Welcome to 2023.
A lot has happened in Barrow in just a couple of months and we are pleased to bring a variety of articles to read – ranging from information about local people; activities and competitions that have been happening; plans for the celebration of the coronation of King Charles III – to a consideration of the new Chatbot that so many people are talking about but also a look at more traditional cooking using dandelions – to a review of a book about her life as the village pharmacist from Lilian Middleton.
We have photos from the wonderful youth theatre production of Legally Blonde and photos of old tractors. We say happy retirement to Pie Man Phil, but a warm welcome to the new owners of some of our pubs and restaurants.
There’s a tribute to ex-councillor Keith Perkins, who sadly died just before Christmas but also an article wishing Jon Foxall well as he gets ready to run three marathons this year and is raising money for Blood cancer UK.
Happy reading.
Karisa Krcmar (editor)
Front cover: Barrow Youth Theatre, Legally Blonde.
Photo: with many thanks to British Gypsum who also sponsored this production
USE OUR VILLAGE DIARY!
Social media has its benefits, but not everyone uses it.
Don’t let people miss out on your event.
It’s easy to put in the Village Diary. Just email your details to email@village-diary.co.uk
King Charles III Coronation Celebrations 
Trinity Church Coronation Concert
The group behind the popular and successful
Trinity Festival is planning a concert on
Friday 5th May at 7.30pm at
Holy Trinity Church.
The concert will feature performances from children from Hall Orchard School Choir;
Humphrey Perkins School; the Wolds Choir Bagpipers; Jeremy Kimber on piano and organ; and Philipa Jackson and Jo Dring on vocals.
Come and hear an eclectic selection of entertainment with Coronation music and items from across the UK and from the Commonwealth, incorporating a new environmental anthem by Sophia Dady, military themes and maybe even a hint of King Charles’ popular music tastes.
Put the date in your diary now. Tickets will be available from Taylor’s Florist. Barrow Gardening Club
Watch out for Barrow Gardening Club’s special display for the Coronation. We don’t have details at the moment, but it’s sure to be spectacular. The centrepiece Barrow Kipper on Jerusalem Island was erected to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and some say that the oak tree there was planted as part of the celebrations.
Val Gillings