News & Events

Earlier this month, volunteers from the Caton & Brookhouse B4RN Volunteer Group gathered to unveil a commemorative plaque celebrating a significant achievement; the successful connection of the communities of Brookhouse and Caton to the B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North Ltd) full-fibre, symmetrical gigabit broadband network.  

Caton volunteer Phil Hughes expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The vision was to transform Caton into a hub of high-speed connectivity. All properties in the village wishing to connect have been served, and the network will be available for future residents as well.” This milestone marks a transformative step in enhancing digital accessibility and quality of life for local residents.  
 
Brookhouse volunteer Jorj Haston summarised the project “Through this project we have more than just broadband, we have a stronger more resilient community, friendships and support structures. It’s amazing to see what can be done with a few hardworking and kind people which snowballs into the most amazing project.” 

Community Support Acknowledged by Local MP  

Lizzi Collinge, the local Member of Parliament for Morecambe and Lunesdale, attended the unveiling ceremony and praised the dedication of Caton & Brookhouse’s volunteers. Collinge highlighted B4RN’s critical role in expanding broadband access across rural areas in her constituency, emphasising the importance of empowering communities to create positive change. In parliament she highlighted B4RN, stating they serve as an exemplary model for local broadband initiatives. She also commended the tireless efforts of the volunteers.  

Community Fundraising Efforts  

In addition to improving connectivity, the Caton & Brookhouse B4RN Volunteer Group established a ‘Community Dig Team’, a B4RN initiative allowing volunteers to raise money for the community whilst working with B4RN. They successfully raised over £13,000 for various local initiatives through garden digs and house kit fittings. These funds were distributed among nineteen community projects, and supporting a range of local organisations, including:  

• Victoria Institute – Purchase and installation of Wi-Fi points  

• Lune Valley Junior Football Club – Football kit and sundry items  

• Friendship Club – Funding to boost activities and membership  

• Caton Scouts – Leadership training initiatives  

• Caton Brownies & Rainbows – Contribution towards an excursion  

• St Paul’s Church Hall – Installation of Wi-Fi point in the main hall  

• Fell View Pay Park – Contribution to seating  

• Community Orchard – Purchase of trees and planting  

• St Paul’s Church – Support for clock repairs  

• Caton Scouts – Contribution towards an equipment trailer  

• Caton-with-Littledale Twinning Group – Support for future trips  

• Caton Toddlers – General equipment and materials  

• Caton & Brookhouse Horticultural Society – Support for the Grow Caton initiative  

• Halton Walking Football Group – Football kit  

• Lunesdale Lawn Tennis Club – Pickleball equipment  

• Lune Valley Junior Football Club – Replacement of welfare facilities  

• Victoria Institute – New audio-visual equipment  

• Caton Primary School – PTA funds for new playground markings  

• Caton St Paul’s Primary School – PTA funds for their Mathletics programme  

Looking Forward  

B4RN extends heartfelt congratulations to all who contributed to this project and expresses gratitude to the volunteers and landowners who have brought 21st-century technology to a community with roots dating back to the Vikings. This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for progress.