Regular opening days set for Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre at Barry Island (From Barry And District News)

Regular opening days set for Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre at Barry Island

9:00am Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News

BARRY Island Railway Station roared to the sound of a different kind of engine on Sunday, January 13, when the Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre in partnership with the South West Armoured Group held a radio-controlled tank event.

Barry at War group chairman, Ade Pitman said: "The local radio-controlled tank group wanted to hold an event to educate the public about these model tanks and the real ones they represent, and the Heritage Centre seemed an ideal venue.

"Visitors were able to learn about how the models are controlled and to see examples of projects in progress."

Barry Town Mayor, Cllr Les Sword, made his first visit to the Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre on the day, to see the prototype First World War trench wall that has been created.

"With the centenary of the First World War approaching in 2014, the Barry at War group is keen to work with partners to ensure that Barry and the Vale have an appropriate display, where schoolchildren and visitors can see an example of life in a WWI trench," said Ade.

"Our volunteers have been busy creating a prototype based on the one at the Imperial War Museum. Visitors can already use a 'trench-periscope' to see a battle taking place."

Cllr Sword said: "I was amazed to see the progress that Barry at War group had made on the heritage centre in the short time that they have been open.

"It was a real pleasure to meet one of the group's volunteers, who has donated the uniform that he wore in Afghanistan while serving with the Royal Welch Fusiliers."

Thanks to the hard work of dedicated volunteers, progress on the Heritage Centre has been so rapid that they can now set regular opening days.

The Heritage Centre will be open the second Sunday of each month, and every day that the Barry Tourist Railway runs its trains.

Along with the normal open days, the next large event will be the 'Meet the People of the Past' living-history event on Sunday, March 10.

* The Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre will next be open on Sunday, February 10. Find out more by visiting the new website at www.wartimeglamorgan.co.uk  or by telephoning Ade Pitman on 07930 874161.