Walking in grandfather's footprints - 26/01/07
A special visitor has been welcomed to the redeveloped Barry
Town Hall and Library.
Responding to an invitation from the Barry Citizens' Action
Group was Mrs Margaret Butler, MBE, who brought with her the
original gold key with which her grandfather, Cllr W J Williams,
JP, performed the official opening of the original Town Hall on
April 22, 1908.
As Chairman of the Barry Urban Authority, Cllr Williams received
the key from the architects to unlock the outer door of the new
Public Offices.
BCAG secretary Dilys Colbourne, MBE, said: " Everyone was amazed
to feel its weight and marvelled at the craftsmanship of that
era."
BCAG chairman Terry Marsden presented Mrs Butler with a picture
of her grandfather stood outside the Town Hall on that momentous
occasion in 1908, and she also received a copy of the Centenary
Book of Barry from Cllr June Germon, Deputy Town Mayor.
Other guests included Mr and Mrs Aubrey Davies, relatives of Mrs
Butler, who also have strong connections with Barry.
After refreshments in the Mayor's Parlour, guests received
souvenirs of the visit from Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Cllr Nic
Hodges, and the morning's events concluded with Chief Librarian
Sian Jones conducting a tour around the library and exhibition
area.
Following her visit, Mrs Butler expressed her gratitude for the
invitation. She said she felt honoured that so many people gave up
their valuable time to show her what a wonderful restoration
project had been accomplished in the town centre.
She added that accounts of her visit would certainly enliven
some of her 'chats' to groups such as the Women's Institute in
Cardiff.