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Fallen remembered; Wightman to Hall of Fame

Fallen remembered; Wightman to Hall of Fame

Ashley Cox31 Oct 2014 - 16:49
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This Saturday, a century on from the Great War, Barry Town United will remember those lost in conflict with a moment of solemn silence.

For the second successive November, club captain James Saddler will lay a wreath in the centre circle, alongside secretary David Cole and a representative of the Royal British Legion.

A collection for veterans and their families will also take place at Jenner Park, before and during the afternoon fixture against Caldicot Town (2pm kick-off).

Meanwhile, the club's matchday programme will honour one of the Barry club's first and greatest heroes.

James Wightman, known colloquially as Jim, was the captain of what was originally known as Barry AFC, skippering in the inaugural match at Jenner Park in August 1913.

A young Major with a distinguished career, Wightman was soon called to action and was on the front line in April 1918 when he was shot by a German sniper at the Somme. Aged only 25, he would die days later; never receiving the hero's welcome planned back at Jenner Park.

A figure of huge historical significance to this football club, we are proud to help keep Jim Wightman's achievements for club and country alive and encourage supporters to learn and share his poignant story this weekend and throughout the month of November.

The Barry Town Hall of Fame was established ahead of the club's centenary in 2012 and has since told the tales of more than 25 of Barry's greatest players, managers and characters.

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