THE ‘Barrow’s Heritage – Micro to Mighty’ programme follows a collaboration between Barrow Borough Council and the Fund in 2017.

This saw 20 heritage groups in the Barrow area being award microgrants of between £200 and £3,000.

They ran projects to work with schools, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ groups and culturally and ethnically diverse local communities, but the Covid-19 pandemic hit hard and left many of them reeling.

Now, the Heritage Fund-backed ‘Barrow’s Heritage – Micro to Mighty’ programme will allow them to continue the work they began in 2017, it will also work with the groups to find extra funding to keep their work going and will be open to new groups.

Barrow’s magnificent Grade II* Listed Town Hall is also part of the ‘Barrow’s Heritage – Micro to Mighty’ programme and there will be a consultation about using it as a community facility.

Today’s announcement coincides with a visit to Barrowby the Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Eilish McGuinness.

Eilish McGuinness said: “I’m very proud that we’re collaborating again with Barrow Borough Council on the ‘Barrow’s Heritage – Micro to Mighty’ programme to continue to make this area’s rich heritage accessible.

"I feel so privileged to meet so many passionate advocates for heritage, and to experience these treasures first hand – what a wealth of amazing places and stories, and what a great foundation to build on for communities, tourism and the economy.

"Thank you to all the National Lottery players who have made this investment possible.”

Commenting on the announcement of the funding, Councillor Ann Thomson, the Leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: "News of this ‘Micro to Mighty’ award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund is truly excellent news. The microgrants provided to 20 local groups in 2017 made a huge difference, allowing them to reach out and connect the rich heritage we are lucky to have here in Barrow with a wide range of people across our communities.

"This funding means that incredible work can now continue, ensuring our heritage is accessible for all. I look forward to seeing these groups thrive and people's general interest and understanding of our heritage grow as this fascinating and worthwhile project moves forward."

During her two-day stay, Eilish is visiting the Re:discover Barrow High Street Heritage Action Zone project in the Central Barrow Conservation Area.

The area incorporates areas of Cornwallis Street, Duke Street, Ramsden Square and Abbey Road which received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant in 2010.

It is part of the High Street Heritage Action Zones cultural programme which is enhancing 68 English high streets through art, sound and film.

Historic England is leading the £7.4 million cultural programme in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund which has invested £3 million in it and Arts Council England.

David Renwick, Director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in the North of England said: “I’m really excited to have Eilish in the North of England visiting Barrow and the surrounding landscape.

"At the National Lottery Heritage Fund we are keen to work in places and in collaboration to ensure we can truly unleash the power of culture and heritage and the visit will give us a chance to explore such conversations and to hear from local organisations and other funders about the role heritage might play in plans for the area’s bright future.”