Today, we gather with fond hearts to celebrate the extraordinary life of Barbara Barraclough—a woman whose journey was a symphony of love, resilience, and an unwavering spirit that left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Born into the embrace of Arthur and Gladys, Barbara emerged as a beacon of warmth and compassion. Raised in the close-knit community, Barbara’s early years were steeped in the close bonds of family. She had two siblings, Michael and Ann, who shared in the joys and challenges of their formative years.
Barbara’s commitment to familial love and unity blossomed when she married Brian in the quaint setting of Brimington Church in Chesterfield. They first lived in Little Houghton before moving to Middlecliffe where, together, they created a vibrant household with their two children, David and Julie. She also had 3 grandchildren, Lauren, Steven and Thomas, step granddaughter Charlotte, as well as step great grandson Vinny and most recently blessed with great granddaughter Lana. Barbara loved and adored them all equally and was committed to ensuring the well-being of her family.
Barbara’s first foray into working life was at Lamp caps in Chesterfield. Here she met lifelong friend Audrey. After that she began collecting Littlewoods Pools which started as a couple of hours, but it became a two-day odyssey. It wasn’t merely a duty; it was an adventure filled with colourful gossip and a genuine connection with her community. Due to length of time the job had become, Julie and Brian were roped in to help to make sure everything was ready on time for when the collection man turned up. She later became the cleaner for Mrs Naylor who was the nurse at Houghton Main.
Her culinary prowess was legendary. Not many people would leave the house without being fed. One thing she excelled at was making sure people were well looked after. As for immediate family it was a standing joke that they all knew what was for tea each day. She was also renowned for her trifle. Especially at Christmas when she used plenty of Sherry. There were always a variety of cakes and biscuits in the cupboard. Barbara’s kitchen was not just a place for sustenance; it was a hub of warmth and generosity. Even when David went all over the world with the band, and when he rang home the question was never are you ok, but always have you had something to eat. She Loved to go for an afternoon tea with Julie and Pam. They would go anywhere so long as they had cake with cream.
The Middlecliffe Working Men’s Club became a sanctuary for Barbara’s social spirit. 90% of the tables in the club were taken up by the regulars. With the left-hand side of the club earning the nickname of ‘Coronation Street’. Barbara and Brian would sit 2nd row down, 3rd table in. Woe betides any ‘outsiders’ come in and sit at their table. They loved the bingo and watching the turn, and they would always have 2 halves ready for Julie when she got to the club from being out in town.
Barbara loved music. She went to see musicals on numerous occasions with Julie and Pam. Her favourite memory was going to see Singing in the Rain and being in the front row. She insisted that she wouldn’t get wet, but she inevitably ended up drenched. For over 30 years she went to watch David play with Grimethorpe Colliery Band at concerts and contests. Most of the band got to know her and would affectionately call her ‘Mrs B’ or ‘Mrs Barra’.
Barbara was a passionate tv watcher. Especially the soaps. She even visited the sets of Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Later she loved X-Factor, The Voice, Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here. Her ultimate favourite was Strictly Come Dancing. Which she had watched right from the beginning when it was known as Come Dancing back in the 70’s.
Following the loss of her beloved husband Brian in 2004, Barbara embarked on a new chapter, teaming up with widows Betty and Freda for holiday excursions. Her little pocket diaries were only ever marked with dates for the next adventures, never birthdays. Their holidays were filled with a zest for life that refused to wane. They would take lots of photos, of the same places, with the same people. The photos could be used as a timeline of how the locations changed over the years. Her favourites trips were the turkey & tinsel. They would go on 3 or 4 of them a year. Eating Christmas dinner as early as October.
In her later years, Barbara continued to spread joy, attending the Miners Welfare Hall in Great Houghton every Friday for the TARA Club, participating in many events and trips, and of course bingo. Her love of bingo became so strong that she’s got 4 Coronation Street dabbers with her right now just in case she fancies a game later. Barbara’s infectious love for life and unwavering enthusiasm illuminated every gathering. Especially If she won the meat tray or a tenner. She would be glowing from ear to ear for the entire week.
As we bid farewell to Barbara, let us carry forward the echoes of her laughter, the warmth of her embrace, and the boundless love she generously shared. May her memory be a source of inspiration and smiles for years to come.
Rest in peace, dear Barbara. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know you, and your spirit remains a guiding light for us all.
Funeral Service was conducted at Barnsley Crematorium at 2:10pm on 26th January 2024.
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Thanks for everything Chris, everybody we have spoken to was impressed with the service and especially the content. Don’t think any of us could have done anymore. Pity Mam missed it because she would have loved it.
Chris Platts - Professional Celebrant 