THIS week’s From the Archive features a photograph of the Rev Pandy John.
The Barry branch of the National Vigilance Society was established in 1891.
Most of its members were local clergy and temperance supporters.
The society wanted to raise moral standards in the town.
Rev John was an active member of the Barry branch and later became an elected councillor.
The Vigilance Society extended their influence over Barry to oppose or restrict a wide range of activities including licences for public houses, cinemas, Sunday football and gambling.
Their most controversial interference was in 1913.
They persuaded Barry Urban District council to ban the Theatre Royal from showing the Jeffries vs Johnson Championship Boxing contest filmed in 1910.
Rev John, quoted in the local press said about the film, said: "It would certainly corrupt to a very large extent the morals of the young people of the town."
The Barry & District News would like to thank Cllr Shirley Hodges for the photograph and information.
If you have an old Barry photograph you would like to see included, with information about what it depicts, email sha@barryanddistrictnews.co.uk
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