Barrie went on to form the "Spotlight Youth Theatre", which rehearsed in a room at the Granada bowling alley, New Brighton. Some of "Spotlight's" members eventually formed the Claptrap Theatre", a touring company, which was the start of his enthusiasm for 'taking plays to the people'. Barrie went on to form the "Out and About Players" in 1992.

Apart from his theatre work Barrie is the Beaver Scout Leader of the 9th Wallasey Scout Group at Serpentine Road Church, where he is also a Church member. He keeps fit by doing a little weight training. Since May 1988 he has worked as Office Manager at Wallasey Council for Voluntary Service, where our Stage Manager, Bob Clough, also works.

Prior to his National Service, Barrie was a reporter on the local newspaper "The Wallasey Chronicle". He returned to journalism 30 years later when, for a year, he edited the children's column for the "Wirral Globe" under the title "Uncle Barrie's Junior Globetrotting". He still enjoys writing and has produced a little book "Mime to Rhyme Plays" for use by primary school teachers and leaders of children's groups. During the 60's Barrie was manager of a Wallasey-based rock'n'roll group "The Vampires", formed by members of his youth club at Marlowe Road Church. Throughout periods of unemployment and part-time working, Barrie has been a voluntary drama teacher at several Wirral schools. He was awarded the British Empire Medal by the Queen in 1993, in recognition of over 30 years of voluntary work with children and young people.