The Barrow Trumps project grew from an initial 25-card idea into a 53-card pack, with more than 560 people helping to research locations, take photographs and uncover surprising local stories.
The Barrow Trumps project was developed by local group ArtWorks Art4All CIC, which worked with schools, community groups and residents to research some of the town’s best-known locations.
The latest BAE Systems Social Impact Report says the project originally aimed to create a pack of 25 cards but growing interest from community groups saw the final pack more than double in size to 53 cards.
Each card featured a Barrow location and was created by a local community group, organisation or individual, with people tasked with exploring facts about their building, taking photographs and helping shape the finished game.
The report says more than 560 people were involved in putting the pack together, with the game helping people learn new skills while also exploring Barrow’s history, heritage, building values, size and even “must see” appeal.
More than 500 packs have now been sold, with many being sent to former Barrovians who now live elsewhere in the UK or abroad.
The cards are stocked at the Dock Museum, Heaths, Sweets Aplenty and Coffee D’Ash in Barrow.
One example highlighted in the report involved pupils from St George’s School, who were given Lakeland House to research for their card.
Although the children were initially disappointed with what seemed like an unremarkable building, the report says a visit arranged with current owners Drop Zone helped them uncover its history as a former laundry that once employed more women than anywhere else in Barrow.
Local photographer Evelyn Corkill said: “It was so exciting to see all the cards being researched and put together so uniquely by lots of different groups and individuals. It brought the community together.
“My set of Barrow Trumps has been used by so many people of all ages, and people suffering from illnesses. It’s surprising how a card with a photograph can be a great talking point.”