Joel Hamer – Page 6 – Monlife

MonLife Outdoor Adventure

The Adventure ahead

Undy Primary school were one of the last school groups to attended Gilwern Outdoor Education Centre before the lockdown restrictions were introduced. 44 smiling faces appeared on Wednesday morning full of anticipation and a dash fear about the adventurous program Mr Jones and I had planned and for many the first few nights away from home. Caving, canoeing, forest skills and a session in the high ropes were planned over the two and a half-day residential so it was busy from the start.

Beds made, sandwiches packed, equipment issued and they were off to the beautiful locations that surround the centre and over the next few days’ memories and experiences are made that stay with you for a lifetime.
I can always tell how a school group is engaging by the instructors’ feedback and as normal Undy were fantastic. The staff pride themselves on supporting and encouraging individuals when it’s needed but also allowing those who require that extra challenge the chance to test their abilities. For one young person just putting on the climbing harness and being on the wall is a massive achievement as is racing to the top as many time as possible for another. This is where the skill and experience of the staff are required and that’s why when outdoor learning is done correctly, it’s so positive for the development of pupils and translates back into the classroom and life. I look forward to the day when we can start delivering adventurous outdoor activities and seeing those smiling faces again.

The Adventurer seeker “I enjoyed this trip it showed that I could do much more than my belief. The caving was very fun because I can challenge myself, forest fun was good because I could learn to survive and canoeing was fun because we learnt how to save someone if their boat sunk. All around Gilwern was a life-changing experience. I am very thankful that we went. I enjoyed caving the most because I learnt not to give up and I tried things that I hadn’t done before”

Undy Pupil

Celebrating Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs

Over the last few months during this very different period, MonLife were able to demonstrate how they can collaborate effectively to deliver programs that positively impact young people in Monmouthshire.

At the start of the summer holidays MonLife we asked to provide a program for children aged 5-12 to access daily activities. In normal circumstances, The Monmouthshire Games is usually delivered within the four MonLife leisure centres. However, due to the pandemic, it required an adapted program to be devised and collaborative work.

With the help of services from sports development, youth service and leisure the Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs were developed. It was essential that the program had a variety of activities, risk assessed and following government guidelines to keep the children and staff safe.

“The Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs were a perfect example of MonLife employees coming together to provide a great experience for our young people. The feedback from the parents and children was positive and they enjoyed being able to interact with their friends from school as well as creating new friendships. We hope this gave the children some form of normality before going back to school in September”. – Sports development officer

The expertise of people within these services created a variety of activities for the children to complete from team building games, sports to arts and crafts. The impact of this program positively affected young people in Monmouthshire and in some instances it was the first opportunity that children had to reengage with others since the lockdown. The Hubs provided a safe environment for children to be able to interact and socialise together, which is reflected in the feedback gathered during the summer.

The delivery of the hubs also provided the parents and carers in the community with a scheme that they can trust and they can restart some normality of work. In addition to this, it provided staff with the opportunity to return to the workplace and reengage with the community.

Following on from the success of the Summer Activity Hubs we are very excited to announce that The Monmouthshire Games will be returning this October Half Term. Keep an eye out on our social media for the latest news and to register your interest as there will be limited spaces available!

MonLife Heritage Museums Welcomes Back Customers

We are delighted to announce that all the museums across MonLife are open again. Chepstow Museum and Monmouth Museum will be open Tuesdays 11 am-2 pm and Saturdays 1 pm-4 pm, whilst Abergavenny Museum will be open Thursdays 11 am-2 pm and Sundays 1 pm-4 pm.

During the summer we spoke to staff and carried out a survey, which was answered by over 170 people to find out what we could do to make visitors and staff comfortable when visiting the museums.

Visits are on a free pre-booked basis only and are for 45-minute slots. One slot is available for a group of up to 6 people from the same household or bubble. We have divided each of the museums into timed zones and during your visit, your group and a member of staff will be the only people within this zone.

We have various safety measures in place. Hand sanitiser is a requirement at the point of entry and staff will be cleaning throughout. All staff and visitors will be required to wear face coverings.

We are really pleased to be opening our shops and whilst we have been closed we have reviewed our offer which means there is currently a sale on in all the museum shops, so please take the opportunity to come and pick up a bargain. Please note we are only accepting card payments.

I would be pleased to see the staff again; they are always pleasant and it adds to the trip.

Customer Feedback

For full information on what your visit will look like and to book tickets with us, go to https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/things-to-do/museums.aspx We will also be posting any available slots on the day outside the museums.

Our staff are all looking forward to welcoming you back to our sites.

We are thrilled to be re-opening the museums. Communicating the heritage of Monmouthshire to our visitors is what we are about and being able to do that face to face, in a safe way, is something we are all really pleased to do once more.

Rachael Rogers, Museums and Arts Manager

Art History Online from MonLife Heritage Museums

Georgia O’Keeffe

Monday September 6th 2-3.30pm

Online lecture via Zoom

To Book: www.visitmonmouthshire.com/okeeffe

So, join us for an exploration of one of the dominant artists of her generation, Georgia O’Keeffe was a major figure in 20th century American art for seven decades. Staying true to her own vision, and yet a key part of the development of Modernism in the USA, O’Keeffe is best known for her paintings of magnified flowers, animal skulls, and New Mexico desert landscapes. With exceptional observation, O’Keeffe created startling, detailed images drawn from her experience of living in New York and in the barren deserts of the American South West. Our 90-minute online lecture will look at the life and work of this extraordinary artist.

You can join from wherever you are in the world! So tell interested friends and family.

  • Only one booking per household is necessary.
  • Price for this 90 minute talk, is £7.50
  • Booking will close at 4pm on Sunday 5th September.

With exceptional observation, O’Keeffe created startling, detailed images drawn from her experience of living in New York and in the barren deserts of the American South West. Our 90-minute online lecture will look at the life and work of this extraordinary artist.

  • Image: Georgia O’Keefe, Blue and Green Music, 1919-21, The Art Institute of Chicago

MonLife Active Develop Digital Channels During Lockdown To Keep Residents Active And Engaged

Following the closure of MonLife Leisure Centres on the 20th March we decided to go digital to ensure our customers could continue their journey with us.

MonLife Active Fitness Instructors started recording Classes and Workouts such as Yoga, Tai Chi and HIIT and sharing them via the newly formed MonLife YouTube channel which now has more than 150 classes, and can be viewed at any time for FREE https://www.youtube.com/c/MonLife/videos 

“Your well-being workouts have been a huge part of keeping me feeling rooted and connected to our old lives. Thank you team”

The digital platforms started to develop quickly and enabled the staff to use Zoom classes as the platform for customer interaction and coaching element that both members and instructors enjoy so much, with 3 classes being offered each day with a post-class Coffee Catch Up. 

The MonLife Active NERS Team also wanted to support people in the local community by organising a fundraiser using Zoom classes to support people living with Mental Health in Wales during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which raised £619.00 

Additionally, using the Technogym My Wellness App “Stay at Home” Physical Activity Challenge, which provided new workouts every day and a Walk/Run The Monmouthshire Way Challenges were created to provide support and motivation to over 200 members while they waited for our centres to re-open.   

“Thank you guys, all of you at Monmouth leisure centre have gone above and beyond. Truly amazing people”

We look forward to finding new and innovative ways to stay in contact with the members of our community to keep supporting both their physical and mental wellbeing. 

We have also launched our brand new MonLife App, keep up to date with news, timetables, activities and more, simply download it from the Apple or Play store. Your Leisure Centre in your pocket!

Welsh Government Announcement: Facemasks

Customer Announcement

Following on from the recent announcement made by Welsh Government, please be advised that customers and staff using all MonLife facilities will have to wear a facemask from Monday 14th September.

If you have visited one of our MonLife facilities, you will see that we have put measures in place to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. More than ever, we need to ensure that everyone is adhering to these measures, especially the 2-metre social distancing rule and washing your hands.

Take a look at the video below of Monmouth Leisure Centre, this will give you an idea of what to expect in all of our MonLife facilities.

These are very different times for us all and we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

It is recognised that there may be a variety of reasons e.g. physical or mental illness, disability or impairment that prevents someone from being able to wear a face covering. In such circumstances, the Welsh Government advise people to carry information, which demonstrates, why they are unable to wear a face covering, e.g. a prescription or hospital letter relating to a medical condition.

For more information, please click here ? https://gov.wales/face-coverings-guidance-public

If you have any questions then please email monmemberships@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Thank you for your continued support.

MonLife Active Plan To Reopen Leisure Centres

Following the Welsh Governments announcement on Friday 31st July, we are thrilled to announce all 4 MonLife Leisure Centres in Monmouthshire will begin to reopen on Monday the 10th August. We are working hard to mobilise our teams and open facilities and welcome our valued customers back.

Our staff are working tirelessly preparing your facilities, we want to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable. We will share these plans with you in the coming days so that you can see exactly what we have been doing and what to expect on your next visit.

 We look forward to seeing you very soon.

“We are delighted by the Welsh Government‘a announcement today giving our hardworking MonLife team the green light to begin reopening our leisure centre facilities from Monday 10th August.

“The lockdown has really taken its toll on people’s mental and physical health so the ability to take part in a wide range of leisure activities will be welcomed by many of our residents.

“I’d like to thank our leisure centre customers for their patience and support during this difficult time and we look forward to welcoming you back.”

Quote from Richard John, Monmouthshire elected member for Leisure and Education.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) to #MakeYourComeback. Click the link to find out more.

Your new look Caldicot Leisure Centre

Your new look Caldicot Leisure Centre

Today MonLife launched their new website that allows you to take a look at the proposed multi-million pound re-development plans for Caldicot Leisure Centre.  This site gives you the opportunity to have your say via our online survey and also answer any questions you may have. 

The consultation will take place from the 10th June and we want to hear your feedback.  By completing the survey or signing up for our regular updates you will also be entered into a prize draw for a chance of winning a MonActive Annual Membership worth £335 or a Fitbit charge 4.

Here at MonLife we are committed to investing in projects which will benefit the health and wellbeing of our community, not only for now but also for our future generations.  Our Leisure Centres provide a vital hub to support physical and emotional wellbeing across all age demographics.  MonLife is excited to be focusing on the re development of Caldicot Leisure Centre and look forward to developing the project to provide state of the art facilities for our existing and future customers. 

The proposed new facilities will include:

  • Children’s Adventure Play
  • Extended Fitness Suite
  • Power Assisted Exercise Studio
  • Spin Studio
  • Fitness Changing
  • Studio / Community Room
  • Changing Village for the pool
  • Outdoor Changing Facilities
  • Café
  • New Reception Area
  • Viewing for the pool
  • New Skatepark
  • Additional Parking spaces
  • Light refurbishment to the pool

This development follows the successful completion of the project at Monmouth Leisure Centre, which was completed in 2019. Councillor Richard John, Cabinet member for MonLife  “We want the new Leisure Centre in Caldicot to be at the heart of the community and that’s why we’re proposing this multi-million pound investment in exciting new facilities. We now want to hear the views of as many people as possible before we make any final decisions about the new Leisure Centre. I’d urge everyone in Caldicot and surrounding communities to have their say.”

Richard John Cabinet member for MonLife and Monmouthshire Elected Members are committed to investing in and developing Leisure facilities across our county to support the health and wellbeing of our citizens.  The continued investment in to Leisure facilities will have a significant impact on wellbeing for not only now, but also for our future generations.

To have your say and to be in with a chance of winning please visit
www.monlifeleisuredevelopment.co.uk

Two winners will be drawn on Monday 3rd August 2020 and contacted via the email provided.

Monmouthshire’s Countryside Access Network Covid Information

“Stay Active, Stay Safe.”

Please follow the Welsh Government guidance that applies to everyone living or travelling in Wales.

  • Stay at home if you or anyone you live with has Coronavirus Symptoms, this includes if you have been contacted by NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect and told to self- isolate
  • Be vigilant with hand washing and hygiene

What countryside Sites and Public Rights of Way are open?

All of our countryside sites are open for use and no car parks are currently shut. 

All closures are kept under review and any amendments will appear here.  Closures on paths due to flooding, dangerous bridges etc. can be found here.

Before you visit 

  • Make your promise to Wales to care for our local communities and protect our landscapes.
  • Plan ahead – check what is open and closed before you set out.  Pack hand sanitiser and face masks.
  • Avoid crowds – Chose a quiet place and if busy go to an alternate destination.
  • Be adventure smart 

While you are there

  • If our car parks are full, or busy, please come back another time and do not park on access roads or surrounding roads.
  • Please do not linger in car parks so that others can safely come and go
  • Take your litter home
  • Many footpaths and bridleways cross private gardens, farms and farmland.  Please keep to the paths and follow the new countryside code.
  • Be a responsible dog owner by following the dog walking code
  • Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory

Things to do

Find out what you can do at Visit Monmouthshire.

Additionally for information on where to walk, or to report issues, please use our Countryside Access Map

The Countryside Access Service is currently experiencing high volumes of reported issues.  Please note if you report anything, there may well be a delay in receiving a response.   Our offices at Raglan and County Hall still remain closed to the public and it will take some time before all volunteering activities will be re-started.

MonLife Venue Closures Update

Dear MonLife Customer

The decision has been made to close all 4 MonLife Leisure Centres from Friday 20th March at 10pm

This was not a decision that has been taken lightly, over the last few weeks staff have been working relentlessly to provide a safe environment for you and we would like to thank you for the support that you have shown them.

Our customers and staff as well as the community are our priority. Due to staff shortages, protecting health, and redistributing resources to support priority areas across Monmouthshire County Council, we have to close until further notice.

Memberships

We would like to reassure you that there will be no direct debit payment taken during the period that the Leisure Centres are closed and we will be automatically freezing your membership from tomorrow. You do not need to do anything we will arrange any alteration to your direct debit payment when we are back open to ensure you have not lost out during the time of closure.

Swimming Lessons

As with the memberships your swimming lesson membership will be automatically frozen. If you have a direct debit with us then we will not be taking any payments during the time that we are closed. As soon as we know when we will re-open we will let you know so that you can restart your swimming lessons at MonLife.

If you have any bookings with us then please bear with us as we will be in touch with you, however if your query is urgent then please call the relevant Leisure Centre

Your health and wellbeing is very important to us and we have been exploring opportunities for you to carry on with your wellbeing journey at home. We have created a MonLife YouTube channel click here where we will be regularly posting videos. As well as this click the following link and you can have free access to World Class Les Mills https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com/at-home-workouts

As a valued customer we would like to thank you for your continued support, we will be dealing with a high volume of calls please bear with us. For further updates please follow is on social media or visit www.MonLife.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you all back soon