Axis Historical Society - Barry Archive

We are pleased to see that other, (legitamate) groups in Barry have recently followed our lead by calling for the establishment of museum in Barry. Their call Only goes to support our 17 year campaign to promote the establishment of such an institution. However, lets not be kidded by statements that a museum project does not need hard cash. Over the years we have taken on board the many kind words of advice passed to us by high ranking staff within the structure of the National Museums and Galleries of Wales, Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust and others. And here is the problem. To establish a museum along the lines of the N.M.G.W would in fact cost millions. Sure enough some innitial grants are available. But you can not keep going back to lottery sources time after time to fund it. The cost would, in the end, have to be born by the local tax payer. On the other hand. Something established on the lines that we wished, would have little or no impact on the tax payer. As interested parties within the scope would support our efforts by voluntary contribution. We have tried and tested methods in macro, they would almost certainly work on a larger scale. In most cases we have seen across the UK. It is the established history society in any one particular area that plays the key role in any local set up. Many local residents in Barry, may not be aware, that our society had established a local historical collection more than capable of being called a new nucleus of a museum for Barry, in under 10 years. In 2000 we demonstrated exactly that, by providing the largest mixed collection of phototographs, documents and artefacts that related to Barry to be seen on show for may years. Sadly, that was only one day event. But the huge potential for our collection could certainly be seen. Prior and after the above event our organisation had demonstrated time and time again, by way of small, medium amd large scale exhibitions to place our collection in Barry was feesable. But no one in authority listened. Each time the call was never heard. However, what we did get, was steady stream of those who wished us to give our local collection, lock, stock and barrel to other bodies. It still goes on. Let us put this matter into the perspective for the reader. If you had worked hard, saved to buy a new car and we came along to you tomorrow and said 'Give us your new car'. What answers would you suppose our society would get? In the mid 1990s. Axis Historical Society acheived charitable status. This meant the collection of local historical material we have built up, with the assistance many members of the public and others became even more important to us. It is the lifesblood of our society and charity. To give that which is the lifeblood of a charity away, would simply mean the charity had no purpous. In other words. No collection, no history society, no charity. We ask anyone out there. Would you forfit the very asset that was the source of your being? We could suggest not. Be aware that we have met 'The Good, The Bad, And The Down right Ugly' to do with heritage in Barry. We are fortunate, the Good have been very good. They are the residensts and companies of Barry and elsewhere that have supported our efforts. On the other other hand, we seek to rid ourselves of the bad elements, who seek to undermine. Simply because we won't give away the lifeblood, the collection, which allows our society to achieve. Thanks to all organisations and individuals who have in recent years made calls for a museum establshment in Barry. For as we have said, it only goes to support what we have been calling for, for, 17 years. Want to support our efforts? Want to help maintain our extensive collection? Volunteer with us. Anyone out there with a mediuum sized room in which our nucleus of a museum collection could be exhibited permanent? Would you Help give Barry what it could have had by year 2000. Barry deserves better than to be starting from scratch, making appeals to build a collection through appeals to the public. For one already exists for Barry with us. Which is constantly growing in strength. It Would mean a giant step back in time for us. All of 17 years. We are not Doctor Who. It would not be progress. Progress for us would be moving beyond building the collection. Which we have already done. Progress for us. Would be a permanent home for the collection. Run by the people that made it possible. And make it grow further. As the all voluntary body we were at the start, with no paid staff. Which would mean our original commitment of putting all funds raised, back into into saveing the past of Barry for the future. Still, Intact. Contact : martinaxis@aol.com or your comments on any of the above. Welcomed here.