MonLife celebrates national recognition at Food and Fun 10-year Awards

Monmouthshire County Council is delighted to announce that MonLife, the council’s Sport, Play and Community team, has been recognised at the prestigious Food and Fun 10-Year Celebratory Awards. 

The awards, hosted by the Welsh Local Government Association, were held to mark a decade of the Food and Fun School Holiday Enrichment Programme, celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals, organisations, and partnerships in supporting children and families across Wales during the school summer holidays.

MonLife, which has coordinated the Food and Fun programme in Monmouthshire for the past five years, was shortlisted for the Sport Coach Award, recognising organisations that deliver physical activity in innovative ways, ensuring every child’s needs are at the heart of planning.

Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of the Sport, Play and Community team, MonLife was named the winner of the Sport Coach Award.

The Food and Fun programme in Monmouthshire is built on a robust hub model, giving children and young people the opportunity to attend three weeks of summer holiday activities. Each day, participants receive a nutritious breakfast and hot lunch, alongside a varied programme of sports, play, and enrichment activities. This approach ensures children not only stay active and engaged, but also benefit from healthy meals during the holidays.

Further recognition went to Amanda Davies, Site Lead for Thornwell Primary School in Chepstow, who was named runner-up for the Outstanding Contribution Award. Amanda, who began as a Holiday Site Assistant, has been a passionate advocate for the Food and Fun programme since its inception. Her commitment and expertise have made a significant impact on the community.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “I was absolutely delighted to attend and to see our amazing MonLife team recognised at the WLGA Food and Fun 10 Year Celebratory Awards in Cardiff, winning the Sports Coach Award for their fantastic work encouraging children and young people to get active and enjoy sport.”

“I’m also so proud of Amanda Davies, who leads Thornwell School’s Food and Fun programme in Chepstow and was named runner-up for the Outstanding Contribution Award. Amanda’s passion and commitment to the Food and Fun scheme shines through in everything she does, she’s a true champion for the positive difference it makes to our young people and their families.”

Help shape Monmouthshire’s cultural future 

Monmouthshire County Council has just launched a new consultation, which runs until Sunday, 14 December 2025, around the theme of culture and cultural activities in the county. 

The Let’s Talk Culture consultation asks for your thoughts and ideas to help shape the proposed Cultural Strategy for Monmouthshire from 2025 to 2035. 

If you are involved in or have an interest in cultural activities such as art, performance, drama, music, crafts, or history, or if you simply have opinions about what Monmouthshire’s cultural scene should encompass, we encourage you to participate in the consultation. 

The information that the consultation survey captures will help shape the council’s proposed Cultural Strategy Aiming to drive positive change across the county and to make culture more inclusive, accessible and visible for everyone in Monmouthshire.  

Cllr Sara Burch, Cabinet Member with responsibility for culture, said: “Culture is an integral part of the county and its identity. It provides shared, creative experiences where we can express, learn and reflect on our history, place, social issues and personal lives. These experiences can improve our well-being, strengthen communities and help develop vital life skills for employment and a better quality of life.  

“Culture belongs to everyone, and so does this strategy and action plan. Whether you are a performer, creator, visitor, audience member or earn your living through the cultural industries we want to hear from you. What is good? What could be better? Share your views and work with us for Monmouthshire’s vibrant future” 

You can find out more about the consultation and how to take part by visiting the council’s engagement platform, Let’s Talk Monmouthshire no later than 23.59hrs on Sunday 14 December.  

Other ways to get involved: You can also pick up (and return) paper surveys at any one of the council’s Community Hubs, Chepstow Museum, Chepstow TIC, Abergavenny Museum and The Borough Theatre. 

Get creative at Caldicot Arts Festival

Caldicot Castle will be hosting a free-to-attend arts festival next month. It will see some of Monmouthshire’s most talented artists joining forces to celebrate creativity with festival-goers on Saturday 4 October 2025.

The family event, running from 11am to 4pm, will include a whole host of activities for people to enjoy, encouraging them to get creative and have fun.

For those who want to have a go, there will be a plein-air (outdoor) drawing and painting session, a live community mural to contribute to, as well as artist demonstrations and other of other chances to try new arts and creative activities. Those who wish to take part in the plein air session will need to bring: paper, a board to fix the paper to, pencils, watercolour paints, brushes, water in a jar, a stool to sit on and an easel if required.

Children will have the opportunity to create large scale artworks from foraged finds, have a go at graffiti lettering and take part in a ‘local legends’ art competition.  

To take part, young people aged 5–11 years are asked to think of a local person, place, or story that inspires them, and draw, paint, print, cut, or stick their ideas onto an A4 piece of card. With names and ages clearly written on the back, all entries must be submitted to the castle by 2pm on the day. The winner will be announced at 3pm. Participants will have the opportunity to win an exciting creative bundle.

In addition to workshops and activities, a variety of performances by local musicians and groups, as well as artist displays, will be held within the beautiful grounds of the castle. For those looking for refreshments, the tea rooms will be open to serve hot drinks and cakes all day.

Cllr Sara Burch, Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, said: “Monmouthshire is full of creative people and lots of them live in Caldicot. Their work inspires people of all ages. This will be a special occasion where everyone can join in, listen to music, have a go at something new  and be inspired by the natural beauty of the Country Park, the romance of Caldicot Castle and the talents of their neighbours.     

“I can’t wait to see the castle full of local artists, musicians and families, having a great time.”

If you would like to take part as an artist or performer or have an idea on how to support the local creative community, please email: katherinemcdermidsmith@monmouthshire.gov.uk.

This event is funded in part by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is organised by Monmouthshire County Council.

Let’s Talk about playgrounds in Chepstow

Have your say on Monmouthshire County Council’s plans to transform two Chepstow playgrounds. 

The council has received a limited share of the £5million allocated by the Welsh Government for improving playgrounds and play facilities. After reviewing local data and funding criteria, two parks in Chepstow, Western Avenue and Bulwark Park, have been identified for improvement works.

Play isn’t just fun, it’s an essential part of a child’s development and growth. It nurtures confidence, builds resilience and boosts self-esteem, all while fostering closer relationships within families and communities.

We would now like to hear your thoughts on the planned upgrades. Your views will help us understand the needs and preferences of the local communities.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “Your views will help us shape the development of both parks in Chepstow. 

“As a council, we aim to develop the parks to provide the best opportunities for the children to build confidence and have a great time at the same time.” 

Over the summer, as part of the consultation, we’ll be speaking with the children and young people participating in MonLife summer activities to gather their views on the plans.

To contribute your views, please visit Let’s Talk Monmouthshire before the 19 September to fill out the survey:  www.letstalkmonmouthshire.co.uk/chepstow-playgrounds-consultation

Monmouthshire County Council wants public feedback on new active travel route in Caldicot

Monmouthshire County Council are developing plans for a new Active Travel route running through part of Caldicot Castle Country Park.

The Caldicot Multi-User Route aims to connect the newly constructed Caldicot Links/Greenway Active Travel route with the Country Park tarmac service road, creating an accessible and quiet route for pedestrians, wheelers and cyclists from Portskewett to Caldicot town centre.

The route is designed to encourage more people to choose active travel for everyday journeys, helping to reduce traffic, improve air quality and support healthier lifestyles. It will also enhance access to the Country Park, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

The council now wants to hear from residents to gather ideas for the route.

Monmouthshire County Council would like to hear from you if you live in the Caldicot, Portskewett, Sudbrook, Rogiet, Caerwent and surrounding areas. We are aiming to reach existing and potential new users of active travel routes in the area to find out what you would like to see along the route.

You can submit your ideas by taking part in the project’s online survey, running through the month of August, available at the following web address: www.letstalkmonmouthshire.co.uk/

The survey will be available online for four weeks from August 1st to 31st.

The council will also be holding two public drop-in days where you can see hard copies of plans, talk to members of the project team and leave comments, on the following days:

• 11am to 4pm, Sunday 10th August 2025, at Caldicot Castle Country Park
• 9am to 5pm, Monday 11th August 2025, at Caldicot Leisure Centre

After the public consultation period ends, all responses will be analysed, and a report will be created and made publicly available on the webpage mentioned above.

Cllr Sara Burch, Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, said: “This is another exciting step to improving routes for walking and wheeling across Severnside.

“I am already hearing how important the new Greenway is to parents with children on scooters and in pushchairs and users of mobility scooters, among others.

“A lot of work has gone into designing the next stage of the route, making it accessible and appealing while respecting the unique ecology and archaeology of Caldicot Castle and Country Park.

“We want to get it right, so I would urge all residents to look at the plans and have your say. If you have ideas, we want to hear them.”

Monmouthshire attractions awarded Green Flag status

Monmouthshire County Council is delighted to announce that our attractions and open spaces continue to gather recognition, with the Green Flag Award.

This award gives recognition to locations which offer excellent facilities and an ongoing commitment to great quality service.

Across Monmouthshire, there were Green Flag Awards for:

·        Rogiet Countryside Park – an award recipient since 2024

·        Tintern Old Station – an award recipient since 2009

·        Caldicot Castle and Country Park, honoured since 2013

·        Castle Meadows in Abergavenny, since 2014

 A further 12 Community Sites were recognised with the Green Flag Community Award, including:

·        Bailey Park

·        Busy Bees Garden

·        Caerwent Meadows

·        Caldicot Community Garden

·        Crick Meadow

·        Crucorney Allotments

·        Goytre Community Garden

·        Incredible Edible Usk

·        Laurie Jones Community Orchard

·        Mardy Park

·        Rogiet Wildlife Friendly Village

·        The Cornfield

Keep Wales Tidy administers the Green Flag Award program in Wales, with support from the Welsh Government. Independent experts in green spaces volunteered their expertise to evaluate the applicants against rigorous criteria such as biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management, and community involvement.

For the full list of this year’s Green Flag Award winners, visit www.keepwalestidy.cymru.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, said: “We have a wealth of fantastic green spaces and attractions across Monmouthshire.

“From family days out to those seeking something more nature or activity focused, there is something for everyone.

“I am proud that the hard work of volunteers has been rewarded once again with these Green Flag Awards.”

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby,said: “It is so pleasing to see that many of our locations within the beautiful county of Monmouthshire have received awards this year.

“It is fantastic to see sites at from Tintern Old Station to Castle Meadows in Abergavenny have been recognised with Green Flag awards.”

Monmouthshire County Council receives grants for Shire Hall Project

Monmouthshire County Council is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the transformative Shire Hall Project.

This grant will enable the council to enhance the Shire Hall, located in the historic heart of Monmouth, into an accessible and vibrant destination for both the local community and visitors.

The Shire Hall project aims to create a space where diverse stories can be discovered, celebrated, and shared.

The project will include the development of new galleries, the installation of a modern heating system, and the creation of versatile spaces to support income generation. These improvements will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Grade I listed building and increase its environmental efficiency.

The project will also focus on community participation and volunteering, with a range of activities and events planned to engage a wider audience.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, said: “The National Lottery Heritage Fund, together with support from Welsh Government and local funds, will allow us to transform Shire Hall into a wonderful museum, showcasing the Nelson Collection and the history of Monmouth and telling many other important stories in accessible and engaging ways. We will continue to work with the people of Monmouth and Monmouth Town Council to bring this vision to life.”

Andrew White, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Wales, said: “We know that heritage can play a huge role in bringing people together and creating a sense of pride in people’s hometowns and cities, and in turn boosting the local economy. That is why we’re delighted to award £1.5 million to transform Monmouth’s historic Shire Hall into an inspiring community museum. Thanks to National Lottery players, this vital funding will preserve internationally significant collections while creating an accessible cultural hub where this important heritage can be enjoyed by future generations for many years to come.”

The improvements to Shire Hall will make it a place where everyone’s heritage can be enjoyed, and the new facilities will provide better conditions for the internationally significant collections housed within.

The council has also received grant funding from the Welsh Government’s Cultural Transformational Capital Programme for the Shire Hall project.

For more information about the Shire Hall project, please visit: www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/the-shire-hall/

Monmouthshire County Council approves ambitious plans for Nature Recovery and Green Infrastructure

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet has approved two landmark strategies, the Local Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) and the Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy.

These strategies form part of the nature recovery pillar for the council’s Climate and Nature Emergency response, aiming to reverse biodiversity decline, enhance ecosystem resilience and promote sustainable land use across the county.

Monmouthshire’s Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) is a simple guide to help protect and restore nature in Monmouthshire. Encouraging people and communities to get involved and take action—so together, we can care for nature and help it thrive.

The local NRAP takes the big ideas from the national and regional plans and turns them into simple, local actions. These are things we can do in our communities and local nature sites to help nature recover.

The Green Infrastructure Strategy sets out the council’s approach to enhancing biodiversity and increasing ecosystem resilience through Green Infrastructure. It also outlines the council’s approach to improving health and wellbeing outcomes, as well as implementing climate action through large-scale projects and partnerships.

The development of these strategies was guided by extensive public consultation. This included a campaign which launched at the Usk Show in the autumn of 2024. The council thanks residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders who shared their views on the climate and nature emergency and how the council can support local action.

Cllr Catrin Maby, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “The process we followed to develop these strategies highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing the climate emergency. The council will now begin implementing the strategies, developing detailed action plans, and collaborating with partners such as the Gwent Green Grid Partnership, Living Levels Partnership, and Wye Valley National Landscape.”

For more information regarding the NRAP, please visit: www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/green-infrastructure/monmouthshire-local-nature-partnership/monmouthshire-local-nrap-action-plan/, and for the GI Strategy, please visit: www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/green-infrastructure/strategy-and-guidance/

Want to get involved in local nature and green space projects?

We’d love to have you on board!

Check out the latest initiatives on our website and how you can take part:
www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/green-infrastructure/

Got questions or ideas? Email us at localnature@monmouthshire.gov.uk

This year, Monmouthshire County Council will celebrate Wales Nature Week from 5 July to 13 July 2025, with a range of events taking place throughout the county. On 3 July, a talk about swifts will be held in Monmouth. On 5 July, the Gwent Green Grid will take the BioTapestry to the Alfred Russel Wallace Day, which is being organised by the Usk Civic Society. Additionally, an Insect Safari, hosted by the River Gavenny, will take place in Abergavenny on 9 June.

New gallery opens celebrating diverse communities in Chepstow

Chepstow Museum played host to Welsh Government ministers and Monmouthshire County Council cabinet members last week as part of the opening of a new gallery.

Changing Faces of Chepstow is a new gallery, which was funded by the Welsh Government as part of their Anti-Racist Wales programme for Culture, Heritage and Sport.

The gallery looks at the people of Chepstow from a fresh perspective, recognising that it has always been home to people originally from other places – whether that be invaders – Romans and Normans, people looking for work – Irish Navvies and wire workers from Germany or our Ukrainian community searching for a safe place to call home.

The galley aims to showcase how diverse groups have contributed to what Chepstow is today.

Members of Chepstow’s Ukrainian community who had been involved presented the museum with two handmade fabric dolls symbolising Welsh and Ukrainian friendship. 

In attendance at the preview event were Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership and Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip.

Alongside the ministers were Leader of Monmouthshire County Council Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement Cllr Angela Sandles and Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism Cllr Sara Burch.

Attendees viewed the gallery and met with members of the community who had helped work on the project.

The gallery is part of a much wider project spanning Chepstow and Abergavenny Museums.

Cllr Burch said: “I urge everyone who is able to visit the Changing Faces exhibition in Chepstow.

“It is a wonderful addition to the museum and to the story of Monmouthshire as a whole.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have a look around.”

Cllr Sandles said: “It was wonderful to visit Chepstow Museum to see the new Changing Faces gallery.

“It just shows how Monmouthshire as it is today has been shaped by people from all over the world.

“We should celebrate that fact and the fact that our diverse community makes us stronger.”

A further event was held the following evening, where the gallery was officially opened by the Chair of Monmouthshire County Council Cllr Peter Strong. People involved in all areas of its creation attended the evening, giving members of the different community groups and experts a chance to come together to celebrate their achievements.

Monmouthshire County Council hosts annual PlayMaker Conferences

Last week, the MonLife Sports Development Team hosted primary school pupils from across Monmouthshire at their annual PlayMaker Conferences.

The conference brings together Monmouthshire’s young leaders for training and to celebrate their leadership journeys.

Around 650 children from Monmouthshire primary schools in Abergavenny, Chepstow, and Caldicot took part in a variety of activities delivered by MCC Services, Monlife Leadership Academy, and external partners, including Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and County in the Community.

Unfortunately, due to the weather, our event with Monmouth Cluster Primary School’s has been postponed for this academic year.

The events included various workshops, such as developing play opportunities, promoting Active Travel, pupil voice, healthy eating, sustainability, water safety and many more.

The week-long programme of events received fantastic support from our Comprehensive Schools, who provided facilities for the events, as well as Abergavenny Rugby Club at Bailey Park. 

The MonLife Sports Development Team has been delivering the Sports Leaders PlayMaker Award throughout this academic year, engaging with nearly all Monmouthshire primary schools. After the pupils have achieved the award, they assist with providing a positive impact on wellbeing within their schools.

Councillor Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Engagement and Equalities, said: “The PlayMaker Conference is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our young leaders.

“It’s so fantastic to see these young people develop and grow from Playmakers in year 5 to volunteering in youth work in secondary school and then often starting their careers in sports development in Monmouthshire.

“It’s an inspiring journey, and a joy to see.”

Across the week, 43 Leadership Academy volunteers supported the events, recording 172 hours between them.

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