Tokyo Stories is a new Exhibition on Screen film that will be showing at the Drill Hall Chepstow on Thursday 25 May 7.30pm, has as its starting point a major show at the Ashmolean Oxford spanning 400 years of art from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige, to Pop Art posters, contemporary photography, Manga, film and brand-new artworks that were created on the streets. The exhibition was a smash-hit, five star success. But the film goes much further and uses the exhibition as a launchpad to travel to Tokyo itself and take the audience on an exploration of the art and artists of the city, past and present.
This is a beautifully illustrated and richly detailed film, looking at a city which has undergone constant destruction and renewal over its 400-year history, resulting in one of the most vibrant and interesting cities on the planet. It tells the stories of the artists and people who have made Tokyo famous for its boundless drive for the new and innovative.
The impressive Exhibition on Screen films are brought to the Drill Hall by, and in support of MonLife Heritage Museums.
Support the fight against sedentary lifestyles by joining the biggest social movement campaign in the fitness industry. Get ready to donate moves from 14th to 31st March 2023.
By taking part in the ‘Let’s Move for a Better World’ Campaign, you commit to fight against physical inactivity and all the consequent health diseases contributing to build a better and healthier world. To give everyone the same chance and opportunity, irrespective of age, sex and level of physical ability, Technogym have created the ‘MOVE’, a new way to measure physical activity that connects the whole community.
With only 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week, you reduce the risks associated with obesity and chronic diseases, whilst at the same time reaching other important goals.
Join our Challenge
This March, MonLife are teaming up with Technogym to get Monmouthshire moving. We have set up a ‘MOVEs’ challenge via the ‘MyWellness’ App (available on both the App Store and Play Store) for everyone to join and take part in! All you have to do is complete 2000 MOVEs.
You can complete the challenge in the gym, outdoors or our spin classes. All members that participate will enter a raffle for the chance to win a 12-month membership. Additionally, all members that collect 5000 ‘MOVEs’, will enter a raffle to win ‘Let’s Move’ merchandise.
How to Collect ‘MOVEs’
The Technogym® MOVE is based on body displacement in space, therefore it offers the best means to measure and compare participants’ activity levels during the Campaign. The faster and more often you move, the more ‘MOVEs’ you collect. Here’s how you can collect your ‘MOVEs’:
– Indoor Automatic on cardiovascular equipment within MonLife Leisure Centres (i.e., Treadmill, Bikes, Vario, Syncro, Climb, Skill line, Group Cycle)
– Indoor Automatic on connected resistance equipment within MonLife Leisure Centres (i.e., Chest Press, Leg Press, Shoulder Press).
– The Mywellness App Outdoor GPS Activity Tracker
– 3rd Party Devices with GPS connectivity (e.g. – Garmin). Please note Fitbit and Apple watches do not offer this.
Win for your community
The facilities that gather the required number of ‘MOVEs’ will be able to donate equipment to the Institutions or Schools of their choice to help fight obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Let’s Engage your community to create a healthier world!
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds to land on stage at Caldicot Castle
One of the best-known names in the UK music industry has just confirmed that they’re heading to Monmouthshire in summer 2023. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have confirmed they are playing a special one-off date at Caldicot Castle on Saturday 19th August.
Not shy of delivering world-class performances at prestigious outdoor venues, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will perform a one-off show in the grounds of the castle featuring a selection of the band’s most well-loved songs, from Oasis hits through to current day radio favourites. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have, since 2011, release three studio albums, a collection of EPs and have played hundreds of live shows across the UK. In summer 2022, the band completed a nationwide tour of outdoor shows by headlining on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.
The announcement of the Caldicot Castle date follows the incredibly well-received release of the band’s brand-new single ‘Pretty Boy’, which recently featured as BBC Radio 2’s Record Of The Week. The track signals the beginning of a new creative chapter and first new music from Noel’s forthcoming new studio album which will be released next year.
Caldicot Castle has gained a reputation for hosting chart-topping, famous bands, including girl band Little Mix, in August 2017, and Status Quo in summer 2015. As recently as September 2022, the castle was host to a local folk band that have gained a massive following, Rusty Shackle, marking the release of their latest album.
When they come to Caldicot, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will be supported by local favourites Feeder. Formed in 1994, the band have released 11 studio albums and have spent a combined total of 184 weeks on the singles and albums chart. Their highly acclaimed album ‘Torpedo’ came out earlier this year continuing the band’s winning formula with big riffs, bigger emotions, and, of course, enormous tunes.
They’ll be joined by Newport’s Goldie Lookin’ Chain, officially Britain’s biggest rap group. Known for ‘Guns don’t kill people rappers do’, the group have released 18 albums in the course of their 22-year-long career.
Pablo Janczur, the Orchard Live promoter, said: “We’re so excited about this absolutely massive show coming to Caldicot Castle. We’ve wanted to bring a great rock line-up to this venue for some time and what could better, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds supported by Feeder on a beautiful summer’s evening. It’s going to be an awesome day out.”
Monmouthshire County Council Leader, Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we will stage another world-class concert in the beautiful setting of Caldicot Castle this coming summer. We’re looking forward to welcoming Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Feeder and Goldie Lookin’ Chain, as well as thousands of visitors and residents to what promises to be a very special night out.”
Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member with responsibility for MonLife, said: “It’s very exciting to see acts of such high calibre coming to Monmouthshire, and also great news that the organisers have given local residents the opportunity to secure tickets before the general sale takes place. Caldicot Castle is such a beautiful venue that we are really proud of – it has such a lot of offer as a concert venue, as well as being a tremendous attraction for all the family all year round. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the castle on August 19th next year.”
It has also been confirmed that local residents will be engaged with on plans closer to the event to ensure minimal impact on the Caldicot community. Full event information is available at www.caldicotcastle.co.uk.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: Wyesham Active Travel Links (Monmouth) WelTAG Stage Two Study
Have your say
We would like to hear your views on the list of potential options designed to improve active travel links between the proposed new Active Travel Bridge across the River Wye and Wyesham.
We recommend you view the plans via the options below and read this page to find out more about the scheme.
The route from Wyesham into Monmouth town centre is heavily utilised by residents, children (traveling to and from schools), tourists and visitors. The existing pedestrian facilities are however limited, whilst there are no cycling facilities at all. Links within the study area have failed the active travel audits carried out by Monmouthshire County Council in September 2020. As proposals for the Wye Active Travel Bridge have emerged, the importance of connecting active travel links from the surrounding areas to and from the new bridge has been highlighted.
Scheme Objectives
The objectives of this scheme are to:
Provide a direct, coherent, comfortable and attractive walking and cycling network suitable for all users;
Increase levels of sustainable access to education, employment health and other key services;
Improve actual and perceived safety of vulnerable users;
Increase the number of people walking and cycling between Wyesham and Monmouth town centre;
Reduce car dependency and car use for short trips between Wyesham and Monmouth town centre through a modal shift; and
Reduce the negative impacts of transport on the natural and built environment (i.e., improve air quality, improve public realm, provide sustainable drainage infrastructure, etc.)
The Proposals
Projects such as this one are usually progressed over several years from concept through to detailed design and are then dependent on the approval of funding from bodies such as Welsh Government for the construction phase. We are currently at an early stage of the design process. The preferred option will be selected based on several aspects, including public consultation results, option deliverability (where land ownership will play a key part), cost implications, and option performance against national, regional and local objectives, ambitions and priorities.
Due to the size of the study area, the route has been split into two sections, as described below.
Route Section One – from Proposed New Active Travel Bridge to Wyesham Road
Option 1: proposes to widen the existing footway on the northern side of the A466 and A4136 to provide an off-road shared footway/cycleway from the Active Travel Bridge to Wyesham Road achieved through slight narrowing down of the carriageway and structural support of embankment. The two existing uncontrolled pedestrian refuge island crossings would be replaced with controlled crossing facilities. All side road junctions would be re-designed to accommodate an active travel route.
Option 2: as Option 1 but partially below the existing road level (between Riverside Park and Redbrook Road). A shared pedestrian/cycle route would commence from the junction with Riverside Park and run below the existing road level of the A466. A ramp would then connect it to the existing footway (bring up to the footway level) opposite the junction with Redbrook Road. The existing footway on the southern side of the A466 would remain unaffected.
Route Section Two – Wyesham Road and Wyesham Avenue
Option 1: one-way system eastbound Wyesham Road (In) / Wyesham Avenue (Out), after junction with Wyesham Avenue, the carriageway would revert to two-way traffic. A shared footway/cycleway would be provided on southern side of Wyesham Road to Kymin View Primary School. The carriageway width on Wyesham Avenue would be reduced and footway widened. No loss of parking on Wyesham Avenue. Potential to include links from Wyesham Avenue to Wyesham Road behind St James’s Church and through community woodland.
Option 2: same as Option 1 but westbound Wyesham Avenue (In) / Wyesham Road (Out)
Option 3: maintain two-way traffic throughout with quiet streets principle applied to Wyesham Road and Wyesham Avenue. ‘Quiet streets’ is a term given to urban cycling routes on low traffic speed and volume back streets, which are particularly suitable for new and less confident cyclists. Wyesham Road and Wyesham Avenue have been earmarked for a 20mph speed limit, which will suit the quiet streets principle. A cycle route would be provided on-road with traffic, with cycle symbols used to sign the route and indicate the correct positioning for cycling within the carriageway. Footways would be widened where possible for pedestrian use only. A consideration will be given to include links from Wyesham Avenue to Wyesham Road behind St James’s Church and through community woodland. There is also a potential to include a short length of Shared Use (Pedestrian and Cycleway) Footway from the Wyesham Road junction with Wyesham Avenue to Kymin View School.
At the start of this project and in line with the Welsh Transport Appraisal Process the project team developed a wide list of possible solutions, sufficient to be able to decide whether there are any scheme options worth pursuing and to select a short list of options (as detailed above) for more detailed consideration. Options were shortlisted based on:
their ability to prevent, or solve the problem now and in the future;
their ability to meet the objectives set and improve the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of Wales;
their short- and longer-term impacts to deliver multiple benefits across the four aspects of well-being and maximise contribution to all seven well-being goals;
their deliverability; and
their robustness to uncertainty and potential to drive long lasting change.
The Wyesham Road/Avenue route is currently the priority to link Wyesham to Monmouth town and is required to be designed and built to accompany the new Active Travel Bridge. Unfortunately, all options to improve the Redbrook Road route require land purchase and substantial retaining structures, which could take years to agree. This could significantly delay and even jeopardize the scheme. As such, the Redbrook Road section has been excluded from this scheme and our current focus in on the Wyesham Road/Avenue route, which will support delivery of the new Active Travel Bridge.
Your opinion
We want to hear your opinions on each of these shortlisted options. You can express your thoughts by clicking on the survey link below.
Please encourage members of your household and others to undertake the survey since your responses may not necessarily reflect the views of others.
By completing this survey, you are agreeing for this data to be used for this purpose by Monmouthshire County Council and by WSP (RE&I).
Your personal information will be processed by Monmouthshire County Council on behalf of WSP (RE&I). We will only collect your data for this purpose and any sharing of data will be anonymised. This form does not capture your name or contact details. For more information about privacy visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/your-privacy/
By submitting this form, you are consenting to your information being processed for the purpose as outlined above.
More than a thousand Monmouthshire children donned their trainers and sports gear last month to take part in a week of sporting fun. The Cross Country 2022 sporting event brought together 27 local primary schools from across the county. Children showed the grown-ups how it’s done with fantastic sportsmanship, encouragement and teamwork throughout each event.
The Cross Country 2022 programme, organised by MonLife, was especially for primary school children between the ages of seven and 10. The chance to take part in a range of sports, races and runs, was an opportunity too good to miss. So much so, that 90% of all primary schools in Monmouthshire took part. When it comes to fitness and well-being, Monmouthshire’s children are certainly leading the way.
Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities said: “I am so impressed at the support given by teachers, pupils and families to the recent Cross Country programme of events. It’s fantastic that 27 primary schools in the county got involved. Hopefully these youngsters have now got a taste for sport and for running. Who knows, maybe some of them will be professional athletics stars of the future. In becoming more active, they’re already on the right track.”
The far-reaching Cross Country event – the first since the pandemic – gave a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and most importantly have fun. One parent who attended said: “I just wanted to say that the Cross Country event this morning was brilliant and my daughter really enjoyed it. She wants to sign us up for the junior park run now!”
If you missed the week of fun, it’s not too late to get involved. Junior Parkruns are held in Dixton (Monmouth), Bailey Park (Abergavenny) and in Rogiet, so get those trainers on and head along. For more information regarding primary school festivals or details of your local parkrun please email sport@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Since its launch, this summer’s Nature isn’t Neat online Survey has received more than 1,000 responses from across Monmouthshire and the wider Gwent area.
The survey, which closes on Friday 30th September, has been designed to capture residents’ thoughts on the Nature Isn’t Neat approach, which promotes letting grassland in parks and along verges grow in the spring and summer to create meadow areas and space for nature. The feedback received will help inform future management of green spaces.
Nature isn’t Neat’s ethos is that grassland in Gwent’s green spaces should be allowed to grow and flourish with wildflowers, providing food and habitat for our pollinators. It’s also about finding a balance between nature and recreation throughout the year. Monmouthshire County Council is continually assessing how well they’re managing green spaces for nature and for residents. The survey will continue into the autumn so there is plenty of opportunity to provide feedback by completing the survey at www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/nature-isnt-neat/complete-our-survey/
As late summer approaches, many plants have finished flowering and are beginning to set seed, leaving meadow areas looking grassier. Whilst they may not be as colourful, they are still full of grasshoppers, moths and butterflies which are living and feeding in the grass. It’s vital that wildflowers and meadow grasses can produce and disperse seed before being cut, so we get more flowers next year. At the end of the season, the council’s grounds teams will be starting their grass cutting regimes across sites, by cutting and collecting the arisings like a traditional meadow they are removing nutrients and reducing the dominance of grass next year and encouraging more biodiverse habitats.
The project is supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development:Europe Investing in Rural Areas and is funded by the Welsh Government’s Enabling of Natural Resources and Well-being Grant.
Within this link you will be able to re-register your account if you have been a pay as you go or previous member up until the 1st of September 2022.
Once registration is complete you will be able to login to your online account to manage bookings and your membership profile or even set up a new MonLife Active membership.
Additionally, if you are a new to MonLife you can “Sign Up” as a free casual member, or purchase a new membership.
As with all new systems we hope that everything run smoothly but please bear with us if we experience any technical issues.
I would also like to remind you that the Leisure Centres will be closed on Monday 19th September for the state funeral of Her Majesty The Queen.
Over the last few weeks as you are aware, we have been working on implementing the NEW Leisure Management System at our MonLife Active Leisure Centres.
This system will enhance your user experience and make managing your membership and bookings with us even easier. Please see below a list of Frequently Asked Questions that we will be updating as the project develops:
FAQ’s: Last updated 6th September 2022
How will the changes affect me from Tuesday 6th September?
From Tuesday 6th September this is the last day until the NEW system launches on the 14th September that you can book 7 days in advance.
This is also the day that the NEW Home Portal for Learn to Swim Customers was launched which you can access with your existing username and password by clicking on the link below https://monlifeswim.courseprogress.co.uk/
How will I be able to access the new system?
From the 14th September when you log into the NEW online portal that we will share you will see that it has a new appearance. You will then Register to gain access to the new system using your email address that we have for you currently. If you need to clarify or change your email address, then please contact the relevant Leisure Centre. The link to the new system will be added here and shared with you via email and social media platforms closer to the date. We will also be adding a guide shortly for you to follow.
How will this NEW system change the way I book Activities?
From the 14th September any bookings made will need to be paid for at the time of booking. Also, all customers, even if you have booked and paid for your activity online will need to register with your MonLife Card at reception before attending. If you no longer have your card, then please visit reception where we can issue you with a new one.
Will there be any changes to class bookings?
We are implementing a class waiting list where if a class is full you can add yourself onto this list online and an automated email will be sent if a space becomes available.
On behalf of everyone at MonLife I hope that you are healthy and safe at this time.
I wanted to let you know of a few exciting changes that you may see over the coming weeks while we install the NEW Leisure Management System at our MonLife Active Centres.
Over the last few weeks, we have been working in the background on implementing this new system that will enhance your experience and make managing your membership with us even easier. The new changes are as follows:
Faster sign up process if you want to join as a member
Effective communication platform through email, push notifications and SMS
View, join and pay for any of our Active Membership options via the App and online
Easier to view, book and pay for classes or activities whenever it suits you and on any device.
View manage and update your personal details.
Login using email and password instead of your membership number
Integrated social sharing options allowing you to share details of your bookings with friends and family.
We would like to reassure you that during the migration from our old Leisure Management System to our new one we are fully GDPR compliant and all of your data will continue to be safe and secure.
As with all new systems we hope this migration runs smoothly but please bear with us if we experience any technical issues.
Our priority as always is to ensure that this will not impact on your experience. Our team will be regularly updating our website and social media channels with up to date information.
Please be assured the MonLife team are working tirelessly to get this new system in place and we hope you enjoy the new and improved customer interface.
Caldicot Links Phasing PlanCaldicot LinksCaldicot Multiuser Route through castle country park
Objective:
Monmouthshire County Council is working to improve the local walking and cycling network around eastern Caldicot, Crick and Portskewett, to make local active travel more accessible, more enjoyable and safer for the whole community.
Implementation:
Two sections of interconnected route are being developed: one through Caldicot Castle Country Park (the 1km long Caldicot Multiuser Route) and one along the former MOD railway line, now disused, from Portskewett to Crick, running alongside the castle country park and the Severn Bridge Industrial Estate (the almost 3km long Caldicot Links).
As part of the project development a stakeholder consultation was undertaken by connecting with over 200 people in live engagement sessions, working with pupils and staff from two local schools, setting up a project webpage inviting feedback, sending out letters and posters locally and holding online stakeholder meetings.
Results:
Results showed significant local support for the proposals, resulting in over 800 ideas being shared with us for consideration in the detailed design.
Current progress (as at July 2022):
Caldicot Links Phase 1 (southern section below the castle country park) – a wide range of surveys and assessments completed, the old rail has been removed, currently applying for permissions, funding secured for construction by March 2023 (subject to permissions being in place).
Caldicot Multiuser Route and the Links Phases 2&3 – further ground and ecological surveys and assessments and design development are underway, working up to applying for all permission.
The Gwent Green Grid Partnership (GGGP) is a three-year project running from March 2020 to March 2023. The partnership includes the five Local Authorities of Gwent (Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport and Torfaen), as well as Natural Resources Wales, Forest Research and Severn Wye Energy Agency.
The GGGP aims to improve and develop green infrastructure – a term used to describe the network of natural and semi-natural features, green spaces, rivers and lakes that intersperse and connect villages, towns and cities – as well as provide green job opportunities within the area. Green infrastructure has a crucial role to play in addressing nature, climate change and health emergencies.
Implementation:
The GGG Partnership is delivering across five workstreams:
Workstream 1: Regional Green Infrastructure Strategy and Partnership:
The GGGP demonstrates a pioneering way of working collaboratively to deliver strategic and local outcomes to provide a regional approach to Green Infrastructure in Gwent.
Workstream 2: Gwent Green corridors
Looking at access issues at a regional scale will support best practice and support the delivery of works of the ground locally and regionally. Four trainee countryside rangers are employed by the partnership to delivery access improvements and gain skills and qualifications in countryside management.
Workstream 3: i-Tree Eco Study
i-Tree is a software application which is used to quantify the structure and environmental effects of urban trees. The data from these surveys can be used to help those who look after trees to make informed management decisions.
Workstream 4 : Gwent Green Projects
In this workstream green infrastructure improvements are being delivered across the region, including landscape enhancements, implementation of pollinator friendly management, tree planting and access improvements.
Workstream 5 : Pollinator Friendly Gwent
Green spaces are being managed the ‘Nature isn’t Neat’ way, letting grassland in parks and along verges grow in the spring and summer to create meadow areas and provide better habitats for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies as well as a variety of other wildlife.
Results:
On the ground works can be seen across Gwent. Some improvements being made in Monmouthshire include:
Tree planting across the county
Pollinator friendly grassland management
Engagement events with local communities
The GGGP team will be buzzing with activities and events in 2022, so follow us on Twitter @Gwentgreengrid for all the latest news and please re-tweet and share widely.
Residents of Abergavenny and from across Monmouthshire are invited to help create community art inspired by nature. The Nature Isn’t Neat team and visual artist Stephanie Roberts will be holding two workshops for local people, during which a lasting legacy to the Nature isn’t Neat campaign will be created.
Booking is not necessary to attend the workshops, which are taking place at the Rugby Club at Bailey Park between 9.30am and 1.30pm, on both the 30th June and 11th August. You can drop in at any point during the morning and stay as long as you like at the free sessions, which are suitable for all ages.
The first workshop will involve the design of the artwork using a combination of hand drawn, collage, print and stencil art processes, and will be inviting thoughts and ideas that will inform the artwork. The second workshop in August will focus on making the final mosaic artwork alongside the artist.
Councillor Sara Burch, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to help create a lasting piece of artwork that reflects the beauty of nature in Monmouthshire, and the Gwent area as a whole. We’d love everyone to spread the word about the workshops. The more people that get involved the better as we want this artwork to reflect the local community. We’re all looking forward to seeing what will be created as a lasting testament to Nature Isn’t Neat and the positive effect its principles have had on wildlife and pollinators across Gwent.”
Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby said: “The impact of Nature Isn’t Neat across Gwent cannot be overstated. The selective mowing approach that allows grasses and wild flowers to thrive for longer is supporting pollinators and a diverse range of wildlife generally. To have the community come together to help celebrate this is truly wonderful. I encourage everyone not only to get involved in these workshops, but also in the Nature Isn’t Neat ethos.”
There is no need to pre-book, but the organisers would appreciate it if those planning to attend let them know by emailing gwentpollinators@monmouthshire.gov.uk so they can get a rough idea of how many are likely to take part. To find out more about Nature Isn’t Neat visit www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/nature-isnt-neat
This community art project is supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas and is funded by the Welsh Government’s Enabling of Natural Resources and Well-being Grant.
