Running A Little Late

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.