Young people inspired to become future leaders at annual conferences

Monmouthshire pupils have found inspiration to become leaders through sport, thanks to the return of the Bronze Young Ambassadors Conferences.

Hosted by MonLife’s Sports Development team, this year’s conference spanned two days, with events held at Gilwern Outdoor Adventure Centre and Thornwell Primary School.

The annual conference brought together Year 6 pupils from primary schools across Monmouthshire, focusing on health, wellbeing, physical activity, and leadership.

Throughout the day, the Young Ambassadors participated in various workshops inspired by the new framework from Youth Sport Trust. This included themes such as Inspire and Influence, Lead and Mentor, as well as a play consultation and practical games.

Since its inception in 2017, 6,287 pupils have participated in the Year 5 playmaker programme, with more than 409 advancing to represent their schools in the Year 6 Bronze Young Ambassador programme.

The Bronze Young Ambassador Programme marks the beginning of many young people’s leadership journey, with four leadership academies now established at all comprehensive schools in Monmouthshire.

The academies reinforce the programme’s core messages and offer opportunities to support physical activity within schools and local communities, while gaining invaluable volunteering experience.

A clear pathway has been created for young people to enhance their skills and secure employment opportunities through the playmaker to post-16 employment route.

In addition to the young ambassadors, the event saw the attendance of the Chair of Monmouthshire Council, Su McConnel, and the Cabinet Member for Equalities & Engagement, Angela Sandles.  

Cllr Sandles said: ‘’From attending the conference, it was clear that this program is making a significant impact, not only in developing leadership skills but also in creating a sense of community and belonging.

“The energy and excitement of the children was palpable, and it’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of providing such opportunities for young people across Monmouthshire’’.

For more information about the Bronze Young Ambassador programme, or wider Sport Development initiatives, please visit – www.monlife.co.uk/connect/sports-development or email sport@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Chepstow park project in full swing with £100k National Lottery funding

A successful bid for National Lottery Funding has secured £100,000 towards the regeneration of the Dell play area in Chepstow.

The funding was obtained by the volunteer group Friends of the Dell Park Chepstow, in partnership with Chepstow Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council. This means creating a new destination play park should be underway early next year.

This now brings the total raised for the new park to £225,000, with Chepstow Town Council already pledging £100,000 and £25,000 received from Monmouthshire County Council. The Town Council also contributed an additional £13,000 towards initial design fees and costs for the successful planning application.

The new destination park will see the removal of existing outdated play equipment to make way for a modern and more natural play environment, complementing the historic port wall that runs alongside the park. Play boulders, accessible swings and a roundabout will all be installed, as well as new pathways, seating and wildlife planting.

Inspiration has also been taken from Chepstow’s rich past, with the inclusion of a bespoke wooden boat. There are also plans for a castle-themed slide running down the Dell’s embankment, subject to securing an additional £70,000. The group is currently crowdfunding for this feature.

Vicky Burston-Yates, Chair of FDPC, said: “This has been a real pinch me moment for our group. We are immensely grateful to the National Lottery for seeing the value of this project and to everyone else that has backed us along the way.

“The park will stand as a lasting legacy for Chepstow, and we take great pride in our role in bringing it to fruition. We can’t wait to see the park filled with joy and laughter for generations to come, and to see the wider benefits it will hopefully bring to our beautiful town.”

Cllr Margaret Griffiths of Chepstow Town Council said: “The Town Council is delighted that the National Lottery has recognised the need for this park and that it supports the large contribution made by the residents of Chepstow through the precept raised by Chepstow Town Council”.

Cllr Angela Sandles, MCC Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “It is fantastic to hear that the Dell Park will now be able to serve the children of Chepstow for years to come.

“It has been a popular destination for families through the years but has needed attention in recent times.

“This work will stand the park in good stead to remain a popular draw for the town.”

To contribute to the group’s slide Crowdfunder, visit their JustGiving page: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/friendsofthedellpark. You can follow progress of the park’s development on the Friends of the Dell Park Facebook page @friendsofthedellpark.

Monlife Museums holds a private viewing of a new community exhibition at the Shire Hall 

On Tuesday, 15 October, Monlife Museums warmly welcomed participants, local residents, councillors, and funders from their recent National Lottery Heritage funded project, Dynamic Collections: Opening the Box, to a private viewing of the new exhibition ‘What Makes Monmouth, Monmouth’ at the Shire Hall.

This engaging exhibition was co-curated with input from the local community, reflecting their thoughts on Monmouth’s identity and the intriguing elements that define the town. 

Participants selected two objects from the Monmouth Museum’s collection that resonate personally with them, accompanied by the personal stories and memories these objects prompt. 

The private viewing offered a unique occasion for participants to witness their chosen objects and stories on display, allowing residents and councillors a glimpse into the exciting work generated by the National Lottery Heritage funded project. 

Alongside the Shire Hall exhibition, there is a pop-up exhibition of ‘What makes Monmouth, Monmouth’, which contains other objects chosen by each participant and their story. 

Having already been at Monmouth Library, Leisure Centre and Comprehensive School, it is currently at St James’ Community Hall in Wyesham until 8 November, when it will move to Bridges Centre after the New Year.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “”This exhibition is bringing the history of Monmouth and surrounding areas to life, allowing all visitors, local or tourist, to learn more about the fascinating history of the local area.”

“Working with the volunteers, museum staff are able to keep local history alive by showcasing the historical items that local people feel are important.”

“If you’ve not visited the exhibition yet, as it tours around the town, I’d urge you to visit St James’ Community Hall in Wyesham or the Bridges Centre from the 9 November.”

Access the exhibition online here: www.monlifecollections.co.uk/projects/dynamic-collections/

Open day to mark reopening of Zone youth centre in Caldicot

The Zone Youth Centre, Caldicot, welcomed the local community for an open day on Friday, 25 October, celebrating the completion of extensive renovations to enhance the facility for young people aged 11 and up in Caldicot.

The centre was officially reopened by Cllr Su McConnel, Chair of Monmouthshire County Council, Cllr Maxine Mitchell, Mayor of Caldicot Town Council, and some young people from the centre.

Some of the building improvements carried out include external rendering and cladding, a new insulated roof, and new windows and doors, all of which help to improve the energy efficiency of the building.

Run in partnership by Caldicot Youth Group and MonLife Youth Service, The Zone provides a safe space where qualified and EWC-registered Youth Workers facilitate various activities, opportunities, and support for youth in the area. Caldicot Youth Group is a registered charity that aims to support the development of youth provision, develop premises for a permanent youth facility, and advocate for young people in the Severnside area.

This October half term, a highlight of the activities available was a trip to Thorpe Park for 140 young people from the Monmouthshire area. To find out more about events at The Zone, visit: https://www.facebook.com/MonLifeConnect.

The renovation of the Zone supports the Caldicot Town Centre Regeneration Plan, which was produced in 2018 and included a regeneration project framework for Caldicot. Funding was provided by the Welsh Government Transforming Town Placemaking Grant and MCC as part of the Town Centre Property Improvement Grants Programme.

Neighbouring properties to the youth centre have already benefited from Welsh Government property enhancement funding.

The quality of the work carried on to the building sets a benchmark for other buildings within the town centre.

The centre was also awarded National Lottery funding, which enabled the refurbishment of the kitchen and provided further funding for cooking activities going forward. Other funding towards the project came from the Welsh Church Fund, ConveyLaw and GAVO/SPF Capital Grants and Ecclesiastical.

Cllr Paul Griffiths, Monmouthshire County Council, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “It is wonderful to see the result of all the hard work which has been put in as part of the regeneration of the Zone since March.”

MCC Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Martyn Groucutt, added: “I know many people were excited for this day to come, and I am sure we will see the benefits of the work in the coming weeks and months.

“Centres like the Zone are vital to how we support young people across Monmouthshire.”

To find out more about MonLife’s Youth Service, visit https://www.monlife.co.uk/connect/youth-service/ or email youth@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Celebration of Nature & Sustainable Food event highlights collaboration and sustainable practices

On Friday, 27 September, Monmouthshire County Council hosted a celebration at County Hall, Usk, highlighting its work in nature and sustainable food.

The event brought together practitioners of nature recovery and local food production to showcase their work and foster future collaborations.

As part of the celebration, students from classes 3 and 4 at Usk Church in Wales Primary School participated in pollinator-based activities and performed their Pollinator song.

In opening the event, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, emphasised the council’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives: “As a council, we are diligently working with partners from sustainable land management and the local food economy to mitigate the impact of climate change here in Monmouthshire.”

“Between us, we can use our shared expertise to do more, and the council is proud to sit at the table and be part of the conversation about this vital subject.”

Throughout the day, guests were treated to a series of engaging talks by Sam Bosanquet, Dan Smith, Derrick Jones, and Damon Rees. In addition, guests were given the unique opportunity to be involved in creating the Monmouthshire panel of the Bio-tapestry being created by the Gwent Green Grid, further highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event.

Cllr Brocklesby invited guests to get involved in the public consultation currently taking place on the council’s Local Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) and Green Infrastructure Strategy: “The Nature Recovery Action Plan and Green Infrastructure Strategy sets out how we as a council will work to lower the impact on climate change. We want to engage with as many partners and residents as possible to work together to make positive changes in our county.”

To find out more about the strategy and take part in the consultation, please visit: https://www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/green-infrastructure/local-nrap-and-gi-strategy-consultation/

Mill Common Restoration Project

A cherished woodland in the heart of Magor and Undy is set to undergo a restoration project to enhance its ecological health, accessibility, and community value.

Mill Common serves as a crucial green corridor for the local community. However, it faces significant challenges, including extensive ash dieback, overcrowded veteran trees, and degraded paths and steps.

This initiative, supported by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) administered by the National Heritage Lottery Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government, will serve as a flagship site for the National Forest for Wales and promises to rejuvenate this vital green space for future generations.

Monmouthshire County Council will undertake woodland management to remove diseased Ash trees and thin, dense tree stands, which are overcrowding the canopy and preventing sunlight from reaching the understory.

The project will aim to restore the historic viewpoint looking out over the Gwent Levels and improve pathways. Several veteran trees, which have stood on the site for more than 100 years, will be protected by sensitive management. We will help protect the areas around veteran trees and regenerate vegetation by dead hedging around them to protect them from the negative effects of high footfall and compaction. 

On the 3rd of October, residents will be able to speak to Monmouthshire County Council’s Green Infrastructure team about the project at Undy Memorial Hall. This will be a chance to learn more about the plans and ask the team questions about the work that will be taking place. 

Two sessions are running on the day, and residents can drop in without registering. 

• Session 1: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Optional site walk at 2:30 PM)
• Session 2: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Optional site walk at 6:00 PM)

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “As a council, we have a duty of care to protect our environment. This is a vital project to restore and protect Mill Common. If you are interested in the work and want to find out more, please speak to our staff at the drop in sessions on the 3rd of October.”

For further information or to complete the consultation online, visit: https://www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/green-infrastructure/mill-common-restoration-project/

MCC appoint Purcell in the development plans for Shire Hall

Monmouthshire County Council has appointed Purcell and their team of consultants to support the successful Heritage Fund grant application for the development phase of the Shire Hall and to integrate the museum and its collections, including the internationally significant Admiral Lord Nelson collection. 

These exciting developments will create an enhanced cultural destination and foster a sense of community. The new galleries, shared learning, and community space will engage and inspire residents and visitors, creating a sustainable museum offering. This will increase footfall, drive economic activity, and provide a welcoming space for all in the historic core of the town centre.

Following the completion of work over the summer, plans will be formally submitted for building consent later in September. 

We’re now inviting the public to view the designs and share their feedback during the week commencing Monday 23rd of September at the Shire Hall.

The proposals will complement other improvements in Monmouth. Creating a venue with a shared community/learning space will enable the local authority to ensure future services’ sustainability. 

The current brief being developed is to reconfigure the existing external and internal spaces to reinterpret and display the museum collections to tell the town’s stories, including the role Shire Hall played in this history through notable events such as the Chartist uprising and the history of local and national democracy. 

The museum move also provides an opportunity to explore the life and passions of Lady Llangattock, whose own gift forms the basis of an internationally significant yet relatively unknown and unpublished collection relating to Admiral Lord Nelson. 

The museum’s object collection relates to the social history of the town and surrounding area, and using loaned items, it has developed more contemporary modern themes such as the Rockfield recording studio and local artists.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “It’s very exciting to see the plans for the Shire Hall Museum coming into fruition. Creating a new modern space to showcase our history will attract more visitors and allow residents to learn more about the amazing local history here in Monmouth.”

To find out more about the Shire Hall Museum, visit: https://www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/the-shire-hall/

All ability outdoor gym opens in Chepstow Leisure Centre

MonLife Leisure Centre members will have access to a brand-new bespoke outdoor space for exercise and physical activity.

The opening coincides with Monmouthshire County Council’s celebration of National Fitness Day (18th September 2024). An annual campaign by ukactive highlighting the role physical activity plays across the UK, helping to raise awareness of its importance in assisting us to lead healthier lifestyles.

The new outdoor gym will include state-of-the-art equipment from Indigo Fitness, such as a functional fitness frame, a 12-meter-long turf sled track, functional wall-fixed rigs, and free weights.

To celebrate the launch of the new gym, a tournament series will be taking place to promote outdoor physical activity and strength training. The tournament can be entered by individuals or as part of a group. Our fully qualified staff will be on hand to support you and sign you up for the latest challenge as part of our tournament throughout the year.

The bespoke outdoor gym will be perfect for members to exercise independently or as a group. Exercising in a group setting has been shown to have numerous benefits, including enhanced training experiences, peer support, accountability, and a sense of community.

The UK Chief Medical Officer Guidelines recommend adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity or a mixture of both each week. In addition, undertaking strengthening activities on two of those days.

This initiative is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “The new exercise area at Chepstow is a fantastic addition to the leisure centre offering. We continue to look at what we can offer our members and the local community, and these new innovative facilities provide an additional way to take part in physical activity. I know these facilities will be a popular area with the members and look forward to see them being used extensively!”

In addition to the new outdoor gym, Chepstow Leisure Centre features a 20m swimming pool, sauna/steam room (Closed Wednesday and Thursday 1pm-3pm), fitness gym, additional sauna on the lower ground floor (open 10am – 6pm only) a multi-purpose sports hall, an outdoor multi-use games area, 3G pitch and a full-size Astroturf with various outdoor pitches and cricket nets.

To enquire about becoming a member, visit the MonLife website: https://www.monlife.co.uk/monactive/chepstow-leisure-centre/

Celebrate Adult Learners Week with Monmouthshire’s Community Learning Team

This week, Monmouthshire County Council’s Community Learning team proudly participated in Adult Learners Week. This annual campaign, organised in partnership with the Welsh Government, encourages lifelong learning and highlights the diverse opportunities available through Community Learning.

The team has offered taster sessions throughout the last two weeks to allow learners to upskill, improve confidence and wellbeing, discover new hobbies or simply continue their current learning journey.

Tutors have offered a wide range of tutorials from Art, ESOL (English for speakers of other languages), German, Ukulele, Sewing, Crochet, Lino printing, Skills club, Gardening and Creative Writing. 

Adult Learners Week has also provided an opportunity to showcase the success that Monmouthshire’s Adult Community Learning has achieved this year. Over the last academic year, the team enrolled more than 750 learners in more than 90 courses, workshops and free taster sessions.

In May, Monmouthshire County Council’s Community Learning programme, which is part of the Greater Gwent Adult Learning Partnership, led by Coleg Gwent, received a glowing commendation after a recent Estyn inspection.

In July, we celebrated the learner awards as part of the annual Coleg Gwent Adult and Community Learning Evening, which celebrated the outstanding achievements of learners and staff across the Gwent Region. We were thrilled to see several of our learners and tutors recognised for their dedication and contributions.

This year, the team partnered with MonLife Active to offer individuals with a Passport to Leisure membership up to 50% off some community learning leisure courses.

There’s still time to sign up to a course for this term, find out more about the courses on offer and the Community Learning team by visiting: https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/communitylearning/

National Playday enjoyed by children and families at MonLife event

Families from across Monmouthshire enjoyed a day of fun and games with MonLife at Caldicot Leisure Centre last week as part of the National Playday.

The event, which took place on Wednesday, August 7, attracted around 400 adults and children.

National Playday celebrates children’s right to play while emphasising the vital role of play in their lives.

The event was open to all and boasted an action-packed schedule, including a climbing wall, arts and crafts, den building, crazy golf and much more.

Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: “It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the National Playday at Caldicot Leisure Centre this week.

“Play forms such an important part of children’s development. Events like this are a perfect way of letting children freely explore a range of activities and have fun.”

The National Playday event in Monmouthshire was hosted by MonLife Play, with activities being put on by various areas of MonLife as well as being joined by colleagues from Monmouthshire Housing Association, Clybiau Plant Cymru kids’ club and Monmouthshire County councils Community Partnerships and wellbeing team.

To find out more about our Play offer within MonLife, visit https://www.monlife.co.uk/connect/play/