Wales first Cathedral Camp opens in Brecon

A group of 13 young people from around the world are camping at the historic cathedral in Brecon this week to help revamp the building and learn more about heritage conservation.

The group, from as far afield as Japan, will spend the week painting railings, re-painting the crypt, wax polishing the chapter and choir stalls, and making a survey of the graveyard as part of Wales’ first ever Cathedral Camp.

The work they are doing, which also includes serving at events hosted by the cathedral for the Brecon Jazz Festival, will count towards medals of attainment such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Cathedral architect Geoffrey Worsley will also be joining the youngsters during the week, giving them a unique opportunity to undertake skilled work normally reserved for specialists, including servicing monuments, re-guilding the bishop’s throne, and re-pointing the 17th century gravestones that make up the floor inside the cathedral.

The camp is run by Cathedral Camps, a charity that enables young people to play a part in preserving the architectural heritage of Britain. Although the charity has been running Cathedral Camps for more than a quarter of a century, this is the first time that such a camp has been held in Wales.

Cathedral Camps project manager, Ruth Coates said, “Each camp brings young people the chance to work towards satisfying goals while gaining knowledge of the historical and cultural importance of the buildings.

“During the week they also socialise and mix with other young people from around Britain and other parts of the world.

“Because the camps are residential, many volunteers create firm and lasting bonds.

“Some return year after year while others go on to become leaders and assistant leaders.”

The team at Brecon is being led by 21-year-old geography graduate Liz Barker and includes only one Welsh volunteer and speaker, 19-year-old Dan Jones from St Asaph.

“I have done several Cathedral Camps before, including at St Albans and Worcester, and I know how much the work we do is appreciated by the cathedral staff,” said Ms Barker. “We work full days but it’s great fun and we learn a lot about the work involved in conserving ancient buildings.”