Culture train for next generation (From Barry And District News)

Culture train for next generation

BARRY'S past, present and future was discussed at length last week when the University of Glamorgan's 'Culture Train' arrived in town.

The free event was held at Jenner Park and was open to all members of the public.

The proceedings were opened by the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Glamorgan University, Professor Dai Smith, who said: "This train has taken us all over South Wales, but I have never felt more at home than in Barry.

All the people speaking to you on the panel have a very strong Barry connection.

Tonight should be challenging but not confrontational."

The first speaker was Professor Chris Williams who gave a concise history of the growth of Barry.

He presented fact and figures, and possible reasons for the decline of the post-war town.

The next guest was Professor Peter Stead, who spoke in personal terms about his memories. Growing up in the area, Peter has strong links with Barry and gave a humorous account of his childhood.

After a short break, the panel, which consisted of Barry Town Football Club chief executive Kevin Green, Professor Gareth Williams, Professor Deirdre Beddoe, Professor Dai Smith, and Peter Treadwell, head of Lifelong Learning at UWIC listened to questions or testimonials from the floor.

With under an hour to put their points forward, there were excellent points made.

It was the general opinion that the way forward for Barry is not the regeneration of housing in the area alone, but that cultural, artistic and sporting achievements have to be celebrated also.

The evening was closed by Professor Deirdre Beddoe, who recalled the feeling of privilege she had while she was growing up.

She finished by encouraging all who had attended to think about ways of improving the cultural surroundings of the town for the next generation.