Barry's long skittle tradition continues (From Barry And District News)

Barry's long skittle tradition continues

SKITTLES has been played in Barry for over 100 years - and there is no sign of the sport's popularity fading.

Alan Rosser, secretary of the Barry and District Men's League, said: "The Barry and District League was established in 1926 but Barry teams were playing in a Pontypridd league as early as 1904.

"In 1904 it cost six pence to join a team and a penny to play.

"Bailey, the owner of the Barry and District News, was the first president of the league and the Union Jack Club were the first winners.

"I'd say the heyday of skittles in Barry was in the 1960s and 1970s - the largest number of sides we have ever had in the league is 64.

"We currently have 56 teams.

"Many of the teams playing today have long histories. Hawkins and Holmes, now known as HH Cons, the Buffs, Cambrian United Dairies (CUD) and the Castleites all date back to the 1960s.

"While many alleys have disappeared, including some famous ones like the Vic, the Bassett and the Colcot, the game is still thriving here. We have lots of good young teams coming through."

Alan, who has been playing in the Barry league for the best part of 50 years, says one of the best players he has ever seen is a player known as'the Yank.'

Alan said: "He was exceptional. He could tell you exactly which skittle he was going to knock down."

Gladys Hunt, aged 82, president of the Barry ladies league, says the sport is just as popular with women as with men.

Gladys, who still plays for the Sea View Lights, was playing in the ladies league when it was set up in 1948.

The league originally consisted of just one division, while there are now five and more than 80 teams.

Gladys said: "Some of the original teams are still going while others have changed their names.

"Seaview Lights and Seaview Ladies were there from the outset, along with Cadoxton Cons, Barry Dock Cons, the Billy and the West End Labour Club.