Barry Remembers

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 10:56:49 +0100

We did not forget! I went to a very special event last night at the Barry Memorial Hall. The Hall was built to remember and honour those who lost their lives in the two "Wars to End All Wars", as Lord Davies of Llandinam reminded us in his historic speech.

It was 75 years ago that the Davies family challenged the people of Barry to raise funds to create a Hall of Rememberance, which would list the names of all thos tragically lost in conflict. The Davies family would match the money pound for pound. And the Hall was built as the money was donated by everyone.

This event was to mark the restoration of the Hall of Rememberance. The "Barry Remembers" Committee took a year to raise £80,000 and complete the restorative work. This was largely down to the determination of Gareth Howe, who we discovered last night was present 75 years ago to give flowers to the Davies sisters who opened the Hall.

A fantastic achievement, a great night, and no-one forgot the purpose and meaning of remembering those from our Town who made the ultimate sacrifice. Barry tragically suffered the loss of more Merchant Seaman in the 2nd World War than any other UK town. They have been remembered, and I would recommend a visit to the Hall to see this fitting tribute.

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Paul Haley

Barry Remembers