Barbara Horsman

Barbara arrived in Stocksbridge’s Garden Village with her family in early 1978, having originally planned to move to Keighley. Very quickly, Stocksbridge felt like home. She found the Sports Centre, made lasting friendships with people at a similar stage of life, and experienced the warmth of the community first-hand — from welcoming neighbours to the everyday generosity that made newcomers feel they truly belonged.

What struck Barbara from the start was Stocksbridge’s distinctive feel: not easily defined as purely rural or urban, but a place where cattle grazed above smoking chimneys, with beautiful countryside close by and easy to access. She remembers an independent spirit in the town, alongside a strong pride in the local British Steelworks and a sense that people looked out for one another.

Barbara recalls an era when the town benefited from government support (as a former coal-mining area) and European funding, with committees forming and local projects being planned in a way that brought residents and organisations together.

Professionally, Barbara worked at the local High School, which she remembers as a particularly happy time. She also supported young people through Duke of Edinburgh’s Award training — and still reflects fondly on the shared enthusiasm it created among both staff and students.

Barbara continues to value the role of the church community across the Valley and the importance of pulling together for the common good. She is a strong believer that active involvement in community life — so often encouraged by Stocksbridge Town Council — is one of the best ways to improve quality of life locally, particularly for the most vulnerable.

Barbara remains proudly committed to Stocksbridge: “We were jolly well staying put!”