CULTURE Warrington is proud to announce a brand new seed fund to support the next generation of female artists.
Creative young women across the area are set to receive a helping hand in forging out successful careers in the arts, thanks to the legacy of a true star of stage and screen.
The Barbara Law Legacy Fund has been created in memory of the Warrington singer who died earlier this year.
Barbara was born in Howley in 1935 and began her glittering career as a singer when she joined Eric Pepperell’s band at the tender age of 14.
She became a regular performer at The Parr Hall, and soon her reputation began to spread across the North West and beyond.
Being part of the golden age of entertainment, Barbara shared the stage with some of the biggest names in showbiz, including Sir Tom Jones, Sir Ken Dodd, Sir Bruce Forsyth, Tommy Cooper and the legendary Morecambe and Wise.
Barbara was a regular performer on countless BBC broadcasts and was named TV Personality of the Year by Tyne Tees Viewers in 1961.
Her reputation continued to grow on a local and national scale and in 1965, she represented Great Britain in the Nord Ring Song Festival.
Despite receiving national and international recognition, Warrington always held a special place in Barbara’s heart, and Parr Hall remained a favourite venue of hers until the very end.
Barbara’s son, Scott Reed, said: “My mum travelled the world – numerous times. She sang all over the world. She performed in Las Vegas, the Middle East, all over Europe.
“When she was ill, we were chatting and I asked if she could be anywhere in the world, where would she be, and what would she be doing. She said she would be singing at Parr Hall.’’
Knowing just how much Parr Hall meant to the singer, Barbara’s family decided that any donations at her funeral would be given to Culture Warrington, the charity that oversees the running of Pyramid & Parr Hall, Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, and Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival.
This money will be used to support emerging local talent, particularly young women seeking a career in the arts.
