Thirteen winners of the Love Barrow awards have been brought together to help inspire and support the people of Furness.
Each member of the new Ambassador Group is a past winner of the prestigious Ambassador Award.
The group held its inaugural meeting earlier this month at Abbey House Hotel, with six ambassadors present. They began shaping their vision for how the group can support community aspirations, share skills and knowledge, and act as a force for positivity across the region.
Ambassador of the Year 2017 Phil Collier said: “The strength of Furness has always been its people.
“The Ambassador Group brings together a wealth of experience, passion and local pride, and I’m really proud to be part of it.
“Together, we have a real opportunity to support and elevate the amazing opportunities for our town and it is so important for us all to ensure that the community as a whole benefits.”
Ambassadors include respected figures from across Furness, many of whom have been recognised nationally for their contributions:
- Geoff Steele
- Dave Coverdale
- Rob Cairns
- Anne Burns
- Caroline Vernon
- Anne Attwood
- Katrina Robson
- Phil Collier
- Emma Broadbent
- Dr Geoff Joliffe, High Sheriff of Cumbria 2025
- David Higham
- Jayne Moorby MBE
- Rebecca Robson MBE
The new group aims to champion the aspirations of award finalists, advise community projects, and collectively contribute to initiatives such as Team Barrow and its Barrow Rising vision.
DT Guest, director of Love Barrow Awards CIC and chair of the awards committee, said: “Some of our Ambassadors expressed a desire to work together to help our locality.
“As a way to mark our 20th anniversary we checked with as many as we could and all our community rock stars wanted to be involved!
“The first meeting is the first step, and what a positive step it was! I’d like to thank Siemens Energy as the sponsor of the Ambassador of the Year Award for supporting the recognition and celebration of our community role models.”
The Ambassador Group will meet again in October to continue shaping its role and exploring opportunities for collaboration, with a focus on using their influence, networks and experience to amplify community aspirations across Furness.
