Barrowcliff
Welcome to the Barrowcliff 'Our Bigger Story' website. This is part of the multi media evaluation of 15 Big Local areas in England. The website is an opportunity to follow what is changing in Barrowcliff as a result of Big Local over a ten year period.
The aim of the website is to share the learning from everything that is happening in Barrowcliff with other Big Local areas and highlight what works in communities with a wider audience of practitioners and policy makers.

Timeline
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Barrowcliff Big Local, in partnership with Gallows Close Centre, hosted a second, hugely successful Bingo event. This time residents were treated to a delicious afternoon tea provided by Team Gallows. Numbers were double on last time, with 50 people attending and enjoying a good natter and a few laughs! Some were lucky enough to go home with some Easter Egg prizes!
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In an attempt to boost Big Local Facebook interaction and promote local activities and events, the Partnership launched a Photo Competition in autumn 2022 for residents to take part in. A total of five £50 vouchers were up for grabs for each of the following categories: Children - Pets - Scenery - Community Events - Christmas. The Partnership was overwhelmed with more than 200 colourful entries that were shared across the Facebook group. Here's a snippet of just a few...
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After a little chat at a Partnership meeting, Big Local decided to have a go at hosting a Bingo event. With their close working relationship with Gallows Close Centre, they teamed up and came up with a Pie & Pea Lunch followed by Bingo. Team Gallows provided a tasty hot lunch to drum up business on a cold January day and attracted 25 people, some from neighbouring communities too. Not bad for a first attempt! The word got out and residents asked for more Bingo events. Some people hadn't socialised with friends and neighbours since pre-Covid days and this was just what they needed!
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Local resident, Monica Smith, hosted her sixth Christmas Together event on Christmas Day, this time at Gallows Close Centre. The event aimed to bring together both families and individuals for a full day of festive celebrations, completely free of charge. Over 30 people joined in the fun and were served a full day’s Christmas menu and enjoyed festive games and entertainments. Monica was assisted by a small team of volunteers on the day and is grateful for funding and support from Barrowcliff Residents’ Association, Barrowcliff Big Local, Gallows Close Centre, Councillors Chatt and Popple for their contributions from the SBC Locality Budget Scheme, and Councillor Heritage and his wife Sylvia for volunteering.
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For the sixth year running, Barrowcliff Big Local was pleased to host the BIG Christmas Prize Draw again , giving away 25 beautiful Christmas hampers to local families. Every household in the Big Local area was automatically entered into the Draw. The lucky winners were then drawn randomly at a Big Local Meeting on 28 November, which was broadcast live on the Barrowcliff Big Local Facebook page. The hampers were very kindly sponsored by Sainsbury’s, Barrowcliff Residents’ Association, Beyond Housing, Sanctuary Housing and Gallows Close Centre. Staff at Sainsbury's Scarborough took the time to make up and deliver the wonderful Christmas hampers. Without this support, the project wouldn’t be the success it has become.
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It was all fun and games at this year's Dog Show hosted by Barrowcliff Big Local, with the best ever turnout of almost 40 dogs and their families taking part. The event took place on Barrowcliff Park Green on Saturday 27 August with five event categories to enter. The three judges had some extremely tough decisions to make, before presenting awards for first, second and third place in each category and a special award for "Dog of the Day".
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After a three year break due to Covid, Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership was pleased to get back to what they do best by hosting their summer 2022 event - Big Local on Ice. The sun was shining, ice rink sparkling and families aplenty. The volunteers played an amazing part in running a fun-packed family event which involved skating, bouncy castles, crafts, food and music, all free of charge. Families not only enjoyed the activities on offer, but made new friends and links with organisations that provide services within the community. This film shows vice-chair Bill trying out an activity - with a bit of trepidation! A film illustrating what the day meant to residents is also available. An example of true community engagement!!
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This is an example of Barrowcliff Big Local doing what it does best - bringing people together. A great day for neighbours to catch up and children to play. Everyone could participate as all activites and food and drink were free, thanks to local community groups working together and financial support from Big Local. In this film residents explain wht events like this are so important for Barrowcliff.
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To mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Big Local worked in partnership with Gallows Close Centre to host day to remember for the local community. The event took place both indoors and outside in the grounds of the Centre, where numerous children's inflatables were based, alongside a disco, competitions, local stalls and good old-fashioned fun. The biggest crowd-puller had to be the free hog roast complete with all the trimmings!
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As part of the Civic Pride theme, Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership has developed a project to tackle fly-tipping and to help keep the local community clean and tidy. The BIG Recycling Scheme enables local residents to get rid of their unwanted bulky items and electrical goods in a responsible way and at a huge discount for a limited time throughout summer. Big Local has partnered with the local authority and RB Recycling Ltd. to offer this unique service to Big Local residents. Big Local has allocated funding to the scheme, allowing residents a 50% discount on all bookings. The project will be closely monitored to assess the impact and, if successful, could possibly be repeated.
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Barrowcliff BIG Local hosted it's fifth BIG Christmas Prize Draw on Monday 22 November. A total of 26 lucky winners were drawn, each receiving a beautiful Sainsbury's hamper worth £50.
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Barrowcliff Residents' Association hosted a wonderful Afternoon Tea with partner organisations Barrowcliff Big Local and Gallows Close Centre on Monday 15 November. Local residents enjoyed a relaxing afternoon and a good natter with their local councillors, housing associations, church community, Team Gallows, Big Local and the Residents' Association Committee. The food was scrumptious, as you can see :-)
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Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership has just had its final Big Local Plan approved by Local Trust. This Plan will take the Partnership to the end of the programme in 2025 with lots of exciting projects to look forward to. That's not the end though - Barrowcliff is working with many other Partnerships across the country to develop a network building on the foundations of the Big Local programme to ensure some form of continuity. The working title for this network is "The Day After Tomorrow" which has already captured the half of the Big Local Partnerships in the UK. Watch this space!!!
Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership was pleased to part-fund the renovation of the local primary school pond which was in a poor state of repair and had become useable by the school. The renovation was conducted with the support of local housing association, Beyond Housing, and local businesses. The project involved completely draining the old pond, clearing weed and debris, installing a new pond liner, refilling, laying new paving, a wooden jetty, replacement fencing and seeding a wildflower garden. The newly restored pond has attracted wildlife to the area, enhanced the natural beauty of the environment and, above all, has enabled school the children to get outdoors for some practical learning and enhance their connection with nature.
The Gallows Close Centre has been a lifeline to many people during the pandemic. Situated at one end of Barrowcliff, it has benefited from Big Local support and connections provided by the Big Local network. This film demonstrates how local residents have got involved and its value to the community.
A successful Community Clean-Up event was hosted by Barrowcliff Big Local on Friday 2 July as part of their Civic Pride initiative. The day was deemed a huge success due to the partnership approach to the event with the commitment of so many local agencies and volunteers pulling together and working to help keep Barrowcliff clean, tidy and a nice place to live.
Barrowcliff Big Local pulled together residents, community groups, local projects and leager agencies to create a clean up action day across the estate. Working together they helped to build neighbourliness, community pride and a tidier evironment. This film demonstares what can be done when groups and agencies pull in the same direction with a clear focus on building an even better place to live.
Barrowcliff Big Local hosted its fourth Dog Show on 26 June 2021, after missing last year's event! Over 20 dogs and their owners took part in the Show, competing in five classes, including Handsomest Dog, Golden Oldie, Most Obedient Dog, Biscuit Catcher and Child Dog Handler. Not forgetting the ultimate award for "Dog of the Day". The judges, Laura Young (Beyond Housing), Stuart Smith (Sanctuary Housing) and Tom Clayton (North Yorkshire Coast Methodist Church Circuit), had some tough decisions to make before presenting the winners with their trophies. Sponsors for this year's Show were Barrowcliff Residents' Association, Sanctuary Housing, Beyond Housing, SPARKS, Gallows Close Centre, Christmas Together and Community First Credit Union.
For the fourth year running, Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership was pleased to host the BIG Christmas Prize Draw again this year, giving away an unbelievable 21 Christmas hampers to local families. Every household in the Big Local area was automatically entered into the BIG Christmas Prize Draw. The lucky winners were then drawn at the Big Local Zoom Meeting at 6:00pm on Monday 23rd November, which was broadcast live on Facebook. This year's hampers were very kindly sponsored by Sainsbury's, Sanctuary Housing, Beyond Housing, Local Churches, Christmas Together, UnLtd (Barrowcliff BIG Stars), Gallows Close Centre, and Barrowcliff Residents Association. Extra special thanks go to the staff at Sainsbury's Scarborough for taking the time to make up the wonderful Christmas hampers. The hampers were delivered to the lucky winners by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Big Local Partnership in good time for Christmas.
Creative Briefs have worked alongside children, aged 6-14, at Briercliffe Children's Centre in Scarborough to create a series of educational "Autism Awareness' videos. With support from Arts Council England, Barrowcliff Big Local, Embrace and Children's University Scarborough, the videos are free to use by individuals or groups to deliver as workshops, training or home education purposes. This also includes free guided teaching notes with a range of discussion points. Links to three films: Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY9RIbAsQuA Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3PACzpqf3U Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taXv9Ykx02k
Barrowcliff Big Local is working with Gallows Close Centre to help local families this Christmas
SPARKS is a three year project commissioned by Barrowcliff Big Local and jointly funded by Big Local and the European Social Fund. It aims to provide support for local families through face to face advice and coaching, and a range of wellbeing activities such as walking, cooking and crafting. In this film, several people who have benefited talk about what the project has meant to them.
The Sparks Project garden space is now complete and very timely during COVID-19 restrictions as it is great for outdoor appointments and workshops. Thanks go to BD Fencing and volunteers for all their hard work. These two pictures show before and after .....
The Barrowcliff Residents Association has overseen thefitting of a defibrillator at the local shops. The idea came from Monica Smith - a partnership and residents association member, it was part funded by Big Local and the council and is hosted by the local pharmacy. Partnership working at its best!
Just to inform you some one has been on the park today and done this? It is covered by Cctv. I will be contacting the council and asking them to look at this afternoon. I hope they can identify the person or persons responsible.
Lots of care packages delivered today to SPARKS Project clients. Sometimes it's the little things that make a difference
Barrowcliff Big Local worked with local groups to provide Coronavirus community support
SPARKS - Solving Problems And Real Kickstart Solutions - is a 3-year project set up independently to help people in Barrowcliff. Funded by the Big Local and ESF the project started in October 2018. Michelle, Glenda and Emma are all qualified tutors and Life Coaches working with people in many different ways. It is aimed at working age people, age 19 and over who are not working. Attached is a copy of the Sparks information flyer prior to the Covid-19 lockdown
Barrowcliff Big Local hosted its third annual Dog Show on the Park Green on Saturday 24 August, in the glorious Bank Holiday sunshine! There were five classes to enter on the day. The four judges, Reverend Emma Morgan, Laura Young (Beyond Housing), Kelly Turner and Tom Hooper (Yorkshire Coast Radio) had some extremely tough decisions to make, before presenting the five class awards: CLASS 1 - Handsomest Dog CLASS 2 - Golden Oldie CLASS 3 - Best Biscuit Catcher CLASS 4 - Most Obedient Dog CLASS 5 - Best Child Dog Handler Finally, the overall award - "Dog of the Day" was presented to end a perfect day! Event trophies were kindly sponsored by Christmas Together, Beyond Housing, Sanctuary Housing and Barrowcliff Residents' Association.
The Big Local Partnership commissioned professional artists and designers from Hull-based organisation, Creative Briefs, to run a week-long project for children and young people during the summer holidays. The project engaged 25 young Barrowcliff residents who, in teams, came up with creative solutions to recycling in their community. As well as trying their hand at art and design, the participants also got involved in planning, preparing and cooking a healthy lunch each day for themselves and their peers. The project culminated in the young people pitching their unique recycling designs to the public in the newly refurbished Scarborough Market Hall.
The Big Local Partnership commissioned professional artists and designers from Hull-based organisation, Creative Briefs, to run a week-long project for children and young people during the summer holidays. The project engaged 25 young Barrowcliff residents who, in teams, came up with creative solutions to recycling in their community. As well as trying their hand at art and design, the participants also got involved in planning, preparing and cooking a healthy lunch each day for themselves and their peers. The project culminated in the young people pitching their unique recycling designs to the public in the newly refurbished Scarborough Market Hall. in addition to the photos, a film link about the project is here: https://youtu.be/_N01WZ9ajEY
Families in the Barrowcliff area were treated to a free nutritious breakfast on six mornings during the school summer holidays as part of a community initiative. The project, funded through Barrowcliff Big Local, was run by local volunteers based at Wreyfield Drive Methodist Church, Scarborough. Volunteers were overwhelmed with the fantastic response to the initiative which attracted 275 people in total. At one particular breakfast sitting, there were 72 people enjoying a hearty meal, chatting to others and playing board games together! A film from the project can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2695603727139964
It was a wonderful turnout at the "Big Local on Wheels" event at Wreyfield Drive Methodist Church on Saturday 13 July! The sun was shining and the attractions were plentiful, both indoors and outdoors. Families enjoyed an array of fun activities from bouncy castles, crafts, music, local stalls, refreshments and, of course, the highlight of the day - the roller disco! Alongside the photos, there is a link to a film from the day: https://youtu.be/U5YQN2V0UOE What will next year bring?!!
It was a wonderful turnout at the "Big Local on Wheels" event at Wreyfield Drive Methodist Church on Saturday 13 July! The sun was shining and the attractions were plentiful, both indoors and outdoors. Families enjoyed an array of fun activities from bouncy castles, crafts, music, local stalls, refreshments and, of course, the highlight of the day - the roller disco!
In June 2019 Our Bigger Story hosted a 2 day event for all the case study areas. During this time, each of the OBS areas mapped their journey. Here are a few photos.
Barrowcliff Big Local carried out some research amongst local residents to better understand training and employment needs. They found that many parents were struggling with everyday life and decided to invest in a brand new project, Sparks. Sparks provides a weekly activity programme that includes a session at their own beach chalet, craft classes, wellbeing workshops, cooking, learning programmes, advice sessions. It hopes to support local people to become mentors themselves in the future.
In 2014, Barrowcliff Big Local produced its first Big Local plan. Its vision was to create "A safe, clean and attractive neighbourhood that people are proud of and where everyone has the best possible chances in life'. This film portrays some examples of what has been achieved and why these projects have been significant for local residents: from the play park, to "the Biggest Loser' project, to the Sparks family support, to enhanced opportunities for all children at the local primary school.
Once again, Barrowcliff Big Local was to proud support local resident and Partnership Member, Monica Smith, in her heart-warming community project - Christmas Together 2018. Monica and many local volunteers give up their Christmas Day to host a full day of festivities for local people. Traditionally, the event has been aimed at residents that would usually face Christmas alone, however the invitation has recently been extended to families and those with children that may not be able to afford to celebrate Christmas in this way or to those that simply don't have the means to do so. Over 80 people enjoyed Christmas Day this year, courtesy of Monica and her volunteers.
For the second year running, Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership was pleased to run the BIG Christmas Prize Draw in 2018, giving away a whopping 19 Christmas hampers to local families. The lucky winners were announced at the Partnership's December meeting, which was broadcast live on Facebook. This year the hampers were kindly sponsored by Sainsbury's, Horizons Therapy, Beyond Housing, Sanctuary Housing and, of course, Big Local. The Chair and Vice Chair of the Partnership delivered hampers to the winners just before Christmas. The project helps to create positive awareness of the Big Local programme whilst bringing joy to local residents.
Having commissioned some local research around employment and training in 2016/17, Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership realised the need to heavily invest in an innovative grass-roots project working with local families in order to give them better opportunities. In October 2018, the SPARKS (Solving Problems and Real Kick-start Solutions) Family Project was launched by a local lady, Michelle Davison-Ward, funded through Big Local and the European Union. The project aims to help and support people to resolve problems and move forward, with potentially life-changing results, and focusses on health, wellbeing, life skills, parenting and much more!
This is the third Barrowcliff Big Local Plan covering the period August 2018 to July 2020. The Plan includes community projects within the following themes: Environment, Community Facilities, Education and Jobs, Health and Lifestyle, Community Safety and Support Services. The Plan also includes a Small Grant Scheme, plus a Marketing and Events budget to increase community engagement and resident participation in the Big Local programme.
Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership hosted its second Dog Show on the Park Green on Saturday 25 August 2018. The event follows the success of the first Dog Show in the summer 2017, and made a comeback due to popular demand by the local community!
Over 700 people flocked to the "Big Local on Ice" event at Wreyfield Drive Methodist Church on Saturday 14 July! It was an amazing day and members of the Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership were overwhelmed with the support from local residents and visitors to the area! Families enjoyed a variety of fun activities from bouncy castles, crafts, local stalls, refreshments, and of course, the highlight of the day - ice skating on a blazing hot summer's day! The support and commitment from partner organisations and volunteers both in the event planning stages and on the day was second to none!! It couldn't have happened without this united community-led approach!
Year 6 pupils from Barrowcliff School took part in this year's Race for Life event in Scarborough to help raise money for Cancer Research UK. Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership was proud to sponsor the special bright pink commemorative T-shirts for all 80 runners, displaying the Barrowcliff Big Local and National Lottery logos! Well done everyone - what a great achievement!
This report was prepared by the Big Local Rep and based on a Review Workshop with Steering Group members and partners. It summarises the achievements of the Partnership between 2016-2018 and will help to inform the next Barrowcliff Big Local Plan.
Barrowcliff Big Local is proud to support Home Alone at Christmas 2017. The project was set up 3 years ago by local resident and volunteer, Monica Smith, to provide a day of festive food, fun and good company for those that would otherwise be alone.
Pictured here are members of the Big Local Partnership handing over funding to support the continuation of the BOP as it enters its third year. More information about this fantastic project can be found further down our timeline - see March 1, 2017.
Wreyfield Girls' Group celebrated its 30-Year Anniversary this year (2017), and to mark the occasion, Barrowcliff Big Local part-funded a day out to Flamingo Land for Group members and leaders. The first ever outing in the Group's history!
Big Local decided to try its hand at running a Dog Show this year, and WOW, what a great success it turned out to be! The event attracted 20 dogs and their owners who competed in a choice of four classes and an overall "Top Dog" Award.
Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership commissioned local organisation, Krash Labs, to research "digital inclusion" in the community and potential for projects. The results were somewhat surprising!
Scarborough Jobmatch carried out a community survey on behalf of Barrowcliff Big Local investigating the barriers faced by residents in finding employment, looking at particular training needs and support.
At Barrowcliff School education is seen as a pathway to prosperity. The BOP aims to engage parents in their children's learning and, in providing a range of support such as mentoring, ensure children are ready for life in the modern work place.
Members of Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership attended an event at The Edge, Sheffield, in December. As with most Big Local events, there was a choice of informative workshops, a wonderful buffet lunch and opportunities to mingle with other areas!
On 7th December 2016 two residents (Chair and Vice Chair) and the Support Worker from Barrowcliff Big local attended the networking event at Sheffield University, joining a whole host of other Big Local communities from across the country.
Bill, vice chair of Barrowcliff Big Local talks in this short film about Barrowcliff: the best bits, the hard bits and the doing the bits others can't do.
Big Local were proud to fund the purchase of an adapted bike for use by people with disabilities. The bike (one of many in the fleet) has been enjoyed by local residents at community events and visits with the expert guidance of staff/volunteers.
Barrowcliff Steering Group members discuss how they are identifying and meeting local needs, how they engage people, work with others, deal with local expectations and are making a difference to Barrowcliff.
This is the second Barrowcliff Big Local Plan and covers the period August 2016 to July 2018. It includes community activity based on local residents' wishes which develop previous themes e.g. the environment, job creation and healthy living.
Local families enjoyed a fun packed day of Bear Grylls style survival activities in Raincliffe Woods, Scarborough, learning how to build leaf shelters, make camp fires, cook and even sampled some unusual culinary delights like mealworms and crickets!
A Big Local event to celebrate the Barrowcliff community! Organised by Barrowcliff Community Choir, the event involved an array of fun activities in the lead up to the main event, culminating in a full day of music, art, games and performances.
In this film, made by Scarborough TV News, local residents talk about what the Play Park in Barrowcliff means to them one year after opening.
In this film, Made by Scarborough TV News, Cllr Bill Chatt from the Barrowcliff Big Local partnership talks about using sport to involve young people around the partnership's Annual General meeting.
Barrowcliff Big Local funded Scarborough fitness centre, Compass Gym, to run an innovate weight-loss project in the heart of the community. An overwhelming 40 plus local residents embraced the challenge to get active and transform their lives!
Barrowcliff Big Local part-funded the successful RESPECT Campaign engaging all children in Barrowcliff School, Scarborough. The multi-agency project highlighted issues within the community incl. multi-culturalism, road safety and the environment.
Barrowcliff Big Local Steering Group were nominated for two awards and we ended up with the main one of the evening for our jobs opportunities and community work in the area
This report, prepared by the Big Local Rep for Barrowcliff and based on a Review Workshop, a Partnership Steering Group meeting and project reports, summarises the Achievements of Barrowcliff Big Local over 2014-2015.
In this film the Partnership and local residents reflect on the development, and celebrate the opening of, of Barrowcliff Play Park.
In this film Cheryl Mann talks about her Star People Award and her involvement with Barrowcliff Big Local. Cherlyl also talks about how Big Local works and the difference it is making in the community.
Barrowcliff Big Local Partnership hosted a community event to promote job and training opportunities to local residents in the Barrowcliff area of Scarborough. Barrowcliff Opportunities Day took place on Friday 28 August 2015 on the new Barrowcliff Park
Barrowcliff Big Local's major project has been to transform land at the centre of the estate into a children's play park This has become not only a focus for play activities but offers a space where people can come together and meet.
After months of work the new Barrowcliff Park is open! Scarborough TV News went along to the grand opening to get the reaction of the people involved, and most importantly what the Children thought of their new play area.
Big Local's major project has been to transform land at the center of the estate into a children's play park.
This records in photos and on film the official opening of Barrowcliff Play Park on 13th May 2015.
Six Big Local areas in the Yorkshire and Humber region took part in a series of networking events where each group played host to their regional partners. Barrowcliff was one of the six Partnerships involved, along with Winterton, Greatfield, North Cleet
The original Big Local Plan details residents ambitions for Barrowcliff. It provides a detailed work programme for the first 2 years and covers the themes of parks and play areas, health, jobs and community safety.