Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre opens doors this weekend, as Barry at War Group celebrate Kick-Start grant (From Barry And District News)

Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre opens doors this weekend, as Barry at War Group celebrate Kick-Start grant

12:10pm Friday 11th January 2013 in News

THE Barry at War Group has been awarded a Kick-Start Grant from the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services, to help the group to buy much needed display equipment.

Barry at War Group chairman Ade Pitman said: "This equipment will be used by the group to present the area's wartime heritage, both at our Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre home and also at the many lectures that our team give to groups across the county.

"The equipment will also be used to provide support to the many other local history groups that we work with.

"But it's not just the money that is a boost to our work," he added.

"The awarding of the Kick-Start Grant is recognition of the work carried out by our small group of volunteers, who have worked over 450 man-hours since being loaned the room by the Barry Tourist Railway in October.

"The Kick-Start Grant is a pat on the back to these dedicated volunteers and the work that they do for our community. Their hard work is area regeneration in action."

The Kick-Start Grant is provided by the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services (VCVS), who support voluntary groups across the Vale. "They have been extremely helpful," said Ade.

"Without a doubt the Barry at War Group would not be able to deliver our exhibitions and other heritage work to the community without their continued support."

Clive Curtis from VCVS added: "We are pleased that we have been able to support this project through the Kick-Start Funding Scheme. It's always good to know that the funding is being put to good use and we wish the project every success."

The Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre, located at Barry Island Railway Station, opens its doors again on Sunday (January 13), when the South West Armoured Group will be exhibiting their radio-controlled tanks and inviting visitors to learn about these and the real tanks that they represent.

The event runs from 11am until 3pm and admission is free.

Ade added: "Barry at War Group hopes that the new Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre that we have created in partnership with the Barry Tourist Railway, becomes a community facility for local groups with similar interests, so that everyone benefits from the region's only wartime heritage attraction.

"Our open days are proving popular with both old and young alike, and our Heritage Lottery funded recording equipment is regularly capturing the memories of those people who experienced the Second World War.

"However, the centre isn't only about this aspect of the region's heritage, and our volunteers are currently creating a First World War 'trench experience'.

"As funds allow, we're aiming to create this and even more interactive exhibits that inspire and educate the next generation of historians."

To find out more about the Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre, see the new website at www.wartimeglamorgan.co.uk or telephone Ade Pitman on 07930 874161.