Step closer to Vale Heritage Centre in Barry (From Barry And District News)

Step closer to Vale Heritage Centre in Barry

12:30pm Friday 26th March 2010 in News By Sharon Harris

A DRIVE to establish a Vale Heritage Centre on Barry Waterfront took a move forward this week.

Members of the Vale Council’s economy and environment scrutiny committee voted on Tuesday (March 23) to request cabinet look into the funding of a study, that would assess whether the Vale-wide facility, based in the county’s largest town town, is viable.

Their decision followed a presentation by local historians Dr Jonathan Hicks and Adrian Pitman, and representations from local history societies based throughout the Vale – all in support of the idea.

Around 50 members of public attended to hear the debate.

Dr Hicks told the committee there is the potential to establish an eco-friendly facility capable of educating, informing and entertaining.

The Vale Heritage Coalition hopes to establish itself as a charitable trust, with a sound business plan devised to ensure the facility does not become a white elephant.

The group believes that a small entrance fee or entry via donation; a gift shop; membership scheme; donations from local businesses; applications for grants such as Lottery funding; and exhibition room rentals, in a facility run by volunteers and managed by a paid member of staff, would all help to make it viable.

Dr Hicks said: "What we are looking for now is people who share our vision of education and history for all."

John Wilmot, speaking on behalf of the Dinas Powys Local History Society, added: "We feel that the archives we have should be in a Heritage Centre and not under a stage in Dinas Powys Parish Hall.

"We want to get this stuff on display for future generations."

"I am pleased with the outcome," said Dr Hicks after the meeting.

"Members were unanimous in their support, and the cabinet members in attendance indicated their willingness to carry out the feasibility study.

"I hope they will now sanction this recommendation next month so that work can begin in earnest into the viability of what we propose.

"This would be a wonderful facility for the Vale and a boost to the Council’s aspiration to increase tourism, as outlined in their Corporate Plan."

Jonathan Hicks has been appointed as the new headteacher of St Cyres Comprehensive School in Penarth.

Senior deputy head Dr Hicks will take over from current headteacher Brian Lightman in September.

Dr Hicks, who served as acting head of the school in 2007/2008, said: “I am delighted that the governors have given me the honour of leading the school from September.

“Mr Lightman will be a hard act to follow but I know I have the support of the staff and pupils, and fully intend to ensure that St Cyres moves from strength to strength in the near future.”