Joel Hamer – Page 2 – Monlife

Caldicot Active Travel Links and Multi-User Route

The Caldicot Links active travel scheme is designed to create an integrated network of shared use routes, linking existing and planned residential areas around east Caldicot to local destinations and public transport. The aim is to enable residents to use active travel for local trips and to connect to the wider Severnside active travel and public transport networks, through the construction of high quality and accessible routes for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Caldicot Active Travel Links scheme

Caldicot Links scheme focuses on the north and east of Caldicot. The scheme is broken down in to three different sections* (see plan below):

  • Phase 1: Running along the route of the old ex-Ministry of Defence Dinham railway line, from just south of the Cornfield at Portskewett, to level with Caldicot Castle Country Park.
  • Phases 2 & 3: From level with the country park northwards to Crick, crossing the northeast Caldicot RLDP sites.
  • Phase 4 – Multi User Route: Running through Caldicot Castle Country Park connecting up with the Caldicot Links and the B4245 at its eastern end and linking into Church Road (and on to Caldicot Town Centre) at its western end.

*Sections of the scheme are being brought forward as funding and other constraints permit, i.e. not necessarily in numerical order.

Current progress

Phase 1: Construction completed providing an approximately 1km long tarmac surfaced shared route open to the public.

You are welcome to use this section of the new Caldicot Links active travel route for walking, wheeling, and cycling. Please note that this route is not being promoted as accessible to all users at this time and represents the first stage in delivering a complete connection from Portskewett to Caldicot.

Please note the following:

  • Caldicot Castle Country Park: There is currently no formal hard-surfaced path connecting this tarmac path to the Country Park tarmac service road. Users wishing to continue into the Country Park will need to use informal grass paths, which have uneven surfaces, slopes, and gates.
  • Elderwood Parc: There is no onward connection from the top of the ramp into Elderwood Parc due to the housing development still being under construction.

Picture: The new Caldicot Links Phase 1.

Phases 2 & 3: MCC appointed consultants have undertaken a study of the options available for developing the route north and east of the Country Park, considering the key opportunities and the constraints of this area. Further scheme progression is dependent on the future development of the RLDP sites adjacent to it and funding availability.

Phase 4 – Multi User Route (MUR): This phase has now been split into two sub phases (see plan below) to aid development.

  • MUR Phase 1 connecting up the northern end of the completed Links Phase 1 with the existing tarmac service road within Caldicot Castle Country Park with a new hard surfaced shared use path.
  • MUR Phase 2 running west-east through the country park from the western entrance off Church road to the eastern entrance and connection with the B4245.
Caldicot Multi-User Route phasing plan
Picture: Caldicot MUR phasing
Picture: Proposed MUR phase 1 route alignment along line of existing gravel track

Why focus on north and east Caldicot?

This scheme looks to improve sustainable access to services, shops, and sites of education and employment around Caldicot. Trip generation related to the planned residential development to the east and north of Caldicot, as well as the need to mitigate congestion related to local employment sites and the newly toll-free Severn bridges gives extra impetus to the scheme, as this is an opportunity to make active travel the preferred mode for local trips for old and new residents alike. It also has added value of providing an attractive route for recreational activities and providing improved access to local community green spaces, such as Caldicot Castle and Country Park and the Cornfield Project, as well as to the Wales Coast Path and the wider Gwent Levels Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest.

The phased Caldicot Links scheme focuses on the east of Caldicot, including linking to housing developments off Church Road and Crick Road, to ensure that current and future residents have accessible, healthy and sustainable transport options, to minimise and manage the road traffic impact of a growing population and to direct residents and visitors into the town centre as a local destination.

Below is a detail of our Active Travel Map for Caldicot, showing the time it would typically take to travel in the local area. The local development areas, shown in brown, will include parcels of green space (i.e. the indicated sites include areas that will not be built up):

What is active travel?

Active travel is a term used to describe walking, wheeling or cycling to a destination, which the Active Travel Act (Wales) 2013 calls “purposeful journeys”. It does not cover trips taken purely for leisure although it could significantly enhance leisure activities by helping to link up networks. Active travel can be used to get to school, work, services and shops, or as one of several modes on a longer journey – for example, walking to the station to catch a bus or train. Monmouthshire County Council (MCC)’s active travel strategy focuses on journeys of three miles or less, which means improving walking and cycling infrastructure within communities and between close-by settlements such as Caldicot, Portskewett and Crick, so that active travel can be the natural choice for local journeys. MCC also aims to improve active travel links to public transport, to support sustainable travel across the county.

How is the Caldicot Links scheme funded?

The Caldicot Active Travel Links and Multi-user routes project development and construction works to date have been funded by Welsh Government grants aimed at improvements to sustainable transport modes.

Contact us

If you would like to contact the project team, please email ActiveTravel@monmouthshire.gov.uk

New Exhibition at Shire Hall Museum

Throughout January, a new exhibition has been displayed at the Shire Hall to celebrate its 300-year history. This exhibition is the first of many new displays showcased at the new Shire Hall Museum.

Alongside the exhibition, the Shire Hall team will engage with our local communities and speak to visitors to understand what topics and themes they want to see in the museum. All feedback will be used to create the Interpretation Plan that will shape the design and visitor experience of the museum.

In addition to the exhibition, visitors can view the recent collection reviews carried out across MonLife’s museums.

Funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this work supports the move of the Nelson and local Monmouth collections into their new home at Shire Hall. The grant is a welcomed positive addition, especially with the increasing pressure felt on cultural services due to reducing budgets. The work will help shape a sustainable future for the museum. Visitors will have an opportunity to vote on the key objects and themes related to Lord Nelson, which will further shape the future exhibitions at the new museum.

All this work has been part of the Dynamic Collections – Opening the Box project that the museum has been carrying out throughout 2023. After reviewing the Nelson collection, the team identified a collection of national significance. Now is your opportunity to provide feedback on what matters to you within the collection.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “The new exhibition at the Shire Museum is an excellent opportunity for local communities and visitors to Monmouth to learn more about the history of such an iconic building in the heart of the town. We want to provide a space where everyone can learn about their local history and view displays they want to see. Please visit the exhibition and learn more about the fantastic work being undertaken in MonLife Museums.”

Find out more about what’s going on at the Shire Hall here: https://www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/the-shire-hall/ 

MonLife becomes ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the Leadership Skills Foundation.

The MonLife Sports Development team has been named a Centre of Excellence by the Leadership Skills Foundation for delivering the PlayMaker Award for Year 5 pupils across all primary schools in Monmouthshire.

The status recognises that MonLife Sports Development has excelled in implementing leadership and promoting the message of believe, lead and succeed through its high-quality provision. The Centre of Excellence status is awarded to the top 2% of the 2,500 centres.

Children playing. Children placing a ball on a sports cone

Having delivered the PlayMaker Award since 2017/18, the team have delivered the training to more than 5,500 pupils, with 100% of schools engaging in the programme.

The PlayMakers Award aims to support young people in developing their leadership skills and provide the knowledge and skills to plan and organise sports provision at their school. This allows young people to create activities they can deliver during break and lunchtimes safely. Through the PlayMaker Award, the pupils will gain critical communication, leadership, organisation and resilience skills.

The PlayMaker Award is the starting point for pupils on the Sports Development leadership pathway. Upon completing this award, there is potential for pupils to progress on to the Year 6 Bronze Ambassador scheme and later to the Secondary School Leadership Academies. The pathway spans from Year 5 onwards and provides the skills and knowledge necessary for students to pursue post-16 employment opportunities.

Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “This is such fantastic news for the team to be recognised for their dedication. The Sports Development team ensures that pupils lead an active lifestyle and gain key skills in communication, leadership and organisation. These skills will allow them to develop in school and when entering the working world.

For more information on Sport Development programmes, or to contact the team, please email sport@monmouthshire.gov.uk.

All welcome to help shape the future of visual arts in Monmouthshire

Ann Sumner and Beth McIntyre meeting with Emma Bevan-Henderson, Chair of the Abergavenny Art Festival meeting at the Makers Crafts Gallery in Abergavenny 
 

We have exciting updates associated with the VAMM (Visual Arts Mapping Monmouthshire) Project research. This  work was organised through the Creative Cardiff partnership with MonLife as part of the Creative Industries Cluster Hubs (CICH) project.

  1. Commission Opportunity

Creative Cardiff, who in partnership with Local Authorities in Monmouthshire, Newport and Rhondda Cynon Taf, is currently seeking to commission nine artists to produce a piece of work on the theme of local creativity, community and innovation. This opportunity is being delivered as part of the Creative Industries Cluster Hubs (CICH) project.  Please note that commissioned works can be multidisciplinary across a variety of creative mediums, including but not limited to: visual arts, sculpture, video, spoken/written word, textiles, performance, dance, installation etc.

Applicants must be living or working in Monmouthshire, Newport or Rhondda Cynon Taf. Creative Cardiff is looking to commission three artists from Monmouthshire with up to £1000 available for each artist.   The deadline  is 31 January 2024   and can be found on the Creative Cardiff website: https://creativecardiff.org.uk/creative-cardiff-artist-commission

  1. FREE Creative Cuppas hosted by The Borough Theatre in Abergavenny and delivered by Creative Cardiff

 Thursday 25 January at 10 am

Making workspaces accessible for neurodivergent creatives with producer, Tom Bevan. Tom is a freelance theatre and live events Producer from Cardiff. He has ADHD and Dyslexia and wants to create spaces where neurodivergent creatives can get together and build solidarity, support and collaborations. Since October 2023, he has been hosting an open space for neurodivergent creatives, producers and artists working in the cultural sector in South Wales to come together to work and connect.

Creative Cuppa: January (Monmouthshire) | Creative Cardiff

Thursday 22 February 2024 at 10.00 am  

Creating digital content with Amy Pay, a highly experienced freelance journalist, copywriter and creative consultant based in the Cardiff Capital Region. With a varied background in print media, broadcasting and digital journalism, she uses her skills to help people to get their stories across through words, strategy and creative ideas. She’s worked with clients big and small, including Lonely Planet, Visit Wales, The Telegraph, Evening Standard and The Guardian, with specialisms including UK travel, small businesses, specialty coffee and creative industries. Please see the link below to read further details and book your place:

https://creativecardiff.org.uk/creative-cuppa-february-monmouthshire

Thursday 21 March 2024 at 10.00 am 

Building Confidence whilst working in the creative industries, delivered by Richard Holman. He began his career with the BBC before going on to found one of the UK’s most respected boutique advertising and design agencies. Today he works as an author, speaker & coach. He believes that the world needs creativity and innovation now more than ever, which is why he loves to work with individuals and teams to grow their confidence and make better and braver ideas. Please see the link below regarding this event and book your place:

https://creativecardiff.org.uk/creative-cuppa-march-monmouthshire

For the latest news and updates on events or on how to contribute to this project, please visit: https://www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/ 

Cllr Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “This is such an exciting time for arts in Monmouthshire, I look forward to hearing everyone’s creative ideas and input. It will be great to see the development of a clear vision and collective goal for the future. I can’t wait to learn and see the opportunities that will come from this project and the success it will bring in developing a creative economy in Monmouthshire.”

About the team: Beth McIntyre, who comes from Monmouth and Ann Sumner have worked together for many years, having first met as colleagues at the National Museum of Wales. Ann is a former Head of Fine Art and Beth was Senior Curator (Fine Art – Prints and Drawings) at the museum. Together, they have extensive experience researching and scoping projects, leading consultations, organising networking events and working with artists.

Tokyo Stories: 25/06/23

Tokyo Stories:

Tokyo Stories is a new Exhibition on Screen film that will be showing at the Drill Hall Chepstow on Thursday 25 May 7.30pm, has as its starting point a major show at the Ashmolean Oxford spanning 400 years of art from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige, to Pop Art posters, contemporary photography, Manga, film and brand-new artworks that were created on the streets. The exhibition was a smash-hit, five star success. But the film goes much further and uses the exhibition as a launchpad to travel to Tokyo itself and take the audience on an exploration of the art and artists of the city, past and present.

This is a beautifully illustrated and richly detailed film, looking at a city which has undergone constant destruction and renewal over its 400-year history, resulting in one of the most vibrant and interesting cities on the planet. It tells the stories of the artists and people who have made Tokyo famous for its boundless drive for the new and innovative.

The impressive Exhibition on Screen films are brought to the Drill Hall by, and in support of MonLife Heritage Museums.

Book online www.drillhallchepstow.co.uk or at door from 6.45pm

Date:

Thursday 25th May

Time:

7:30pm onwards

Venue:

The Drill Hall, Lower Church Street Chepstow

Price:

£10

Let’s Move for a Better World

Let’s Move for a Better World

Support the fight against sedentary lifestyles by joining the biggest social movement campaign in the fitness industry. Get ready to donate moves from 14th to 31st March 2023.

By taking part in the ‘Let’s Move for a Better World’ Campaign, you commit to fight against physical inactivity and all the consequent health diseases contributing to build a better and healthier world. To give everyone the same chance and opportunity, irrespective of age, sex and level of physical ability, Technogym have created the ‘MOVE’, a new way to measure physical activity that connects the whole community.

With only 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week, you reduce the risks associated with obesity and chronic diseases, whilst at the same time reaching other important goals.

Join our Challenge

This March, MonLife are teaming up with Technogym to get Monmouthshire moving. We have set up a ‘MOVEs’ challenge via the ‘MyWellness’ App (available on both the App Store and Play Store) for everyone to join and take part in! All you have to do is complete 2000 MOVEs.

You can complete the challenge in the gym, outdoors or our spin classes. All members that participate will enter a raffle for the chance to win a 12-month membership. Additionally, all members that collect 5000 ‘MOVEs’, will enter a raffle to win ‘Let’s Move’ merchandise.

How to Collect ‘MOVEs’

The Technogym® MOVE is based on body displacement in space, therefore it offers the best means to measure and compare participants’ activity levels during the Campaign. The faster and more often you move, the more ‘MOVEs’ you collect. Here’s how you can collect your ‘MOVEs’:

  • – Indoor Automatic on cardiovascular equipment within MonLife Leisure Centres (i.e., Treadmill, Bikes, Vario, Syncro, Climb, Skill line, Group Cycle)
  • – Indoor Automatic on connected resistance equipment within MonLife Leisure Centres (i.e., Chest Press, Leg Press, Shoulder Press).
  • – The Mywellness App Outdoor GPS Activity Tracker
  • – 3rd Party Devices with GPS connectivity (e.g. – Garmin). Please note Fitbit and Apple watches do not offer this.

Win for your community

The facilities that gather the required number of ‘MOVEs’ will be able to donate equipment to the Institutions or Schools of their choice to help fight obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Let’s Engage your community to create a healthier world!

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds to land on stage at Caldicot Castle

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds to land on stage at Caldicot Castle

One of the best-known names in the UK music industry has just confirmed that they’re heading to Monmouthshire in summer 2023. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have confirmed they are playing a special one-off date at Caldicot Castle on Saturday 19th August.

Not shy of delivering world-class performances at prestigious outdoor venues, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will perform a one-off show in the grounds of the castle featuring a selection of the band’s most well-loved songs, from Oasis hits through to current day radio favourites. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have, since 2011, release three studio albums, a collection of EPs and have played hundreds of live shows across the UK. In summer 2022, the band completed a nationwide tour of outdoor shows by headlining on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.  

The announcement of the Caldicot Castle date follows the incredibly well-received release of the band’s brand-new single ‘Pretty Boy’, which recently featured as BBC Radio 2’s Record Of The Week. The track signals the beginning of a new creative chapter and first new music from Noel’s forthcoming new studio album which will be released next year.

Caldicot Castle has gained a reputation for hosting chart-topping, famous bands, including girl band Little Mix, in August 2017, and Status Quo in summer 2015. As recently as September 2022, the castle was host to a local folk band that have gained a massive following, Rusty Shackle, marking the release of their latest album.

When they come to Caldicot, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will be supported by local favourites Feeder. Formed in 1994, the band have released 11 studio albums and have spent a combined total of 184 weeks on the singles and albums chart. Their highly acclaimed album ‘Torpedo’ came out earlier this year continuing the band’s winning formula with big riffs, bigger emotions, and, of course, enormous tunes.

They’ll be joined by Newport’s Goldie Lookin’ Chain, officially Britain’s biggest rap group. Known for ‘Guns don’t kill people rappers do’, the group have released 18 albums in the course of their 22-year-long career.

Pablo Janczur, the Orchard Live promoter, said: “We’re so excited about this absolutely massive show coming to Caldicot Castle. We’ve wanted to bring a great rock line-up to this venue for some time and what could better, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds supported by Feeder on a beautiful summer’s evening. It’s going to be an awesome day out.”

Monmouthshire County Council Leader, Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we will stage another world-class concert in the beautiful setting of Caldicot Castle this coming summer. We’re looking forward to welcoming Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Feeder and Goldie Lookin’ Chain, as well as thousands of visitors and residents to what promises to be a very special night out.”

Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member with responsibility for MonLife, said: “It’s very exciting to see acts of such high calibre coming to Monmouthshire, and also great news that the organisers have given local residents the opportunity to secure tickets before the general sale takes place. Caldicot Castle is such a beautiful venue that we are really proud of – it has such a lot of offer as a concert venue, as well as being a tremendous attraction for all the family all year round. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the castle on August 19th next year.”

Tickets at £61.88 each, including fees, are on General Sale from 10am on Friday 16th December, but Monmouthshire residents can snap up their tickets sooner than that. The organisers have arranged a special Pre-Sale for local fans from 10am on Wednesday 14th December via http://orchardlive.gigantic.com/noel-gallagher-s-high-flying-birds-tickets/monmouth-caldicot-castle/2023-08-19-17-00

It has also been confirmed that local residents will be engaged with on plans closer to the event to ensure minimal impact on the Caldicot community. Full event information is available at www.caldicotcastle.co.uk.

Wyesham Public Consultation

PUBLIC CONSULTATION: Wyesham Active Travel Links (Monmouth) WelTAG Stage Two Study

Have your say

We would like to hear your views on the list of potential options designed to improve active travel links between the proposed new Active Travel Bridge across the River Wye and Wyesham.

We recommend you view the plans via the options below and read this page to find out more about the scheme.

Section 1:

Option 1

Option 2

Section 2:

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Why have changes been proposed?

The route from Wyesham into Monmouth town centre is heavily utilised by residents, children (traveling to and from schools), tourists and visitors. The existing pedestrian facilities are however limited, whilst there are no cycling facilities at all. Links within the study area have failed the active travel audits carried out by Monmouthshire County Council in September 2020. As proposals for the Wye Active Travel Bridge have emerged, the importance of connecting active travel links from the surrounding areas to and from the new bridge has been highlighted.

Scheme Objectives

The objectives of this scheme are to:

  • Provide a direct, coherent, comfortable and attractive walking and cycling network suitable for all users;
  • Increase levels of sustainable access to education, employment health and other key services;
  • Improve actual and perceived safety of vulnerable users;
  • Increase the number of people walking and cycling between Wyesham and Monmouth town centre;
  • Reduce car dependency and car use for short trips between Wyesham and Monmouth town centre through a modal shift; and
  • Reduce the negative impacts of transport on the natural and built environment (i.e., improve air quality, improve public realm, provide sustainable drainage infrastructure, etc.)

The Proposals

Projects such as this one are usually progressed over several years from concept through to detailed design and are then dependent on the approval of funding from bodies such as Welsh Government for the construction phase. We are currently at an early stage of the design process. The preferred option will be selected based on several aspects, including public consultation results, option deliverability (where land ownership will play a key part), cost implications, and option performance against national, regional and local objectives, ambitions and priorities.

Due to the size of the study area, the route has been split into two sections, as described below.

Route Section One – from Proposed New Active Travel Bridge to Wyesham Road

Option 1: proposes to widen the existing footway on the northern side of the A466 and A4136 to provide an off-road shared footway/cycleway from the Active Travel Bridge to Wyesham Road achieved through slight narrowing down of the carriageway and structural support of embankment. The two existing uncontrolled pedestrian refuge island crossings would be replaced with controlled crossing facilities. All side road junctions would be re-designed to accommodate an active travel route.

Option 2: as Option 1 but partially below the existing road level (between Riverside Park and Redbrook Road). A shared pedestrian/cycle route would commence from the junction with Riverside Park and run below the existing road level of the A466. A ramp would then connect it to the existing footway (bring up to the footway level) opposite the junction with Redbrook Road. The existing footway on the southern side of the A466 would remain unaffected.

Route Section Two – Wyesham Road and Wyesham Avenue

Option 1: one-way system eastbound Wyesham Road (In) / Wyesham Avenue (Out), after junction with Wyesham Avenue, the carriageway would revert to two-way traffic. A shared footway/cycleway would be provided on southern side of Wyesham Road to Kymin View Primary School. The carriageway width on Wyesham Avenue would be reduced and footway widened. No loss of parking on Wyesham Avenue. Potential to include links from Wyesham Avenue to Wyesham Road behind St James’s Church and through community woodland.

Option 2: same as Option 1 but westbound Wyesham Avenue (In) / Wyesham Road (Out)

Option 3: maintain two-way traffic throughout with quiet streets principle applied to Wyesham Road and Wyesham Avenue. ‘Quiet streets’ is a term given to urban cycling routes on low traffic speed and volume back streets, which are particularly suitable for new and less confident cyclists. Wyesham Road and Wyesham Avenue have been earmarked for a 20mph speed limit, which will suit the quiet streets principle. A cycle route would be provided on-road with traffic, with cycle symbols used to sign the route and indicate the correct positioning for cycling within the carriageway. Footways would be widened where possible for pedestrian use only. A consideration will be given to include links from Wyesham Avenue to Wyesham Road behind St James’s Church and through community woodland. There is also a potential to include a short length of Shared Use (Pedestrian and Cycleway) Footway from the Wyesham Road junction with Wyesham Avenue to Kymin View School.

Quiet Streets – DE205: CLICK HERE

Option sifting

At the start of this project and in line with the Welsh Transport Appraisal Process the project team developed a wide list of possible solutions, sufficient to be able to decide whether there are any scheme options worth pursuing and to select a short list of options (as detailed above) for more detailed consideration. Options were shortlisted based on:

  • their ability to prevent, or solve the problem now and in the future;
  • their ability to meet the objectives set and improve the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of Wales;
  • their short- and longer-term impacts to deliver multiple benefits across the four aspects of well-being and maximise contribution to all seven well-being goals;
  • their deliverability; and
  • their robustness to uncertainty and potential to drive long lasting change.

The Wyesham Road/Avenue route is currently the priority to link Wyesham to Monmouth town and is required to be designed and built to accompany the new Active Travel Bridge. Unfortunately, all options to improve the Redbrook Road route require land purchase and substantial retaining structures, which could take years to agree. This could significantly delay and even jeopardize the scheme. As such, the Redbrook Road section has been excluded from this scheme and our current focus in on the Wyesham Road/Avenue route, which will support delivery of the new Active Travel Bridge.

Your opinion

We want to hear your opinions on each of these shortlisted options. You can express your thoughts by clicking on the survey link below.

Please encourage members of your household and others to undertake the survey since your responses may not necessarily reflect the views of others.

By completing this survey, you are agreeing for this data to be used for this purpose by Monmouthshire County Council and by WSP (RE&I).

Your personal information will be processed by Monmouthshire County Council on behalf of WSP (RE&I). We will only collect your data for this purpose and any sharing of data will be anonymised. This form does not capture your name or contact details. For more information about privacy visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/your-privacy/

By submitting this form, you are consenting to your information being processed for the purpose as outlined above.

And they’re off! Monmouthshire’s children run for fun

More than a thousand Monmouthshire children donned their trainers and sports gear last month to take part in a week of sporting fun.  The Cross Country 2022 sporting event brought together 27 local primary schools from across the county. Children showed the grown-ups how it’s done with fantastic sportsmanship, encouragement and teamwork throughout each event. 

The Cross Country 2022 programme, organised by MonLife, was especially for primary school children between the ages of seven and 10. The chance to take part in a range of sports, races and runs, was an opportunity too good to miss. So much so, that 90% of all primary schools in Monmouthshire took part. When it comes to fitness and well-being, Monmouthshire’s children are certainly leading the way.

Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities said: “I am so impressed at the support given by teachers, pupils and families to the recent Cross Country programme of events. It’s fantastic that 27 primary schools in the county got involved. Hopefully these youngsters have now got a taste for sport and for running. Who knows, maybe some of them will be professional athletics stars of the future. In becoming more active, they’re already on the right track.”

The far-reaching Cross Country event – the first since the pandemic – gave a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and most importantly have fun. One parent who attended said: “I just wanted to say that the Cross Country event this morning was brilliant and my daughter really enjoyed it.  She wants to sign us up for the junior park run now!”

If you missed the week of fun, it’s not too late to get involved. Junior Parkruns are held in Dixton (Monmouth), Bailey Park (Abergavenny) and in Rogiet, so get those trainers on and head along. For more information regarding primary school festivals or details of your local parkrun please email sport@monmouthshire.gov.uk

There’s still time to take part in the Nature Isn’t Neat survey

Since its launch, this summer’s Nature isn’t Neat online Survey has received more than 1,000 responses from across Monmouthshire and the wider Gwent area.

The survey, which closes on Friday 30th September,  has been designed to capture residents’ thoughts on the Nature Isn’t Neat approach, which promotes letting grassland in parks and along verges grow in the spring and summer to create meadow areas and space for nature. The feedback received will help inform future management of green spaces.

Nature isn’t Neat’s ethos is that grassland in Gwent’s green spaces should be allowed to grow and flourish with wildflowers, providing food and habitat for our pollinators. It’s also about finding a balance between nature and recreation throughout the year. Monmouthshire County Council is continually assessing how well they’re managing green spaces for nature and for residents. The survey will continue into the autumn so there is plenty of opportunity to provide feedback by completing the survey at www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/nature-isnt-neat/complete-our-survey/

As late summer approaches, many plants have finished flowering and are beginning to set seed, leaving meadow areas looking grassier. Whilst they may not be as colourful, they are still full of grasshoppers, moths and butterflies which are living and feeding in the grass. It’s vital that wildflowers and meadow grasses can produce and disperse seed before being cut, so we get more flowers next year. At the end of the season, the council’s grounds teams will be starting their grass cutting regimes across sites, by cutting and collecting the arisings like a traditional meadow they are removing nutrients and reducing the dominance of grass next year and encouraging more biodiverse habitats.

The project is supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas and is funded by the Welsh Government’s Enabling of Natural Resources and Well-being Grant. 

For more information visit: https://www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/nature-isnt-neat/