A TALK about Life in Victorian Barry raised more than £500 for a fundraiser to build a toilet at St Cadoc’s Church in Cadoxton.

Nic Hodges, whose free Victorian Barry Dock tours and Facebook page has been very successful since their launch in 2018, told the audience at St Mary’s Church, in Holton Road, about Barry’s early years and characters in the life of the town.

Tales were told of the ‘unfortunates’, the nickname given to prostitutes in that era; of early public health and safety; and the role of religion and the temperance movement in the town, illustrated by photos from the time.

And given the subject of the fundraiser, he also spoke about toilets in early Barry – or, rather, the lack of them.

His wife, Shirley Hodges, also contributes to the Barry & District’s local history section, with photos of Barry and stories about the town.

Nic Hodges said: “Our town of Barry has a fascinating history which needs to be told.

"Some of it is good, some of it not so good, but it all adds up to the place in which we live today.

“It’s a great shame that we don’t yet have a museum which collects these stories of real people’s lives and experiences so that current and future generations can better understand the origins and development of Barry.”

Event organiser, Rowena Hughes added: "It was brilliant.

"About 124 people attended and everyone enjoyed it and we raised £580."

More information can be found about the church fundraiser from Father Ben Andrews via the beneficeofbarry@gmail.com

Information about the free Victorian Barry Dock walking tours is available on Facebook as Victorian Barry Dock and @DockBarry on Twitter.