THE community of Barry was shocked to its roots yesterday (Wednesday) when the death of Sue Vincent-Jones was announced.
Sue was vastly experienced as an editor, journalist and columnist and the announcement, on her Facebook page, was characteristically straight to the point. It began:
“Suzanne Claire Vincent-Jones, known lovingly by her friends and the wider community as SVJ.
14th September 1967 – 13th May 2024.
Survived by her mother Celia, Husband Martyn and children Chelsea and Harry.”
It went on to say that Sue had received a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer in August 2022, and that she had been “privately and ferociously” fighting for her life.
Here at the Glamorgan Star, we can confirm the ‘privately’ aspect. Sue had been a columnist since we launched in July 2021 and from day one her focus had been on highlighting the best things about Barry. She threw herself into the local scene, writing about the nightlife, the music scene and entertainment in general.
She never missed a column – until in recent months – but her determination to keep her situation private meant that we – in common with so many others – didn’t have a clue. In our previous edition (May 2) she was delighted to announce that the future of Cadstock was assured. She did say that she was stepping down from the organising committee – but that was all.
As her family said in the FB post: “Sue remained positive, planning for the future right until the very end.”
Tragically, a sudden change in her health meant she was admitted to hospital, and after a rapid deterioration over the weekend, she passed away peacefully on Monday, 13th May.
The family tribute continued: “Sue was a huge part of the local community and championed and supported any local event that she could, including Cadstock and local Pride events. She was also an activist who used her (very loud) voice to amplify the voices of those who could not speak up for themselves.
“As a civil servant, Sue also played a huge part in supporting the Welsh Government’s LBGTQymru, and as well as all of her important work within Government over the years, Sue travelled to Prides across Britain as a representative of LBGTQymru, even attending 10 Downing Street on behalf of Stonewall Cymru. Her strength in communications brought her an established and accomplished career within Welsh Government, where she forged many close bonds and made great achievements throughout her career.
“Sue’s biggest passion was Music and The Arts. Exhibitions, concerts, gigs, museums, tours; basically anything creative she could absorb. Always collecting ‘Merch’ and keeping her tickets for the years that followed, music was part of her identity which she loved to enjoy with her husband, children or friends – forever a gig girl.”
The Mayor of Barry, Cllr Ian Johnson, said: “I was very sad to hear of Sue’s death earlier this week.
“Sue was a Barry girl through and through, who always had the best interests of the town at heart. She was a great columnist and journalist who had strong and heart-felt opinions and was always prepared to back them up.
“She loved reading and hearing about the history of Barry, was a passionate and award-winning queer activist, and a long-term supporter and committee member of the Cadstock Music Festival in Victoria Park, who I’m sure will want to do something in honour of her contribution to cultural and community life in Barry.”
The family has said that a Justgiving fund in Sue’s name has been set up, with the proceeds going to support Velindre Hospital.
Philip Irwin
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