MonLife Secondary School Swimming Gala makes a splash

More than 50 young people from secondary schools across Monmouthshire recently gathered to participate in the inaugural MonLife Secondary School Swimming Gala, hosted by MonLife’s Sports Development team at Chepstow Leisure Centre.

The event showcased the swimmers’ skills and provided schools with a valuable opportunity to gather assessment data for GCSE Physical Education moderation.

This gala builds upon the successful foundation laid by our Primary School Swimming provision, ensuring a legacy of aquatic opportunity continues into secondary education.

We are committed to expanding participation in swimming beyond standard curriculum hours, offering students the chance to engage with the sport in a competitive environment.

The Swimming Gala marks the beginning of an annual event, and MonLife is excited to continue organising various sporting events throughout the academic year.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles said, “Attending the swimming gala was a wonderful experience. As a council, we are committed to providing a platform for young people to participate in a competitive and friendly environment. Congratulations to everyone who took part.” 

“I look forward to seeing further developments in school sports events.”

To find out more about the MonLife Sports Development Team, visit: www.monlife.co.uk/connect/sports-development/

Christmas Celebration held at Caldicot Hub

Monmouthshire County Council held a festive event in Caldicot to highlight all the good work in the region’s libraries.

Caldicot Community Hub was the setting for the Christmas Celebration this year.

On Thursday, 12 December, the council hosted an event for the community and library members, supported by the Friends of the Library.

The annual festive fun showcased the county’s library service – and reinforced the fact that there is so much more than simply books at your local library. Monmouthshire’s Hubs are a community focussed service.

The Singing Clubs of Chepstow and Usk provided musical accompaniment to the day’s proceedings, with a selection of Christmas songs – both modern and traditional.

Staff members also gave festive readings.

Cllr Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “Our libraries are the cornerstone of our communities in Monmouthshire, they provide us with so much more than books, this includes laptops to borrow, a place to meet, a place to study and learn, a place to get advice and also of course to hold great social events such as this one.

It is important that we continue to value and utilise everything that our Hubs and libraries and the staff within them offer all the residents of Monmouthshire.”

Sponsor a Book initiative launches at Monmouthshire libraries

Monmouthshire libraries have launched the “Sponsor a Book” initiative to enhance community engagement. Residents can now sponsor books at Monmouthshire libraries through our partnership with Friends of Caldicot Library.

The new scheme allows locals to contribute directly to their library by sponsoring new titles, ensuring the shelves remain vibrant and well-stocked for all community members.

Donors will receive recognition for their generosity with a bookplate and a certificate of appreciation for each sponsored book. This provides an opportunity for individuals to honour the memory of a friend or loved one as they contribute to the library’s collection. Donations from organisations are also greatly welcomed.

Interested sponsors can participate by downloading the form from our website and submitting it alongside a cash payment or a cheque made out to the Friends of Caldicot Library at your local Monmouthshire library. Your contributions will directly support purchasing books for our libraries, benefiting adults and children.

Please note that while we will strive to place new books in local libraries, there is no guarantee gifts will be allocated to the donor’s usual branch.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “This initiative allows the Libraries in Monmouthshire to provide the best possible service. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored a book already and those who will sponsor it in the future.

“Our collaboration with local community groups, such as Friends of Caldicot Library, showcases how, as a council, we want to work with the communities we serve. I thank them for their dedication to promoting the services and helping with this incredible scheme.”

To mark this significant initiative, community members and local elected representatives attended a special event on Monday, 18 November, where we celebrated the success of the “Sponsor a Book” campaign and highlighted the importance of public libraries in Monmouthshire.

For more information, please visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/community-hubs-and-libraries/

Vice-Chair of Monmouthshire County Council and Chair of the Friends of Caldicot Library Group, Cllr Peter Strong with the Vice-Chair’s consort Cllr Jackie Strong at Caldicot Library

River Gavenny community litter pick

The River Gavenny Project was successfully relaunched with a community litter pick event in Swan Meadows, Abergavenny, on Friday, 15 November 2024. 

The event, organised in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy and Groundwork Wales’ Healthy Rivers team, saw enthusiastic participation from local community members.

The litter pick was part of the broader initiative to restore biodiversity in the River Gavenny, increase community engagement, and raise public awareness of its benefits. 

Participants worked together to clean up the river area, contributing to the project’s goals of enhancing the river and its adjacent habitats.

The River Gavenny Project aims to create a community engagement plan for the river restoration phases, providing volunteer opportunities, learning, and training opportunities. 

The project highlights the importance of the River Gavenny for biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and community wellbeing.

The river is a great place to live, work, and visit, offering opportunities for nature walks and the chance to spot stunning wildlife such as kingfishers and rare dipper birds.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “It’s fantastic to see the relaunch of the River Gavenny Project. Thank you to everyone who attended the litter pick. We can all play a positive art in impacting nature recovery, however small, and I look forward to seeing how this project develops.”

For more information about the River Gavenny Project and future events, please email localnature@monmouthshire.gov.uk.

The project is being delivered by the Green Infrastructure Team in Monlife, supported by the Gwent Green Grid via the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Monmouthshire Local Nature Partnership.

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/