Introduction
Axis Local History Exhibitions
Local History Feature 1 : Transport
Local History Feature 2 : Our Boat
Local History Feature 3 : Axis Collection
Local History Feature 4 : Barry Town Hall Restoration Project
Event Calendar
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Saving The Past For The Future
 | The long awaited Barry Town Hall Restoration has begun with the fountains, little liked by the people of Barry, being dismantled and carted off to a destination only known to fountains when they die. Absolute rubbish of course, but I could not think of a better opening line.
Those of you who know our society of old will know that we have often used our own quote 'Saving The Past For The Future' in respect of our own work in saving's Barry's past by way of photographs, documents, and artefacts over the last decade.
Now, it is good to observe that Local Authority has also moved towards 'Saving The Past For The Future', by restoring the Old Barry Town Hall & Library.
One thing is for certain, I feel sure that past, long gone officials, of the Barry Urban Disrict Council, former surveyors and architects, and one Mr. Andrew Carnege, of 'Foundation fame' can now stop rolling in their graves because years of uncertainty have now given way to positive thinking, and that can only be good for Barry.
In consequence, to mark this event, mainly for those who can not visit the site in person, for one reason or another, here are a few images of on going work that will help keep you up to date. |
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Remains Of The Day
 | | Remains of the day, our day, are laid out and awaiting their fate, while structures much senior in years, look down on them, as did most of us, while fountains chose to stick around. |
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JCB's At Rest
 | | JCB's at rest following a hard days work. The old Barry Public Library, which opened in 1902, can be seen in the background. |
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The Lions Caged
 | | The Lions that stand as proud gate guards to the Old Public Offices on King Square have been caged, perhaps for the first time since they were lifted into place. For your information the Public Offices and Impressive clock tower (to be found in images above) first came into use here in 1908. |
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King Square Covers Up
 | Well, the covers are up and further progress is being made. Up and over the covers went and this is what the Old Public Buildings and Library look like now in June 2003. One problem with the new look, checking the time from Ye Old Clock Tower!!!
Problem, Yes! Instead of the clock face, which we have taken for granted for many a year, white sheet. Bet the Tuesday Market does a bundle in new watch sales. Over this month its been quite fun to go down to the square and take in some of the local banter as to just what might be under the covers at this time.
The following have been suggested.
1. A large cake for a very high profile wedding.
2. The fountains < Perish the thought.
3. Its the new climbing frame for Central Park.
Some how these comments remind me of a punch line used by one of my Tutor's during my time at University. 'History is fun, sometimes.' One could argue that this is especially true if the history being made in the square is starting to put a smile back onto people's faces.
Please note that this page will be updated from time to time with more news from the Square.
All the best
Martin
Chairman : Axis Historical Society
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