1812 – 2012 Bicentenary Celebrations

Ringing the Bells

Robin Herbert, Bob Wellington and Richard Dommett

Ringing the bells to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the joining of the Monmouthshire Canal with The Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal got off to a great start at Pontymoile Basin at 12 noon on Friday 10th February. Particular thanks go to Richard Dommett MBE for his part in organising the event and for making the framework that held the bell – it was very impressive to say the least.

Speeches by Councillor Bob Wellington, leader of Torfaen CBC and Robin Herbert set the scene for the occasion. Robin Herbert’s connection is especially interesting  since he is the great, great grandson of Sir Benjamin Hall – who inspired the naming of ‘Big Ben’, the famous bell of the clock installed in the Houses of Parliament. Performances by the pupils of Pontymoile Primary School and the St. Cadoc’s Millennium Chimes met with loud applause that was justly deserved.

This was a celebration to be remembered and could not have been achieved without partnership between the Canal Trust, British Waterways and Torfaen County Borough Council. There were so many people involved in making this work, indeed the event at Pontymoile was only the start. The ringing of Church bells from Brecon to Newport and Cwmcarn continued well into the afternoon.

1812 – 2012 Bicentenary Events

Ringing the Bells was just one of many events organised for 2012:

  • 26th January – Canal Anniversary Talk, Theatre Brechiniog 
  • 1st – 27th February – Photography Exhibition ‘Liquid Transport’ By Lesley Lillywhite & Friends – Theatr Brecheiniog Gallery
  • 4th February – Anniversary Dinner – The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny – By Invitation Only
  • 10th February – ‘Ringing Church Bells’ at 12 noon – Pontymoile Basin & Churches along the canal from Brecon to Cwmcarn.
  • 29th February – Canal Talk – Llangattock/Crickhowell as part of Crickhowell Walking Festival
  • 1st March – Canal Walk – Llangattock/ Crickhowell / Crickhowell Walking Festival
  • 12th March – 16thApril – Canal Exhibition at Theatr Brecheiniog Gallery – ‘Reflections and Perceptions’ by Maguel Aliksander
  • 31st March – 1st April – Beacons To The Sea – Beer Launch – Brecon
  • April – Launch of ‘The Canal and River Trust’ (the new Waterways Charity)
  • 28th April – Waterways Festival Day – Pontymoile Basin
  • 5th & 6th May – Five Locks Rally
  • 21st – 25th May – Brecon Primary Schools Activity Week – Brecon Museum and Theatr Brecheiniog
  • 29th – 31st May – Primary Schools Activity Days – Goytre Wharf
  • 4th June – Talybont & Llangynidr Canal and Jubilee Event
  • 12th – 15th June – Primary Schools Education Week – Fourteen Locks and Blaenavon Forgotten Landscapes
  • 16th & 17th June – Llanfoist Open Gardens
  • 20th – 30th July – Canal Exhibition at Theatr Brycheiniog: An exhibition of canal related documents, images and exhibits