Passing Comment – That was the year that was…

Glamorgan Star news 30/12/2022

2 minutes read

By Sue Vincent Jones

Well, that was a year that many of us want to forget, wasn’t it?

Hot on the heels of monotonous 12 months riding on the Coronacoaster, 2022 failed to live up to its post Covid promise.

In my view, it was a bit of a damp squib Barry-wise, which saw our embattled community hit by far too many tragedies – and lots of collective heartbreak.

I started the year, battling with the rubbish recycling regime, whilst taking a few trips to the much-under-used Memo movie scene.

All of which was forgotten, when Storm Eunice battered Barry leaving me and half the town losing both our fencing, and almost our sanity.

And whilst our community coped with that aftermath, our country was crippled by the cost of living crisis, and our world wondered where will it all end in Ukraine.

Fair dos though, there was the odd highlight that made us feel almost new normal again, and also some cracking community events that triumphantly returned after a tough two-year absence.

Our bold little Barry hit the news as a town for its trailblazing talent when our girl Darcey Coria became the first woman of colour to scoop the Miss Wales crown – a feat of equality never achieved in its 70-year history.

Cadstock, our favourite free festival, came back with a vengeance. The bands were brilliant, the crowds were cool, the vibe was victorious, and whoever ordered the weather played an absolute blinder.

Our town’s tribute fest, GlastonBarry, followed not long after to rock Romilly Park in between rain storms. And, after three long years, proud Barrians were marching again in our home town to the beat of Barry Pride.

We even saw the annual Firework Fiesta lighten the skies. Kind of weird that it was held at the end of October to give us a Bonfire Halloween but, truth be told, we were glad it was back.

Then the nights started to draw in and a big black cloud descended on the town. Jermaine Martyn, affectionately, known as Buddha, a handsome and happy man, who was well-loved by all was taken by a freak accident.

Mike Whyman, that cheeky big-hearted chappy who gave us lots of laughs and larger than life memories, lost his brave battle with cancer, and popular twin Sam Davies passed away suddenly.

What an absolutely awful time in the year that left their respective families, friends, and communities reeling.

We were almost glad to tune our attention to Wales in the World Cup – but look what happened there!

So Bye, Bye 2022. Have a fabulous festive season.

And here’s to a healthier and happier New Year.