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Launch of Mon & Brec 200 celebrations

The opening ceremony will form part of a celebratory event at Pontymoile Basin between 11am and 2pm. The event will include performances by pupils from West Monmouthshire School, Pontymoile Primary School, Accord Singers and St Cadocs Millennium Chimes. Thomas Dadford Jnr Canal Engineer and Cllr Bob Wellington will welcome guests to Pontymoile before both Cllr Bob Wellington and Robin Herbert strike the 200kg bell 12 times. 

The initial bell strike at 12 noon will start the Peal of Church Bells from Pontymoile Basin to Brecon in one direction and Newport and Cwmcarn in the other. Church Bells will also peal from Hay-on-Wye to Brecon.  

 Project Co-ordinator David Morgan said almost 30 Church’s will be creating the rippling effect between 12 noon and 7pm.

“It is fantastic to see such great community engagement and involvement to help mark this historic occasion,” David said. 

 Members of the public are invited to join in with the celebrations at Pontymoile Basin and are also invited to join the “Softies” group of the Abergavenny Cycle Group who will lead the cycle ride along the canal from Pontymoile to Llanfoist listening to the bells. The group will meet at 9.30am on Friday February 10 at Llanfoist car park at the start of the railway cycle path, and will cycle down the towpath to reach Pontymoile Canal Basin by 11.30am, and return about 3pm. Soup and hot drinks available [for donation]. Please bring helmet and appropriate clothing. 

For more information please visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/monandbrec200