The Crossbar and

[Jonty]

The Crossbar is a great facility for fans but as a club house it needs to display more BAFC memorabilia. I cannot believe there is a picture of a vase on the wall, it's not even a nice vase. Where's the pictures of Jones / Skivington holding aloft the FA Trophy, where's the picture of Henney's goal that won us promotion, the picture of Ray Wilkie taking in the Wembley surroundings, The picture of the fans on the pitch and promotion celebrations from '67. The team pictures- framed up on display. Where are they? Flags , scarves, back page headlines from the Evening Mail- Why are we not proudly showing them off- This is BAFC- this is what we've done!!Show it and be proud of it!

How much would take to get some great pictures up there- There's loads out there, maybe run a competition, get them printed and displayed up in the Crossbar - or Dedicate a wall to memoribilia, and just add to it- let supporters pen messages of support and love for the club, make it look like a supporters club house and make the hairs on your neck stand up as you build up the passion for the game ahead?. What's your views on this? This could be a wall that is for the fans- Just paste them up on the wall?

here's three for starters-

[Davy T]

Now your talking my language!

[Davy T]

Here's another and if the funds are low but the club agree why can't the fans donate the pictures?It would need organisation though,otherwise the pictures would have different frames and be all different sizes,thus looking stupid.
This is a great idea by the way Jonty,as the Cross-bar looks dull and plain,you wouldn't even think it belonged to a football club!

[Jonty]

These-

[Jonty]

I was thinking it doesn't matter if they are all different sizes- (on one wall) - just let it be a montage of memories, graffiti even- just let fans build it up. Then when its full, get a perspex sheet over it. Beats the current magnolia anaglypta paper. It should be wall to wall Barrow.

[DaveBarter]

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[JimmyCrabstick]

Sounds great and would look great! Should have been done years ago.

[mally]

All,or most of the pictures are in the corporate rooms.Why the hell couldn't they have been duplicated,or even put onto a DVD for a rolling picture display on a big screen which this day and age are not really that dear to buy.The clubhouse itself is a complete shambles,flaking peeling paintwork with a general unkempt appearance,it was bloody embarrassing to have the Carlisle lot there-what must they have been thinking.The window frames were rotten with muck,and the windows themselves looked like they hadn't been cleaned in years.

[barrow boot boys]

I have a press picture of when Barrow played Chelsea in the F.A. cup (1946) and the programme which I would loan to the club if they are interested.

[popsider]

There used to be a great number of pictures of all the clubs achievements but when it was "refurbished" and I use the word refurbished tongue in cheek someone in their wisdom removed them all and put 3 pics of vases saying it was a function room not a sports bar, I would have to disagree it is a sports bar lets have the pics back it looks totally defunct of any atmosphere with the bare walls, I suggest you take it up with Tony Keen he may have had something to do with the cross bars demise.

[emileheskey]

I could donate a picture of me and Teddy sheringham in magaluf 2002.

[John Very Little]

There used to be a great number of pictures of all the clubs achievements but when it was "refurbished" and I use the word refurbished tongue in cheek someone in their wisdom removed them all and put 3 pics of vases saying it was a function room not a sports bar, I would have to disagree it is a sports bar lets have the pics back it looks totally defunct of any atmosphere with the bare walls, I suggest you take it up with Tony Keen he may have had something to do with the cross bars demise.

I think its to do with the meetings that are held at the Cross Bar by the likes of BAE, Cumbria County Council and various other functions.
I'd question whether or not they actually use the main bar area as its not an attractive place to hold meetings which would normally be held in the various corporate rooms? If the main bar area is used then they clearly don't want the extra income from the meetings because its an absolute disgrace if corporate clients have to go in there. Its bad enough if they have to use the toilets in the Cross Bar.
If they don't hold meetings in the main bar area they should have AFC related things on the walls (if only to cover over eyesores like the crumbling walls and paintwork).

[Hadrian]

One of the training rooms is themed as a Wembley room with some fine, large photos, another is the sponsors' room with plaques on walls and the third was going to be themed but I forget as what before the stadium manager left. (He had also begun to address issues of preparation of rooms and cleanliness.)

The Crossbar has indeed used for larger groups with both 'theate' and 'cabaret' arrangements and I see no problem about having quality images relating to the team's achievements in the Crossbar; indeed I think many might expect to see them. They can only help to push the Barrow Soccer message to the wider community. 'Barrow AFC - Did You Know?' history/achievements leaflets on each table at training events with advertisements for training facilities, parties, dinners, etc on the back would also help to raise awareness of possibilities.

Naturally there would be no point doing this unless the facilites and organisation on the day of training events, seminars, etc are not presented in tip-top condition on the day.

[Wintergreen]

Excellent shout there Jonty – might I suggest you contact our Fan’s Liaison Rep about this. I don’t think there is a formal procedure for contacting John just use the PM facility. He did a sterling job last time he was tasked with approaching the BoD.

There seems to be a fairly sizeable groundswell of support for your suggestion and maybe people like me who don’t frequent the Crossbar much would go in to see the ‘exhibits’ and maybe make it a habit. Good post.

[spirit of 1990]

It's a great idea Jonty & not one that should have needed pointing out, we've got some great moments from the past that should be on show for all to see.
Two trips to Wembley, promotion, beating Oxford on our return to the BSP, THAT banner, two big FA cup games, the ultra displays.....make the cross bar at least look like it belongs to a football club.