The Lower Wye Valley Building Preservation Trust

21/09/2026

Two fascinating final Tintern Talks of the year

For anyone interested in history, archaeology, myth and the extraordinary stories of Wales, we have two very special evenings coming up — and both help support the scheduled monument and listed ruin that is St Mary’s, Tintern.

First, Rowan Williams — former Bishop of Monmouth, Archbishop of Wales and Archbishop of Canterbury — joins us at the Savoy Theatre, Monmouth for an evening of poetry, spirituality and conversation. A remarkable Welsh historical figure who has moved from Monmouthshire to the world stage, Rowan has a rare ability to take complex ideas and make them accessible, engaging and thought-provoking. There will be an audience Q&A too.

Then Professor Miranda Aldhouse-Green takes us into the mysterious world of Cauldron of the Gods: Myths and Archaeology in Enchanted Wales, exploring the places, stories, beliefs and archaeological traces that connect the Welsh landscape with its ancient past.

Two very different evenings, but both offer a fascinating way of looking at Wales through the eyes of people who have spent their lives asking questions about our past, our landscape and the stories we inherit.

And there is a very practical reason to come: profits from these events go towards the consolidation of St Mary’s, Tintern, helping us to safeguard this remarkable ancient church and make it safe for future generations to visit and explore.

🎟️ Rowan Williams — Friday 2 October, 7.30pm 📍 Savoy Theatre, Monmouth www.monmouth-savoy.co.uk
🎟️ Miranda Aldhouse-Green — Friday 6 November, 7.30pm 📍Tintern Village Hall www.ticketsource.com/lwvbpt
Come along for the history, the ideas and the stories — and help us preserve a little piece of Welsh history while you’re there.

19/09/2026

Former Archbishop. Thinker. Activist. Poet.
This July Rowan Williams wrote that we are at a critical juncture for UK nature. He urged strong support for biodiversity motions, highlighting that the protection of local ecosystems—including waterways and soils—requires systemic community action and institutional backing rather than just political rhetoric.

📌 Friday 2 October, 7.30pm, Rowan Williams, Savoy Theatre, Monmouth

📢 Don't miss out on this chance to meet and quiz a genuine iconic figure of history whilst helping to preserve two of Monmouthshire's finest historic buildings - St Mary's, Tintern and Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

🔖 Book and more details at www.monmouth-savoy.co.uk

18/09/2026

Contact us to be on the Tintern team of testers, contact Mark Savill for details of other groups testing the spots along the lower Wye down to Chepstow.

14/09/2026

Reclaim the Slipway - Reclaim the Wye

This evening, we’re meeting with the Wye Valley Community Council to discuss the condition of Fryer’s Wharf Slipway — and how we can start reclaiming this important piece of our river heritage.

Fryer’s Wharf was gifted to the public as a working wharf and is owned and managed by the Community Council.

Last March, we offered to clear weeds, rubbish and sludge to uncover part of the ancient stonework and restore some pride to the frontage (from the brambles to the foreground). But that’s just the beginning.

Our longer-term campaign is to restore the slipway to working use and ultimately remove the sewage pumping station built beside it in the 1960s.

These ancient stones were placed there for people, boats and the river. Restoring the slipway would give them a purpose again — whether launching Severn Area Rescue Association RIBs, providing access for canoeists, or simply reconnecting the community.

This isn’t just about clearing a slipway. It’s about reclaiming our river heritage and putting it back to work

05/09/2026

https://c.org/zhk8dZcLkC

We have 7 signed up for the Tintern monitoring team - email [email protected] if you want to come to a meeting to find out more in the next week or so.

Other teams are at St Briavels, Chepstow, Brockweir, Redbrook and Llandogo. See www.eyesonthewye.co.uk for more details and check out Mark Savill

Stop sewage in the Wye Valley AONB

26/08/2026

Only 20 tickets left!

Coming to Tintern Village Hall... 4 September, 7pm for 7.30 start.

How rock & roll! And he's currently #1 on The Times bookshop. See Andrew live, find out more about buildings from neolithic chambers to cathedrals, get your book signed. All proceeds to LWVBPT's conservation fund.
www.ticketsource.com/lwvbpt

13/08/2026

Can you help test pollution in the river?

We are helping Mark Savill to take daily sewage outflow readings of the Wye along points in Llandogo, Brockweir, Redbrook, Tintern and Chepstow. We'd love to help build a large local team in Tintern (the Llandogo one is 20) so that it's not an arduous daily/weekly job for anyone.

The testing will begin late September and focus on the overflow pipes, look for evidence of sewage and any Ecoli risks. Training will be given. Email [email protected] or reply below.