Situated in the scenic village of Edgworth is a volunteer-led institute with history, vibrance, and leisure.
“Whatever you want, we’ve got it,” is the claim boasted by those who run The Barlow, a place that holds community well-being at its centre.
The Barlow’s Memorial Institute, houses a coffee shop, bar, library, and the main hall that hosts theatre productions, weddings, bands groups, and parties.
John Marriot is the chairman of the trustees, he believes bringing new ideas out of the money they earn is difficult in the current economic climate, but they’re seeing great success.
He comes from a background of business and charity-running and said: “It is without a doubt a labour of love, and people come from all over the place.
A snooker room, woodland walk, cricket ground, bowling green and children’s play areas are just several functions the hidden gem has to offer.
Taking a trip back to 1909, it was opened by Sir Thomas Barlow as a memorial to their parents, James and Alice Barlow, who already oversaw many recreational facilities.
After the younger son, John Robert Barlow, passed away, the family gave the care of the institute and lands to Turton Urban District Council, then Lancashire County Council.
But then Blackburn with Darwen became the unitary council, they had time working with the Barlow but eventually the institute went as a registered charity.
Today, it still stands as a charitable organisation. The cricket ground and bowling green are leased to the local clubs.
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But it doesn’t stop there. It is still going strong. People come from all over when cycling, walking, or visiting the picturesque reservoirs.
Sustainability and profit, which goes right back into the institute, is made through venue hire, their coffee shop, and the grounds leasing.
Philip Grundy and Stephen Rothwell are two other trustees, they believe there must be a balance of running it as a charity and business, coming from business backgrounds.
Mr Grundy, who’s been at The Barlow for decades, said: “We all work together and make it work here.
“There are very few grants we can go for, because we only go for green spaces that we're successful, so we fund a lot of our work through the services we offer.”
The Barlow has needed improvement, not too long ago the interior was damaged due to roof leaking. After the expensive job, they are still counting the costs.
Even the cricket ground is seeing a project to make the pitch level from its slight slope, as well as an indoor practicing area.
That was funded by John Roberts, founder and CEO of online retailer AO World
His son, Sam, has also helped start-up a gym that is now in a once derelict church, it used to be in The Barlow.
Sam, who is a trainer in the gym, said: “Me and the manager Harry Humphries, a family friend, started training a few years ago, and we decided we wanted to open the gym here.
“The community of Edgworth is about togetherness, it’s nice to have somewhere where everyone can come together.”
On 28 September, The Barlow said people should bring along their antiques and collectables to uncover their value- and should consider presenting them at auctions.
Much more is to happen behind those doors, and it is said to never stop growing.
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