Barrow: Man behind Royal Town campaign ‘delighted’ at endorsement

Presenter and manager for community radio station Cando FM Brian Boyd first flouted the idea of Royal recognition in March 2022 to the radio station before outlining a proposal in August 2022. 

He then presented this to former MP Simon Fell in January 2023.

MP Simon Fell in the House of Commons speaking about the campaign (Image: Simon Fell) The document contained the shipyard’s progress in becoming a world leader, the numerous vessels built at the site and the town’s past historical links with Royalty.

Before this point, the campaign been in years in the making to recognise the achievements of the people of Barrow.

READ MORE: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visits BAE Systems, Barrow

Mr Boyd became a shipwright in 1969 at Vickers LTD aged 16.

He rose through the ranks when it became BAE Systems and retired after he became a project leader.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that King Charles agreed to confer the ‘Royal’ title in recognition of the town’s ‘unique and critical contribution’ to national security as home of nuclear submarine building in the UK.

The title is a recognition of the ‘dedication and commitment’ of the people of Barrow in delivering the submarines that protect the nation, now and for decades to come.

Brian has around 35 years’ experience in Shipbuilding (Image: Brian Boyd) Mr Boyd, who is also president of the Rotary Club of Furness, said: “I was really surprised it came so fast. I heard the news from Niyall Philips, the commanding officer at Barrow Cadets, and was very happy. I went onto the Evening Mail site and there it was.

“I had a few calls from people congratulating me and of course I was very happy to see it in the national news. 

“This is something I’d wanted since the 1980s and the opportunity came my way with former Barrow MP Simon Fell and it was like a perfect storm.

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“Politicians on both sides have really embraced this and we had some really positive meetings with current MP Michelle Scrogham also.

“Having the King’s endorsement is incredibly positive for the town, with investors more likely to look at the town and we may even get some more leisure facilities or entertain complexes. 

“I was delighted and really happy when I heard the news. This has been a fantastic week for Barrow in the spotlight.”

King Charles hopes to visit the town in due course to mark the town’s ‘proud heritage and prosperous future’.