Mayor of Barry’s Civic Service

Mayor of Barry’s Civic Service

On Sunday, 2nd July 2023 the Mayor of Barry, Councillor Ian Johnson held his Civic Service at the new Ysgol Gymraeg Sant Baruc on Ffordd Y Mileniwm.

The service was conducted by Reverend Kevin Davies, who is the Mayor’s Chaplain for this year. The collection taken at the service will be given to the Mayor’s Chosen Charities, which this year are Mind in the Vale and 2Wish, and will be presented to the Charities at the end of the Mayor’s term of office (May 2024).

The Mayor of Barry, Cllr Ian Johnson, explained the history of Saint Baruc, the development of the Docks and some of the milestones in Barry’s history.

The Mayor of Barry said: “There were around 3,000 men employed at any one time in the construction of Barry Docks. Sadly, it is estimated that around 150 workers died building what became, by 1913, the largest coal exporting port in the world.”

“My Civic Service was held on the site of the Docks, whose engineers, such as Sir John Wolfe and Henry Marc Brunel are better known for other projects, such as Tower Bridge and Blackfriars Railway Bridge in London. These were the very top engineers of the late Victorian era.”

“I was very pleased that Barry Male Voice Choir, one of the town’s oldest institutions, performed at the event. I would like to thank Reverend Kevin Davies for leading the ceremony, and Ysgol Sant Baruc for hosting the service.”

Following on from the service, the Mayor hosted a reception at Ysgol Gymraeg Sant Baruc and welcomed questions, discussions and networking for all those who attended.

This year’s Mayor is Councillor Ian Johnson. If you would like to contact the Mayor or invite him to an event, please contact the Engagement and Events Team on engagementandevents@barrytowncouncil.gov.uk