Joel Hamer – Page 6 – Monlife

Welsh Government Introduces Firebreak Lockdown

Dear MonLife Customer,

Following on from the announcement made by the Welsh Government to introduce the ‘Firebreak’ we will be re-opening all MonLife facilities from Monday 9th November.

Unfortunately, however, following the announcement made by the UK Government on Monday 2nd Nov, we are unable to facilitate any bookings from our customers currently residing in England during the month long national lockdown starting from Thursday 5th November. All members affected will have their memberships automatically frozen during this time. We hope you stay active and safe during this difficult time and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Please follow our daily countdown posts on social media for updates and ensure that you always follow the Welsh Government Guidelines. 

The areas that remain open for local use during the ‘Firebreak’ include all countryside sites, Caldicot Castle Country Park (toilets will be open 10 am – 4:30 pm), the grounds at Old Station Tintern (toilets will be closed) and Abergavenny Castle Grounds as well as car parks and play areas in Monmouthshire.

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 on the 9th November.

If you have made any bookings please bear with us as we will be in touch with you, however, if your query is urgent then please call the relevant MonLife venue.

Your health and wellbeing are very important to us and we will continue to explore opportunities to ensure that you can carry on with your wellbeing journey at home. Please visit our MonLife Health and Wellbeing hub https://www.monlife.co.uk/monlife-health-wellbeing-hub/ for further information. Here you will also find over 140 fitness sessions for you to do at home. Les Mills On Demand is also still available with over 1000 online workouts including Body Pump, Yoga and RPM that members can try for free for 30 days, then pay a reduced monthly fee of £7.94 per month 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 the MonLife app which you can download from the Apple and Play store now https://claritylive.myfitapp.de/a/8HRD?p=5?pv=1

Our customers, partners and colleague’s safety and wellbeing are at the heart of what we do. Please stay safe and try to stay as active as possible, we have some amazing places for you to explore in your local area by clicking here but please adhere to the Government guidelines to protect the NHS and save lives.

Memberships

We would like to reassure you that you do not need to do anything we will arrange any alteration to your November direct debit payment to reflect opening up on the 9th November and the days lost in between.

Swimming Lessons

As with the memberships, your swimming lesson direct debit will be amended to reflect the time lost during the ‘Firebreak’.

Our membership teams are happy to help with any questions you may have so please email monmemberships@monmouthshire.gov.uk or call 01633 644499.

As a valued customer we would like to thank you for your continued support, we will be dealing with a high volume of calls so please bear with us. For further updates please follow us on social media, download our MonLife app or visit www.MonLife.co.uk.

We would also like to extend our thanks to all the NHS Heroes, carers and keyworkers keeping us safe and looked after during this time.

We look forward to seeing you all again on the 9th November.

Stay safe, protect the NHS and save lives.

Countryside Sites And Public Rights Across Monmouthshire Soar 400% As Residents Enjoy The Outdoors

Figures from our counters show that there has been a dramatic increase (400% on Wales Coast Path) in the use of our sites and public rights of way since lockdown. Unfortunately, this increased usage has also come at a price of a rise in anti-social behaviour with more litter and problems with dogs. We are working on a campaign to promote responsible behaviour and safe outdoor recreation with Brecon Beacons National Park, National Trust, Cadw and Welsh Water. To help Natural Resources Wales have launched a new countryside code.

Only 1 route in Monmouthshire remains closed under COVID regulations but remains under constant review. Our web page “Stay Active, Stay Safe” is being constantly updated to reflect any changes. We have also updated our website to include the final Countryside Access Improvement Plan, our Delivery Plan and Countryside Access Policy, Protocol and Operational Management Report.

With our colleagues in Highways and Planning, Countryside Access is working in partnership with the National Trust and we are promoting the use of Fairfield Car Park in Abergavenny as an alternative to the Llanwenarth car park, to seek to minimise issues at that honeypot arrival point. The National Trust is finalising a new Sugar Loaf path guide to assist. Also, waymarkers have been sprayed on the pavements for the public to follow.
The team has been busy inspecting and ensuring our promoted routes are safe to use and we are pleased that we have now been able to assist The Narth Footpath Group to restart its activities to help with this. “Friends of Castle Meadows” have also returned and increased their usual task days, carrying out essential hog weed surveys and other environmental tasks. Their work has contributed to Castle Meadows Countryside Site in Abergavenny, being awarded a coveted Green Flag Award.

We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a new improvement grant, by Welsh Government, of £83,412. The funding is being spent on materials for Penallt Volunteer Group to improve paths which will then help them promote a series of local walks. A new bridge and signage improvements are also being purchased to provide a new circular route in Llanfair Kilgeddin. Other funding is being spent to improve accessibility on routes at Llanbadoc, Undy and Rogiet Country Park, along with a new recycled boardwalk at Mathern and Shirenewton. Other funding for on-going maintenance and improvement projects has also been obtained for the Wales Coast Path and Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail and also for two Active Travel projects. Watch out for more information on these projects in next month’s newsletter and on social media as they evolve.

“Many thanks for enabling our Footpath Group to restart its activities. We had a good first working group on Friday with five volunteers and the new arrangements worked very well. Thank you for keeping them straightforward and practical and trusting us to get on with the job.

We have plenty more work to do over the coming months and look forward to when we might be able to set up some working groups with the wardens again to deal with some of the bigger tasks.”

Brian Mahony The Narth Footpath Group

Destination Management in Monmouthshire

The coronavirus pandemic, following shortly after February’s severe floods, hit Monmouthshire’s tourism and hospitality businesses particularly badly so we’ve been busy supporting their recovery.

We have launched a new town and village ambassador pilot programme in partnership with MCC, local town and community councils, GAVO, and Volunteering for Well-being. Ambassadors are already out and about in Abergavenny and Tintern ready to welcome residents and visitors and signposting them to local shops, services and attractions.* If you’re interested in becoming an ambassador click on the links to register your interest for Abergavenny and Tintern.

Most of Monmouthshire’s tourism businesses, including accommodation and attractions have also reopened. We’re encouraging visitors to look out for the ‘We’re Good to Go’ tourism and hospitality industry kitemark for reassurance that the business is following government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and physical distancing.

We’re also encouraging visitors to look at our Plan your Visit page before they set off and check the things they want to see and do are open and where facilities like toilets are available. Many of our attractions need booking in advance such as our newly reopened museums located in Abergavenny, Chepstow and Monmouth, and staffed Cadw sites at Chepstow and Raglan castles and Tintern Abbey.

For more ideas on what to see and do in the area, check out the Visit Monmouthshire website.

For more information, the full role description, criteria and applications visit:
Tintern Ambassador Pilot Programme
Abergavenny Ambassador Pilot Programme

MonLife Outdoor Adventure

The Adventure ahead

Undy Primary school were one of the last school groups to attended Gilwern Outdoor Education Centre before the lockdown restrictions were introduced. 44 smiling faces appeared on Wednesday morning full of anticipation and a dash fear about the adventurous program Mr Jones and I had planned and for many the first few nights away from home. Caving, canoeing, forest skills and a session in the high ropes were planned over the two and a half-day residential so it was busy from the start.

Beds made, sandwiches packed, equipment issued and they were off to the beautiful locations that surround the centre and over the next few days’ memories and experiences are made that stay with you for a lifetime.
I can always tell how a school group is engaging by the instructors’ feedback and as normal Undy were fantastic. The staff pride themselves on supporting and encouraging individuals when it’s needed but also allowing those who require that extra challenge the chance to test their abilities. For one young person just putting on the climbing harness and being on the wall is a massive achievement as is racing to the top as many time as possible for another. This is where the skill and experience of the staff are required and that’s why when outdoor learning is done correctly, it’s so positive for the development of pupils and translates back into the classroom and life. I look forward to the day when we can start delivering adventurous outdoor activities and seeing those smiling faces again.

The Adventurer seeker “I enjoyed this trip it showed that I could do much more than my belief. The caving was very fun because I can challenge myself, forest fun was good because I could learn to survive and canoeing was fun because we learnt how to save someone if their boat sunk. All around Gilwern was a life-changing experience. I am very thankful that we went. I enjoyed caving the most because I learnt not to give up and I tried things that I hadn’t done before”

Undy Pupil

Celebrating Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs

Over the last few months during this very different period, MonLife were able to demonstrate how they can collaborate effectively to deliver programs that positively impact young people in Monmouthshire.

At the start of the summer holidays MonLife we asked to provide a program for children aged 5-12 to access daily activities. In normal circumstances, The Monmouthshire Games is usually delivered within the four MonLife leisure centres. However, due to the pandemic, it required an adapted program to be devised and collaborative work.

With the help of services from sports development, youth service and leisure the Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs were developed. It was essential that the program had a variety of activities, risk assessed and following government guidelines to keep the children and staff safe.

“The Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs were a perfect example of MonLife employees coming together to provide a great experience for our young people. The feedback from the parents and children was positive and they enjoyed being able to interact with their friends from school as well as creating new friendships. We hope this gave the children some form of normality before going back to school in September”. – Sports development officer

The expertise of people within these services created a variety of activities for the children to complete from team building games, sports to arts and crafts. The impact of this program positively affected young people in Monmouthshire and in some instances it was the first opportunity that children had to reengage with others since the lockdown. The Hubs provided a safe environment for children to be able to interact and socialise together, which is reflected in the feedback gathered during the summer.

The delivery of the hubs also provided the parents and carers in the community with a scheme that they can trust and they can restart some normality of work. In addition to this, it provided staff with the opportunity to return to the workplace and reengage with the community.

Following on from the success of the Summer Activity Hubs we are very excited to announce that The Monmouthshire Games will be returning this October Half Term. Keep an eye out on our social media for the latest news and to register your interest as there will be limited spaces available!

MonLife Heritage Museums Welcomes Back Customers

We are delighted to announce that all the museums across MonLife are open again. Chepstow Museum and Monmouth Museum will be open Tuesdays 11 am-2 pm and Saturdays 1 pm-4 pm, whilst Abergavenny Museum will be open Thursdays 11 am-2 pm and Sundays 1 pm-4 pm.

During the summer we spoke to staff and carried out a survey, which was answered by over 170 people to find out what we could do to make visitors and staff comfortable when visiting the museums.

Visits are on a free pre-booked basis only and are for 45-minute slots. One slot is available for a group of up to 6 people from the same household or bubble. We have divided each of the museums into timed zones and during your visit, your group and a member of staff will be the only people within this zone.

We have various safety measures in place. Hand sanitiser is a requirement at the point of entry and staff will be cleaning throughout. All staff and visitors will be required to wear face coverings.

We are really pleased to be opening our shops and whilst we have been closed we have reviewed our offer which means there is currently a sale on in all the museum shops, so please take the opportunity to come and pick up a bargain. Please note we are only accepting card payments.

I would be pleased to see the staff again; they are always pleasant and it adds to the trip.

Customer Feedback

For full information on what your visit will look like and to book tickets with us, go to https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/things-to-do/museums.aspx We will also be posting any available slots on the day outside the museums.

Our staff are all looking forward to welcoming you back to our sites.

We are thrilled to be re-opening the museums. Communicating the heritage of Monmouthshire to our visitors is what we are about and being able to do that face to face, in a safe way, is something we are all really pleased to do once more.

Rachael Rogers, Museums and Arts Manager

Art History Online from MonLife Heritage Museums

Georgia O’Keeffe

Monday September 6th 2-3.30pm

Online lecture via Zoom

To Book: www.visitmonmouthshire.com/okeeffe

So, join us for an exploration of one of the dominant artists of her generation, Georgia O’Keeffe was a major figure in 20th century American art for seven decades. Staying true to her own vision, and yet a key part of the development of Modernism in the USA, O’Keeffe is best known for her paintings of magnified flowers, animal skulls, and New Mexico desert landscapes. With exceptional observation, O’Keeffe created startling, detailed images drawn from her experience of living in New York and in the barren deserts of the American South West. Our 90-minute online lecture will look at the life and work of this extraordinary artist.

You can join from wherever you are in the world! So tell interested friends and family.

  • Only one booking per household is necessary.
  • Price for this 90 minute talk, is £7.50
  • Booking will close at 4pm on Sunday 5th September.

With exceptional observation, O’Keeffe created startling, detailed images drawn from her experience of living in New York and in the barren deserts of the American South West. Our 90-minute online lecture will look at the life and work of this extraordinary artist.

  • Image: Georgia O’Keefe, Blue and Green Music, 1919-21, The Art Institute of Chicago

MonLife Active Develop Digital Channels During Lockdown To Keep Residents Active And Engaged

Following the closure of MonLife Leisure Centres on the 20th March we decided to go digital to ensure our customers could continue their journey with us.

MonLife Active Fitness Instructors started recording Classes and Workouts such as Yoga, Tai Chi and HIIT and sharing them via the newly formed MonLife YouTube channel which now has more than 150 classes, and can be viewed at any time for FREE https://www.youtube.com/c/MonLife/videos 

“Your well-being workouts have been a huge part of keeping me feeling rooted and connected to our old lives. Thank you team”

The digital platforms started to develop quickly and enabled the staff to use Zoom classes as the platform for customer interaction and coaching element that both members and instructors enjoy so much, with 3 classes being offered each day with a post-class Coffee Catch Up. 

The MonLife Active NERS Team also wanted to support people in the local community by organising a fundraiser using Zoom classes to support people living with Mental Health in Wales during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which raised £619.00 

Additionally, using the Technogym My Wellness App “Stay at Home” Physical Activity Challenge, which provided new workouts every day and a Walk/Run The Monmouthshire Way Challenges were created to provide support and motivation to over 200 members while they waited for our centres to re-open.   

“Thank you guys, all of you at Monmouth leisure centre have gone above and beyond. Truly amazing people”

We look forward to finding new and innovative ways to stay in contact with the members of our community to keep supporting both their physical and mental wellbeing. 

We have also launched our brand new MonLife App, keep up to date with news, timetables, activities and more, simply download it from the Apple or Play store. Your Leisure Centre in your pocket!

Welsh Government Announcement: Facemasks

Customer Announcement

Following on from the recent announcement made by Welsh Government, please be advised that customers and staff using all MonLife facilities will have to wear a facemask from Monday 14th September.

If you have visited one of our MonLife facilities, you will see that we have put measures in place to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. More than ever, we need to ensure that everyone is adhering to these measures, especially the 2-metre social distancing rule and washing your hands.

Take a look at the video below of Monmouth Leisure Centre, this will give you an idea of what to expect in all of our MonLife facilities.

These are very different times for us all and we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

It is recognised that there may be a variety of reasons e.g. physical or mental illness, disability or impairment that prevents someone from being able to wear a face covering. In such circumstances, the Welsh Government advise people to carry information, which demonstrates, why they are unable to wear a face covering, e.g. a prescription or hospital letter relating to a medical condition.

For more information, please click here ? https://gov.wales/face-coverings-guidance-public

If you have any questions then please email monmemberships@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Thank you for your continued support.

MonLife Active Plan To Reopen Leisure Centres

Following the Welsh Governments announcement on Friday 31st July, we are thrilled to announce all 4 MonLife Leisure Centres in Monmouthshire will begin to reopen on Monday the 10th August. We are working hard to mobilise our teams and open facilities and welcome our valued customers back.

Our staff are working tirelessly preparing your facilities, we want to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable. We will share these plans with you in the coming days so that you can see exactly what we have been doing and what to expect on your next visit.

 We look forward to seeing you very soon.

“We are delighted by the Welsh Government‘a announcement today giving our hardworking MonLife team the green light to begin reopening our leisure centre facilities from Monday 10th August.

“The lockdown has really taken its toll on people’s mental and physical health so the ability to take part in a wide range of leisure activities will be welcomed by many of our residents.

“I’d like to thank our leisure centre customers for their patience and support during this difficult time and we look forward to welcoming you back.”

Quote from Richard John, Monmouthshire elected member for Leisure and Education.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) to #MakeYourComeback. Click the link to find out more.