Museum For Barry. A 17 Year Campaign.

Feather In The Cap History

2009-11-12T01:54:00.000-08:00

There appears to be at this present time in Barry, quite a number, ready to do 'Feather In The Cap History', as I call it. To be honest, I feel, by their actions, they want themselves noticed, and not the heritage of our town.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed in Barry that as soon as the word 'Museum, is mentioned, some individuals pop their head above the parapit for a short while. Then, once the innitial rush is over, they disapear back from where they came. Sadly some, simply place themselves on a pedastel, that makes them out to be more important than heritage itself.

In my opinion, This is very similar to those who would only seek to use local heritage for personal profit. History for pure profit is of course, quite rightly frowned upon in most good heritage circles. So why is doing history for the sake of longevity for a single (living) individuals name, not judged to equally wrong?

On close examination. History for profit, or doing history for sake of ones own personal imortality, could be argued to be identical twins. There should be no space that sepperates them. They both use heritage as a means to an end. And in the end, through that abuse. Together, they simply serve to devalue the importance of local heritage in Barry. Thus heritage soon becomes a smoke screen / by-product, to the aims of he or she that would wrongly use local heritage in Barry to promote only the personal survival of his or her name.

Regards

Martin
Chairman : Axis Historical Society
Local History For Barry South Wales
Reg Charity no.1052998
e mail : martinaxis@aol.coom

Barry Museum Rumour Conrol.

2009-11-12T00:41:00.000-08:00

Rumour Control has made the suggestion that a particular party in Barry has noticed the local old hydaulic pump house get a roof. Rumour control has it, that certain persons, suggest it would make a good museum for Barry.

The fact that its geting a roof could mean that planners just want to prevent any further internal damage to the historic building? We think it a well known fact that if you let water get to where it should not over a considerable period. Said building, is likely to become unsafe.

Problems with old building like the Pump House. High cost renovation. High cost to subsequently maintain. Axis Historical Society tried for a similar building some years ago or more. That is what we were told.

Ideal conditions for some of our collection to be shown would be inside a (present} existing building. The building would be in current use. Reason. No expensive renovation / No high cost maintenance.

All Axis Historical Society has ever asked for over 17 years, is, simple space to show what we have. Secondly, the collections we now hold remain with us. For they are the lifeblood of our charitable status. Thirdly. That we be able to secure same, in a lockable area. Fourthly, said area should not be accessed out of normal hours, where society members are not present. Thus public access or others be restricted to same opening times, (accept in emergency).

We dont think that we have to explain in detail the effects of an open all hours access policy on any local heritage collection. Without any form of control, such policy could lead to collections that have been built up over many years, being decimated.

Set times for access and control of resorces are in line with many established libraries, heritage centres, museums, large or small throughout the UK. On the other hand, in Barry, some individuals have approached Axis, with the assumption, that the above established method, should not be applied when it comes to the collections we hold. Which leads Axis to an all important question. 'What are the personal motives behind a said individual/s who would like to see any formal control over an important local heritage inniative reliquished in order that they be allowed to complete their own personal aggenda?

Moving back to the subject of the Pump House as a suitable museum for Barry. One could suggest, an alternative existing, (presently used) building would meet (already) requirements for : - disabled access / modern fire & health and saftey regulations etc.,. Thus avoiding the added expense of costly conversion to meet such standards as required by modern law before one could even move in. Hope that this particular blog provides food for thought.

In the meantime. Please visit http://barryachive.zoomshare.com/ where you will find our online museum for Barry. Active and Available 24/7. Please note : The site at present carries well over 500 items from our extensive local history collection for Barry and local area. Cost to the local tax payer's of the Vale Of Glamorgan. £0. Please enjoy what you see.

Regards

Martin
Chairman : Axis Historical Society
Local History For Barry South Wales
Reg Charity no. 1052998
e mail : martinaxis@aol.com

Small Scale Display In Barry Public Library

2009-11-12T00:28:00.000-08:00

For those interested in their Barry local history a small scale display of our material is available to view at Barry Public Library. Display ends. Morning. Saturday 21st November.

Regards

Martin
Chairman : Axis Historical Society
Local History For Barry South Wales.
Reg Charity no. 1052998

Axis Trustees Meet With Jane Hutt A.M.

2009-10-30T16:25:00.000-07:00

Axis Historical Society Trustee's Martin Adams B.A. and Sylvia Erikson have had a productive meeting with Jane Hutt, Welsh Assembly Minister for, Children, Education and Life Long Learning, Monday October 26th 2009. We thank her for taking time out from her busy schedule to to meet with us.

At long last, we feel vindicated that we have been able to speak with someone at the very top of Welsh Education, with which, we could, 'openly discuss', the highs and lows, when it comes to finding, permanent exhibition space, for an extensive local history collection, built up over many years, for the benefit of all in the community of Barry.

All interested parties will be kept up to date with any future developments by way of this blog.

Should any interested party wish to assist our society, by volunteering / joining us at future events in order to show the potential (once again) of our public local history collection I would be more than pleased if you could contact me at the e mail address provided below. You must be aged 16 or above.

Regards

Martin Adams B.A.
Chairman : Axis Historical Society
Local History For Barry South Wales.
Reg Charity no.1052998
e mail : martinaxis@aol.com

Dear Gavin & Stacey

2009-10-25T19:05:00.001-07:00

Are you the guys that have been Copyrighted by the BBC. : )

Thanks for your comments am off to quite a high level meeting in the morning so will print a copy off and let high profile person read.

Barry Docks is just something I use on the blog. But if you look around my other postings you will find my e mail address and true name.

Thanks for your comments. All taken onboard. As for photgrapsh, documents and artefacts. We have 17 years worth to get out and exhibit. If you have not seen the site already. Take a look at our site. Axis Historical Society - Barry Archive....What you will see there is only part of the collection, as yet we have not even scratched the surface of waht we have to show. I take it that Gavin and Stacey that posted here are quite young. Dam. That means you wont be able to go to the site and help identify people from around the 1950's on there. Anyone wishing to help do some research. e mail : martinaxis@aol.com

Martin Adams B.A.
Chairman : Axis Historical Society.

A Question Of Distance & Disability

2009-10-25T01:16:00.000-07:00

Distance is no great problem if you happen to be young and fit. However, one could suggest that it becomes the dominant factor in the lives of anyone who has to live with physical disability. The subject is something I can speak of because I have been introduced to restrictions imposed by disability, at a reasonably young age.

At 52, I get problems when I travel. So I can sympathise with the problems faced by our pensioners when they travel. Likewise I can feel for the problems of our young. That have perhaps faced the problem of disability all their lives. I know that my own condition, dictates how far I travel and when.

As chairman of Axis, I have been examining ways that distance can be overcome by the disabled person, who wishes make valued contribution to local history. Under my plans. Valued contribution does not mean for the disabled person of any age, being restricted to just sitting around, telling stories and showing photographs and providing verbal information. My plan goes beyond that line of thought.

With that in mind. I would like all disbility groups in Barry to get in touch with me. To form a coalition with our society and take the plan forward. Contact me by e mail martinaxis@aol.com or telephone 01446 739031 to arrange a meeting to take what I feel is an inovative plan to bring local history for the disabled, to life.

Regards

Martin Adams

All Recent Reports Noted

2009-10-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

All recent reports on campaign for a Barry Museum noted. Perhaps we, Axis, which already has a considerble collection of local historical material at our disposal, should change direction. Maybe we should invest in a company that sells back scratchers. I think we would make a fortune in a very short space of time, to re-invest in both our collection and support a small local museum. Am I the only one that can read between the lines. Or do I need new glasses.

Please dont make the mistake of thinking that our society would not want a museum for Barry. What we are objecting to is the high financial cost involved. Even if a state of the art museum for Barry was feesable. Once the property was up. There would still have to be a long term projected strategy to fund it. Axis has had these discussions with high ranking officials over what we wished for Barry. A simple format museum. Is all we have ever wanted, to keep the interest in our local history alive. I think the present line of thought, would price many local groups, out of the market. In addition, one woud have to find considerable funding, year in, year out to keep such a project afloat.

These are some examples for a new building. Insurance. Both buildings and a contents. Security. Probably 24 hour cover would be required. We dont feel that a mobile security van, turning up, every so often would be sufficient to protect treasures. Will give an example of cost of 24 hour manned cover.

In 1983. The cost for a Bonded warehouse with an exterior that could be walked around in less than ten minuets at normal walking pace was £110,000 a year. Anyone out there have the projected figure for a state of the art museum at the 2009 price. Would be delighted if they would come into this debate and let us know. Could anybody who has access to the amount spent on a state of the art museum's general maintenance per annum, please do like wise. As Axis Trustees are not grooming themselves for employed positions in such a state of the art museum. We would also like to know the average annual cost of of a waged curator, and deputy curator? Of course we would suggest is is lot more hidden costs to the running of a modern, up to date, all singing and dancing museum. But would just like to know the annual budget for the above to start. We can look at the extras later.

Oh, and by the way. If we do have a bigger arts centre for Barry. Can our history society please have the existing arts centre. As we need to be central to Barry Town. Simple reason. It would mean our most senior citizens would have a state of the art library and their history society close together. Thus avoiding the need for them to travel considerable distance to see some of their past heritage every time they wished to do so.

Your comments welcome.

Regards

Martin Adams

No Funds - Missed Opportunities

2009-10-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

Its been noted that the Vale Of Glamorgan Council does not have the funding for a museum in Barry at this present time. So, in the meantime, what is the problem of allowing Axis Historical Society to use its existing collection to promote the history of Barry and surrounding area, in a small but effective old style museum as many other villages, towns and cities have around the UK. Good examples. Porthcawl Museum & History Society or lets say Wareham Village in Dorset. I mention the latter because this is the place associated with T.E. Lawrence. Or to the Better informed. Lawrence of Arabia.

We note that Warham does not have to go to the expense of building an interactive museum to tell the story of one of the most famous military men in modern history. And mmm a dance centre built withn it. I some how know the connection for why that would come into context with any plan for an all singing and dancing museum for Barry. Winning over the minds of those in certain positions in our town, certainly springs to mind. That I think a discussion for the future. But for now back to Porthcawl & Wareham.

One comentator has said. "We should Should move away thoughts of museums with objects displayed in dark and dusty cases. Certainly, there are probably many similar establishments to that which I have described above, up and down the UK using established methods that would probably object to their exhibits being described as being displayed in dark and dusty old cases. Did not notice any dust or darkness in Porthcawl or Wareham. They were dam good. Small but effective. With reasonably low cost to the taxpayers of their respective areas.

But at least their history societies have had the right to place the their material on show with the ful blessing of their local authority. So while we wait, what would be so wrong, for Axis not to be allowed reasonable space to show what we have brough together over the last 17 years for the benefit of all in Barry.

Mind you. Perhaps we can understand the line of thought. Just imagine the outcry their might be from locals, if we happened to make a small museum a going concern in the wake of two large scale heritage projects which had taken considerbale funding from local sources, only to fail. I know that one of these projects. Living Archive Centre For Barry and The Vale had at least one grant of £10,000. Mind you, the person employed to run it was on £14,000 a year plus incrimants in 1996 or 97. Considerbale modifications to install what I call a balcony....They called it a mezaneen floor, was also carried out at a cost of thousands.

As for the Vale Of Glamorgan Railway Company. They once offered us the potential use of a Railway Carriage. For the privalage to show our local treasures we would to have to first.....Locate our own funding to restore the railway carriage. Oh yes...and if we wanted electricity we would have to pay for the laying of cable and connection.....Oh and they had a cleaner for their on platform toilets....We would of course have to pay part of of that cost......And would it not be good idea if we did joint exhibitions, so we could pay a share of the publicity costs. ....... Then came the final project killer.....If we had managed all the above......Our history society could have a one year on site lease. Core!!! we said. Our society rejected the plan. We dont think it takes an expert on heritage matters to see why.

So our question remains same realy, with slight modification. While we wait for said all singing and dancing museum to be funded in Barry. Why not let our history society show the extensive local history collection, permanent in Barry. This would raise the profile of are local history. And perhaps we could even generate the interest for the 'Interactive' that 'Might' appear. All at slightly better competative rates? One donation of £10,000 would do nicely. And Axis could could launch at least two educational heritage projects we have in mind. Comments welcomed.

Take Barry Local History Serious

2009-10-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

Support Axis Historical Society. Local History For Barry South Wales, in our Campaign to have the right to work with, exhibit, and see the collection we have raised permanently housed in Barry, as a nucleus, for a museum for our town. Under our direction.

We argue, if Barrians and those now resident in Barry from elsewhere, are so keen for such an establishment. Don't publish under anonymous. When you end your comment, sign it off with your full true name. Then I will add your name. To a supporters list, on this blog.

For those unsure if they want to commit at this time. Just simply end your comment with your Christian name. Or choose anonymous. If you choose the latter. You can still post. Without fear of bias from our society.

You might want to know something more about me. In my private life. I am not a collector of items from Barry for my own personal use. In my voluntary capacity. I am the lead Custodian of a collection that I want to see exhibited, permanently, in Barry, for the benefit of all.

The status of the collection is Public, we stress, not Private. At present. None of our Trustees / Commitee, are collectors of Barry and surounding area local historical material for the purpous of raising a private collection for their own gain. We are in agreement. Neither should we be.

However, As we are a a non - profit makeing charitable body. It is the Trustees / Commitee members of said body that are empowered with the right to make the following decisions.

To decide with who / where / And when, such a collection is deployed, for the benefit of public and to champion the aims of our charitable cause by best use of same.

We firmly believe that the collection should be put to work, and any funds raised by its deployment put back into the system, to enhance the collection, and not be redirected elswhere for non productive use. That is the main reaon for the collection remaining under our control. So our Trustees can oversee it done. And not control of the collection, for control's sake. Also to that aim, we remain an all volunteer body. We have no paid staff. Now, if you would like to support our efforts. Lets see who the real lovers of their local heritage are.

I await your full names with interest.
Please stand up and be counted.

Regards

Martin Adams
Chairman : Axis Historical Society
Local History For Barry South Wales.

Stats For Axis Historical Society - Barry Archive

2009-10-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

As of 12.30pm October 22 2009. Hits for site = 32,409. Comments welcomed.

Running A Little Late

2009-10-22T02:06:00.000-07:00

Axis Historical Society was ready to put a small museum into Barry in 2000. What better time would there have been than that to achieve something that could remember Barry and its past. And if I remember rightly, the Barry Branch of the Merchant Navy Association, was just one of the groups , given free space by us in attendance. In fact our 2000 exhibition was the largest selection of historical material related to Barry exhibited for decades.

Prior to and after above event we took our thoughts to local authorities. In particular Barry Town Council, for space to show permanent. It fell on deaf ears despite the succeses we had had at the time. We were capable of doing in just seven years. Not 17. The best prospect that came to us was through one John O'Calaghan, of the Vale Of Glamorgan Council, who felt we should have been placed into an existing buidling . The time was right then. But I feel the structure of VOG then changed. We heard nothing more from him.

We had the collection in place 2000. All we needed was the space to show it. Just think what kind of museum we could have had in Barry today, 9 years on, if the plan we had then would have been allowed to flower. Without space, we went back to building one of the most extensive public collections of local historical material in Barry. And still providing two resonably sized local exhibitions a year and smaller events all free to the public until november 2004. The sudden death of Axis Hon. Secretary Betty Mansfield, and one year later, serious illness effecting her son, and Axis Chair meant we had a lean year in 2005. 2006 - 7 we worked from behind the scenes on our collection which was still growing. 2008 -09 While others talked of museums, we were still gathering the jewels. And carrying out small fund raising events mini displays at Barry Public Library. Proof of labour can be clearly seen by those who want to now visit Axis Historical Society - Barry Archive. Which is available to all, still free of any charge 24/7.

In conclusion, through the internet, we are now able to promote the history of Barry not just at home. But world wide. Message to anyone in authority, that has a room in Barry, in which we can exhibit on a permanent basis. It must have a lock on the door, which can be securred when our all volunteer staff are not in house. And Axis will show you the way to build a museum.

Would suggest that a lot more people would have been around to enjoy a museum. Had we been better backed by authority much earlier. Its not Axis thats running a little late. Its the Town. Please try to catch us up. As we still campaign to have our extensive collection. Permanently homed in Barry for the benefit of all.

In the meantime Please see ...Axis Historical Society - Barry Archive. An online museum that can be delivered with one click, to every home, school, College, University. And it is with thanks to the Barry Waterfront Consortium (The Developers) that some have spoken of. That this has been made possible due to a an unexpected donation kindly given by them in return for services rendered by our society in June and September of this year. Allowing us to move to expand our 'Axis Historical Society - Barry Archive' site ahead of schedule.

http://www.barryachive.zoomshare.com/

Comments welcomed.

Anonymous Posts

2009-10-22T00:03:00.000-07:00

Clearly, it can already be seen that it was our mistake to leave open the right to make anonymous comments. But we are not going to stop that avenue for people to post should they so wish.

The first post we recieved on this blog was anonymous. Stated that a presnt campaign for a museum had done more in three weeks to raise awareness, than Axis had in 17 years.

In my experience. All campaigns for museums in Barry have had that innitial rush. When they can situate themselves in the public eye. So would say in all repsect, it is far to early to go making bold statements like that above. This needs some explanation.

Lets say anonymous, is a public visitor to an exhibition. How would one be able to make that assesment, without having access to documented evidence. Secondly, its normally those at the top of organisation, which would have access to all important data. Thirdly, if the campaign is going so well. Why do others posts, posted under anonymous, not only ask for us to come onboard. But actually make request for us to show them the way.

Such contradictory statements, leads me to quite obvious question. If this recent "Renewed" campaign for a mueum in Barry is going so well. Why do they want our society onboard? After all the innitial anonymous poster did say, that, the recent campaign had done more then we had in 17 years. Anybody that does maths, will clearly see in an instant. That 17 years into 3 weeks does not go. Would you really want an organisation aroud that took 17 years to do what could be done in 3 weeks.? Puzzled. Your comments welcome.

A Barry Definition Of A Team Player.

2009-10-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

In this blog I will examine what it is to be a team player. One could agree that in most locations around the UK, this is a person willing to work as part of a team. However in Barry, this could be interpreted as someone who is prepared to stay quiet within the team. Even when issues come to the fore that are often quite bazzarr, and not right.

This needs some explanation, so I will put it in simple terms. We caught an indvidual acting in a criminal manner towards our society. Later in 2005, just after my mother's death, a certain well respected gent in our town had an idea for our local history collection. This was to give it away lock stock and barrel to another organisation.

As we are a registered charity it would not have been very productive for us to do as ordered. Yes. It was an order and that will soon be seen. I also chose to discuss the criminal acts that had been committed against our society. The answer I got was. "You mention that mans name in any meeting I broker and I will wash my hands of Axis and get up and leave meeting".

Afterwards, I was quite concerned about his words. One. We had not asked him to broker meetings for us in the first place. And two. Why should such an upstanding gentleman choose to want to cover up the criminal actions of another person through use of verbal black mail. We chose to let the gentleman walk. I dont know, but my defination of team player must be entirley different to his. Mine says, a team player is one that does not have their foot in a number of other camps. That way, my team players, volunteer to put their efforts into Axis Historical Society. This allows us to move forward and ultimately see the extensive the local history collection we hold housed in Barry.

On the other hand, if one has a so called team player that has their foot in a number of camps / organisations around our town. You have to question where their loyalties might be. In our case. This respected gent, was a member of our society, but not a Trustee / Commitee member of Axis. So with a foot known to be in other camps. The motive behind this person wanting to divert the collection from Axis, to a second organisation, to which they may have connection, becomes questionable. For without the collection, our charity, would not hold the substance for its being. Without the collection, we could not look to the future, go foward and achieve. Without the collection. Our history society would not exist.

That being the case, the Trustee's of Axis, quite rightly, reserve the right, to question the motives of anyone that would suggest the giving away of the collection. Lock. stock and barrel, to another body. In the past, present, or future.

On the contents of the blog above. I am more than willing to take and Independent Lie Detector Test. But I would also invite said gentleman, to do likewise.

What would you have done Barry public? Would you, personally given in to such a verbal threat? Would you have given the local history collection that allows us to achieve, lock, stock and barrel, to another organisation on demand? As a small charity, we have invested all efforts, both physical and financial into Barry for over 17 years. So why should not our small charity have the right to show the collection permanently. Thus allowing all who brought the collection together, the right to put a small museum together in Barry, and take credit that is due, following the years of dedication, voluntary contribution, and labour, in support of saving the history of Barry past, for the future? Your comments welcomed.

Barry Press Quick to Forget Former Museum Calls?

2009-10-15T01:49:00.000-07:00

One article in the Barry and District News was recently headlined. 'Barry and The Second World War Exhibition triggers calls for a local museum'. Whilst we congratulate Dr. Hicks on the recent success of his exhbition at the Barry Arts Centre, we feel that the paper's storyline should have been headed. 'Barry and the The Second World War Exhibition triggers 'renewed' calls for a museum in Barry'. Its as if the local press has left out all that has gone before. In the past there have been numerous calls for a museum in Barry, by various groups, and individuals. Calls for a museum for Barry are not a new thing, and it should not be described as such. There has always been a call for a museum in Barry. And they will continue. To highlight only the most recent call for one in Barry, makes out that it is a singular afair. But, for those of us in the know. Such calls for an establishment of this kind have been present in Barry for decades.

The Way Forward.

2009-10-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to see other (legitamate) bodies calling for the establishment of a Museum in Barry. As that only serves to support our 17 year calling for such an establishment.

For us, to build an independent collection capable of working with, was our first aim. Without a collection. We could not have a museum, an archive or anything that goes by a similar name. We began our journy in 1993. We had charity status by the mid 1990s. Two succesful first time small lottery grant applications under our belt by same. In ten years we had watched our local history collection grow from one six foot table to needing one hundred, with much still left in storage. That was 2000. So you can imagine what we have today in 2009.

With that in mind we would like to be moving our project foward. To find somewhere we could house, permanently in Barry, the extensive local history collection we hold. Sitting round a table, just covering the old ground is not progress. Barry deserves better than to be starting from scratch. Thus our appeal to the Barry public goes way beyond scratch. Join our society. Help us. Support us. To permanently home the collection that has a 17 year head start on scratch, in Barry. The collection is real. Its under our direction. Lets get it done.

Anyone that feels, they have the drive, the enthusiasm and energy to take this collection all the way to a permanent home. Join our society, which took thoughts of building a local history collection on paper in 1993, to the physical reality of an extensive real time collection which it is today in 2009. Think progressive with us. Interested. Contact our chairman, Martin. e mail : martinaxis@aol.com

Should you now like to see just a fraction of the present local history collection we hold at this time. Please visit our latest online project. Axis Historical Society - Barry Archive. Which can be found at. http://www.barryachive.zoomshare.com/

Then, when you have seen the reality of what we have to offer. Return to this blog and make your comments here. Action Speaks Louder Than Words. Our way is foward. Come with us. Help our society complete the journy that started. 17 years ago.