A COLD and wet January weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of visitors to this year’s first open day at the Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre at Barry Island, courtesy of the nostalgic sounds performed by visiting 40s entertainer Ricky Hunter.

Playing the hits of Glenn Miller and other performers that were popular during the ‘friendly invasion’ of Barry by American GIs, the Nottingham-based entertainer, who has family living nearby, brought live entertainment to the museum’s open day.

Event organiser Ade Pitman said: "Ricky is a popular entertainer on the 1940s circuit, and to show his support for what Barry at War group are doing with promoting the wartime history of the area through our tiny museum and local exhibitions, he volunteered to come along and provide free live entertainment at our open day.

"He certainly proved popular with the visitors, many of whom travelled from England especially to hear Ricky play, and dance along to the sounds of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and other popular hits of the era.

"On a more educational theme, we also had an exhibition of the last Century of British Army equipment, and many Veterans told us stories of their wearing much of this. In contrast, and for the first time at the museum, we were able to exhibit a collection of Second World War German equipment, which seemed particularly popular with our younger visitors, who had only seen this equipment on computer games like ‘Call of Duty'.

"The day was a great example of the way that heritage tourism can bring all year, all weather visitors to Barry."

Along with the regular Wednesday afternoon openings, the next event at the Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre will be a Military Collectors Fair on Sunday February 9. Here collectors will be able to buy and sell all types of militaria, from medals and uniforms to replica weapons.

Admission to the Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre is free, although a small admission fee will be charged for entry into the Militaria Fair. For more details or to book a table call Ade Pitman on 07930 874161 or see the website www.wartimeglamorgan.co.uk