Bellringing
St Mary's 8 bells, high in the Buckingham tower, have been ringing out over the town for more that 270 years. They were cast by the Rudhall bell foundry in Gloucester in 1750 and the installation has undergone major restoration work in 1895 and 2007.
Brecon Bellringers ring here regularly for Sunday services, weddings and special services, as well as at the Cathedral and St David's Church, Llanfaes.
Being also the town bells, they also are used to mark civic and national events. Recently, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee was celebrated by the sound of the bells, as indeed were many significant national events going back as far as the victory at Salamanca in 1812 during the Napoleonic Wars. Local ringing traditions include welcoming the New Year, Remembrance Sunday, military parades, the annual Mayor Making ceremony and the Brecon Jazz Festival.
Become a bellringer
Ringing is a fascinating activity that uses a unique blend of physical and mental skills. It provides intellectual stimulation, moderate physical activity and social contact. Anyone interested in finding out more is very welcome at any of the Monday practices or mid-week training sessions at St Mary's. At these the bells are silenced and the sound is produced by a computer linked to the moving bells. Group visits to St Mary's or the Cathedral can also be arranged.
Practice night are on Mondays at one of the three towers (Cathedral 1st & 3rd, St David's 2nd, St Mary's 4th & 5th). Visiting ringers are always welcome.
For more information, please contact the Tower Captain, Paul Johnson, by telephone at 01874 658670 or by email at paul.neuadd@gmail.com).