Barry Comprehensive School

Barry Comprehensive School was delighted to welcome back several hundred former pupils and teachers last week to join in the ’50 Years at Port Road’ celebrations.

On Friday, former teachers and pupils toured the school for a look at a normal working day, taking time to chat to current staff and pupils before enjoying tea and biscuits in the staffroom.

The main event took place on Saturday afternoon in glorious sunshine. Guests were welcomed to the school with a glass of Pimms (or fruit juice for the drivers) and were able to look at examples of current pupils work and search the wall of old school photos to try and find pictures of themselves and their friends.

A large marquee on the school field provided the focus for the afternoon’s entertainment provided by the school’s Faculty of Performing Arts The audience enjoyed drama and comedy sketches, percussion and Samba bands, dhol drumming, street dancing and a selection of favourites from the musicals, including a sneak peak at this summers production of Jesus Christ Superstar In addition to our home grown talent, the audience was treated to a fantastic set by our special guests, the Bathgate Academy of Rhythm and Blues.

Former teachers Emrys Gwynne and Ivor Arnold made impromptu addresses to the audience, recalling their time at the school and compere Norman Pereira related many amusing anecdotes from audience members and his own time as a teacher. The audience included Vale of Glamorgan Mayor and Mayoress Colin and Ruby Osbourne and Barry Mayor Mr Karl Kuhnell and consort Mrs Meryl Kuhnell, Jane Hutt, the Vale of Glamorgan AM and the county’s newly elected MP Alun Cairns. A hog-roast was served to guests later in the afternoon and bar facilities were provided by the Three Horseshoes.

Headteacher David Swallow said: ““We are delighted that so many people were able to attend today’s celebration and meet former school friends and teachers after so many years. Members of the school’s Faculty of Creative Arts were delighted by the audience’s response to the entertainment programme. We are grateful to all of our guests and everyone who contributed to the celebration, particularly the Bathgate Academy of Rhythm and Blues, who travelled from Scotland to be with us. The number of positive comments received at the end of the day made everyone feel the event was worthwhile”