Celebration event for Paths to Communities success

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.”

To find out more about the MonLife Countryside Access team, please visit: www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/countryside-access/

New memory box service launched in Community Hubs

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.

To find your local community hub, visit: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/community-hubs-and-libraries/

Work to commence on Caldicot Active Travel Scheme, Woodstock Way

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.

For full details of the planned works, please visit www.monlife.co.uk/woodstockway/. 

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.

Further information about the gas works can be found on the Wales & West Utilities website: www.wwutilities.co.uk/in-your-area/in-your-area-map/?postcode=caldicot. 

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 announces a fun-filled line-up for families and young people

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.”

A celebration of volunteering in Monmouthshire – past, present and future!

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.

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

Find out more about Volunteering with MonLife here: www.monlife.co.uk/connect/volunteering/

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.