50 YEARS ago

Extracts from the Barry & District

News of December 31, 1964:

l It was almost a white Christmas in Barry! Snow began falling on Sunday morning and mid-afternoon the town’s roads were covered in a fairly thick and slippery layer of snow. But any visions that pessimists may have had of a repeat performance of the devastating winter two years ago were dispelled when a gradual thaw and rain cleared snow and ice away by Tuesday.

l Christmas Day was just eight minutes old when the first baby of the day was born at Barry Maternity Hospital, but this was not quite a record locally – Glossop Terrace Maternity Hospital, Cardiff, boasted a birth just three minutes earlier.

l A Newport born man who has been at the forefront of the historic fight to keep Barry Docks open, retires today after 51 years of almost unbroken service with the British Transport Docks Board.

l The annual Boxing Day “derby” between Barry and the Old Barrians, played at the Reservoir Field provided the large crowd of hardy spectators with a closely fought display of exciting rugby.

The merits of the site and construction of the new club-house were further emphasised for it was noticeable that towards the end of the match only the keenest of fans remained on the touch-line, the less hardy had made a bee-line from the windswept pitch to the warmth of the interior which affords an excellent view of the proceedings.

l Cadoxton Albion’s long run of successes has at last come to an end - this is the shock result to emerge from the Boxing Day games of the Barry and District League. Sea View Labour, another of the first division’s strong teams, were the victors and this slip must put Colcot Stars, the Albion’s chief rivals, a step ahead.

l Christmas festivities in High Street Infants’ School began on Wednesday, December 16, with a carol service and nativity plays which were performed by every class in the school.

The hall was a scene of delight and merriment on the following afternoon when the party was held.

Father Christmas arrived on Friday complete with sledge and gifts for children who had all gathered under the festive Christmas tree for their presents.