The Friends of St Mary’s
Become a Friend.
The Friends of St Mary’s, Brecon was set up in 2023 to support the church’s vital work in the community and to help preserve its architectural heritage as an iconic building at the centre of Brecon.
St Mary’s is a beautiful and historic place of worship which has served the people of Brecon for over 800 years. But, to continue this mission, we need your help. You can make a difference by:
becoming a Friend of St Mary’s – at an annual subscription of £25
making a one-off donation;
leaving a legacy in your will;
Your contribution, however small, will help us maintain our facilities, and provide an inclusive space for the community. Because of its location, it is important that the building remains relevant for everyone.
Charity No:1202893 Email: friendstmarys01@gmail.com
Ways to become a Friend.
There are several different ways that you can become a Friend of St Mary’s.
You can pick up forms at St Mary’s and return it with your subscription to the church.
You can also print out the form and return it with your subscription to St Mary’s.
Or you can donate via Paypal by clicking the button below.
Your £25 donation is all that is needed to become a Friend.
Whichever way you choose, you’ll know that your generosity will help St Mary’s continue to thrive for many years to come to develop even more as a vibrant community centre in the heart of Brecon.
the Friends of St Mary’s
Speaker Series
Tuesday, 16th June, 7pm:
Gethin Havard - Rooted in Community & Countryside
Farming in Breconshire is more than a job to Gethin - it’s a way of life shaped by the land and the people around him. Gethin farms in partnership with his two brothers in the Sennybridge area.
Gethin is the 2026 Royal Welsh Show President, for Breconshire’s Feature County year.
Future Talks:
Tuesday 14th July, 7pm: Rob Evans - From choirboy to conductor = 60 years of singing.
In the week of Brecon Choir Festival Rob will talk about 60 years of Brecon Singers of which he is the Musical Director and his life as a singer himself. “With thanks to Paul McCartney, Pope Gregory, Jethro Tull, The Muppets and Oreo biscuits for helping to pay Rob’s mortgage.”
He made his London debut in 1987 at The Royal Festival Hall with the choir of The London Oratory having spent ten years in Westminster Cathedral Choir (winners of the Gramophone Record of the year in 1999). In his freelance singing career, both as a soloist and as a consort singer he has sung with The King's Consort, The Sixteen, The Cardinals Musick and The Gabrieli Consort.
All our talks are £10 on the door (cash or card!)
Everyone welcome.
Our autumn series:
Tuesday, 22nd September: 'Life of a Beefeater - Behind the Scenes at the Tower of London' with Dave Phillips
Tuesday 20th October: Brecon Mountain Rescue with Martin Gregory
Tuesday 17th November: A Life well lived: New Zealand activist, London journalist, an artist in Wales: Robert Macdonald
The Music of the Coronation; The Welsh Connection
The launch event for The Friends occurred on Friday April 12th, 2024.
Brecon resident Dr Grahame Davies, CVO gave us a wonderful insight as to how he came to be the person who oversaw all the music for the Coronation and for the later Honours of Scotland ceremony for King Charles. Grahame helped shape the musical event of a lifetime which featured starring roles for Welsh performers and composers, for the newly-commissioned Cross of Wales and - for the first time ever at a Coronation – the use of the Welsh language.
Erin Thomas, winner of Brecon Choir Festival’s Young Singer Award of 2023 and Louise Wood, a Welsh mezzo-soprano currently studying at Royal Northern College of Music sang two of the pieces for which Grahame wrote the lyrics. Erin sang for the the King and Queen when they visited Brecon in 2023.
Everybody needs friends. People who help us through life. People stick with us through thick and thin. St Mary’s Brecon is no different. The church building has stood in the heart of Brecon, serving the people of Brecon, for the better part of 800 years. But it has only done so through the love, dedication, and support of friends—people from all walks of life who have shown their appreciation for what the place has done for them by giving back.
Keeping
St Mary’s
Alive
St Mary’s is on the move. The beloved Tower Café is thriving. The congregation is rapidly growing. The building is again becoming a venue for regular concerts and other events. And it’s a special place for many young families as a place where they can relax while their children play in a warm, friendly, and safe place. It’s also where others can find company and friendship.
But we need your support to make sure this continues.