However, since the depletion of the coal faces of South and Mid Wales, Barry has lost this traffic. During my own life the dockyards of Barry have seen a decrease in traffic to the negligible state at present. There is now only one working pit in South Wales, and one which operates largely as a showpiece and tourist attraction. This is all that is left of the once thriving industry, which for one, gave my grandfather his trade for 52 years, from age 13 till his retirement at 65.
The current trade in Barry is based to a large extent on tourism. Barry Island, the amusement centre of the town, has during summer months, a thriving amusement park and a holiday camp nearby. The traders in the town centre owe much of their prosperity to these tourists. Of course this concentrates their attentions in a very seasonal bias.
The location of Barry, so close to the capital makes it popular with commuters. Many people living in Barry commute to Cardiff daily, and even Newport, another thriving metropolis in South Wales, is a mere 20 miles or a maximum of 30 minutes travel away. Living here makes sense to many as it is cheaper to live here and yet close enough to the capital to allow access to work at an easy distance.
I live on the outskirts of Barry, and commute every day to work near Newport. Working a rolling shift pattern means I leave the house any time between 6:00 am and 4:30pm, and get home at latest around 3am. Having said that, I like the variety. I'm not a morning person, so the odd days off and lazy mornings in bed are really nice. My work is with an Internet Provider, NTL Internet. Covering Technical Support over 19 hours, the remaining 5 are left to those who have requested permenant night shifts. Mad people that they are <g>
Being on the coast, Barry has its fair share of hills. From highest point it is about 100 ft down to sea level in little more than 1.5 miles. Needless to say .. some of the hills are outstandingly steep. As you know having read my bio (you did read it didn't you? <s>) I am in a wheelchair. I don't try it on the hills. I am rather more fond of my body than that :-)
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