Have you seen those cracking memorial benches on Gladstone Road?
I think they are absolutely fabulous, and a more than fitting tribute to our many residents who lost their lives in wars, past and present.
I’m loving the special design of soldiers and poppies – along with a personalised plaque of course.
And to unveil them during the week our Town proudly celebrates Armistice Day was perfect.
Respect to both Barry Town, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, for funding this funky feature – the Vale lot even picked up the installation cost too.
I’m slightly peeved that we couldn’t find a local, or even Welsh firm, to carry out the Commission.
But kudos to David Ogilvie Engineering Limited, based in Scotland, for their design flair and marvellous manufacture.
I look forward to seeing more initiatives like this in the future. Well, we’ve got the lovely lit up Hoods Road Tunnel, now the classy Memorial Benches, so there’s bound to be a third.
For me, the poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance, a show of support for our Armed Services, and hope for a peaceful future.
I believe wearing the poppy should be a personal choice, not a compulsory order, and I’m more than happy to wear mine with pride – chucking a couple of quid in the British Legion Tin while I’m at it.
I’ve even been known to attach one to the grill of the Beemer on occasion – and we all know how fiddly that is.
Armistice Day and the various Remembrance events throughout the Vale are also a great way for our community to come together.
Barry always plays a blinder in helping to ensure the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.
Always heartening to see Barry Town Council join forces with the British Legion to mark the occasion with the usual Parade and Poppy laying at the Memo Cenotaph.
I’m more of a bystander these days, but back in the day, when I was Editor of a rival newspaper who shall remain nameless, I was right up there with the dignitaries doing my bit to remember our fallen.
I loved it!
So, thank you to, all our Barry soldiers past and present for your sacrifices and all our local lads and lasses serving today to keep us safe.
Our town is forever grateful
Lest we forget.
Mrs SVJ
(c) mrssvj.co.uk
Sue Vincent-Jones, blogging as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and activist. She writes about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
Written exclusively for the Vale’s newest newspaper, and digital platform, The Glamorgan Star, her latest ‘Passing Comment’ column, an addition to the infamous Sue’s Views collection, can be found here.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.