50 YEARS ago

Extracts from the Barry & District News of March 16, 1967:

The greatest sporting event in Barry's history is to be held on Saturday afternoon when the 54th International Cross-Country Championships are held at the Buttrills Field.

Hotels in the town are already "bursting at the seams" with team members, coaches and officials; Council workmen have been at work at the Buttrills Fields, constructing a grandstand and the world's greatest long-distance runners have been arriving in the town to make Barry their Mecca.

Contributions for the appeal fund opened by the Barry Harriers, for financial support to stage the championships have now reached a total of more than £400.

It was standing room only at St Mary's Church Hall on Monday week. Barry Junior School children entertained a capacity audience with an all-Welsh concert, made up f items taken from all the St David's Day school concerts.

The 300 children taking part danced, sang and performed plays with true Welsh fervour.

Borough requirements had accounted for a rise of only 1 2/3d. in the pound, the reminder of the 8d. rate increase stemming from the larger demand of Glamorgan County Council - this was stated at the Budget meeting of Barry Town Council in Friday.

As a loyal group of patriots as ever graced the Gorsedd Circle gathered at the Barry County Club on St David's Day for a social evening.

The club was tastefully decorated for the highlight of the evening - a leek eating tournament.

Heavy conditions underfoot and repeated showers held up work on Friday on the new Gorsedd Circle which is being erected in Gladstone Gardens, Barry, for the 1968 Royal National Eisteddfod which is to be held in the town. By the late afternoon six of the 16 huge stones from the Craig-yr-Hesg Quarry, near Pontypridd, were in position. The stones range in weight from about four tons to more than 10 tons.

Despite sliding to a 4 - 1 defeat at Tonbridge on Saturday, Barry Town hope to field their strongest team possible for the clash with highly placed Stevenage Town at Jenner Park on Saturday. This will be their second home game this year - the state of the pitch has curtailed other games.