We began the 2023 programme with our AGM at the monthly meeting in January. The Chairperson/Secretary was re-elected and then the Chairperson’s report for 2022 was given. This outlined the events of the previous twelve months, which included details of the meetings and guest speakers. The year had been a busy one for the Society and arrangements had gone well to relocate to Beacon Hill Methodist Church Hall after the closure of Trinity Church Centre. The report outlined the Society’s involvement with local history initiatives and members were reminded that the Sunset Series of online talks are available during the winter months, arranged through Morecambe Bay Partnership. As a society, we are pleased to provide the opportunity for everyone to access information about the town’s history through both of our websites: barrowhistory.co.uk and furnessabbey.org.uk..
The Chairperson thanked the members of the Committee for their work throughout the year and emphasised how much their help and support is appreciated. The Treasurer’s Report was given and then the election of the Committee went ahead. The members of the Committee remain as before, but members were invited to join the Committee if they wished.
At the end of the business part of the meeting, guest speaker Geoff Holme was welcomed to present his talk: “Miscellany from an old slide box.” Geoff has been our guest speaker on several occasions and is well known for his unique collection of photographs and vast knowledge of local history. This particular talk had come about from being given a box of slides taken by three different people. The vast majority of the photographs were in colour and Geoff had arranged the miscellaneous scenes into themes showing scenes from Barrow and the surrounding area. It was a wonderful presentation giving an insight into the changing views of streets before the town centre redevelopment of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Many of the buildings have disappeared altogether, but memories of the bygone era were very nostalgic. Views of Barrow Docks with the huge cranes and ships like HMS Invincible gave everyone a sense of pride in the town’s heritage. Geoff included photos of the Ironworks, the Hoop Works, the Power Station: all links with the town’s industrial past. Other places were featured in Geoff’s talk showing changes in local villages and railway stations that had disappeared.
After the vote of thanks, Geoff was presented with a gift from the Committee. It was an 1867 medal commemorating the opening of the Town Docks in 1867, which coincided with the Incorporation of the Borough of Barrow-in Furness. The medal had been found in a box of items in an antiques shop in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. The story of how it made its way to the other side of the world sparks the imagination and it is thought to have been in the belongings of someone leaving Barrow to start a new life on the other side of the world. The medal was presented to Geoff in recognition of his work in promoting local history and sharing his knowledge with many different organisations.
Our next meeting will be a guided tour of the Lifeboat Station at Roa Island on Friday 24th February. Mike Cumming from the RNLI will explain the vital role the Lifeboat Station provides in keeping people safe at sea. Members and visitors should meet at the Lifeboat Station ready for a 2pm start. The charge will be £2, which will contribute towards a donation to the RNLI.