Always loyal to his home town, and ready to spring to its defence, the first president of Barrow-in-Furness Civic Society, wrote in the above mentioned book, (page 44) . . .  “Although it is often pilloried by television comics and jocular journalists, the town has much to be proud of.

“Within its present boundaries are two nature reserves, a National Trust ‘wilderness area’, two medieval castles and the ruins of one of Britain’s most magnificent Cistercian monasteries - how many ‘industrial’ towns can boast as much?”


Hunter Davies was one of the jocular journalists who, in the past, has pilloried Barrow, in a very much tongue in cheek manner. He accepted an invitation from Barrow-in­-Furness Civic Society to be taken on a tour of the town. President, Dr. Bill Rollinson was one of the CS. committee members who welcomed Mr. Davies at Barrow Central Station 3 October 1989 and then took him to Furness Abbey after visiting the Abbey House Hotel for lunch.

The committee of the Civic Society hired a mini-bus and took
Hunter Davies on a tour of Barrow

Hunter Davies visits Barrow

We looked across to Piel Island from Roa Island

Hunter Davies
Alice Leach Barracudas
Barrow Railway Station 1989
(The “Red Carpet”)
Photo Roy Chatfield

The Mayor’s Parlour
The Mayor was Councillor Steve Smart
Photo Roy Chatfield

In the Abbey grounds

On the way to the Abbey, having had lunch at the Abbey House Hotel

Hunter Davies with the Barracudas
He was a good sport and enjoyed the day
Photo courtesy of N.W.Evening Mail