Newport U3As Cycling Group had a delightful September ride along the towpath of the Mon Brecon Canal. It was sunny but breezy as they started from Bettws Lane. The first stop was at the Ty Coch flight of locks between Newport and Cwmbran. These locks have been recently restored as part of a scheme drawn up and managed by the Mon Brecon and Abergavenny Canal Trust. Over 200 volunteers have worked on the project over the last 4 years, many gaining skills that have helped them in their search for permanent employment.
Lower Brake Lock Reopened
“A Cwmbran canal lock has been re-opened after nearly 100 years thanks to restoration work by volunteers. Lower Brake Lock, on the Ty Coch section of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, is the first of six local locks to be restored to their former glory as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Waterways Project.”
Final Preparations for Ty Coch Locks Press and Dignitaries Day
Final preparations have been in progress this week at Ty Coch Locks, including fitting of gates to Tredegar Lock and testing the paddle gear on Lower Brake Lock. The trust is welcoming members of Torfaen County Borough Council, Canal and River Trust and other local organisations along with local and national press to see the first boat to pass through since 1927.
Rev. John Collier Appointed Canal Chaplain
A chance conversation at Fourteen Locks Canal Centre led to Revd John Collier being appointed as the first-ever Chaplain to the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust.
John is curate-in-charge of the Parish of Mamhilad and will be installed as Chaplain by the Bishop of Monmouth, Rt Revd Richard Pain, at a service of thanksgiving for the work of the Trust in Mamhilad church at 12 noon on 22nd February.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and The History of the Canal
The Queen’s remarkable reign of sixty years is also quite remarkable when thinking about the history of the Canal. Queen Elizabeth II has ruled for over a quarter of the time of the Canal’s existence. In fact the timeline of the Canal has been dominated by two monarchs – both Queens. The Monmouthshire Canal and The Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal both began their existence in the reign of George III.
The following timeline is not a comprehensive list of events, but it does give an idea of the history of the canal under different reigns.
1812 – 2012 Bicentenary Celebrations
Ringing the Bells 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 … Read more
1812 – 2012 Bicentenary Celebrations – Anniversary Dinner
A special year in the history of the Mon and Brec Canal got off to a great start at a special anniversary dinner held at the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny. Why the Angel Hotel? Why this particular date? The answer lies in the minutes of the Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal Navigation: Meeting of the Committee of the Company of Proprietors of the Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal Navigation The Angel Inn, Abergavenny, … Read more