Our
MonLife Active Leisure Centres will be closed on Friday 18th
February due to #StormEunice.
We
will update you tomorrow on our social media channels with regards to Saturday
re-opening times.
Don’t forget that all MonLife Members can continue to train with
your favourite instructors using the MonLife LIVE & ON DEMAND app. The app
allows you to access exciting virtual live groups and your own personalised
fitness experience from home. If you haven’t already done so you can Download
it here: https://mywellness.page.link/QD4pCMXo31fvwujw5
The
safety of our staff as well as our customers are our main priority, and we urge
you to please stay at home and keep safe.
MonLife Heritage
Our MonLife Heritage Sites and
grounds will be closed on Friday 18th February due to #StormEunice.
This includes:
Caldicot
Castle and Country Park
Old
Station Tintern
Shire Hall
Abergavenny
Museum and Castle
Chepstow
Tourism Information Centre however, they are available by telephone, 01291 623722.
We will update you tomorrow on
our social media channels with regards to Saturday re-opening times.
The safety of our staff as well as our visitors are our
main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.
After the storm has passed and you are visiting our sites please watch out for debris and hanging branches.
MonLife Countryside
We advise avoiding using countryside sites and the rights of way network due to #StormEunice.
The safety of our visitors is our main priority, and we
urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.
After the storm has passed, please watch out for debris and
fallen branches.
MonLife Connect
Our MonLife Connect youth
centres will be closed on Friday 18th February due to #StormEunice. This
includes:
The
Zone Youth Centre
Caldicot
Positive Futures
Thornwell
Pavilion
The safety of our staff as well as our young people are our main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.
Monmouthshire’s
leisure provider MonLife is gearing up for the exciting February half term,
with plenty on offer to keep children and young people active and entertained
over the school holidays. The activities wil kick off on Monday 21st
February and run until Friday 25th. A full list of what’s on
offer can be found on the website at www.monlifeholildayactivities.co.uk
and there is something for everyone.
As part of the
Winter of Wellbeing funding from Welsh Government, MonLife Learning will be
carrying out a number of different sessions across Monmouthshire including
making a ‘mindful mosaic’, creating a wellbeing jar as well as mindful
colouring inspired by the museum’s collections. MonLife will also be staging a
wide range of play events for local communities, for children and families to
come along to. These events are free to attend, so to register you interest via
the website. Please note that parental supervision is required for children
under the age of 11.
The
Monmouthshire Games will also be taking place and are aimed at children between
the ages of 5 and 11 and offers activities to suit a range of different
interests and hobbies. The sessions run from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. All
activities will be delivered in accordance with National Governing Body
guidelines for each sport and will be COVID-19 compliant. The Monmouthshire
Games are available to all young people in Monmouthshire, including any
children of families visiting Monmouthshire on holiday. Each site has 50 spaces
available per day and parents are being encouraged to book as soon as possible
to avoid disappointment.
Cabinet Member
for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “The
MonLife holiday activities are so important to our children and young people,
and are designed to promote wellbeing as well as mental and physical health.
After nearly 18 months of having lockdowns and restrictions, our younger
generations have missed out on people able to have fun, socialise and be
active. Spaces fill up very quick so I would encourage parents to sign up as
soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
A vintage and rare Mickey Mouse toy will proudly be put on display after being saved from the rubbish tip thanks to eagle-eyed colleagues from Monmouthshire County Council’s waste and recycling contractors, Suez. The extraordinary cuddly toy, which is thought to date back to the 1930s, was discovered in a container destined for the tip. After unearthing the old toy, staff contacted MonLife’s Museum’s team about their special find.
Intensive research found the Mickey Mouse was
originally made at one of UK’s oldest teddy bear manufacturers, the Deans toy
factory in Pontypool. The business, which dated back as far as the 1700s, was
the first manufacturer to make the Disney character in the UK in the 1930s but
sadly fell into administration in 2005. An almost identical example of the toy
– the earliest version of Mickey, as he appeared in his debut 1928 film
‘Steamboat Willie’ – is held within the collections of the V&A Museum in
London.
After discovering the historical importance of
the toy, Rachael Rogers, curator of Abergavenny Museum suggested that Mickey’s
forever home might best be Pontypool Museum, which is less than a mile from the
old Dean’s factory where it was made all those years ago.
Speaking about the extraordinary find, Cabinet
Member for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Jane Pratt said: “I think it’s
wonderful that Mickey has, after his very long life, been saved from the
rubbish! I am so pleased that he is being donated to Pontypool Museum near to
where he was made at Deans Rag Book Company. I hope that the publicity he
creates will encourage people to think carefully before they throw things away.
I am delighted that he will be viewed by generations to come in his new home.”
Cllr Pratt added: “Our Reuse shops at Llanfoist
and Five Lanes have gone from strength to strength, with fantastic support from
the staff at these recycling centres who spot lovely things, as well as the
dedicated team of enthusiastic volunteers. It is not every day you find
something as special as Mickey, but you would be amazed at what great things
get saved that would have simply been thrown away.”
Upon receiving the donation, Pontypool Museum
Curator, Caitlin Gingell said: “The curatorial staff are very pleased to be
acquiring Mickey into the collections at Torfaen Museum. Dean’s toy factory,
where Mickey was made, has been an important strand of Pontypool’s history and
it is lovely to be bringing him back to his hometown. We hope that Mickey can
go to a professional conservator in the near future, to be cleaned and structurally
supported before going on display as part of a small exhibition about the toy
manufacturer.”
Bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts alike
will be able to head to Monmouthshire County Council’s Llanfoist and Five Lanes
Reuse shops from mid-March. Buying reused items is a great way to help
the environment and reduce waste. All profits from the reuse sites go to tree
planting in Monmouthshire to help in the fight against climate change. People
can visit the reuse sites at the following locations:
Llanfoist Reuse shop – Llanfoist, NP7 9AQ, reopening every Tuesday 10am – 3pm from 15th March
Five Lanes Reuse Shop – Caerwent, NP26 5PD reopening every Wednesday 10am – 3pm from 16th March
Following on from the
recent announcement from Welsh Government on the easing of covid restrictions, we’d
like to update you on how this applies when you visit our MonLife venues.
From Monday 28th February 2022
Adults and children aged 11 and over will no longer be required to wear face coverings in our MonLife venues.
If you have covid symptoms do not enter our facilities – get tested and follow current self-isolation advice.
We will
continue to take reasonable measures to keep staff and visitors safe during
their time in our venues including ventilating areas; completing bespoke risk
assessments; maintaining good hygiene at the premises.
Please
respect those who continue to wear face coverings – everyone’s safety is
important to us.
Once again, we thank you for your continued support. For further important updates, offers and news why not download the MonLife App.
65-year-old Sheila Viner was referred to the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) at Chepstow Leisure after being admitted into intensive care and spending over 11 weeks in hospital in 2020. The NERS, which operates across all 22 local authorities, is an evidenced based health intervention programme that incorporates physical activity and behavioural change to support people improve their health and wellbeing.
Sheila joined the MonLife scheme at Chepstow Leisure Centre following the advice from her physiotherapist. Talking about the programme, Sheila says she’s not only seen a benefit to her physical health but it’s also helped build her confidence.
“I was contacted by Claire who organises the classes, we had a friendly chat about my health issues, how exercise can help me with my personal health and what I would like to achieve to improve my day-to-day life. The exercises were for all different levels of health and fitness and fun to do.
“The classes have helped me enormously. I have gained strength in my arms and legs and my mobility has improved greatly. I can now walk without my stick most of the time and I can stand to cook my meals and cakes. I am able to go shopping on my own as my confidence has improved greatly.”
Between 2019 and 2020, the MonLife referral scheme received over 1200 referrals, with 70% of all referrals coming via the NERs generic pathway. Of all the referrals, 99% of people were able to increase their activity resulting in 59% experiencing lowered blood pressure, 61% increasing their fitness and 46% lowering their BMI.
Face-to-face classes were halted during the pandemic but resumed in September 2021 at Chepstow, Caldicot, Monmouth, with Abergavenny starting back on the 10thJanuary.
For Sheila the return to the classes has also meant the opportunity to meet new people. She added: “I have gained so much from these classes, my health and fitness has improved so much over the past few weeks and this has helped my day-to-day living. I have also met so many lovely like-minded people and I look forward to my classes every week.”
Cabinet member with responsibility for MonLife, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “We never truly understand how much of an impact schemes like the exercise referral scheme can make until we hear stories like Sheila’s. For many others in her situation, doing any sort of physical activity following a serious health condition can be daunting and overwhelming. This initiative is designed to support people through that challenging time and ultimately help them on their journey to recovery. Like Sheila, this scheme not only aids physical recovery but has an huge impact on mental health and confidence. If like Sheila, you have experienced a life-changing health condition or injury, please come and talk to our advisors or your doctors to access this brilliant service.”
People referred to the scheme get access to their respective leisure centre’s fitness suite and swimming pool, access to all NERS/Fit4Life classes, 4,16 and 52 week progress consultations and a free kit bag. The scheme costs £16 per month and can be accessed by contacting MonLife’s Exercise Referral Coordinator on 01633 644800 or by referred by a GP / practice nurse; physiotherapist or dietician.
Following the announcement made bythe First Ministerat 5pmon Saturday 19 December, all MonLife Active Centres are closed as we enter into the Tier 4 Lockdown.
As you are aware following the Welsh Government announcement
on 19th December, all
MonLife Leisure Centres
are now closed while we await a further update from the First Minister at the
end of January. Therefore, we will not
be taking any payment for your membership for the month of January.
Our staff, as well as the
community, are our priority and we would like to thank you for the support that
you have shown MonLife over these last few months. We have received the most amazing feedback
from our customers and we will look forward to welcoming you all back following
the Welsh Government review in January.
Your health and wellbeing is very
important to us and we continue to explore opportunities to ensure that you can
carry on with your wellbeing journey at home.
We have a fantastic NEW product that will allow MonLife members to carry
on training with their favourite instructors and participants they know from
their homes with the NEW MonLife LIVE & ON DEMAND membership. This
membership will give you an exciting Virtual Live group and personal fitness
experience. Please click HERE for further
information.
To keep up to date, follow our social
media accounts, like our Facebook Page, follow our Twitter account and subscribe
to our Youtube
Channel. We
also have a MonLife App – click HERE to download.
Our membership teams are happy to help with any questions you may have so please email monmemberships@monmouthshire.gov.uk or call 01633 644499.
Please take care and ensure that you follow the government
guidelines at all times, click here for more information Alert
level 4 | GOV.WALES
We are pleased to announce that all 4 Leisure Centres are now open, this includes the gym, swimming pool and group exercise classes as well as swimming lessons. For further information please click on the Active section at the top of this page to view the individual Leisure Centres.
MonLife Heritage
We are delighted to announce that we are reopening our museum in Abergavenny and Chepstow from 18th May, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays between 11am and 4pm. We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get our museum and shop ready to welcome you all back through our doors! We cannot wait to see you all!
Please note Monmouth Museum remains closed whilst we continue to work on the collections.
There is no need to book ahead of your visit, you can simply walk in.
Please be aware that we will be limiting the number of visitors allowed in the museum at any one time.
Visitors will need to wear a mask or face covering and follow social distancing whilst in the museum.
Hand sanitiser will be provided at various points throughout the museum.
Visitors will be required to fill in a contact Track & Trace form – all of which are in accordance to Welsh Government Covid guidelines.
Where possible please use card to purchase goods.
Abergavenny Castle grounds will be open daily to the public between 11am and 4pm.
We are also please to announce that Old Station Tintern is now open!
Please see the individual venue and service pages on the website for detailed information.
MonLife Outdoors
Countryside Access sites and public rights of way remain open for use. For a safe and enjoyable visit please follow the guidance and rules which are found here
Our staff, as well as the community, are our priority and we would like to thank you for the support that you have shown MonLife over these last few months. We have received the most amazing feedback from our customers.
To keep up to date, follow our social
media accounts, like our Facebook Page, follow our Twitter account and
subscribe to our Youtube
Channel. We
also have a MonLife App – click HERE to download.
In March 2020 grassroots sport came to a standstill as the global pandemic hit Wales, but it’s at this toughest of times our grassroots clubs, coaches and volunteers became heroes and made Welsh sport really proud. Local clubs, groups and organisations quickly came together at the beginning of the national lockdown to help care for people in their community. You raised money for charities, delivered food parcels to NHS workers, distributed sport equipment to people’s homes and set up online quizzes to help people keep in touch with each other. That’s why, on the 16th December, we will be supporting the National Lottery in dedicating a whole campaign to you! We will dedicate our channels to your inspirational stories to thank you for your kindness and commitment to keeping the nation going, mentally and physically! If you know someone at your club or project who deserves a whole load of recognition on the 16th December – post your story to your social platform, tag us in the post and use the hashtags #ThanksToYou and #NationalLottery We will keep our eyes peeled and be sure to share your post so the whole [insert sport] family can be inspired. We can’t wait to hear how you’ve played your part.
CIL-Y-COED NETBALL CLUB IN SPOTLIGHT FOR KINDNESS
We have been blown away by the commitment, kindness and creativity of netball clubs up and down Wales over the past few months.
Faced with closed courts and lockdown restrictions, you have met these challenges with a positive, can-do attitude that makes Welsh Netball very proud.
This week, we are highlighting the work of Cil-y-Coed Netball Club in Monmouthshire as part of the National Lottery Dedicated To…campaign. A family-run club, Chloe is Head Coach and looks after the youth sides. Her Mum Jill is coach to the under 10s and Ladies team while sister Lauren pitches in when she can.
Of course, lockdown put an end to ordinary training sessions and get togethers but the club was quick to get creative and get online:
“We started with an Easter challenge. Each day for two weeks, members were set a challenge such as how many chest passes can you do in two minutes or how many figure of eights can you do through your legs. They were all a bit of fun but designed to maintain fitness. Our members would post their videos and photos on our social channels so there was a lot of camaraderie.
“Another time, we had a 15-day plan which would include fitness skills and ball skills. It was just something to keep people active and entertained. It helped maintain the sense of belonging at our club.”
When we reached May half term, we asked members to bake and decorate cakes with a netball theme. One member designed an entire netball game out of lego and animated it with stop motion. We have discovered our members have all sorts of skills!,” laughs Chloe.
Chloe may joke but the work undertaken to keep a club together with Zoom quizzes and online content takes time and is typical of netball clubs right across Wales.
The club recently received more than £1000 in National Lottery funding which has been spent on PPE, hand sanitisers, first aid kit and extra equipment so that coaches and players can avoid sharing and cross-contamination:
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all National Lottery players because this funding will allow us to restart safely. It makes us feel more confident to come back and play because we know it will be within a safe environment. It wouldn’t be possible without the National Lottery.”
With the help of National Lottery funding, thousands of grassroots sports workers and volunteers from local clubs and organisations across the UK, have been be able to continue to help the nation to remain active, happy and motivated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million is raised every week for good causes, many of which are supporting the most vulnerable in our communities across the UK during the Coronavirus crisis.
MonLife Active Offers An Exciting Live & On Demand Group & Personal Experience From Your Home. Sign Up Today And Get 6 Months for £29.99.
MonLife members can now train with their favourite instructors and participants they know from their homes with the NEW MonLife LIVE & ON DEMAND membership. This membership will give you an exciting Virtual and Live group and personal fitness experience The Live journey is designed to include social moments at the start and at the end of each class whilst focusing on your training. You will be able to track activities, monitor progress and generate results!
As with any activity performed with the Mywellness app the Live or On Demand classes will generate results that count towards the total daily movement and can be used to track progress over time. If you are wearing Heart Rate devices connected to the Mywellness mobile app, the measurement will be based on each member’s unique HR values.
Alternatively, users can join the class and the results will be based on the intensity set by instructors. We know that you want choice, different types of classes and different styles of instructors at the most convenient time for YOU. You will be able to choose your favourite activity and train at any time.
To register for MonLife Live & On Demand, click here!
Caldicot Castle is set within 55 acres of idyllic Country Park. Founded by the Normans, developed in royal hands as a stronghold in the Middle Ages and restored as a Victorian family home, the castle has a romantic and colourful history. Travel through time from a medieval castle to a Victorian mansion.
The Green Flag Award® scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
The Green Flag Award’s Purpose & Aims
To ensure that everybody has access to quality green and other open spaces, irrespective of where they live.
To ensure that these spaces are appropriately managed and meet the needs of the communities that they serve.
To establish standards of good management.
To promote and share good practice amongst the green space sector.
To recognise and reward the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers.
