Lord Mason of Barnsley announced as Honorary President of the Friends of Experience Barnsley

EXPERIENCE Barnsley, the project which hopes to put museum galleries, an archives centre and more in the Town Hall, is proud to announce Lord Mason has accepted the position of Honorary President of their Friends Group.

The group is delighted to have filled the position with such a well loved and respected Barnsley resident, as well as someone who is also an historically significant figure, and look forward to announcing other Honorary Patrons over coming weeks.

Lord Mason was born in Barnsley in 1924, growing up in a mining community in a very difficult era. He was a boy when a disaster at a local pit killed 58 men.

He went down the pit himself when he was 14. His ability was noticed and he became a branch official of the NUM in his mid-twenties, before winning his Barnsley seat in 1953, which he held for another 34 years. After junior ministerial office, he became Defence Secretary in 1974 and went on to play a significant role as Northern Ireland Secretary during the troubles. He was elevated to the peerage in 1987.

On accepting his position as Honorary President of the Friends of Experience Barnsley, Lord Mason said: “I am delighted to be involved with this ambitious project. It is a wonderful opportunity for Barnsley to showcase the history of the borough for the first time and in such a magnificent building.”

If plans go ahead, Experience Barnsley will see exciting museum galleries, a new archives centre and other facilities incorporated into the Town Hall. The Heritage Lottery Fund has earmarked £2.6m for the project which is hoped to be secured by the end of the year.

Anyone who has any documents, objects or memories related to living in Barnsley in the past, whether from the 900s, the 1990s or anytime in between, is urged to take them down to be photographed at the Interchange on Saturday between 10am and 2pm, or to the former Specsavers at 21 Cheapside next Wednesday, 23 or Thursday, 24 July , 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, ring Barnsley Museums Service on 01226 790270, email experiencebarnsley@barnsley.gov.uk, or join the Experience Barnsley Facebook site.

ENDS

Photo caption: Lord and Lady Mason with Lord Mason’s biographer and prominent local historian Brian Elliot, a leading figure in the Experience Barnsley project.

Issued by press office, 01226 773375, email: pressoffice@barnsley.gov.uk