50 years ago

Extracts from the Barry & District News of August 13, 1964:

• To reach the seat of a fire which broke out in the bilges of s.s. “Cyprian Prince” berthed in C. H. Bailey’s dry dock on Friday, Barry firemen had to use breathing apparatus. The blaze, in which more than 100 feet of newly painted timber were destroyed, is believed to have started by an acetylene spark. Mr H. Preece, the assistant divisional officer, who was present with his chief, Mr J. W. E. Jones, said, “We rushed two engines to the scene because first indications were of a big fire.”

• An unusual tribute was paid by a judge at Barry County Court on Thursday to a well-known and popular Barry journalist, Mr Tom Parry, who was attending the court for the last time before his retirement at the beginning of September after 50 years in journalism. The tribute was paid by Judge O. Temple-Morris, who also started his career in the same court and in the same year as Mr Parry. He asked that his name be carved on the reporter’s bench underneath that of Mr Parry.

• On Thursday at the Methodist Church Hall, Cadoxton, presentations were made by St. Aidan’s Church congregation to the Rev. H. G. Godden and Mr E. Miles, of Barry. There were over 50 people present, but many were unable to attend. Father Godden, who was presented with a cheque, is leaving the Parish of Cadoxton-juxta-Barry at the end of August to become vicar in a new parish at Chelmsford. Tributes were paid to Father Godden’s excellent work in the parish and to the very high esteem in which he is held by parishioners at St. Aidan’s Church.

• Speaking at the annual luncheon of the Barry Horse and lower Show –always one of the most popular social events of the summer months – the Mayor (Ald. C. T. Price), who is president of the show, took the opportunity to pay tribute to all people in the town engaged in voluntary activities.