Mrs Helen Barrett, librarian

Bob Dobson · 23-12-2016, 17:06

Helen Barrett, for many years a local studies/history librarian in Accrington Library died from cancer in hospital a few days ago. Aged 72yrs, she retired 12yrs ago but continued to work in the field as a committee member for Hyndburn Local History Society. She was a huge help to researchers such as myself with her knowledge not only of this locality but the wider subject. Before coming to Accrington, she had been local history librarian at Bury. In later years, she had worked in tandem with Catherine Duckworth.
Accrington was the only library in the county to have its own dedicated local studies library and staff. It still is and the present librarian, has much to thank Helen and Cath for.

She was on the committee at St John's parish church and was prominent in saving the church from closure a few years ago. She had been a governor at St Christopher' School for many years.
In retirement, she had worked at the Haworth Art Gallery.
Helen's husband, Colin was a florist on the market band in Dutton St. Colin and their son Philp survive her.

Margaret Pilkington · 23-12-2016, 17:47

Always sad to lose someone who had so much knowledge and the passion to share it and inspire and enlighten others.
Rest in Peace Helen...your fight is won.

Rowlf · 23-12-2016, 18:32

I did not know the lady personally but I can confirm that the staff in the local studies department have always been excellent. I was only in there this week and John Simpson was very helpful. I had a photo from late 20s or early 30s of a group of people one of which was my grandfather. I wondered who they were. Mr Simpson had not seen it before but said he would try and find out. That was Tuesday and low and behold Wednesday morning bright and early I had an email from him to say the group was the Guardians of Haslingden Poor Law Union taken on the day they were disbanded in Oct 1930. So Mrs Barrett has left her department in good hands. May she rest in peace.