaigning for the building of a Village Community Centre, a wish that first echoed in 1945 at the North Scale V.J. Day party.

The quality of life is something which is recognised probably better today than ever before. it must be preserved at all costs, and there is nowhere better than North Scale where it is worth preserving. The village (for that is what it is still considered as by local residents) is now just like the rest of Barrow, a dormitory area for major employers. the self sufficient days of the old farming township are no more. it faces may problems. Public transport is still pitifully inadequate, and the village post office closed in 1986, the resulting shop lasting until 1991. The lack of facilities is a problem, particularly for those without their own transport. And yet, despite these problems, many of the values of a small community remain. These must not become subservient to those of the larger town if the village identity is to survive.

Reproduced by kind permission of Dennis Laird, from his book; North Scale, An Illustrated History of an Ancient Furness Township.

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