Barry Museum Rumour Conrol.

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