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Barrians
Still
Real
Barrians, either still here or having returned from their wanderings
are listed below. They would be delighted to hear from any old
friends - so if you recognise any names, please get in touch!
And
if you want to add your name to the list, just e-mail
the details to me!
To
e-mail people, click on the names.
Australia | Susan Barnes - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? | 
| Hi, my name is Susan Barnes. I was born in Barry (the colcot) in 1971, and emigrated to Perth, Australia with my family in 1975. I came back to barry in 1995 whilst traveling, and met my now partner, and we returned again to live in Perth for 2 Years before returning to Barry where we live with our 7 year old son Jason. All my family still live in Perth, my dad Selwyn Barnes, my mum Valerie, my two sisters Sharon and lynnette and my two brothers Nigel and Gary, who I miss (as I do Perth) very much. Please contact me if you know any of my family or would like to know anything.
And now (2007) we are back in Perth, Western Australia! | Australia | Nigel Bates, Jane, Kirsty, Adam & Emily |
| We are the Bates family and we moved from Barry to Melbourne in 1997. We are Nigel (37), Jane (34), Kirsty (12), Adam (10) and Emily (7) and we used to live in Bron Awelon. We now live in Patterson Lakes, which is by the beach just outside Melbourne. The three youngest all attended Romilly School, and the two eldest attended Barry Boys and Bryn Hafren respectively, and then moved onto the Park Hotel! Nigel worked for British Gas for 18 years, Kirsty played netball for Romilly Schools and Adam played soccer for Barry Bluebirds. | Australia | Patrick Biggs |
| Hi admin in Barry, you can place me on your list if you like.
I lived at 28 Somerset Road East in Barry from 1954 to 1963 and went to Gladstone School, and then returned to Reading and then emigrated to Australia. I now live near Cairns in tropical North Queensland.
I was 6 when I got to Wales. Dad was outside broadcast engineer for the BBC at Llandaff. We left when I was 15.
The End.
Patrick Biggs, now 59 | Australia | John Cade |
| I am John Cade. I lived in Abingdon Street, Cadoxton in 1949 and went to school in Cadoxton Primary and Secondary. I moved to Australia in 1962 (Morley Park in Perth) where I lived for 6 years with my parents and went to John Forrest High. My parents decided to return to Barry in 1968, and I went back with them. I worked in WH Smith in Holton Road until I found a job as an apprentice toolmaker at Barry Jig and Tool (on Ship Hill).
After my apprenticeship I decided to return to Australia. My sister had stayed here in Melbourne, so this was the logical place to go. I have been here in Rowville in Melbourne since 1970 and have 2 daughters and 6 grandkids with my wife who came from Weston Super Mare
(just across the Bristol Channel).
I was naturised Australian many years ago but still feel Welsh and proud of it.
My wife and I will return to Barry in the not-too-distant future.
I would be interested to hear from past friends. | Australia | Alan Dauncey |
| Hi! My name is Alun Dauncey. I lived at 7 Radnor Green, Barry from about 1970 to 1976, when I followed my then wife to be Perris Griffes to Melbourne.
I went to Barry Boys until about 1974. I served my apprenticeship as a boilermaker/ welder at Davy Power Gas on the BP site in Sully. I have a married daughter who lives in Barry, and a son who lives in St Mellons. I was a founding member of Barry Water Sports Association. I owned and ran Red Dragon security services here in Melbourne for 14 years, and I am now a maintenance supervisor. I am at present setting up a fishing charter business from my beach house at Portarlington.
If anyone remembers me feel free to contact me! | Australia | Wendy Joanne Davies |
| I am Wendy Joanne Davies and in 1969, at the age of 9, my family left Barry for Adelaide, South Australia. I had attended Gladstone Road Primary and lived at 145 Gladstone Road until around 1967 when we moved to 67 Trinity Hill and I attended what I think was Romilly Road School. My elder sister went there too and my elder brother was at the Boys Compehensive.
My father is John Leighton Davies and my mother's maiden name was Nieves Zorrila. I'd love to hear from any one who recalls me or us - I do recall a Peter Woodwood and a friend down the lane from the Trinity Hill House where we did concerts and our versions of Mary Hopkins!
Hugely impressed with the site! Seen many around the UK and this is by far among the best. I'd like to catch up with any old friends from the early to mid sixties and people that knew my parents. | Australia | Michael Davies - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| I'm from Cadoxton (from the Moors). I went to Cadoxton Secondary Modern School, quite some years ago, as you can tell by the name of the school. I have been living in Greensborough, Melbourne since 1996. I visited Barry for Christmas and New Year 1999 and stayed with my daughter who lives in Harvey St, had quite a few "wets" in the Addy (Kevin McCarthy is still the landlord). I used to work for Woodley's the Butchers in Holton Rd and for a number of years with British Rail, Canton Sheds. I would like to try and contact Les Leighton, who now lives in Australia, he is related to Billy Stacey of Cadoxton. Les and I were to come to Australia back in the 70's, we both made it but at different times and places and lost touch in between. | Australia | Gareth Day |
| My name is Gareth Day. I left Barry in 1970 and now live in Watsonia, Melbourne, Victoria, and I'm coming back in August 2004. Thanks for making the site available. I am looking for good hotel accomodation, "Cumru Am Byth" | Australia | Geoff Day |
| Hello Barrians!
My family migrated to Australia in 1970. I'm Geoff Day (and the brother of Gareth Day who wrote the other message). I live in Diamond Creek, on the outer fringe of Melbourne, Australia. It's fairly rural and yes, we do have mobs of Kangaroos, the occasional Wombat, lizards, snakes and flocks of Cockatoos around here.
I went to Romilly Primary School and Barry Island Junior School because we moved house into their zone (although the move couldn't have been more than 300 yards). I'm very proud of my Welsh roots although I consider myself an Aussie now. I'm married and have five kids (3 boys and 2 girls as well as 3 grandkids). I do hope to show my wife Brenda Barry one day, so please keep this marvelous site going. Cheers to all. | Australia | David Dobbs - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| Hi! My name is David Dobbs. I left Barry in 2000, and now reside In Bellevue Hill, near Bondi in sunny Sydney. I lived on Port Road (until 1990), I then moved to Broad Street and moved again in 1992 to Wyndham Street. I attended Colcot Primary School (1984-1990), Barry Boys (1990-1995) and Bryn Hafren for Sixth Form until 1997. I worked at Woolworths until 1997, and then went onto Dan Evans until 1999. I then had a job with Legal & General in Cardiff until I moved to Sydney. I try and fly home every year, but thanks to this website I can always see Barry whenever I please, so keep up the great work! | Australia | Colin Evans - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| I live in Perth, Western Australia.
I used to live in Oxford Street. | Australia | Michael Fowler - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| My name is Michael Fowler, I lived at 7 Tordoff Way, Barry, before coming to Australia on the P&O Oronsay. I landed at Adelaide South Australia on November 5th 1955 with my mother Eve, father Steve, and sister Sue. | Australia | Ann Gibson |
| My name is Ann Gibson. I was born in Cardiff in 1944 but my family lived in Barry in Court Road. My father worked at "The Barry and District News" until my mother and father (Edna and Bill) and my sister Joan and brother John migrated to Australia in 1950 as "ten pound poms". We came to Cairns in North Queensland, Australia where my father worked on the local newspaper. We arrived in Cairns in November, just before the start of summer, which as you can imagine would be very different to the weather we would have left behind. We all settled in well though my mother was ready to return to Wales in the early days. We have all made a good life in Australia and I have had the pleasure of visiting Wales a few times in recent years. I have had the good fortune to stay with my friend who took me to my very first day of school. I was surprised that I did remember several sights round Barry, even though I was young when we left for Australia. I was last in Barry in 2004 and saw a lot more of the town than I had previously seen and I was very interested to learn more of my home town. Hopefully another visit to Barry will be in the offing in the next year or two. Despite living in Australia for so long I am still Welsh and very proud to be so. | Australia | Steve Hewitson, Jane, Lily and Harry |
| A friend in Melbourne, another Barrian, Michelle Yarr, put us onto the website. Great stuff, informative, slick and a great idea re the map. Our address is 45 The Avenue, Newport NSW 2106. We're part of Sydney, 45 mins north of the CBD. Being a Barrian we'd love to be part of the map.Steve Hewitson (+Jane, Lily(aged 5) and Harry (aged 22mths) | Australia | Bill Howes - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| Hi, my name is Bill Howes, I used to live in Hirwain Street. I left Barry in 1968 to live in Perth, Western Australia. I have been back to Barry in 1974 and 1984.
I would like to get in contact with anyone who remembers me. | Australia | Alan Huggins - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| My name is Alan Huggins. We left barry in 1967 when I was 11. We lived in Erwin Street (Irving Place?) for a few years then moved to Elizabeth Avenue in the Colcot. I first went to Holton Road School then the Colcot School. We now live in Perth, Western Australia. I've been back several times in the last 30 years. Things have changed a lot in that time! I remember going to Barry Island every weekend when it was open, and the Knap, and we used to hang around the docks and pinch all the bananas of the boats. Does any one else remember when all the boats came in full of bananas? I had lots of friends then in the 60's - I wonder if they are still around? | Australia | Trevor Morris |
| My name is Trevor Morris and I married Sylvia Harvey at Holton Road Baptist Church on 14th June 1952 (yes, over 50 years ago!). We had three children who were born in Barry and one born in Newcastle NSW. They are Susan (47) John (44) Robert (43) and our only Oz Christine(41). We live at Warners Bay in New South Wales, Australia. We came here in 1961.
I lived at 19 Cardiff Road, opposite the Station Hotel, and later at Morlais Court, and now I fear no more!!! I went to Cadoxton Boys School from 1939 to 1945 and then Cardiff Tech College (Junior Building Dept). I served my apprenticeship starting at the Apprentice Master Scheme then for a year or more at Distillers on the Sully Road, and finished it with a Cardiff Firm. I was married on finishing my time. I then went into the Army and spent two years in Germany. On coming out I lived at 49 Trinity Street and worked for a time at the gun site in Sully where they built a Housing Estate, before leaving for Oz.
Perhaps someone will remember me? | Australia | Paul and Xenia Newcombe |
| OK then, to let you know of a few more Barrians at large.
Paul Newcombe and Xenia Newcombe (Nee Sakelaropoulos) are in Perth, Australia. Anybody knows of us or wants to reply please email us!
Also, Jean-Paul Newcombe is in Holland, and Micheal Sakelaropoulos is in Aberdeen, Scotland. | Australia | Dennis and Jennifer Sewell |
| My name is Dennis Sewell, twin to Donald. I am married to Jenny Bilson and we have three children, Nathan (27), Natasha (23) and Nadine (18).We settled in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia in nova 1981.
Jenny is one of seven sisters, four living here in Ipswich, and all married to Barry boys! They are -
Larry and Jean Caldwell,
John and Lyn Davies,
Chris and Julie Gallagher, and
Dennis and Jennifer Sewell.
Jenny and her sisters came from the Colcot, Larry, John and Dennis from Cadoxton. Chris was raised at Barry island. Hope the map is successful and to hear from other Barrians soon.
Update : My daughter who is in University has moved home and taken the computer with her! I should still get your messages though! | Australia | Joan Seymour |
| I was born in Barry in 1948 - went to St Helen's School and still have a couple of school photographs from those days. Went to Australia with my family in 1959 and live now in Melbourne after years of wandering around in other places, including five years in New Zealand.
I'd love to hear from anyone from my early days in Wales! | Australia | Derek Symonds |
| My name is Derek Symonds, I was born in Barry in 1962, and had a friend called Tommy Batt. My father was a member of the Barry Photographic Club and won both prizes, the cup and the shield, one year with the same photo,'Girl on my mind'. I left Barry in 1967 with my parents to live in Australia. I now live on the Gold Coast with my wife Anne. We used to live in Bellview Terrace and then in Cornwall Rd. I still have most of my relations in Barry; family names are Conibear, Thomas, Owen, and of course Symonds.
We live in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast. It's a pretty special part of the world. If you have a detailed map you'll probably find it, if not it's just south of Surfers Paradise, we're only about 10 minutes from there.
Trevor Morris | Australia | Alan and Val Taylor |
| I am 75 years old and first came to reside in Mentone, Victoria, in Australia in 1953. My wife and I are both ex Barrians and were delighted to see your initiative in producing this fabulous range of views of barry. | Australia | Steve Ivor Traynor |
| My name is Ivor Traynor, and I was born in Newport in 1929. I came to Barry with my parents in about 1934 and lived on Barry Island until about 1942. My father had a newsagency at 125 High Street. I went to Barry Island School, and then High Street School, where I finished my school days in 1944. I went to sea in the British merchant navy in 1946, and in 1950 I settled in Auckland, New Zealand, joining the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand Ltd.I lived and worked here for 8 years before being transferred by the same company to their Australian fleet. I stayed with them until I retried in 1990.
I married a Sydney girl in 1960 and we have three children, two boys and a girl, and 7 grandchildren. I lived in Queensland for many years on the sunshine coast but retired down the holiday coast of New South Wales at Nambucca Heads, a seaside town about 500 Km from Sydney and 400 Km south of Brisbane. My daughter lives in the Blue Mountains with her family, and my sons are up in Brisbane with there family so we are more or less half way between them - about a 7 hour car drive!
I retired in 1990 and had a minor stroke in1995 which left me with a not so good left leg but I can walk fine with the help of a walking stick, so all in all, I'm doing fine.
I have been home to Barry a few times and loved it. Barry will always be dear to me.
I often go on the 'net and would love to hear from any of my old pals in Barry. They will remember me as I was always trying to take off Bing Crosby in them days. | Australia | Jim Welsh |
| I now live in Randwick, Sydney, having moved over in May 1999. Due to my dad's job I moved around a lot as a kid and didn't settle in Barry until 1988. I used to play football for Park Villa AFC and Pro Gas in the local leagues and spent a lot of time up The Park with the boys. As a fourth generation Barrian I also have about 100 relatives still living in Barry, so you are more than likely to know one of them! I get to go back home about once a year to catch up with everyone and also to head over to Ninian Park to watch the mighty Bluebirds. I am presently secretary of the Australian Cardiff City Supporters club and am in contact daily with mates back home to find out what's going on! | Australia | Michelle Yarr and Andrew Clissett (Clocky) |
| I came out to Melbourne permanently in 1994 after doing a 2 year working holiday around Australia a few years earlier. In Barry I went to Holton Road school in the seventies and then Bryn Hafren, after which I worked at the DHSS (as was), and Barry College. I now work at the University of Melbourne (with Jane Bates). I still have all my family and friends in Barry, and keep myself busy trying to keep in regular contact with everyone. I hate to name drop, but my sad claim to fame was getting my photo in the Barry and District with Tom Jones a few months back (also with Jane!). My partner Andrew Clissett (Clocky) also came out to Melbourne in 1994, and he orginally went to Cadoxton School then Barry Boys in the early eighties. He used to work at Brynhill Golf Club, and then for Bowsher Construction before we left for Australia. He is a Greenkeeper by trade and is now working on a course which is ranked 3rd in Australia, and in the top 50 in the world. His family still live in the Cadoxton area, except one sister who lives in Southend. We used to frequent a number of places between us including Horatio's, The Addy and The Park (it was a couple of years ago mind you!). | Belgium | Lucy Batey |
| My name is Lucy Batey. I have lived in Barry for all of my 18 years until 9 months ago, when my Dad decided to get a job in Brussels, Belgium. I went to All Saints Primary school in Cwm Talwg, and then Bryn Hafren from 1998 to 2002, and for Andrea Cole, yes Mr Aubrey is still there, still teaching history and head of ‘Ty Glas’! My dad, Nick Batey was born in 1960 and went to Barry boys, and my Mam was born in Regent Street in 1962 and went to Bryn Hafren. My Mam Nicola Batey, nee Mepham, used to hang round with Karen (nee Tilley). My Mam has an older brother, Simon Mepham, who now lives in Bristol, and a younger sister, Julia who has recently moved back to Barry after a staying in the Oxford area after uni. My dad has a younger brother and sister, Mandy and Dave Batey. Mandy just got married in January and lives in the Cambridge area, and my Uncle Dave now lives in Wenvoe. My Nan and Gramps (Beth and Derrick Batey) used to own Whispers restaurant/Aberthaw house hotel, until they retired a few years ago.
My Mam, Dad, my little brother Alex, and I now live just outside of Brussels in a nice but boring area, I’d much prefer to be in Barry, going down the Acrop on a Friday then the old Paget Inn on a Saturday. I miss the island! I miss Barry loads, if it was my choice I would have never left, but I will be back soon!
I think this site is really good, and the photos bring back memories (good and bad)!
If anyone knows my family or whatever, feel free to e-mail me! | Canada | Bryn Chamberlain |
| When I was 17, my parents sent me to Barry for a years education in Wales. It was 1978 and Punk was hitting its stride in London and Cardiff. The gang I knew in Barry were more of the hard rock knocker types. I went to Barry Boys Comp and enjoyed (if you can use that term to describe a rather drastic culture shock), a brief exposure to a typical British school system. The teachers used to call me "Bayridge" because I had the name of my Canadian school written across the back of my jacket in the pre- school uniform days, "You there boy! Bayridge!". I stayed at Glan-y-mor (my parents knew the owners) which was a student residence for the Tech. college at the time. I still have fond memories of my brief stay in Barry during this very formative period. It was a wonderful cultural experience for a 17 year old: a total academic failure but, oh what fun! I now live in Toronto working in the film industry and at Ryerson University's film department. | Canada | Niels Christensen |
| My name is Niels Christensen. I moved to Canada when my family and a few others from Barry emigrated in July 1966. I was 11 at the time. We used to live at 39 Dock View Road and then after a long wait by my parents for a council house, moved up to Cornwall Road. I went to school at Holton Road school. My Dad, John worked for Barry Pilots and my Mam, Marea was born in Cadoxton and worked at the Gwalia nursing home before we emigrated.
I live in Toronto, Ontario now, am married and have two sons aged 18 & 14. Last time I was home was for the last Rugby World Cup and I could not believe how the docks had changed.
I enjoyed the site and would love to hear from other former Barrians. | Canada | Pearl Darlington |
| My name is Pearl Darlington (formerly Witchell) and my family home was 33 Trinity Street, Barry. My mother died there in 1996 and my father in 2001, aged 88. My sister Pam still lives in Barry as well as other family members. I have lived in Toronto, Canada since 1956 but have visited Barry frequently over the years.
I attended High Street School, Barry County Grammar School (the "old" one), and Cleves College, Cardiff. I have three children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Canada is great, but I had a great time growing up in Barry, even through the war years, and can picture in my mind's eye every stick and stone of my old neighbourhood. It makes me sad to see some of the changes to the town, not all of them for the better!
I would love to hear from anyone and am so pleased to have found this website. | Canada | Graham Eley |
| My name is Graham Eley. While not a true Barrian (I lived in Wenvoe) I went to Barry Grammar School in the early sixties, after moving to Wales from Hertfordshire in my early teens. I went to Pencoed Agricultural College and Harper Adams in Shropshire and finally left Glamorgan for Canada in 1968. I married a Canadian girl and now have a grown up Daughter and two Grandchildren (a boy and girl) and I am currently living in Brampton ,Ontario. | Canada | Colin Hawker |
| I was born in Cadoxton, 1943. My grandmother was Evelyn Chater from Spring Street, very involved with the Red Cross and the OAP. She operated the Red Cross hut at Cold Knap for many years. I went to Palmerston Infants School. Kids from the area were Carol Jones, Denley Turner, Gaynor Munro, Avril Poltney and the Chick family. In 1951 we moved to Cwm Barry Way where my brother Robin and I had the best of times playing in the fields around Yeandles Farm, the Mill Wood and fending off the "Bellites" from Bell Street across the valley at Guy Fawkes time. Was at Romilly Junior Mixed and then briefly the Grammar School.
Names from the street were Gareth Williams, the Tiller Twins, Tony Ross, Anthony Slade, Shirley McMurdo, the Mepham family next door and more that just slip my memory bank.
We emigrated to Canada in December of 1955 on board the Queen Mary to New York, and then by train to Sarnia Ontario.
My brother and I came back to Barry in the summer of 1958, primarily for the Empire games in Cardiff. Met a lovely young lady, Christine, spinning candy floss at a cafe on Barry Island. Kept in touch via mail for a short while but distance was too much of an obstacle.
I haven't returned to Barry since that time; my brother and my parents have, several times over. I think I was too upset over what I perceived to be the deterioration of the town and I preferred to retain the fabulous, yet childhood innocence of my memories.
One day soon I will return. The problem with writing this note is that I could compose a nostalgia that would interest very few but myself. Lived in Sarnia for 26 years, high school soccer, working at ESSO Research, Chamber of Commerce involvement, published a weekly entertainment newspaper, was married which produced a beautiful daughter who in turn has given us three lively granddaughters.
For the past 25 years I have lived on the gorgeous west coast of Canada in Coquitlam, British Columbia, a suburb of Vancouver. Here I am involved in the seismic mitigation business helping companies and governments to prepare for the inevitable earthquake.
If any Barrians come out this way drop me an email. | Canada | Malcolm Heaton |
| I was born at 13 Aberystwyth Crescent on April 22 1947, the third son of Bill and Peggy Heaton. My grandfather was a bespoke cobbler having a store in the High Street. My oldest brother Derek is a retired policeman living in Morden, Surrey and Russell, my other brother, is living just outside of Milford Haven.
I attended High Street Primary and Junior Schools, Romilly Boys Secondary and Barry Boys Grammar Schools. As a teenager I enjoyed soccer, rugby, fishing and cricket before being a live-in dingy sailor at the Barry Yacht Club and an infrequent volunteer on the Barry Life Boat. Joe's Cafe and The Water's Edge were my favourite watering holes. (Geoff Tapscott, Nick Gibbs, Phil Hartle, Julia Baker, Jeremy Jones and Kathy Edmunson were some of my best buddies).
In 1968 I emigrated to Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, married Debbie, a local girl, and have raised two fine children. Graham who is completing his MD in June of 2005 will soon be starting a five year residency in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in London, Ontario while Sarah, a graduate of UWO Business School is a Sales Executive for a large Toronto produce supplier. Debbie, my wife, is a high school math teacher. I have recently retired from Dow Chemical and taken up (again) golf, music composition and landscape/seascape painting as major hobbies. I continue to sing semi professionally (tenor) for various choirs and orchestras and hope to continue this for a few more years.
Of interest, I along with my family will be back in Barry in mid May 2005 to celebrate my mothers 90th birthday - a truly great celebration and reunion it will be! | Canada | Barrie Jones |
| My name is Barrie Jones and I was born in 1939 in Trinity St. I attended High St Junior School and Barry Grammar School. After some
years in Brynmawr and Penarth, I returned to Barry and lived in Gibbonsdown Close. I married Christine Browne of Cadoxton, and in 1975,
we emigrated to Canada with our three daughters. I am now retired after a lifetime of accounting and computers, and keep
busy scuba diving, and looking after our 4 year old grandson. We also have a 14 year old granddaughter. We live in Maple Ridge, British
Columbia, which is about 25 miles east of Vancouver.
Have fond memories of the Knap swimming pool, Porthkerry Park, the Danker Snooker Hall and the Park Hotel, managed by my uncle, Gus Kerr. | Canada | Ray Kerr & Family |
| My name is Ray Kerr, and I'm 43.
My grandmother Elizabeth Ann Lindsay, was from Barry Docks and she was born in May 17, 1907 to parents John Lindsay and Elizabeth (James). Her father John Lindsay died in WW1 at Basra, Iraq. He was a leading trimmer serving the Royal Naval Reserve HMS 'Alert' and is buried at Basra War Cemetary. She also lost her brother, Private Arthur Lindsay in WW1, and he was serving in the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. It is believed they lived on Gadlys street.
My grandmother and her mother came to Canada in 1925, as her brother George Lindsay was already in Regina, Saskatchewan.
My grandmother came from a family with a long history of seafarers, and we have a lot of missing links to her history. Her father John Lindsay was born in Canada, and his father was English Navy, so he is a bit of a mystery man!
My grandmother was born a Lindsay, her mother was born Elizabeth Anne James, and her mother was Elizabeth Mcnamara.
My grandmother Elizabeth married John Kerr shortly after arriving in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1926.
I am trying to discover my Barry family history as my grandmother died in 1997 at the age of 90. | Canada | Lorraine Kijewski (nee Grocott) |
| Well I can't leave this site without adding my two cents worth! I was born in Barry in 1954. My name is Lorraine Kijewski (nee Grocott). Lived in Southey Street and attended Gladstone Road and Holton Road School. Was whisked away to Canada when I was 15. Fond memories of the dance at the 'Memo'. Been back to visit a few times, I still have family there. I would enjoy any contact with old friends. I now live in Prescott (one hour south of Ottawa), Ontario, Canada. | Canada | Denis Lewis |
| My name is Denis Lewis and I was born in Barry in 1943. I was brought up in St. Oswalds road by Victoria park, also lived in Lee Road, and eventually in Merthyr Dyfan Road. I went to Cadoxton school (founded by Lewis family, as was a lot of business in Cadoxton and Barry) until 7, then to Boarding school in Wokingham.
After a short career at sea I joined the Western Welsh bus company. I married, my wife teaching in High street school untill we moved to Ammanford. I eventually contracted overseas for over 30 years, ending up in Dubai where I met my second wife who is Canadian/Philipino. We now live in Toronto, Canada and in 3 years we will retire to the Philippines. I do not see a Barrian residing in the Philippines - maybe I will be the first!!
I still have one Brother left in Barry, Councilor Keith Lewis.
Nice to find your site, I shall now be a regular visitor. | Canada | David & Pat Lomax - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| My name is David Lomax, and I was born and lived in Tenby Pembrokeshire until I was 9, and then we moved to Barry, Palmerstown to be exact. Our address there was 4 Dobbins Road (Rosewood Cottage, until the sign fell down once too often!). I believe the last address was 9 Palmerstown Road. Not bad, three addresses, and never moved an inch. We were lucky to have lived in palmerstown there were such a great bunch to live and grow up with. A few names I grew up with were Maureen Jones, Egger, Phill Vandervol, Gordon Hughes, Ivor Williams, Paul Chick, and Michael Giltnan's sister. The Hopkins boys Vic and Trevor(?), Chris White, The Munroe's, Alec & John Flanagan, Ian with his Reno Dolphin, Heather Wood, (cousin Doreen Harris) Jennifer & Pauline Dee, Michael G, Elaine Dee & Family, Benny Jenkins & sister, and Margaret Dee. I would love to hear from any of you.
Well so much for an education at Cadoxton sec-mod under the vultures eye of Mr. D.J.P. Richards, better known as dipi or bat man. That's the guy that caned me just about every day and took four years to tell me I would never amount to anything. Well Dippy, I would love to invite you over for a three heart attack as maybe I did not amount to much but I could buy a dozen of you, so thanks for the inspiration.
I lived in Barry for 12 years and enjoyed most of it, was the hardest part of coming to Canada, but I felt that it would give me my best shot at the net and it turned to be right. I Retired at the age 47 financially sound - not rich, but sound. My Wife Pat of the past 33 years is still as Beautiful as the day I first met her, we have two kids, the oldest, Deena, is 29, has been wed six years, and is going to give Pat and I our first grandchild for Christmas. Next is Ryan, 27 and still playing the field - well what the Hell, if you've got it, flaunt it!
This covers from 1954 to 1960 - there is more, but you will have to wait till I get some comeback! | Canada | Paul Norman |
| My name is Paul Norman. I was born in Barry in 1954. I went to Romilly infants and juniors, Then the Barry Comp. I was a model student ( yeah right ). I used to go to the Youth club at the Comp then graduated to the Memo, even went to the Radio One club there with Tony Blackburn. I served My apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner at GKN in Cardiff then worked for the British Transport Docks Board at Barry Docks. I used to frequent the Windsor ( the Zoo now) and the Cwm Kiddy Lodge as well as the Island. I moved to Canada in 1979 and never looked back although I must be honest I do miss all the good friends I had in Barry - what a bunch of great people. I still keep in touch with a few people in the area. If you know me please e mail as I love to remember the old days.
I am now located in a place called Oshawa ( not Ottawa ) Ontario,.
What a great site this is - good job to all involved. | Canada | Robert Powell |
| Hello There!
I used to live in Barry until recently on Canon Street just up from the Garden Centre and the Barry Train Station. I was not raised in Barry but lived there for two years and loved every minute of it. I now live in Canada and I must admit that Barry is one of the only things I miss which is quite an achievement when you think that I lived in Camden Town for three years! I loved the combination of the sea, the Knap, the airport, the fantastic architecture and always loads to do. I used to work in the Old College Pub and met loads of people there. I still know a lot of people in Barry and no matter where I go, I think there will always be a part of me there! | Canada | Alun (Taffy) Rees |
| Barry has remained a very special place for me , with so many wonderful happy memories of growing up alongside a group of outstanding individuals. To call Barry "Cosmopolitan" is something of an understatement, for as a Dock Town , it was inevitable that you brushed shoulders with a variety of ethnic groups, and an even greater variety of folks with diverse occupations and devious interests. "The Island" may well have been a seasonal showcase for many visitors, but the quality nuts and bolts of what I remember of this interesting town, stretched from Cadoxton right through to Cold Knap.
Although I have now lived some 44 years in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, there was never any doubt that Barry is, and was, my second home. Over the years, I have kept in touch with many of my friends from schooldays, some still residing in Barry, and others like myself, have moved to fresh pastures. Cliff Incledon, Terry Parry, Denise Bassett and Barrie Jones are all contacts here in Canada, and I have kept up close friendships with Wyn Sheryn, Phil Gabriel, Graham Humberstone, Mike Bassett, Sheila Williams, Cathy Chamberlain (nee Walker ), John Copeland, Gerald Copp, John Pycroft, and Pat Clarke, all still living in the UK.
I lived in the YMCA Holiday Centre, Glan-y-mor, Cold Knap, where my father was the Secretary. I attended Romilly School until 1947, and then moved to Barry Boys County Grammar School, and eventually to Cardiff University in 1955. From there it was National Service, Loughborough Colleges , a short 3 year stint as a professional soccer player, and finally a teaching position in London. My only regret during those hectic and irresponsible years, was losing a beautiful Barry girl, and that my engagement never materialised into marriage. We have now made contact again after 50 years. Who says that life does not have its nice surprises.!!
I never did return to Barry to live, and after a teaching contract in Bermuda, I eventually found my way to Victoria, BC, Canada where I have lived since 1963.
I married Gill in 1961, and have three children (Dariol, Gareth and Jane) and four grandchildren. All of them are currently residing in British Columbia.
My first job in Canada was to teach English at Brentwood College, and of equal importance, I was encouraged to develop a rugby program for the school. I had long since left soccer behind, and from that point onward I returned to my first real love - rugby. It has been a passionate commitment and a wonderful ride that has seen me travel the world extensively, and for that privilege, I owe much to the encouragement and training I received at Grammar School, and the 'life skills' taught to me as a schoolboy while playing for Barry Rugby Club.
Some time ago, I learned that 'The Hop' reunions were taking place every two years at The Memorial Hall, and until their 'temporary suspension' last year, I made three very enjoyable pilgrimages. They were delightful occasions, and reunions in a very real way. Hopefully, someone will pick up the banner and run with it again, before it gets too late.
Victoria is a beautiful part of the world, and should you travel this way, there are lots of beds and you would be made most welcome.
This website, and Friends Reunited website, have brought out the genuine "hiraeth" in many of us, and allowed us to resurrect friendships from all those years ago. I am now well retired, which allows me to return to South Wales on an annual basis, and although I see many physical changes happening in Barry, it still has those magical ingredients that gave it a character that was so different to any other town that I have ever known. Long may it last.
Congratulations to those who had the vision to initiate this website.
Alun (Taffy) Rees | Canada | Laurence Reynolds |
| I left Barry August 2nd, 1977, it should have been the 3rd, but a pilot strike precipitated an earlier flight, and I missed my going away party.
I came to Canada with $555 and one suitcase. Now I have a great job, a wife Laura, and three great kids. We live in Grande Prairie, Northen Alberta. This City is thriving and has a huge oil and gas industry, forestry and farming.
I was born in 1954, and lived for many years in Rhoose, attending Romilly School, the new (then) Comprehensive School the year it opened, and then the old Grammar school across from it.
My Mother who still resides in Rhoose sent me this web site information and it's facinating, keep up the good work and I will check back regularly.
Like another writer before me, I also have fond memories of the "Memo", Brains beer, S.A (SKULL ATTACK)... Man and spunk rock.... Fantasia, Ship Hotel, Joe's Cafe, my old pal Tony Ribas (who now lives in Ontario) and Luen's Cafe (my mother's uncle) at Watchtower Bay, my summer job at Butlins operating the chair lift, and the smell in the public toilets at Kings Square (not a bad smell because someone worked down there.) Ring any bells????? | Canada | Christine and Harry Sayer |
| We are ex Barry residents (actually my husband was born and lived all his life there) and I originally come from St. Athan but moved to Barry on our marriage. We left the great metropolis in 1974 for pastures new and emigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia. We love it here but Barry will always have a special place for us. Its nice to see a web site devoted to this. Keep up the good work. | Canada | Rammona (Nona) Schatten |
| My name is Rammona Schatten (nee Price) and I was raised in Cadoxton from 1953 -1963 when we lived at 9 Brock Street, Cadoxton. In Cadoxton I was known as Nona. Tom Clemett mentioned my grandfather Caradoc Price, and my grandmother was Catherine. They had three daughters, Ivy, Emily and my mother Josephine, also known as Pearly. My granddad passed away in 1963 and my mum and I moved to Barry Island. I moved from Barry Island in 1966 and moved to England, before moving to Ontario, Canada in 1972. I married an Englishman from Luton, Bedfordshire here, and we have two boys.
We live in a lovely spot called Prince Edward County which is a large Island on Lake Ontario. We are about 3 hours from Toronto airport. The county is known for its beautiful countryside, lakes, beaches and vineyards. If you’re interested you can go on line and just punch in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. I don’t know the proper address, but this will work. We are about one hour west of Kingston. We have lived here since 1988, we moved from the big city. We own 19 acres of land in the middle of the county near a small town called Wellinton, and we love it here.
I would love to hear from Tom Clemett and also I have lost touch with my best friend in Cadoxton, her name was Margaret (Maggie) Coombes, but I lost her married name and for the life of me I cannot remember it. I have spent lots of time over the years trying to locate her but have had no luck. I would really like to connect with her again after all of these years. When we were children she lived with her family on Church Road in Cadoxton, she still lives in Cadoxton to my knowledge, but is married and I do not know her married name. If there is anyone that can help locate her for me this would make me so happy. Also if any one else remembers me, I would love to hear from them.
As I get older I think about the small village that I grew up in, I know it is no longer a small village. I have not been back to Cadoxton since 1978 so I probably would not recognize it today. In the near future I have plans to come over for a holiday and to have a good look around Cadoxton.
I really like your web site, you’ve done a terrific job at organizing it, and especially the part where we Barrians can get in touch with other Barrians. Keep up the good work. | Canada | John Stonehewer - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| My name is John Stonehewer and I hail from Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada.
As an ex-pat Barrian, it's been great reading the comments by people on the Board. My Brother and I spent some time in the Windsor when I visited during Christmas 2000. I came to Canada in 1960, and that pub hasn't changed. On reflection, neither has Barry! Seeing what's left of the Docks was sad, but industries are shutting down everywhere. | Canada | Haydn (Gnome) Thomas |
| My name is Haydn Thomas and I emigrated to Canada in 1975 after spending the previous year there checking it out. I went to Barry Boys Comprehensive and lived in Southey Street and Tordoff way. I still keep in touch with family and friends in Barry, and have been back many times to visit by myself, and with my family. I married a Canadian lady named Marcie and we have two kids, Megan(16) and Lloyd (13), and we live in the prettiest town in Canada, Goderich, Ontario, right on the bank of Lake Huron about 150 miles west of Toronto. I am currently working in the lumber industry and Marcie is a nurse at the local hospital.
Life is good! What more can I say?
P.S. loved the site, also some people might remember me as Gnome, a nickname at the time. | Canada | Bob Tucker |
| My grandfather, Alfred Tucker was a Baptist minister in Barry around WW1. He had previously lived in Weston-Super-Mare where my uncle was born. My father was born in Barry in 1913. The family lived at 25 Commercial Road. In 1919 or 1920, the family moved to soutwest Ontario, Canada where my grandfather had several postings
My father's name was Gordon.
My grandfather's parishes were all in the vicinity of London. | Canada | Dawn Watkins |
| Hi! I am originally from Barry - I left for Canada after finishing college in 1984. I am currently living in London, Ontario, Canada and just visited Barry a couple of years ago. I attended Holton Road public school, Bryn Hafren Girls and Cyncoed College (N.N.E.B) course. My current name is Dawn Tsergas but please post my maiden name-Watkins.
I look forward to receiving e-mails from old friends!
Great website - both myself and my children enjoyed it. | Canada | Lynda Wuetherick |
| My name is Lynda Wuetherick and I found out about your site through an ex Barrian, Barrie Jones. we both live in Canada and I discovered Barrie on the site called 'Friends Reunited'. I didn't remember him from my school days but as we both lived in Canada I decided to contact him anyway!! Now we are frequent emailers!!
I was born in Woodlands Road Nursing Home on May 24th 1943. My birth name is Lynda Hill. My parents, Doreen and Arthur hill live at 4 Cae Glas and lived previously at 15 Cardiff Road. I have a sister, Judith Owen, a retired police officer, and a brother, Roger Hill, a retired government official. I also have nieces and nephews, aunts uncles and cousins plus numerous friends, all living in Barry.
I attended Palmerstown Infant School, Cadoxton Junior School, and the Barry Girls County Grammar School. I have fond memories of HOP at the memo, Joe's Cafe, and working at Woolworths and Barry Island in John's Cafe, on the prom at number 7!!
I met my husband, George Palmer, whilst working in Cardiff in the early 60's. We married in 1963 and made our home in Barry. We had 3 children - Julia Palmer, born 1964, Susannah Palmer, born 1967 and Ross Palmer, born 1975. We were involved with the Barry Rugby Club and Brynhill Golf Club and our children attended the welsh schools. My mother had a wool shop on Broad Street from 1977 - 1987 called 'Knit-in'.
In 1980, we emigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, before moving in 2005 to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, Canada and I have lived here ever since. My husband worked in the transport industry and was killed in the Edmonton tornado in 1987. At that time we had three grandchildren, Cody [now 19], Sabrina [18] and Kyle [16]. I remarried in 2000. My husband, Maurice Wuetherick, is a Canadian. He has three children and I have now three more grandchildren, Kurtis [15], Tyler [14] and Zachary [10].
I have visited Barry many times and keep in touch with lots of family and friends there. Sometimes I receive the Barry and District News and catch up on things. A recent paper showed a design of the 'new' King Square area. I look forward to seeing it on my next visit.
Barry has now areas of neglect such as the boarded up shops in Holton Road and areas which are flourishing such as the docks and Coldbrook. My favourite walk is along the new dock road. My pet peeve is the dog poop!!! We so rarely see it here and my little granddaughter on her first visit to Wales was very intrigued by it!!
I could go on reminiscing for ever but my husband has checked up on me twice and can't believe I'm still typing!!
Now I definitely have to leave this site and get some work done!! I found the page on Tom Clemett's History. Tom is my second cousin. His mother, Ivy, and my grandmother, Martha, were sisters.
Thank you soooo much for this web site. | Cyprus | Tom Jones - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| Hi. My name is Tom Jones, and I was born on Barry Island on 11/5/1961. I went to Barry Island School and then Barry Comprehensive. I worked in Butlins Holiday Centre for 20 years or more. When I finished working there I opened a pet shop in Holton Road - TJ's Pet Centre. I had the per shop for four years until I sold it to my good friend Sue Heffernan. I now live in sunny Cyprus (Paphos), and I have been here for two years.
I have a big family in Barry - David, John, Raymond, Philip, Tina and my youngest sister, Mandy - all Jonses!
In my heart Barry will always be my home, but I enjoy Cyprus too much to come back!
If you know me I hope you send me an e-mail. | Finland | Paul (Mogsy) Morgan |
| Hi there or Moi,
Am I really the northernmost barrian in the world ? I am Paul Morgan - Mogsy - and I was born in Gadlys Road and grew-up in Dudley Place. Went to school in Romilly Academy. I was quite well known in the town during the 60's and 70's.
- Played in "The Present Tense " 1963-66.
- Owned the Keyhole Coffee bar in Holton Road(1971) above Clobba boutique, the Fish and Chip Shop opposite Holton Road School (1976/7), the Junction in Penarth (1978/79), and built Tropicana Gardens in Holton Road 1981. I was retail catering manager on Butlins 1972 - 1976. My memories of Barry are fond and still very vivid !
- I can name every pupil in my class (5b) in Romilly Juniors 1958/9 and say where they sat. Still remember Susan Harris as a sultry 12 year old.
- I can name every ship that was "laid-up" in the docks 1961-1965.
- The Nick youth club (St.Nicholas Road) - took Susan Harris there once (my first date) actually danced with Pat Gibbons - what a thrill for a twelve year old!
- The Roller Skating rink on Saturday morning with black wranglers and turned up shirt collar - brill music.
- Coming out of Hop at the Memo with The Cyclones, getting a cold milk out of the first milk machine outside Perry's on Broad St. and then a burger at Hamburger Corner. The next day (Sunday) Pick of the Pops at Joe's and horror night at the Theatre Royal (complete with tin plate to drop in the scary parts!) Weekends just couldn't get better.
- Sitting in the Pixie listening to early rock records and swooning about John Papoutsous sisters' working behind the bar.
- Christopher's coffee bar and swooning about Sandra Harfoot and Jenny Spedding, and then came The Water's Edge - wow it really couldn't get any better than this - The Tsoflias sisters and Cheryl Cripps - knee high boots and mini skirts - Sian Westall, Susan Dunkley's and Ann Charles' bare midriff - no it couldn't get better.
- The student dances at Bindles - long gowns and flip flops - brill!
Gourmet memories include:
- Harveys Fish and Chips
- Ice cream (home made) from Williams at the bottom of Park Crescent
- Thomas's Pie Shop
- Jim's chicken off the bone (it always tasted special at 3.00am)
Now I live in Vaasa on the west coast of Finland. I have lived in many places since leaving Barry --- Salisbury, Dorset, Toronto , Willhelmshaven - but Finland is where I will stay for the rest of my life. I own a resort called Kalle's Inn out on an island near here and I
still perform the occassional Elvis show - would always offer reduced rates for any Barrians or ex Barrians wishing to visit - especially
the females mentioned above.
Mogsy | France | Trudi Higgins (Rickards) |
| I was delighted to come across this site. My sisters and I spent many happy moments in Barry and Cold Knap from 1964-1969. Our grandmother lived in Welford Street and we used to come and stay with her for the holidays. I remember the swimming pool at Cold Knap so well, my sisters and I used to go there, and those changing rooms! I visited the Butlins site as well, it is in a sorry state now, I spent the day there once my uncle William James (who used to work for the council) gave my sisters and I a free day pass. I remember the swimming pools, the one inside especially, you could dive down and see the people in the café through a clear window!
My gran, Bridie Rickards, worked in Dan Evans, and my Aunty Josephine JAMES worked in a jewellers in the main street. I could go on for hours about the fun we had, we were very young, yet we would leave the house in the morning and not get home until evening. The adventures we use to have in the old port, climbing on the rocks there, dodging the tide. People wouldn't dream of letting three young girls out doing such things now, but we knew the tides, we knew when we could walk across (missing the mud quagmires) to the boathouse on the other side, and on to Cold Knap. How does it all look now in 2004? I haven't been there since 1980!
I now live in the south-west of France. | France | Tracey Smith |
| My name used to be Tracey Smith and I am a Barrian abroad. I spend half my time in Kent and the other half in France but have a sister and nephews still living there. My parents Carole & John Smith are here in Kent also.
I was born in Barry and lived at Park Road and Gibbonsdown, and went to school at Jenner Park and then Bryn Hafren (Form 1H2-5H2). After leaving school I ran the Barry Hotel for a year or two and then did various things. I left in 1990 and after a bit of traipsing around France and Spain, and a divorce, I am now blissfully remarried and have 2 homes in France one of which we rent out as a holiday cottage. I travel back and forth between France and Kent every week where my husband has a business. I have just started an antiques business in Kent so all in all my life is very busy!
I have one son aged 19 this year who has just moved off to University to study Philosophy (son of Anthony Slade - also of Barry) | France | Julie Spear |
| My name was Julie Spear (is now Crucitti) and I was born in Barry in 1957. I lived in St Lythan's Road until I was 5 and then we moved to Marine Drive, where I lived until I was 17 and my parents left Barry. I went to Romilly School and the the Girls Grammar from 1968-73, finally with a year at the Tech College.
Went to all the usual places such as the Ship, the Park, the Island, Fantasia etc. etc. and worked a season at Butlins (1973?) Also spend a few seasons sailing dinghies at Barry Yacht Club - Diane Hurst, Eryl Thomas, Lyndsey Bater, Lawrence and Tim Hill, Corin Hobbs, Claire Mapstone, etc. The first few years after we left I came back fairly often, but so many people moved away. In 1986 I came to Paris to work for a year, intending to return to London afterwards, however ... I met my Italian husband, so guess what, I'm still here, with two children Philippe 12 and Claire 10. I try to get back every two or three years, my grandmother 92, lives in the flats overlooking Romilly Park. I work at the British Embassy in Paris, and live 15 miles out of the city. | Germany | Gabriele Huber |
| Hi! I´m Gaby Huber from Germany. I´m not a Barrian but I lived on Barry Island for almost 1 year when I was an au-pair in 1999/2000. I lived with the Short family in Redbrink Crescent. I went out a lot to the Paget Inn and Acropolis on Barry Island. Many people knew me and I had a fab time there. Unfortunately only one person is still in touch with me. I couldn´t make it to come back so far, but I will one day. Hope to see you soon!!!! | Italy | Peter Young |
| I'm in Milan, Italy, and have been here for ten years after taking early retirement. Worked as a Power Station Engineer in the Midlands, London and Kent before retiring early and moving to Italy in 1991 to become a freelance English teacher and technical translator. If you ever meet an Italian speaking English with the Barry twang you'll know who to blame! I Lived in Barry from 1950 - 1962. I was at Romilly Schools and Barry Grammar 51 - 56, 1st Barry Scouts, Colcot Amateur Dramatic Society.
I would welcome any mail from old friends etc. | Japan | Neil Hardy |
| My name is Neil Hardy and I left Barry in 1998 to go traveling around Australia. While there I met my future wife, I moved to Japan the same year and have been there ever since. My wife Yoshiko and I have now been married close to 7 years and my son Julian will be 7 this Christmas eve.
I have been back several times to the town, it always feels great to be back. There is a big difference to life compared with Tokyo. | Jordan | Sheree Alsayed |
| My name is Sheree Alsayed and I was born in Cardiff in 1978. I lived in Barry, first at 40 George Street, and later at Woodfield Heights. I attended Gibbonsdown School, and then Bryn Hafren, leaving in 1993. When I was 16 we moved to Amman, Jordan where I am studying English Literature at the University of Amman. I am also married, with two children. My mothers family are all originally from Barry and still live there. I haven't been to Barry in eight years and I miss it terribly!
I was in forms 1H2 to 4H2 at Bryn Hafren, and I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Update (2006) -
I have been back to Barry reecently, I met a few girls from my school Bryn Hafren, I also brought my children back to see where we lived. I visited my cousin Anna Hocking who lives on Cardiff Road. I was wondering what happend to a few of my freinds like Julie Campbell .Simone Williams, Leanne and Hayle - if anyone sees this it would be great to hear from you!
I came to the UK recently and saw all my family and met many friends. I was shocked to see all the changes, and it's cool that shops now open on Sunday. | Netherlands | Ian Johnson - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| I'm currently studying at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, before returning "home" to London | Netherlands | Bernadette O'Shea - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| I am looking for James and Joseph O'Brien.
The only details I have are as follows :
- James and Joseph O'Brien.
- Born in New York circa 1920 - 1940's
- Father was James O'Brien from Butlerstown, Co. Waterford, Ireland
- Mother (O'Brien nee Collins) died after giving birth
- Father died at sea in a submarine accident (circa 1920)
- Twin boys sent back (1930?) to Barry to live with Grandmother Collins
- Sailed as youngest passengers ever from US to UK and were cared for by stewards on board.
- Their sailing was recorded in the New York Herald at the time.
James and Joseph or any of their relatives are asked to contact Bernadette Hannon (nee O'Shea) using the link above.
My late mother Bridget O'Shea (nee O'Brien) would have been the twins aunt.Any reactions would be most welcome. | Netherlands | Peggy Tyley |
| My name is Peggy Tyley. I was born in Barry on the 20th of october 1922. I left Barry when I was 24 years of age. I have lived almost all the rest of my life in Amsterdam, Holland, and I raised my Family of 4 children there. My husband, a dutchman, was an officer in the navy. I am going to make a sentimental journey to my roots in May 2003. | New Zealand | Barrie Englishby - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| My name is Barrie Englishby; I was born in Woodlands Road in Barry in 1954 and lived in Cadoxton until 1966. In fact I noticed Larry Caldwell’s name in your "Barrians Worldwide", we used to live next door to the Caldwell’s in Harvey Street- number 48. I attended Cadoxton Junior School.
My family (Father, Grandmother [Grace Mitchell] and my brother, John) moved to Perth, West Australia in August 1966.
I am a Professional Electrical Engineer working in Auckland, New Zealand on contract and looking forward to going back to Australia! John is in Perth, he runs a Construction and Maintenance business for Tyco.
I have been back to the UK a number of times and unfortunately, never seem to make it to Wales.
My wife and I are vacationing in Europe next year and we have the UK on our itinerary. | New Zealand | Jeff George - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| My name is Jeff George and I lived in Court Road. I've been in Auckland, New Zealand since April '95 and run my own business called Cardiff Carpets, which is doing quite well so far.
Memories of Barry are Caffreys in the Witchell, Stella in the Three Bells, Kronenborg in the College Inn, Newcastle Brown Ale in the football club (it was the only drink Charlie Dyke coudn't add water to!) and Brains SA in the Zoo. Watching Loaded playing the Doors down the Friars, the long walk home, with a curry or greasy kebab, waking next morning and down to the Bridge for a slap up breakfast - Brilliant!!! I couldn't wait for next week! Makes me wonder why I ever left! Be back in time to watch Cardiff City win the premiership, and Barry Town play Swansea City in the League of Wales. | Northern Ireland | Les Webber |
| My name is Les Webber, born way way back in 1926 at 14a Holton Road. Pop had a laundry dry cleaning business and we lads - four of us, Ronny, Bill, Grahame and myself - used to deliver and collect from all over Barry. No washing machines around, bar the old copper boilers (no, not the women). I remember the cinema being built opposite Pauls the Building suppliers and also the wooden monstrosity being erected in the amusement park. Can`t think of the name of the Italian cafe across the road, my elder brothers were great pals with their lads and spent hours seemingly drinking coffee (for free) while I thought the ice cream factory at the rear was a kids paradise. I moved up to 50 Court Road when the war started. My first school was Gladstone and I`m told my old teacher Lewis J.Todd went on to head Holton Road when he came out of the RAF. I finished up in the County Grammar and eventually won a marine engineering apprenticeship in Cardiff before heading off to sea. Grahame was lost on the last submarine to be sunk in the last month of the war, going down in HMS Porpoise off Penang. His name is listed in the memorial Hall if that still exists.
I finished up in Northern Ireland in 1970, originally for 18 months, and I`ve been here ever since. Hectic at times, but a lovely place and great folk (bar some).
I often wondered what happened to my first childhood crush, Valerie Sheryn. Her dad kept a sweet shop in Pike Street, and she married Bud Abbott (not the filmstar) - lucky guy! So many memories, but Barry has changed so much and my oncoming visit is going to need a deal of planning to get from Winston Road to Kings Square. Hope the Windsor still serves a decent pint!
Congratulations on the site - it`s a cracker! | Norway | Thomas James |
| I am Thomas James and live in Bergen, on the west coast of Norway. I grew up in castleland street, barry docks and later moved into one of the first houses built on the Waterfront. I went to St. Helens infants and junior schools and St. Richard Gwyn on the link road. I live now in the wettest city in europe, Bergen and I am studying to become a teacher. I had originally planned to be here for a gap year before moving back to Barry and start at Cardiff University. But, as usual I met my girlfriend and have never looked back since. I miss Barry though and I travel home to see my family often! | Norway | Stuart Lees |
| For the past six years I have been living in Trondheim, Norway where I have trained to be a teacher.(I don't know why). I grew up in Romilly Road where my parents still live. I went to Romilly junior school and Barry Boys where I learnt (very little) useful, and then onto the Park where I learnt to drink SA. My girlfriend was an exchange student to Barry in 1996 and took me home as a reminder in 1997. I hope to come home soon as the weather is crap, the summers are cold and the winters last from October to May. Worse still the price of beer is 5 quid!!!!! | Panama | David (Russell) Young |
| My name is David (Russell) Young and I recently moved to Panama after some 30 years in Toronto Canada. (No snow in Panama).
My father, Jim Young, was a seafarer who went to sea aged 12, had his 13th birthday in Melbourne Australia in 1899, and was still at sea through the early part of World War II. My mother's maiden name was Bendall. She had three brothers. Only Desmond remained in Barry. One went to Venezuela with my cousin (Malcolm). Two other cousins (some of my father's brother, a seafarer who married in New York) Carol and Eric, returned to Toronto with their mother (nee Jones). Eric served in the Parachute Regiment and went to Gladstone Road School where he was known as "Yank". My grandmother (second marriage to Captain Gibson ...both her husbands died at sea) lived on Chilcotte Street in a house paid for by my father before he was married. I attended her funeral when I was on leave from the Navy.
I previously worked In Paris, Northern & Southern Rhodesia (Zambia & Zimbabwe) and South Africa (Jo'burg) on various newspapers.
My schooling began in Jenner Park, but after being run over (aged 4) near the "Destructor" and spending months in Barry Accident Hospital, I went to St Helens. My father believed that my accident was punishment for going to a protestant school, and I was shipped off to the Catholic school and baptised at age 5. My younger brother (Roger Neville) was three and howled when he got dowsed.
During my elementary years my mother tried to get me back to her protestant roots, and at different times I went to Holton Road and Gladstone Road schools. When my father returned from sea. I would end up at St Helens until I passed the entrance exam for Barry County School, now I believe with the more posh title "Grammar School". Some of the teachers were "Dippy" Richards (Geography), "Nobby" Frances (English), "Bud" Fisher (English), and "Minnie" Morris (History). There was a father and daughter combination in Mr Lennox (Economics and Commercial) and Miss Lennox (French). The father got me through my Pitman's shorthand exams, and Miss Lennox, in my last summer, drew up a work timetable for me for French, and coached me (for free) throughout the summer. Between them they got me to top of the class (for the one and only time). Soon after I left for the RN (big mistake) after unsuccesfully trying to run away on a merchant ship to follow in my father's footsteps.
My Country school days began soon after the outbreak of World War II, and we experienced the joys of sleeping in an Anderson shelter at the foot of the garden, distinguishing the sound of ack-ack fire from bombs, and viewing the bombing of Cardiff from the top of Tynewydd Hill.
The nearest bombs to us (our garden backed on to the cemetery) were when a stick of bombs hit the cemetery and nearby fields. One crater became a temporary swimming pool and later a sandbagged dugout for the Home Guard. It was eventually used by the local kids for "Cowboys and Indians." There was a photo in the South Wales Echo of a huge ball of earth and stone that had been thrown up from a crater and through the roof of a house on the Witchell Estate.
In the meantime my mother's sister (Muriel) in Penarth got points to replace furniture burned when they were hit by an incendiary bomb. My mother was was jealous of the new "Utility" furniture.
I joined the Sea Cadets (SCC Cossack) when I was 10, courtesy of CPO Adair, a navy retiree, called back when the war started. He was later sent to Gibraltar for the duration. I graduated to the band (bugler) where everyone wanted to be a Drum Major and practised with a broomstick surmounted with a brass knob from a bedstead.
I also served as a messenger at the docks, where there was a weekly contest, running from one location to another... the reward, a bar of chocolate (like gold in times of rationing).
I spent VE Day in King Square and Holton Road, with a boy soldier named Ivor Arnold (last time I saw him he was a Sgt.Major) and two Polish Merchant Navy Cadets, who taught me a lot of Polish swear words that I still remember.
My last summer in Barry before leaving for the Navy was spent working at the fairground at Barry Island. Amassed what to me was a small fortune, and dated many girls from the Valleys!!
I returned to Barry after the Navy, full of ambitions to be a writer after getting some poetry and essays published in a Navy magazine. Went into the Barry Herald and spoke to the editor (Rhys Davies) whose mother sat at a high desk behind him. He was bald, bespectacled, and wore a brown tweed suit. After listening to my offer of services, he sent me off to write something. I was back next day and, after reading it, he said I could start as a junior reporter. His mother noisily shuffled papers in the background. "This is what you will be paid" he said, and wrote quicly with a pencil on a small scrap of paper, and slid it towards me. The papers in the background were given a few thumps. On the paper was "£1". I accepted.
I and my fellow reporters worked seven days a week (there was always some fair, sporting event, concert etc. on Saturday and Sunday) in a tiny upstairs room, with no phone. We bicycled everywhere. Copy was written on trimmed sheets of newsprint in pencil. We proof-read the ads, and editorial matter (except that written by "Mr Davies") and on Wednesdays helped fold the newspapers which were printed on a flat bed press. We learned the mysteries of linotype and hand setting. After three months I got a 25 per cent raise!
The rival newspaper "The Barry and District News" was envied by our reporting staff of three - it had photographs and a "modern" layout. The Herald ran even front page stories in single column. A personal experience was being "seduced" by Phyllis, a female reporter at the News.
I shudder when I think of some of the stuff I wrote, and figure that Mr Davies must have had a small budget or a big heart for keeping me on. But it was a learning experience than no school of journalism could ever have provided, and provided me with so many memories that I couid go on for a week. But already I am running out of time as I have assignments to complete. (Yes, I still write).
When I left the Herald I worked on weekly and daily newspapers across Britain, finally ended up in Manchester (Kemsley) as an industrial correspondent and city editor, later the Daily Mail. In Africa I worked for the Northern News (Ndola), Weekend (Bulawayo) Sunday Times & Rand Daily Mail (J'oburg).
I returned to UK, worked for Mirror Group and BBC, before moving into advertising and PR. That got me travelling the world again, but the strongest memories are of my County School Days, and the Barry Herald.
I have spent a lot of time (since I discovered your excellent site) reading other experiences (not too many around when I was a "nipper") and going through photo archives. I remember for example going to the Island when ships were beached after being mined, and people were dragging boxes of oranges covered with oil, out of the water.
Keep up the good work. | South Africa | Rod Fountain - invalid e-Mail - anybody know the new one? |
| I'm Rod Fountain, and I've been falling off my chair laughing at all the memories your submitters have evoked!
I was born in Evan Street, just off Holton Road in 1944. (anyone recall the "Vic"?).
I went to Gladstone primary school, then on the Barry Boy's Grammar (the old one) and was there during the move to the "new" one. I served my apprenticeship at C H Bailey's in Barry Dock, then went off to sea. After many years floating around the planet I came ashore for a short while before emigrating to South Africa in 1973, where I have been ever since.
More memories for your site :-
- St Helens Youth Club where the Priest used to arrive on a motorcycle and beat the crap out of us
- Bindles at Cold Knap where the yuppies drank Babycham and Brandy
- The Ship Hotel Darts team when we beat everyone before we got sober
- The Park Hotel and the chippy around the corner
- The Pelican Club at Barry Island where you could drink until 3 am provided you had a chip buttie
- New Years Eve at the Kings Square toilets
- The "Hop" held at the "Memo"
- Joe's Cafe around the corner from the Ship Hotel
- Romilly Park where we played Rugby against a Girls team
- The West End Labour Club where the beer was cheapest in town
- Danka's Snooker Hall for the wayward
- The boating Lake at Cold Knap where we played with those strange "canoes" made from aircraft drop tanks
- Nells Point Nookie
- The Barry Swimming Club, and the trips to St Athan on the Bus of Depravity
- Porthkerrry Park and the pebble beach near the Viaduct
- "Pea Picking" at Bonvilston and earning one and sixpence for a sack
- The holidaymakers from "Up the Valleys" wearing "Kiss me quick" cowboy hats
... I could waffle on forever !.
Barry was a great place, and even though I have been around the world many times I still tell everyone I was born in the best town on the Welsh Riviera ! | South Africa | John Lewis |
| My name is John Lewis; I was born at No 2 Woodlands Road, Barry, in 1947. The Lewis family was and still is very prominent in Barry culture and history. I grew up around Cadoxton, initially, St Oswald Road and Lee Road, and then we moved up to Merthyr Dyfan Road. I was schooled at Jenner Park and Romilly Boys. The Barry Docks were my second home and I spent lots of time there, exploring all that I could. I was a member of the sea cadets (all of my family were involved with the sea) and used to fish and sail in the docks as well as in the channel. I was also a member of the St Aidans Gymnastic club. I started my working career at the Enamel Works and then moved to Western Welding. Studied at the Llandaff Tech (Welding Technology) and Barry Tech. I broke with family tradition and joined the Royal Engineers, where I completed my trade training at the school of Military Engineering based at Chatham. I got tired of normal army routine and volunteered for training with the Royal Marines and got my coveted Green Beret. As engineer support with the marines I saw service in Malaya, Singapore, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) the Mediterranean, Norway, Northern Ireland.
I have many, many fond memories of my home town and have been back and forth many times over the years, as recently as this year 2005. Having read some of the mails of other Barrians around the world, it seems that we all have a lot in common in our younger days. The Knap Lido, now sadly no more, the Memo Hops, nights at the Pelican, Bindles and not to mention all those pubs. The Windsor, the Vic, The Chain Locker, Three Bells, The Puffing Billy, good grief I could go on and on. I grew up with the Cummings boys, Richard, Charles, Edward and David, the Canty’s, Steven and Roger, went to school with the Hockey’s and the Kennedy’s. I also used to work on Les Twigs Farm at Merthyr Dyfan, he had a dairy farm there, it sadly does not exist any more and the area is now built up into a housing estate. A lot has changed since those days. The Dock industry has gone but the Water Front development looks good. I have on my numerous trips back to Barry, managed to get a few history books of the place and keep them well displayed. I have a brother in Toronto Canada, and my younger brother Keith is a Barry Town Councillor.
I came over to South Africa in 1976, and live in Farrarmere, Benoni which is east of Johannesburg. I followed a career in the gas industry and specialised in Cryogenics. I married a local girl, who has sadly since passed away, and I have one daughter who got married last year and I now have a granddaughter. I find your web site to be very informative and it’s really good to see Barry on the map at last. I plan to make good use of it and hope that I get to hear from other Barrians. | South Africa | Viv Nethercott |
| My name is Viv Nethercott. Born in Barry in 1953, my dad was Tom Nethercott, my mum is Gwen Nethercott. I have two brothers, Robin and Lyndon, and a sister Cherry. We first lived in 22 Pardoe Crescent until I was 8 years old. Our "gang" included Glyn Leishon, Merryl Barnett, the Sinnetts, the Robertsons, the Kings, the Allahboudars (sorry about the spelling) and David and Michael Hartwell, amongst probably a few others that my memory cells will not divulge.
We moved to St. Paul's Avenue in 1961 and the gang changed to Richard Taylor (now living in Salisbury England), Nigel Reid, Chrissy Palmer (who I know still hangs out in the Park), Adrian Bryant, Derek Cooper, John Rastin, David (Noddy) Baker and Lyndon Barnfield.
I went to Gladstone school and then the Comp until 1969. Had some good times in Gladstone shelters with the guys and the girls (who I'll keep nameless to protect them from present husbands) and the inevitable flagon or two of Whitbread Forest Brown and Strongbow Cider. Spent most of my youth like others in the Knap swimming Pool and solved our youthful hunger problems by stealing apples on the way home from the pool. Apologies to the garden owners along Lakeside! My local beer haunts were The Park (Nora's Bar), BP Club down High Street, The Castle, The Tinny, The Colcot, and most of all the other clubs in town.
Served my apprenticeship in Rhoose Cement (and went to Barry Further Ed College every terrible Monday morning), then, after being fired (not saying why) worked in Bailey's Dry Dock, Penarth Dock Engineering near the Dock Offices, GKN Castle Works and finally Aberthaw Power Station.
Emigrated to South Africa in 1982 and have had a ball ever since. I now live just south of a town called Alberton near Johannesburg where it 'aint 'alf 'ot. Been back for hols in good old Barry 4 times since living here and visited all the family and friends, the old haunts and drank more than a few pints of Brains SA. Brains Bitter was probably one of the major reasons why I emigrated. Got fed up of not being able to walk along Jenner Road at night with 2 inopera | |
