First of all however, the OfNS report suggested also that Northern Ireland* was the 'happiest' place to live in the country. This seems rather odd for a place which is still dogged by violent and bitter sectarianism, the so called 'peace walls' which divide communities, high unemployment and a turbulent history not seen in the Furness area probably since the English Civil War. So again, do not despair, this report obviously has flaws.
Let's return to look at the geography of Barrow and the Furness area. Anyone who has embarked on a rail journey either in the Carlisle or Lancaster directions knows how stunning the views are. Barrow sits on the edge of the world renowned Lake District, a place of natural beauty and since the 18th Century, Barrow had been placed in the 'South Lakeland' column of the Preston Guardian. The Lakes to the North, the breathtaking Morecambe Bay Sands to our South, Piel Island, the magnificent and historically significant Abbey, I could continue. Wordsworth himself visited the area and mentions the Abbey in his poem: 'The Prelude', United States President Theodore Roosevelt visited the area during his childhood and there have been rumours of King John's lost treasure and the one and only Holy Grail of Jesus being hidden in a tunnel beneath the town. Barrow has a stunning countryside, historical mysteries and fabulous locality.
Looking more towards the town proper itself, many people in the town are part of an industry which builds world class submarines for the Royal Navy. From Elizabeth II to Winston Churchill, from Lady Diana to Princess Margaret- royal and historical giants have come to the town to adoring crowds to launch vessels built by the shipyard workers. IJN Mikasa, the flagship of the Russo-Japanese War 1904-1905 was constructed in the Barrow shipyard and constitutes a rightful place as one of the three great vessels of the world alongside HMS Victory and USS Constitution. There is not a more proud town which has done so much that I cannot think of in the United Kingdom. All of us in Barrow either have currently or have had a relative who works in the shipyard.
Barrow has it's fair share of problems like the rest of Britain but you just go and have a look at Toxteth in Liverpool, Brixton in London or just recently central Glasgow after the Scottish referendum. No disrespect to these places but Barrovians need feel no shame about their town. From those I know in Barrow, there is an appetite of aspiration in the town and the town will change and evolve like it always has.
There are tons of things I could have mentioned as to why Barrow and Furness are great but then I'd end up writing a dissertation. However, we can be proud of our history and our successes but they are part of history for a reason and they are there to be celebrated. Barrow and Barrovians can easily be looking forward to a bright future. I know it and the town knows it. Look at your life and tell me it isn't as bad as the young children being murdered in Iraq this evening? Tell me instead that your proud of your town and that you are sick of outsiders telling you otherwise.
Dedicated to those Barrovians more happy than miserable.
*No disrespect to the people of Northern Ireland.
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