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Community Boat Update

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:19:51 +0000

Work has been continuing on the restoration of the Mon & Brec Canal Trust Community Boat. For a full update on all progress to date click on the photograph below.

Do you notice anything different?

Sat, 4 Feb 2012 13:17:13 +0000

At first glance there is very little that is different to notice about this view of Lock 20 Pound. It was taken around 1980 by Clarry Winter who is a regular visitor to the Canal Centre. One of the biggest clues that the picture was taken some time ago is that the ‘Dragonfly’ statue is nowhere to be seen. If you look closely you will also see that the tree line is very different and that Lock 20 is unrestored.

Lock 20 Pound c. 1980 Lock 20 Pound November 2011

Clarry, who is 81 years old, found the photograph when he was sorting out some old albums and thought he would bring it along to show us. He has always lived near the canal and fondly recalled that his father learned to swim in the canal near Pontywaun by holding the tail of a ‘collie dog’.

If you have any old canal photos or a story to tell please come along to the Canal Centre or contact us on 01633 892167.

Mon and Brec 200

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:31:11 +0000

We all affectionately know our canal as ‘The Mon and Brec’ and think of it as one waterway, but as the name implies it was originally made up of two canals. The Monmouthshire Canal was authorised by Act of Parliament in 1792 and was closely followed in 1793 by the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal. In 1812 both the canals were joined at Pontymoile making one continuous waterway from Brecon to Newport. To mark the bicentenary of this historic engineering achievement a series of events and celebrations have been planned along the route of the canal.

Look out for the Mon & Brec Logo on events planned near you or click on the picture link below to find out more. It’s going to be an exciting year.

Water Level Update

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:23:17 +0000

The level of water in the canal has been much higher over the past month due to rainfall. It really does make such a difference to see the pounds and ponds full of water and to see the weirs in operation. However, it is also possible to have too much of a good thing and so the sunshine of the past week has come as a welcome relief to the wind and rain. It has meant that the water level has dropped a little and the weirs which were gushing with water only a week ago are now dry. Nevertheless it remains a good time to see the locks and there is nothing quite like a walk on a crisp, winter’s morning to make you feel good.

Lock 18 Pound Spill Weir 03.01.2012 Lock 18 Pound Spill Weir 14.01.12

Canal Centre Fire - More News

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:01:42 +0000

Readers of today’s edition of the South Wales Argus will be aware that the person who owned up to causing the canal centre fire pleaded guilty to arson at Newport Crown Court yesterday. However, it still remains very difficult to understand why the fire was started - it is a fantastic facility and has provided so much pleasure for very many people.

Work should begin on the repairs to cafe and meeting room soon and should be completed by the end of April. There is a lot of work to be done to make good the damage, especially to the roof timbers. Progress will be followed closely on the Restoration Blog.

The understanding, support and help that we have received since the fire has been exceptional. It is at times of hardship that you know your friends and Fourteen locks has many friends.

Please remember that while the repairs are taking place the visitor centre, shop and toilets will remain open.

If you would like any further information please contact the Canal Centre on 01633 892167.