Over the past 20 years, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has invested £8m into conserving Barrow’s heritage and helping local people explore their past.

Sara Hilton, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “Barrow-in-Furness is packed to the rafters with some wonderful heritage. From exploring a pre-First World War British Army training camp in the North Walney Nature Reserve to restoring the bells at St James’s Church, these heritage projects have helped uncover the lives and stories of Barrow’s people and places. Barrow is an important development area for us at HLF and we are working hard to encourage more applications from this area in particular – today is about celebration but we also must look to the future, so get in touch if you have an idea!.”

John Woodcock MP, added: “Barrovians should be incredibly proud of their local heritage, particularly so in this centenary year when we remember the sacrifice of local people in the First World War and the huge role that Barrow’s shipyard played in that fight. The Heritage Lottery Fund has made some very valuable investments in preserving the town’s history and I hope this week of events will be a great opportunity for people to discover more about Barrow’s past.”

Among those organisations taking part at the event and showcasing their achievements are:

• Art Gene – this Arts group are currently running an HLF funded community art and archaeology project, ‘Fort Walney Uncovered’ exploring their First World War history;
• Heron Corn Mill – situated on the weir of the River Bela in Beetham, Heron Corn Mill, which dates back to the 18th century, is a rare example of an operational upland watermill. HLF’s investment is being used to make vital repairs to the mill building and vastly improve its facilities;
• Morecambe Bay Partnership – communities, natural habitats and historic sites around Morecambe Bay are set to benefit from major HLF investment over the next five years;
• St James’s Barrow – HLF funding has helped restore the bells at St James’s Church;
• Dare Dance – this local dance initiative have recently been awarded HLF funding for a project involving local women of all ages in exploring their 'first loves' and how these experiences have changed over the last 50 years;
• North West Evening Mail – will be sharing their extensive archives at the event.

If you have an idea for a heritage project in Barrow – we can help! Get in touch with our local North West team who’d be delighted to hear from you and can offer support and advice on delivering an HLF project: Call our Development Officer, Maya Sharma, on 0161 200 8482 or email her maya.sharma@hlf.org.uk 

Further information

HLF Press Office: Laura Bates, HLF press office, 0207 591 6027/ Lbates@hlf.org.uk