Art in Brecon 2014

This year sees the fourth Art Fair in Brecon. It is a time when both professional and amateur artists, along with groups from Brecon and District Mind, come together in St Mary's Church in Brecon to each have a stand and display their work. This year’s fair takes place on Thursday 16 (6 – 8pm), Friday 17 (10am – 4pm) and Saturday 18 October (10am – 4pm).

We talked to Sue Hiley Harris, a professional sculpture weaver, who has been involved with organising the Art Fair since the first one in 2011 and will have a stand.

Whose idea was the Art Fair and how did it evolve? Tell us more about the early years.

The first art fair came about when some of the members of Brecon and District Mind (then Brecon and District Contact Association) approached me – as chair of the Friends – to see if the Friends could help them sell their art and craft work. We decided rather than an exhibition we would have a fair where each artist would set up their own stand and be there to talk to the public about their work. There are quite a few professional artists in the Friends and they were happy to get involved. The church was prepared for us be there and to rearrange the seats.

Gleanie II by Victoria Keeble

Is it different this year?

It is on for longer this year. Previously it opened on the Friday evening and was open all day Saturday. This year we were trying to avoid opening on the Friday evening as it clashed with a lecture on art in Crickhowell. I sent a message to the artists and the majority opted for an extra day. It is generally thought that it is a lot of work setting up so it would be good to stay open for longer. So this year we open on Thursday night with wine and jazz, and then will be open all day Friday and Saturday. It is then all hands on deck as we return the church ready for the Sunday morning service. The church has been very supportive.

Another first this year is a raffle. The artists have been asked to contribute and by the sounds of it they have been very generous. 

Allotment Retreat by Veronica Gibson

What do you feels works so well about the Art Fair?

I really like the mixture of professional artists, amateur artists and artist groups that all exhibit together. Contacts and friendships are made. To me this is one of the most important outcomes of the fair. We also have other people, Friends and members, coming in to help – either with the setting up or to give look after stands so that the artists can have lunch or take a break. So generally I would say a sense of community makes it work so well – and of course there are a great number of art and craft work on display and for sale.

Dragon by Anna Lawday

What do you get out of the Art Fair by exhibiting?

I really like to exhibit my work locally and it is an opportunity to see people I might not have seen for a while and introduce more people to my work. I often exhibit abroad or in other parts of the country but I do like to see how people I know react to new work. This is a really nice, safe, unpressured place to do that.

What will you be showing this year?

I am working on new work that is not really in a state to show so I have decided to do something different this year. I received an Arts Council of Wales ‘Creative Wales Award’ last year and my work is definitely changing. I will be showing some life drawings and collages, which has been a very new direction for me. I don’t have my new woven work ready for show so have decided to show a selection of my small woven sculptures from the last fifteen years in what I have called a ‘table retrospective’. Some weavers were at my studio for a visit a few weeks ago and I got out some of my early sculptural pieces. I decided that it would be good for me and for others if I had a little show of these works alongside the drawings. I will also be happy to talk to people about my new work and the direction it is taking me.

Artist Veronica Gibson teaches art classes at Brecon and District Mind. 

Here she is at her stand at last year's Art Fair, with Dave Griffiths, 

one of the members of the Art Group at Mind.

Art Fair Launch: Thursday 16th October 6-8 pm at St Mary's Church, Brecon.

The Art Fair will be opened by Philip Bowen, High Sheriff of Powys, and the Charles Castle Three  (Mike Chappell, Bert Morris and Mike Jones) will be playing live.

The Art Fair will also be open on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th October from 10am to 4pm.

You can find out more about Brecon and District Mind here.

Tea-on-Top: with Brecon & District Mind

Every year members and Friends of Brecon & District Mind ascend the mountain called Pen-y-Crug in the Brecon Beacons for what they call “Tea-on-Top.” It is said to be a Lammas Day tradition, and those that go describe it as magical.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday 27 July. We gave Sue Hiley-Harris, Chair of the Friends of Brecon & District Mind, a call to ask her more about it.

Tea-on-Top 2010 - the musicians strike up a tune

Tell us more about what happens on the day
We meet at Brecon Cathedral car park at 2.00pm and walk up Pen-y-Crug together where we find tea, cakes and sandwiches waiting for us. The walk is a three-mile round trip, passing the ancient Maendu Well and exploring the Iron Age hillfort of Pen-y-Crug with its magnificent views of the Brecon Beacons.

Who can take part? 

Anyone – although they do need to be able to walk the approx 1.5 miles up the hill. Some of it is over fields and stiles so we ask that people wear stout shoes and suitable clothing – for all weathers!

Tea-on-Top 2010 - what a crowd!

Whose idea was Tea-on-Top and which year did it start?

It was Gareth Morgan’s idea to organise a walk in the spirit of the Lammas Day walk and Pen y Crug seemed a suitable hill. Our first Tea-on-Top was in our first programme - 2010. This will be our fifth Tea-on-Top.

What is the Lammas Day tradition that inspired the trip? 

Lammas means ‘loaf-mass day’ but, in Wales, gatherings on hilltops at the beginning of August were not necessarily connected to the first harvest festival of the year. Trefor Owen, in his book on customs and traditions of Wales, describes ‘the shepherds’ feast’ (ffest y bugeiliaid) when shepherds would bring food to feast on a hilltop in early August. The Lammas Day tradition of tea and merrymaking on the top of the Brecon Beacons was popular in the region until the 1950s.

Tea-on-Top 2011 - the music keeps on playing

What kind of activities take place “on Top” apart from the tea? 

These vary from year to year but music plays a major part. Guitarist and singer Laurie usually organises friends to play with her. In 2012 Colin brought his Olympic torch and we all processed around the hill fort.

How do people describe their experience of taking part? 

'It was a lovely day, members, friends and the community got so much out of it. As one member, who made it to the top of Pen y Crug for the first time in many years, put it "(phew) I made it and it was worth it! I could stay up here all day." Thank you so much for co-ordinating it and making the event a great success.’ Nikki Cook, Service Manager, 2010.

‘Thank you to all involved in T on Top today. I had a great time, enjoyed the food, company and music, even the weather!' Rosie Whitfield, 2011.

Tea-on-Top 2012 - following the Olympic baton (photo by Charles Jenkin Jones)

Does Brecon & District Mind organise other walking trips or have a walking group? 

I am involved with the Friends and we do usually organise another walk during the year. Brecon and District Mind are in the process or reorganising a walking group and discussions are underway about a Friends and members walking group. 

What effect does being out in the open and experiencing nature have on people’s sense of wellbeing? 

Walking can greatly improve people’s wellbeing and Tea-on-Top has the added advantage of walking with others and the “carrot” of a nice cup of tea at the top.

Tea-on-Top 2013 - Sue Hiley Harris serving tea to thirsty walkers

Who provides the tea, or do people need to bring their own picnic? 

We provide the tea, sandwiches and cakes – and water. 

Tea-on-Top 2013 - fun despite a shower

What is your favourite memory from other Tea-on-Top days? 

That is hard to have just one favourite memory. The first Tea-on-Top in 2010 was magic. It had been an enormous feat of organisation so seeing so many people on the top of the Grug enjoying the tea and music remains a special memory. Last year a short rain shower brought everyone rushing under the gazebo or under umbrellas. The laughter and happiness this created is also a favourite memory. The sun soon came out again!

Tea-on-Top 2013 - tea & cakes, music and that amazing view!

The Friends of Brecon & District Mind was set up in 2010 to enhance and support the work of Brecon and District Mind (or Brecon & District Contact Association as it was known then). You can find out more about their programme of events here.

Update following 2014 Tea-on-Top event
Sue got in touch to say: Tea-on-Top was wonderful: the walk, the weather, the musicians, the tea and the food were all perfect.

Tea-on-Top 2014