After 21 years of delighting the public and even their namesake, the Red Arrows, it’s over and out for a wheelbarrow formation group from Halstead. 

Thousands have been entertained by the Red Barrows over the years. Dressed in red overalls and clutching the handles of their matching wheelbarrows, the ‘pilots’ tear about in formation displays. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The Red Barrows have delighted crowds at events in the villages surrounding Haverhill for over 20 years. Image: Matt WebbThe Red Barrows have delighted crowds at events in the villages surrounding Haverhill for over 20 years. Image: Matt Webb (Image: Matt Webb)

“We say we’re like the Red Arrows, but lower and slower,” said founder Bernie Stevenson, 66, from Sudbury. 

The idea was formed over a pint at The Green Man pub in Toppesfield with his friend, Chris Barnard. It was June 2002, and Mr Stevenson’s wife suggested he come up with a way of marking the occasion. He rose to the challenge, and the Red Barrows were born. 

“It was only meant to be a one off, but it cartwheeled from there,” said Mr Stevenson. Soon, the group went from performing at school and village fetes around Toppesfield, Great Yeldham and Stambourn (all near Haverhill) to crowds of hundreds. 

In 2020, the group turned down the chance to audition for Britain’s Got Talent, and has even been included on a Top Trumps Card. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The Red Barrows preparing to perform for the Red Arrows in 2018. Image: Matt WebbThe Red Barrows preparing to perform for the Red Arrows in 2018. Image: Matt Webb (Image: Matt Webb)

East Anglian Daily Times: The idea for the Red Barrows was formed in The Green Man in Toppesfield. Image: Matt WebbThe idea for the Red Barrows was formed in The Green Man in Toppesfield. Image: Matt Webb (Image: Matt Webb)

The real honour came in 2018. 

“We were invited to go up to RAF Scampton and surprise the Red Arrows for their end of season bash,” said longtime member Matt Webb, also from Sudbury.

“They had no idea. When they walked in, the music started, and we ran out and performed for the pilots. It was such a cool experience; we got the chance to take pictures with our respective numbers too.” 

Over the years, the group has been dedicated to raising money for charity, and estimates that it has raised between £115,000 and £125,00 in total. 

On Saturday, June 3, there will be a celebration of the Red Barrows’ 21st birthday in The Green Man pub.  

The group is now performing less and less frequently. However, members are still raising money for charity, and instead appear as a band - Reptile Dysfunction.