of Events
the Abbey
THE PHOENIX OF FURNESS
by Beryl Fisher
A mythical, huge, bright-
In Arabian desert, lived alone, the Phoenix, so we're told.
When it had lived five hundred years, it built a nest on sand,
Of wood and aromatic gum, which with its wings it fanned.
The massive pile burst into flame and soon became a pyre
And the phoenix burnt itself to ash in the all-
Then from the ashes there arose, a phoenix -
To live again for many years, as its youth was now regained.
Now as a symbol of new life, it is often seen today.
Here in Barrow it could be used, and have a part to play
In the changing lifestyle of our town, from its past industrial glory,
To one attracting tourists -
From the middle nineteenth century when iron-
Cornish miners came here to live, to dig it from the ground,
The village grew -
Taking slate from Furness quarries, iron-
A steelworks, where the rails were made, was next to be erected.
And homes for many workers which the growing town expected.
The docks were soon increased in size to cope with extra trade
And a large shipbuilding yard was built where many ships were made.
Liners, tankers, submarines and even aircraft-
For Barrow's largest workforce, their skill had known no barriers.
The thriving town, in recent years, has seen some downward trends.
The efforts of our council now, should help to make amends
By converting our spacious dockland into a place for leisure
It will hopefully bring local jobs and give a lot of pleasure.
With marina, Festivals of the Sea, and water sports in mind
As a tourist centre it could be a very special kind.
Furness Abbey's impressive ruins are our most attractive asset.
The Dock Museum's fine displays add a most instructive facet.
Our lovely park's Victorian style, we are trying to restore -
Then hopefully, like the Phoenix, our town will rise once more
Drawing by Amy Hardy