THIS week From the Archive features a photograph of Barry’s first female politician.

This year marks 100 years since laws were passed to allow women the right to vote.

The first opportunity for women to stand and vote in Barry happened in the local council elections in April 1919.

While there seemed to be an enthusiasm to vote, only one woman’s name appeared on the ballot paper in 1919.

Beatrice Alice Lewis, born in Ely in Cardiff, was married to a coal trimmer and lived at 63 George Street, Barry.

She stood in Castleland ward and topped the ballot with 426 votes, 77 clear of her rival.

She served as a councillor for nine years and was noted as campaigning for a Barry maternity clinic.

Beatrice died at the age of 52 in 1929 survived by her husband, two sons and three daughters.

She is buried with her husband at Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery, Barry.

I really hope the Vale and town councils mark the 100 years anniversary of votes for women.

The Barry & District News would like to thank Cllr Shirley Hodges for the photograph and information.

If you have an old photograph you would like to see included in the Barry & District, with information about what it depicts, email sha@barryanddistrictnews.co.uk