50 YEARS ago

Extracts from the Barry & District News of February 23, 1967:

A new self-service branch of Melias, resulting from the amalgamation of the firm's two Holton Road shops, officially opens next Thursday, when a combination of ultra-modern surroundings and personal service will form a key-note.

A further stage in the development of Barry's shopping centre was reached on Friday when the Barry Public Works and Planning Committee gave planning approval for a scheme covering the site occupied by 20 shops in Holton Road from King Square to St Mary's Church, 19 of which are now empty.

On Saturday the Cubs of 8th Barry Scouts played their first away football match and though they lost 5 - 1, the boys put up a very good show. Their opponents were Caerphilly 1st Boys (Cubs) who have been playing for four seasons.

Barry resumed their Southern League programme at Hastings on Saturday and again showed improved form. Against a team going all out for promotion, Barry lost by the odd goal in three and were generally considered to be a trifle unlucky.

Barry Saints won their way through to the next round of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Cup on Saturday when they beat Llwynypia 5 - 3 in a very exciting game.

There is only a month to the biggest international sports event in the history of Barry - the International Cross Country Championships, to be held at the Barry Sports Centre on Saturday, March 18.

For the first time in the history of the Glamorgan College of Education, Barry, an arts festival is to be held from Saturday, March 12, to Saturday, March 18...and it is hoped that the people of Barry will take the opportunity of supporting the students' efforts and at the same time gain an appreciation of the range and scope of art work at the college.

On Saturday, Barry entertained a highly talented Llanelli side, and put up their best performance since the New Year. The forwards, meeting the heaviest, if not hardest pack, this season, did very well to hold them and several individuals came off with "medals" to prove it.