Monmouthshire County Council’s 2025 Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) is currently being completed and is due for submission in June.
Part of the objective of the assessment is to show that play is a whole-authority responsibility, and that it should be included in all agendas.
The council held a conference to present to stakeholders – including county and local councillors and dignitaries, through a mix of presentations and interactions – demonstrating all the work that has been completed across the local authority from a variety of departments relating to play.
This celebrated the work completed and the benefits experienced by the community, children and young people. The conference also provided an opportunity for those attending to include their views into the final submissions.
As well as a statutory duty, play is important to the health, development and wellbeing of children and young people and is their right as stated in the UNCRC article 31 – guaranteeing children’s right to rest, leisure, play, and participation in cultural and artistic life.
The Welsh Government deadline for the submission of the PSA is 30 June, 2025.
A report will be brought to Cabinet on 25 June for consideration.
Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Angela Sandles, said: “Play provision is such a vital part of the work across Monmouthshire County Council and forms an integral part of the development of children and young people across the region.
“I am proud of all the work that goes on across the county to ensure that play is prioritised.
“It was lovely to hear submissions from schoolchildren at the conference.
“I look forward to seeing the final Play Sufficiency Assessment ahead of its submission later this year.”
A giant puppet, poetry, community choir and advice on funding were amongst the highlights of Monmouthshire’s second Creative Celebration.
On Friday, 11 April, County Hall was once again full of creative thinking as Monmouthshire’s creative professionals and cultural organisations came together.
This year’s theme focused on film, theatre, music, script writing, and hearing from those who achieved creative success in 2024. The event featured presentations, a Q&A panel, workshops, a marketplace and performances. Participants heard about work that has been done so far to support the arts in Monmouthshire, and next steps in the development of a Cultural Strategy for the County. Guests were greeted by the Goddess of the Wye, the creation of puppeteer Kim Kaos and Monmouthshire Community choir performed during the break.
The Makers Market in the training area showcased a mix of creatives sharing and selling their products.
Following opening remarks from Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, guests were treated to presentations from Samantha Dazhure, a Zambezian poet from Caldicot who opened with a commissioned poem about Monmouthshire, and Hilary Farr from Arts Council Wales discussing funding opportunities and ACW activities in Monmouthshire.
Council Leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby noted: “The arts are in Monmouthshire’s DNA. Across the county, we have artists making Monmouthshire a beacon for all of Wales. Our Cultural Celebration event allows us to bring people together to celebrate their success and also to say thank you for all the work they are doing every day across the county.”
Quick Fire presentations provided an insight into the varied cultural aspects of Monmouthshire. These were presented by Emma Bevan-Henderson and Lynn Webb from Abergavenny Creative Alliance, Stephanie Roberts from Usk Primary School, Stuart Bawler from Hummadruz – Theatr Uwchfioled Cymru, Bonnie Helen Hawkins (Under Milk Wood illustrated book) and composer Fiona Frank.
The event also allowed guests to take part in workshops. These included practicalities of funding applications by Hilary Farr, establishing a portrait practice by Oriane Pierrepont, Samantha Rumbidzai Dazhure discussing her book ‘Weeping Tomato’, and Liz Mance presenting her Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Cup of Tea with George Elliot.’
A Creative Conversation Panel Q&A, chaired by Emma Bevan-Henderson, closed the event. Panelists included MCC Leader Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism Cllr. Sara Burch, Tracey Thomas, Head of Culture and Community Learning at MCC, and Rachael Rogers, Culture, Heritage and Arts Strategic Manager at MCC.
Closing the event, Cllr Sara Burch, noted: “This event highlights some of the fantastic work being done across Monmouthshire to support our vibrant cultural industries and creative communities. Our vision is of a Monmouthshire where everyone, at every age can be creative, and can find the their talent. We want to be a County where there is always something happening, in every town, and in our inspirational countryside, supporting new work as well as preserving heritage and tradition. Our hubs, libraries, museums, theatre, schools and town centres are important in providing spaces for creativity of all kinds. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to our celebration.”
The MonLife Heritage and Arts team have a mailing list and growing network of creative professionals and organisations in Monmouthshire. If you would like to be kept informed of future developments, events and opportunities please register with Let’s Talk Monmouthshire letstalkmonmouthshire.co.uk/ or email Culture@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Mechanical tree felling at Mill Common in Magor as part of The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) has been paused due to the progressing spring and the discovery of several bird nests in the area.
Ecologists have been working closely with contractors throughout the tree works to minimise disruption to local wildlife. Upon discovering the nests, it was decided to halt works and complete any remaining felling in the autumn.
Works to restore the woodland that will not disturb nesting birds will continue, including dead hedging, removal of brash, and stump grinding along the path edges where felling has already been completed.
This change is not expected to affect other parts of the wider project. Monmouthshire County Council will be able to initiate volunteering projects, offering opportunities for the community to help regenerate Mill Common.
Restoration of the paths will be prioritised to ensure that works can be undertaken across all areas where felling is completed. The final section of the path will be finished in autumn/winter.
We appreciate residents’ patience and cooperation with the contractors throughout the tree works and understand there has been disruption to access on site.
We also recognise the changes to the woods resulting from the works, highlighting the extent of ash trees affected by dieback in Mill Common. Replanting with native trees will be undertaken in autumn/winter.
In the meantime, the woods will start to regenerate from naturally present saplings and seeds.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “Whilst we are disappointed that some of the work will be delayed until the autumn, we take our duties to safeguard nesting birds very seriously and are confident that the woodland restoration project will be complete by end March 2026.” For further information, or to register interest in volunteering, visit: Mill Common Restoration Project – Monlife
On Friday, 28th March, the Community Hub in Magor and Undy hosted a celebration event to mark the success of the Paths to Communities project.
This event highlighted the achievements made possible by the Welsh Government Access Improvement Grant over the past three years.
The Paths to Communities project has been instrumental in developing partnerships with various organisations, including Ramblers Cymru, Gwent Wildlife Trust, Living Levels, and others. These collaborations have significantly contributed to the project’s success, expanding from 5 to 17 active volunteer groups, with five more groups showing interest.
Monmouthshire has been a pioneer in the UK, being the first authority to undertake a Service Level Agreement with the Ramblers, a model now replicated elsewhere. Although the Paths to Communities Project will not continue into the next financial year, MonLife’s Community Links Officer will continue to support the volunteer groups.
The Ramblers have conducted 82 engagement events, and volunteers have contributed over 4500 hours in the past two years. Their efforts have led to installing 117 waymark posts, 225 waymarkers (signs to mark public footpaths), 68 gates, 94+ signposts, 109 steps, and the resolution of 281 safety issues. Additionally, volunteers have cleared 420 overgrown furniture items and 14,077 meters of vegetation.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, paid tribute to the volunteers, “Without the dedication of the volunteers across the county, the council will not be able to secure that our rights of ways are clear and safe for everyone to use. On behalf of the council, thank you for all your work and dedication.”
The Paths to Communities project, which took place from July 2024 to March 2025, aimed to create a more sustainable management system for the Paths and Rights of Way network on the western side of Monmouthshire. The project focused on enhancing community resilience and empowering local volunteers to achieve social justice and well-being goals.
Cllr Burch continues, “As a council, we are dedicated to working with partners to improve access for all. Being able to agree a service agreement with The Rambles has been key to this, as they’ve been able to provide their expertise in recruiting and training the volunteers.”
New memory boxes will be available at Monmouthshire Community Hubs from April 2025.
Thanks to funding from the Welsh Federation of Museums and Galleries, MonLife Heritage Learning has developed 15 new memory boxes for use in the community.
All boxes are available for free borrowing, similar to lending a library book.
Each memory box contains a wealth of carefully selected objects ideal for reminiscing about past events with older adults or people living with dementia. Each box has a different theme so users can chat about various experiences and memories.
The service was recently launched in Caldicot Community Hub. The event showcased information and support for people living with dementia, including Reading Well for Dementia.
Reading Well for Dementia recommends helpful reading and digital resources for people living with dementia, their families and carers. There was also an opportunity to singalong with The Chepstow Singing Club and take part in craft activity from Monmouthshire Community Learning.
Cllr Angela Sandles, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “Thanks to funding from the Welsh Federation of Museums and Galleries, our MonLife Heritage Learning officers have been able to create memory boxes that will bring history to life.
“I’ve enjoyed exploring these boxes myself, and I encourage people to borrow them to create moments of reminiscence.”
Monmouthshire County Council would like to thank The Books Council of Wales for funding the launch.
Monmouthshire County Council will commence work on the Caldicot Active Travel Scheme on the 17th of March 2025.
Funded through the Welsh Government Active Travel Fund, the scheme aims to enhance active travel connections to Caldicot School and other local destinations.
The council’s strategy for active travel encourages residents to utilise walking, cycling, and other forms of active transport for short, everyday journeys. By creating community environments which make active travel safe, convenient, and attractive, the scheme offers a cost-effective and healthy alternative to driving while enhancing the efficiency of the road system for those who need to drive.
The Woodstock Way scheme has been developed in response to local needs identified by the council and other organisations, which include the necessity for safer routes and crossing points for pedestrians and wheelchair users and will see upgrades in paths and crossings along the road to improve safety, path quality, and reduce congestion.
A public consultation held in 2024 gathered input on the area’s development plans. This included face-to-face engagement sessions, an online consultation form, and a survey for pupils at Caldicot School to provide feedback.
The developments along Woodstock Way include a redesigned road layout to incorporate a shared-use active travel path, the repositioning of Gray Hill Surgery bus stops closer to the pedestrian route to the town centre (away from the Mill Lane junction), and the installation and upgrading of crossing facilities, tactile paving, and signage.
The council are working with Wales & West Utilities and Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) to minimise disruption on all schemes in the vicinity of Woodstock Way. From the 17th of March, the project will involve collaboration between the council and Wales & West Utilities, who are upgrading more than 2,000 meters of gas pipes. All organisations will work together to minimise disruption for residents using the road daily.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, said: “It’s great to see the work on Woodstock Way beginning. As a council, we are looking to secure the best possible routes for our residents and visitors to utilise while travelling within our towns.
Thanks to all who participated in the consultation last year, we can design and develop an active travel route that will make people’s journeys safer and more efficient in Caldicot.
I am also pleased to see our partnership with Wales & West Utilities. This working partnership will lessen the impact on people day-to-day as we commence the implementation of the scheme.
MonLife have announced an array of exciting activities and events for families and young people this February half-term.
Free stay and play sessions offer children and families the chance to enjoy a variety of activities, including physical play, arts and crafts, and den building. Additionally, the Active Play programme for children aged 5-11 features free sessions led by experienced playworkers. Sessions in Caldicot and Chepstow are fully booked, so we recommend securing your spot at other locations as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Join us at Caldicot Leisure Centre for our water safety masterclasses. Powered by Swim Wales, these classes equip children with essential self-rescue skills and vital water safety knowledge.
Designed for ages 7-11 and 12 – 14, these sessions focus on practical learning while building confidence in and around water with no previous swimming experience needed. With two sessions available, we encourage everyone to sign up now.
Youth centres across Monmouthshire will be open on specific days during half-term, providing a safe space for young people to engage in activities, meet new friends, and receive support from qualified youth workers.
We are excited to welcome everyone back to Abergavenny and Chepstow Museums this Saturday. Don’t miss the new ‘Big Fish’ exhibition at Chepstow and join us for St David’s Day themed crafts at our museums available throughout half-term.
Get ready for a fun-filled February half-term with MonLife Community Hubs and Libraries! A range of exciting activities from stories and crafts to Lego Workshops are lined up for you to enjoy.
Don’t miss the fantastic events at the Borough Theatre in Abergavenny this half-term. Highlights include performances by Blazin’ Fiddles, Llyr Williams with Rhapsodies & Waltzes, Budapest Cafe Orchestra, and a special production of “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
On Friday, 7th February 2025, Monmouthshire County Council hosted an event celebrating the past, present, and future of volunteering in Monmouthshire.
The event was a collaboration between Monmouthshire County Council, Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA), Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) and Bridges.
Welcomed to County Hall by Council Leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, the event celebrated the significant contributions of volunteers in Monmouthshire, provided an opportunity for collaboration with partner organisations and community groups, and expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their invaluable support.
The event featured guest speakers: Jenny Powell from The Gathering in Abergavenny, Morgan Collins a youth volunteer from MonLife, Bryn Probert from the Monmouthshire Veterans Support Hub, and Alison Palmer, Deputy Director of GAVO. Attendees also had opportunities to meet with local groups and organisations, and there was a performance by the Monmouthshire Community Choir.
MCC and MHA officers with Cllr Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Alison Palmer, Deputy Director, GAVO, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Council Leader, Cllr Su Su McConnel, MCC Chair, Bryn Probert, Monmouthshire Veterans Support Hub Volunteer, Jenny Powell, The Gathering, Abergavenny & Morgan Collins, MonLife Youth Volunteer,
Volunteers across the county play a vital role within the community. Within MonLife services, between April and September 2024, 370 volunteers participated in 43 volunteer opportunities, contributing 6,372 hours with an economic value of £86,2191. With 19 Sports Development and Leisure volunteers moving on to gain summer employment in 2024.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to meet and engage with other volunteers and organisations, including Hedgehog First Response Unit, Cwtch Angels, Growing Spaces, Mind Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire Scouts, Raglan Coffee and Computers, Sport In Mind, and Usk Track.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: “Volunteers from all aspects of life play an important role within our community. Their dedication allows us in the council to provide services and protect the most vulnerable in our community. On behalf of the council and our communities, thank you for every hour, minute and second you volunteer.”
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equality and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, stated: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community. From our 16 year old volunteers to the oldest at 94, each individual brings enthusiasm, energy, and a variety of skills to their activities. You only need to look at the economic value of volunteers to view their enormous contribution. Thank you to each and every one of you.”
To find out more about volunteering opportunities, visit the Volunteering Wales website: www.volunteering-wales.net
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.
Teachers and Swimmers from the schools that took part alongside Sports Development officers, Chair of Monmouthshire County Council, Cllr Su McConnell and Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement Cllr Angela Sandles
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.”
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.”
