FESTIVAL DIARY
May5–7Coracle 200 Learntobuildacoracle at Middle NinfaFarmhigh aboveLlanfoist, with tutor Mick Petts of BBC Countryfilefame –thenfloatyour ownboat! Three daycourse £220. Formoreinformation call 01873 854662 or e-mail
Richard@middleninfa.co.uk
May19Canal 200 Cycle Ride Acycle ride for200 people,one person foreach year of the Canal’s
existence.Ateam eventfor groups of four,with astart at Govilon. Registerat
www.greendragonactivities.co.uk
May29–31and June 14 Schoolworkshops at Fourteen Locks centre
June 8‘Eco-Day’ at GoytreWharf Bio-diversityBlitz 10am–3pm –join wildlife expertstohelprecordthe widevariety of wildlife along the canal. ContactSarah Lewis on 01495 742335 or email
sarah.lewis@torfaen.gov.uk Canal Spring Clean –join Keep WalesTidy to give GoytreWharfaspring clean –byfootorbyboat. ContactTom Ward-Jackson on 02920 726988 or 07766754894ore-mail
Thomas.ward-jackson@keepwalestidy.org Bats aboutCanals –At9pm join the Vincent WildlifeTrust’s BatWalk &
Talk.For more information call 01874623724ore-mail
janesedgeley@vwt.org.uk
immenseleisure
potential of the historic waterway wasrealised and the stretchfrom Brecon to Five Locks, Cwmbranwas gradually restored by British Waterways, with the supportofmany otherorganisations,culminatinginits reopening to the public in 1970. Today35miles of the landlocked
waterway is navigable again,with six locks still in use–fiveatLlangynidrand one at Brynich–and more than 400 privately-
owned boats and 40 hire boats operatingalong the route. Followingthe scenic
route of the Usk Valley and passingthrough the
BlaenavonWorld HeritageSiteit is used forawidevariety of informal
recreation and attracts visitorsfromall over the globe. Whilethe section of the canal that
continuesfromPontnewyddtoNewport and up to Cwmcarnremains unnavigable by boat, the towpath here tooisa favouritelocation forwalkers,cyclists and anglers. GezRichards, whoisco-ordinatingthe
bicentenary events in Monmouthshire, has beenawaterways enthusiast all his life. He hastravelled the Kiel Kanalacross
Germany, the Canal du Midi acrossFrance andthe Gota KanalacrossSweden, buthe says the Monmouthshireand Brecon Canal remains the closest to his heart. “Its settinginthe heartofthe Brecon
Beacons combined with the peace and quiet of the Usk valley make it avery special place to be –whetherI’m on aboat, abikeorout and aboutinmy walking boots!” he said. LikeGez,all those involved in
organisingand promotingthe Monand Brecon 200 celebrations regarditasa goldenopportunity to sharethe fascinating story of the canal,past and present, with the widestpossible audience.
June 10 In thePink –Route 46. Billed as the longest fancy dressparty ever youcan walk,jog or runthe eightmiles from Brynmawr downhill to Llanfoisttoraisemoneyfor theInthe Pink breast
cancercharity.Livemusic, barand food awaits at the end. 1.30pm start. More info:
www.pinkwalks.co.uk or tel01495 308883. Registration £5 perperson.
June 16 To theBlorenge andBack. Astrenuous walk(10am to 3pm) from Llanfoist Crossingtothe Blorengeand back. Agreat day out–led by the ForgottenLandscapesteam at BlaenavonWorld HeritageSite. More information: 01495 742333 or e-mail:
blaenavontic@torfaen.gov.uk
June 17 Llanfoist Open Gardens Llanfoist(10.30am to 5.30pm) stages the traditional National Open Gardensevent,where youcan travel from one stunninggardentothe next, notonlyon foot butbycanal boattoo! Merriment,plants,great food and tickets at LlanfoistVillage Hall. Adults £5, Children –free. More info:
www.llanfoist-open-gardens.co.uk
June 24 Cyclingfor Softies Agentleridefor ‘softies’ along the Sustrans Cyclewaystartingatthe LlanfoistCrossingat 10.30am ledbyAbergavenny Cycle group. Pedal to a perfectpicnic! More infoon01873 737671 or e-mail
Cath.barton@
virgin.net
July 7Fun DayatHopeChapelGilwern July 14 Govilon Boat Club Gala Sept 29 Beautiful Blorenge walk October 31 Spooky StoryWalk through Clydach Gorge, with actorsdressed in costume appearing along the route. Thereare alsoplansfor a‘FunDay and Proms’ at GoytreWharf on September8 and twocolourful LanternParades (Gilwern, October half-termand Llanfoist, Christmas). Forthe latest information log onto www.facebook. com/MonmouthshireAndBreconCanal and www.
canalandrivertrust.org/monandbrec200
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