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Ryan Joshua HiCks
“We at Woody’s Lodge are deeply saddened to announce the loss of one of our own, Joshua Ryan Hicks. With the consent and support of his family, we are setting up this memorial JustGiving Crowdfunder to honor Josh’s life and lasting impact.
In tribute to Joshua Ryan Hicks, we invite you to contribute to this Crowdfunder. Your kind donations will go towards initiatives and programs that support veterans, reflecting the values Josh held dear in his life. It is the least we can do to honor a man who has left an indelible imprint on so many lives.
We extend our deepest condolences to Josh’s family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Let’s come together to ensure that while he may be gone, he is never forgotten.
Sincerely,
Sian and The Team at Woody’s Lodge
Please donate to the Joshua Ryan Hicks Fundraiser here.
In the Barry community spirit of solidarity, locals, activists, and allies swiftly set up; fundraisers, donations pages, petitions.
Campaigns, crusades – and crucial support for those floored by fate.
Find out about the latest petitions, protests, campaigns, causes, family fundraisers, surveys and stuff below:
Waterfront Public Meeting
Our Vale of Glamorgan Council are calling on Waterfront residents to come find out more about the latest developments.
Our people were promised shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities – all of which have yet to be built.
Pop along on September 18th at 4.30pm to get an update from our local authority.
Click here to catch up on the full story.
Council Consultations and Surveys
Let’s Talk About Life in the Vale
The Vale of Glamorgan Council wants to talk to residents about what matters to them and about life in the Vale of Glamorgan.
‘Let’s Talk About Life In The Vale’ is a new county-wide survey of residents.
It gives people living in the Vale of Glamorgan the chance to share their experiences of public services, their priorities for the future.
And help the Council better understand how to get more people involved in local decision making.
So get involved. Start speaking some serious truth to power please by completing the Vale Council’s ‘Let’s Talk About Life In The Vale’ Survey. Now’s the time to tackle the troubles in our Town (and wider Vale) – and spotlight our successes.
Everyone who takes part in the survey will also have the chance to win one of ten £50 Love2Shop vouchers, which can be spent in a wide variety of high street shops and restaurants.
Residents can also respond by post or telephone and Council staff will be at community events throughout the summer to speak to people face to face.
The responses to the survey are being collected and analysed for the Council independently by Data Cymru. Researchers at Data Cymru will be undertaking an independent analysis of the results and presenting this to the Council. Once the results have been analysed these will be publicly reported.
Barry Town Council | Help Shape The Future
Help Barry Town Council shape the next 5 years of their service delivery by completing their online survey.
And be in with a chance of winning a FitBit.
Please click on the link here:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GT2T59H
OUR PEOPLE’S PETITIONS
SAVE OUR LOST LIDO
So, the old Bring back the Knap Pool Campaign has reared its hopeful head once again as our rallying residents call our Councils into action.
The Knap Lido in Barry, which opened on May 1, 1926, was one of the largest open-air swimming pools in Britain. Despite widespread opposition it was closed, filled in and landscaped in 1996 .
Rallying residents can sign the ‘Reinstate Barry’s Knap Lido Swimming Pool’ Petition here
HERITAGE CENTRE HOPE
I have long argued that we should preserve our town’s history and heritage – not just with the War Museum but with an audacious and ambitious Centre that captures all of our story.
Local resident Julian Hall has put together a survey to gauge the interest in our Heritage Centre – please complete here.
Model Farm FIGHT
On July 14th the Vale of Glamorgan council planning committee voted by 9 votes to 8 to approve the building of a Business Park on a hundred acre tenanted farm. The potential developer for this site remains anonymous.
This mixed farm has been cared for by four generations of the same family.
There was considerable local opposition to this planning application with over 1000 objections covering a wide range of issues.
Locals from across the area are fighting the decision.
Please sign the Petition here.
Please donate to their Go Fund Me Page here.
Find out more on the back story here.
Vital Colcot Sports Centre Upgrade
Local man Mark Harvey has started the fight to find funds to make the crucial updates needed to the popular Colcot Sports Centre.
One of the most used sporting facilities in the Vale of Glamorgan, hundreds of people (children and adults) use the Centre for sports and exercise every week.
Unfortunately it has not been upgraded for quite some time, been left to rot and allowed to become unsafe and unpleasant.
Please sign Mark’s Petition here.
OUR BARRY Family Fundraisers
Our town’s community has been rocked, and many families torn apart, by the terrible tragedies that have shaken our town over the last few years.
Many families and friends of these much-missed loved ones, support Mind, and ask for donations in memory of those they have lost so the mental health charity can be there for everyone who needs them.
Richy Tutton
Richy was a member of Barry Dock RNLI, who save lives at sea – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the RNLI is ready to save lives. Powered by courage, determination and the support of generous people like you, volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service. around the world
Please donate to Barry RNLI in memory of Richy here.
Bethany Pile
HATW are a Cardiff based organisation, who directly help and provide workshops, content and support for a younger demographic who are struggling with their mental health,
Please donate to Heads Above The Waves in memory of Bethany here.
Mike Whyman
Our Mike Whyman recently lost his brave battle with cancer.
During his illness he, and his family received brilliant care and support from Marie Curie, in particular the Cardiff and The Vale Hospice in Penarth – commonly known as Holm Towers. Mike’s wishes for his funeral are for donations to be made to Marie Curie in lieu of flowers.
Please donate to Marie Curie in memory of Mike here.
A TEAM of friends also clocked up more than £12,000 to support Mike who was assisted by a charity close to their hearts.
The Hummingbird 100 team, friends, and colleagues cycled from Barry to Tenby in September to show their support and gratitude for Velindre Cancer Centre, for the way the charity has treated and cared for their good friend.
Please donate to Velindre Cancer Centre for the Hummingbirds here.
Lee Clements
A very fond farewell to one of the most talented tattooists to ever come out of our ink-crazy town.
Mind fight for mental health. For support, for respect, for you.
They change minds across England and Wales by making mental health an everyday priority; support minds – offering help whenever you might need it through our information, advice and local services. And connect minds – bringing together an unstoppable network of individuals and communities – people who care about mental health to make a difference.
Please donate to Mind in memory of Lee here.
Chae Degaetano And Sammy Uphill
Gobaith Suicide Support
CUBE, a collective of residents are campaigning to fund a permanent place that provides a series of services, including suicide support, for our community.
They have come together to make a difference for families living with or affected by mental health , suicide, grief and loss, domestic abuse and substance misuse.
Many of them have lived experiences of dealing with services, some of them have been supported in the past by other agencies, and others have been instrumental in setting up groups within Barry to help.
Please help CUBE make a difference in memory of Chae and Sammy here.
Stand Up To Racism Campaigns
Justice for Mohamud Hassan Campaign
Mohamud Hassan, 24, was arrested in his Cardiff home on Friday 8th January under the most violent of circumstances. Twenty South Wales police officers removed all occupants from the residence leaving Mohamud alone.
Campaigners are attempting to raise money for funeral arrangements and legal fees.
A case has been opened however to ensure justice as they are also looking into opening a private case of our own.
Support the Justice for Mohamud Campaign here.
#Justice4MouayedBashir Campaign
On 17 February 2021, Mouayed Bashir, a 29-year old Sudanese man died after being forcibly restrained by Gwent Police at his home in Newport, South Wales.
Police arrived at Mouayed’s home after his parents called 999 when he began to experience a mental health crisis. Several vehicles and a large number of police officers attended the property.
Although not under arrest, he was placed in handcuffs and leg restraints, and subsequently died.
The family want to find out how he died, and why Gwent Police behaved like this. Then they will take action.
Find out about the Justice for Mouayed Campaign here.
Justice for Christopher Kapessa Campaign
Fourteen year old Christopher Kapessa’s body was found in the River Cynon, on 1 July 2019, after he and others were out in that area.
An initial investigation by South Wales Police (SWP) concluded that Christopher’s death was as a result of a ‘tragic accident’.
They found evidence he was pushed by another child but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to prosecute the boy.
On 19 February 2020, the CPS wrote to the family stating that there was sufficient evidence to support a charge of manslaughter but that a prosecution was not in the public interest.
This prompted a legal challenge by Alina Joseph, Christopher’s mother.
In early January 2022, a judicial review hearing at the High Court was held.
Ms Joseph’s solicitor, Daniel Cooper, said the High Court decision was “very disappointing”.
He confirmed that Alina is now considering the judgement and he will decide with her on the next steps.
Support the Justice for Christopher Kapessa Campaign here.
justice for Siyanda Mngaza.
More than half a million have signed a petition in calling for justice for Siyanda Mngaza.
Donate To Mind In Memory Of Our Loved Ones Lost To Suicide | Charity
On May 25 2019, the young Black woman went on holiday to a Brecon campsite in Wales where her family say that she was the victim of a racist attack.
Without any alleged provocation, it is claimed that she was racially abused and physically assaulted.
To their horror Siyanda who has disabilities, was arrested and then charged with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
An Appeal against the sentence was subsequently dismissed by a single Judge.
An onward right of appeal to the Court of Appeal was then lodged.
Legal representation has been secured by new defence team Barry-based Virgo Consultancy Services Ltd – who have retained Michael Mansfield QC to advocate on behalf of Siyanda.
The national campaign ‘Free Siyanda‘, was launched to right the wrong and ensure that justice prevails in this case.
Sign the Free Siyanda Petition here.
Support the Free Siyanda Campaign here.
Thank you all who have donated, shared, and supported the various campaigns, petitions and fund raisers.
Speak soon
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, blogging as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She writes about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
Our Community Counts is where Sue, shares the community news. And spirit from those lush locals who are taking action to offer strong support or mak a meaningful change.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.