A CEREMONY commemorating the best of Barry and unveiling the first ten Blue Plaques honouring some of the town’s notable figures took place on Saturday (November 21).

The launch of Barry’s Blue Plaque scheme saw selection panel members Professor Mike Bassett, Professor Deirdre Beddoe and Professor Peter Stead reveal the first ten names to have the honour bestowed upon them.

The relatives of those chosen, and the owners of the properties on which the plaques will be fixed, gathered at the Memorial Hall for the Pride In Barry event, together with pupils from High Street and Barry Island Primaries and Barry Comprehensive School.

Pride In Barry chairman Paul Haley paid tribute to Gareth Howe, who was not well enough to attend.

He had, said Paul Haley, obtained the funding for the awards, invited the public to nominate worthy individuals, appointed a selection panel, and manufactured the Blue Plaques.

"Without Gareth’s endeavours, I have no doubt this event would not have taken place," he added.

Guest of honour, Captain Sir Norman Lloyd Edwards, said the evening was a thrilling lesson on the history of Barry and the role played by Barrians on the national and international stage.

He encouraged Pride In Barry and the audience to ensure the project continues, and to look for additional funding so further Blue Plaques can be announced next year.

He said: "This event is probably the only time that these ten plaques will ever be together in the same place."

The public nominated worthy individuals of distinction who were born in Barry, educated in Barry, or who spent a significant part of their lives in the town.

More than 50 worthy, high-quality nominations were received.

Selection panel member Professor Deirdre Beddoe said the decision-making process was "surprisingly amicable".

She said: "It’s nice to see the plaques go to two women, but we have to be fair to the blokes!

"I was really pleased at the number of nominations.

"I think it is good for Barry because it celebrates the lives of its’ famous sons and daughters, and I like to think it inspires people."

The first ten Barry Blue Plaques commemorate the following:

* Sir David Arthur Davies (1913-1990), Secretary General of the World Meteorological Service from 1955 to 1979. Location: Gladstone Road

* Sir Frank Dixey (1892-1982). Geologist Frank Dixey was one of the most acclaimed scientists produced by the town of Barry. Plaque location: Princes Street

* Gwynfor Richard Evans (1912-2005). Politician considered "the greatest patriot of 20th Century Wales". Plaque location: Somerset Road

* Leslie Illingworth (1902-1979). One of the nation's leading political cartoonists. Plaque location: Harbour Road

* Robert Frederick John (1899-1982). Footballer who starred for Wales and London giants Arsenal. Plaque location: Morel Street

* Gareth Richard Vaughan Jones (1905-1935). Pioneering investigative journalist. Plaque location: Romilly Road

* John Charles Petersen (1911-1990). One of Britain’s most successful boxers of the inter-war years. Plaque location: Porth Y Castell

* Dame Dorothy Rees (1898-1987). The first woman ever to be elected as an MP in South Wales, Dorothy Rees served Barry with devotion. Plaque location: Newland Street

* Gwyn Thomas (1913-1981). Teacher, author and raconteur. Plaque location: Old College Inn.

* Margaret Lindsay Williams (1888-1960). Distinguished artist who was commissioned to paint portraits of Royalty and American Presidents. Plaque location: Windsor Road