WELL, that was a mixed bag 12 months of highs, lows, near misses, cash cuts and controversy – never a dull moment in 2023 for me.
I started the year missing yet another crucial event on our ever-decreasing community calendar as the traditional New Swim was swept out into the coast of cancellation.
How I used to love mingling in the crowd, all wrapped up, hot coffee clutched in hand as we all watched the swimmers brave the sea. A bucket-list moment of madness me saw sprinting into that freezing foam a few years ago – but that’s another story.
Ironic really, as much was made of Barry’s coastal beauty in the Vale Council’s daring bid for our very own Marina on the Mole – more about that later.
But, of course, all this bubbling Barry ambition was being hyped up against the background of the local authority protesting about the cost-of-living crisis.
Our Council Tax increased by nearly five percent, the black bin bag collection moved too three-weekly, and our community events calendar all but disappeared.
No more, no more bracing New Year Swim, no more glowing Isle of Fire, or sing-along to Grease on the Beach, no more fabulous Fireworks Fiesta, with Cadstock only saved by the brilliant Barry Town Council.
Please listen local authority. Community and culture matters massively – and that includes our hope for that Heritage Centre.
Talking of events, let’s also remember John Lewis of JPL Sound, and Lifeboat man and Scooterist Richy Tutton. Both played a massive part in Barry’s community and social life and are much missed. Rest In Peace.
Controversy also came calling in 2023. Pleasure Park owner Henry Danter’s plans to sandwich Holiday Flats between Ty Hafan and Beechwood College caused havoc – cue a social media storm, many column inches, angry letters to newspapers. And of course, it’s definite no-no from me.
Mind you, we also had some sound, but shocking, news too though. Barry was given a lovely Levelling Up Fund £20 million boost for town regeneration.
And our much-maligned Vale Council actually pulled off the ‘Marina Dream.’ An extra not to be sniffed at. £19.8m from UK Government has made its way into the treasure chest of the ‘Barry Making Waves’ project.
Happy Days indeed!
By Sue Vincent Jones
- The views expressed by columnists of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Glamorgan Star, its employees or its proprietors
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