Rebecca Perry - Monlife - Page 3

Share your feedback on the existing connections through Abergavenny’s Castle Meadows

Monmouthshire County Council has launched a survey seeking views on how residents would like to use existing paths and access points for Castle Meadows in Abergavenny. 

Plans have been launched that propose improvements to the existing walking and cycling routes across Castle Meadows. This entails resurfacing and widening specific existing routes across Castle Meadows to 3m wide, to make them active travel compliant shared pedestrian/cycle routes. The proposals also include a replacement of the existing footbridge over the River Gavenny, with a new 3m wide, active travel compliant shared pedestrian/cycle bridge. This proposal fits in to the wider Abergavenny active travel scheme, including a new bridge across the River Usk and community connections into Llanfoist and beyond, providing a cohesive network of routes across the settlement. The proposals can be found on the council’s website: Castle Meadows, Abergavenny – The Proposals – Monmouthshire

Each of the proposed new routes, including the upgraded bridges, will be fully lit by low-level lighting. In addition, it is proposed to upgrade the existing gates on entry/exit from Castle Meadows, to make them more accessible to all users. These gates will allow to retain the cattle within Castle Meadows. The biodiversity and ecological sensitivity of Castle Meadows is a key factor in the management of the site and will remain so.  The active travel programme takes these matters very seriously and will be looking to add benefit to the biodiversity of the site as part of the scheme.

Active Travel remains a key priority to Monmouthshire County Council in the response to Climate Change and in line with the Welsh Government Transport Hierarchy. The purpose of Active Travel is to provide a network of routes, initially focusing on the Council’s seven designated localities, to provide opportunities to change shorter car journeys for more active modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and wheeling

Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for Infrastructure, Cllr. Jane Pratt said: “We want as many residents as possible to participate in the survey so we can shape the county’s accessibility in the best way possible. It is extremely important that residents share their thoughts and opinions.”

Cllr. Lisa Dymock, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice said: “Currently, existing routes across Castle Meadows do not comply with current active travel standards, and do not cater for all users, especially those with mobility impairment. These decisions will impact those who use the fields regularly, so residents’ feedback is hugely valuable.”

The survey asks general questions about the way residents usually travel to the area, asking about your experiences in using Castle Meadows and Ysbytty Fields. The survey can be completed online here: Microsoft Forms (office.com). The survey will close on 25th March.

Abergavenny Swimming pool update

Exciting news, Abergavenny pool is back in action!

We’re delighted to announce that Abergavenny Leisure Centre Swimming Pool will re-open today (23rd March).

You no longer need to prebook swimming session, simply come along at your chosen lane swim or public swim time and enjoy!

Additionally, our Aqua Aerobics fitness class will be returning from Tuesday the 29th to help keep you active in a low impact environment. This can be booked online or via the MonLife App.

For our full pool and fitness class timetable visit our website HERE, or via the MonLife App.

Our Learn to Swim programme will also recommence from Monday 4th April, all swimmers on the programme will receive an email from our Aquatics Team shortly with more information.

If your child is attending The Monmouthshire Games this Spring half-term, please ensure they bring their swimming kits with them to enjoy this activity. Not signed up yet? You can register your child’s place here – The Monmouthshire Games – Monlife

Once again we’d like to thank you for your patience and understanding whilst all necessary works were undertaken, and we look forward to seeing you back in the pool.

MonLife Active Team

Thank you

Abergavenny’s £1.7m refurbished leisure centre now open to members

Following its £1.7m refurbishment, Abergavenny leisure centre has opened its doors to the public, revealing a host of new equipment and modern leisure facilities.

The refurbishment of Abergavenny Leisure Centre, which opened on the 4th January 2022, has created a wellness hub over the first floor to create modern leisure facilities for the local community, helping to increase participation in regular physical activity.

The new facilities include:

  • Extended Fitness Suite
  • Dedicated Group Exercise Studio
  • Spin Studio
  • New Fitness Changing Facilities
  • Ground Floor Coffee Vending Offer

Members are advised that due to unforeseen circumstances, the swimming pool at Abergavenny Leisure Centre will be closed during the month of January. Investigatory works are being carried out and updates will be available through MonLife’s website and social media channels soon.

This development follows the successful completion of the project at Monmouth leisure centre, which was completed in 2019. Elected members of Monmouthshire County Council have stated how committed they are to investing in and developing Leisure facilities across our county to support the health and wellbeing of our citizens. The continued investment into Monmouthshire’s leisure facilities will have a significant impact on wellbeing for not only now, but also for future generations.

Councillor Lisa Dymock, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice, said: “It is extremely fulfilling to see the doors open on this exciting project. We are committed to investing in and developing leisure facilities across our county, which has such a positive effect for not only our current residents, but future generations too. Seeing the incredible facilities shows just how hard MonLife have worked. Thank you to everyone for your continued hard work, being a fantastic way to start 2022.”

To celebrate its opening, MonLife Active are offering a membership deal, where members could get a 12-month membership for the price of 9, where more information can be found here: Be Extraordinary – Monlife

Gwent gets ready for Nature Isn’t Neat 2022

Following successful grassland management pilots to improve biodiversity across the Gwent local authorities, this year the Nature Isn’t Neat approach to management is being coordinated to cover wider areas across Gwent, with the mission of making it ‘pollinator friendly’ by allowing more wildflowers to grow in our green spaces.

The project which is to be delivered as part of the Gwent Green Grid Partnership, will engage with local communities across South-East Wales, raising awareness of pollinator decline and encouraging community ownership and empowerment to deliver actions that will help them recover. 

Nature Isn’t Neat will establish a joined-up approach to the management of green spaces, also known as Green Infrastructure (GI), to create wildflower-rich pollinator habitats across 5 local authority areas (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen) An operative’s Code of Action and training programme will be delivered, supporting effective pollinator management within the region.

The project will also contribute to the development of Pollinator Policies for local authorities and other relevant organisations to secure wide scale land enhancement for pollinators, creating resilient ecological networks. 

Activities and events are planned for 2022 to promote wildflower and pollinator management, so look out for further updates on the website(www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/nature-isnt-neat/) or follow on Twitter @Natureisntneat and @Gwentgreengrid for all the latest news.

Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for Climate Emergency, Cllr. Jane Pratt said: “This new year we are delighted to be able to build upon the progress made within each of the local authorities to enhance grassland biodiversity, including Nature Isn’t Neat across Monmouthshire. Pollinators are a vital part of ecosystems; most plants need pollen from another flower to complete their lifecycle and produce fruits and seeds.

Bees, butterflies and many more insects perform this free service, pollinating 88% of wild plants and 75% of global crop species. However, pollinators are in trouble. Since the 1980s, half of all pollinator species have become less widespread, and populations of bees and hoverflies have declined by 30%. While progress has been made, thanks to changes such as our selective mowing policy, there’s still work to be done and this year offers many fantastic opportunities to make a difference.”

Gwent has many species of pollinators which are at risk, including the nationally rare Shrill Carder Bee, which has one of its strongholds on the Gwent Levels.

Changes to help keep flowering species alive for longer, not only provide food and habitats for the pollinators and other species, but also increases water absorption, provides Carbon sequestration, and improves the health of the soil. Research suggests that creating environments which support a wider range of wildlife, benefits people’s health and mental wellbeing, while encouraging them to slow down and enjoy watching flowers, insects and other wildlife.  

Councillor Lisa Dymock, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for Green Infrastructure said: “We are excited about the coordination of the Nature isn’t Neat approach through the Gwent Green Grid Partnership, as this strategy is crucial in response to the decline in biodiversity and challenges of climate change. Using the Nature isn’t Neat approach, the project aims to improve prospects for wildlife, providing crucial stepping stones for species to move between good habitat areas at a regional level.”

This project is part of a series of programmes to be delivered under the Gwent Green Grid Partnership Project, which 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.

Find out more about the Gwent Green Grid at: www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/green-infrastructure/green-infrastructure-partnerships-projects/gwent-green-grid-partnership/

  • Jane Pratt
  • Lisa Dymock

Residents invited to share views on new walking and cycling route proposals in Monmouthshire

Residents are being invited to have their say on proposals for improvements to the local walking and cycling network between Caldicot, Portskewett and Caerwent/Crick. Monmouthshire County Council is currently working with Sustrans Cymru to make local active travel – a term used for journeys with a purpose – in the area accessible, more enjoyable and safer for the whole community, encouraging more journeys to be taken on foot or bicycle instead of by car.

Two new traffic-free routes are being designed: one through Caldicot Castle Grounds and another along the old disused railway line from Portskewett to Caerwent and Crick, focussing on Phase 1 between the castle grounds and the Severn Bridge Industrial Estate.

Sustrans, on behalf of the council, is now seeking ideas and feedback from the people that live, work and travel in the area who could benefit from the proposals, on what they would like to see along the new routes in the future. Ideas might include places to stop and sit, places to play, artwork, local information, items that add local distinctiveness, planting etc. All ideas will be considered and the information given will help inform the next steps of the project.

Residents can share their ideas and feedback by visiting the project website hosted by Sustrans: www.sustrans.info/CaldicotLinks The survey will be available online for four weeks until 20th February 2022. Paper versions can be obtained by contacting Sustrans Cymru by phoning their office on 029 2065 0602, emailing: caldicot@sustrans.org or writing to them at Sustrans Cymru, 123 Bute Street, CF10 5AE.

MonLife celebrates it’s 2nd year promoting a healthier and more inspiring Monmouthshire

This month, Monmouthshire County Council is celebrating MonLife’s second year of promoting healthier lives and inspirational experiences, promoting the vibrancy of Monmouthshire as a wonderful place to be.

For more information on the amazing achievements of MonLife please click on our 2nd Birthday Infographic above

As part of its celebrations, MonLife, which delivers leisure, youth and outdoor education, green infrastructure, countryside access, arts, museums, attractions and destination management services across the county, has reflected on many of its key achievements in what’s been a challenging period.

Launching in January 2020 and at a time of uncertainty, MonLife has continued to provide services during restrictions and has adapted to make sure it was fit for purpose to ensure residents were still able to access services to help with their health and wellbeing.

The aims of MonLife are to enrich people’s lives through participation and activity, build strong communities in Monmouthshire and develop leadership skills for future generations. In the last two years, it’s been able to achieve these aims by attracting 863,000 visits to the four Monmouthshire leisure centres for physical activity, including over 2,000 children in the learn to swim programme. This has also included the provision of pre-recorded fitness videos from MonLife instructors, including Tai Chi, Yoga, HiiT and sports challenges to keep people active during the lockdowns.

Over 2498 children had the opportunity to take part in The Monmouthshire Games (TMG) in just 73 days of activity, The Games have also reached over 9,300 attendances over 73 days.  TMG will once again be returning for February Half Term and future school holidays across the four leisure centres.  

MonLife has delivered a wide and varied holiday provision for children and young people over the 2-year period.  This has included TMG, School Holiday Enrichment Programme and Open Access Play Sessions to name just a few.  During this period, we have supported 1153 vulnerable children providing a safe and enjoyable space over the school holidays.

MonLife Active, which operates the four leisure centres in Monmouthshire located in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth, has also continued to develop its sites and invested 2.5 million in services to ensure residents have access to a range of modern equipment and facilities.  Abergavenny Leisure Centre was part of this investment and opened on the 4th January 2022, creating a wellness hub over the first floor to create modern leisure facilities for the local community helping to increase participation in regular physical activity.

MonLife Connecthas worked incredibly hard over the last two years, connecting the community together throughout the pandemic.  The closing of youth centres meant youth workers stayed in touch with local young people through outreach and digital programmes, which included making time for chats and helping to run outdoor activities.  Young people could also stay connected via social media channels like Facebook and Instagram, as well as youth workers providing digital 1 to 1 support. Friendly Friday sessions were introduced, which included a wide range of topics that mattered to young people, including autism and voting.  86% of young people who were engaged in these projects perceived an improvement in two or more areas of their mental health/emotional well-being, which reflects on the importance of this service.  Our Sports Development team created online physical activity opportunities to support physical and mental health throughout the pandemic.

MonLife Heritage have also reached successful milestones in the last two years, with over 53,000 visitors, and over 200 hours of volunteering across Monmouthshire museums, and a combination of over 300,000 visitors across heritage sites in Monmouthshire.  Whilst keeping communities up to date with key facts and information on Museum collections and heritage sites on social media there was also access to live online historical lectures during the pandemic.  

MonLife Outdoors milestones included £2,912,000 worth of funding which was secured to deliver Biodiversity, Green Infrastructure and Active Travel projects for 2021.  658 young people from across Monmouthshire were involved in an expedition as part of their DofE award and 330 new young people were recruited from Monmouthshire’s comprehensive schools.

MonLife Creative engaged in activities with 700 older people and people living with dementia who have benefitted from using MonLife’s Reminiscence boxes which can be hired from Monmouth Museum.  The team also worked with 1564 children and young people.

This also marks the 2-year anniversary of MonLife taking a leading role in Active Travel for Monmouthshire County Council.  During this period, we have been successful in securing in excess of 4 million in grant funding and worked on 49 projects to help create an environment to increase walking and cycling levels.

Praising MonLife for its excellent contributions, Councillor Lisa Dymock, with responsibility for MonLife said: “The team have worked tirelessly over the first two years to deliver services to our communities. It has been a testing time, but we have a tremendous sense of pride in what has been achieved through all our teams’ endeavours and hard work. We are planning for 2022 to be an even better year, considering how we can enhance our services by consultations and listening to residents’ ideas.”

Ian Saunders, Chief Operating Officer “I would just like to thank our customers and teams who contribute each day to being part of MonLife services and programmes, we are all so very proud of the outcomes they deliver”

If you would like the chance to win some fantastic MonLife prizes please click HERE

For more information about the work MonLife is doing in Monmouthshire, please visit:  Home – Monlife

Abergavenny Leisure Centre Swimming Pool Closure

Please be advised that due to ongoing technical difficulties the swimming pool at Abergavenny Leisure Centre will be closed during the month of January.

Investigatory works are being carried out and we will look to update you further on the situation as it develops through our MonLife website and social media channels.

We would like to remind you that MonLife have 3 other centres across Monmouthshire all with swimming pools that you can use as either part of your membership or pay as you go at Monmouth, Chepstow and Caldicot.  For further information, please visit www.monlife.co.uk.

If your child is currently on our Learn to Swim programme at Abergavenny Leisure Centre then there will be no payment taken in January.

If you have an Aqua membership with MonLife your account will be frozen but if you wish to use the other centres then you will need to contact the membership team by emailing monmemberships@monmouthshire.gov.uk to unfreeze your account.

Although the swimming pool will be unavailable for use during the month of January all other facilities at the centre including the gym, classes etc will be operating as normal during this time.

We would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support and will ensure that the works are completed as quickly as possible.

Thank you

Monmouthshire museums project ensures relevance of its collections to the community

Photo1: Cllr. Lisa Dymock.

Photo2:   The project enabled the team to find out more about this 17th century spoon from the Skirrid Inn in Llanvihangel Crucorney

A project to review Monmouthshire’s extensive museum collections, started in April 2020, has been moving forward apace. It comes as similar projects looking ensure collections are relevant to local communities takes place at museums across the UK.

The Collection Review Project 2020-2022 has given MonLife museums the opportunity to discover more about the objects and their connection to Monmouthshire’s story. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has enabled staff to develop a more sustainable way of caring for collections. One of the aims of the project is look into the costs of long-term storage and conservation, and to ensure that resources are used appropriately.

The process has identified some objects within collections without a clear connection to Monmouthshire and these will now be offered to alternative homes. Items identified for removal will find a place in an appropriate UK museum in the first instance, a learning establishment or a relevant community organisation, with those left over sold at public auction. Money raised from sales will be used to conserve the museum collections.   Museums in Torfaen, Blaenavon and Hereford are among the museums we have transferred artefacts to.  For example, Y Gaer in Brecon, received a late 19th Century engraved walking stick which belonged to the Vicar of Llywel in Brecknockshire.

Cabinet member with responsibility for MonLife Museums, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “As a local history museum service we want to focus our area on prioritising objects that are related to Monmouthshire people, businesses, communities and industries.  After careful thought and research by the museum team, and in-line with professional and ethical standards, some are being removed from our collection.”

This process is already having a positive impact on the museum’s work.  By removing artefacts which are not part of the Monmouthshire story and reorganising stores, museum colleagues are able to create much needed physical space which will allow for the collection of contemporary objects telling the story of events, people, and communities in today’s Monmouthshire.  Staff are also conducting physical checks to assess the condition of objects and their potential for use in future exhibitions.

Many duplicate or generic historic items, while having been removed from the formal museum collections have now found a new home with MonLife’s Learning Team, providing a wonderful resource for handling, reminiscence and outreach initiatives.  In addition, research into collections has resulted in the discovery and re-discovery of fascinating tales and material. One artefact discovered was an antique spoon. After looking through documentation dating back to the 1960s, the project team discovered that it came from the Skirrid Mountain Inn in Llanvihangel Crucorney and dates from the 17th century. Being able to conduct this research enabled to team to reunite this object with its story.

Councillor Dymock added: “I’m very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its support to enable our museum service to undergo this very valuable exercise.  It’s provided a very welcome boost to our learning and research, freed up valuable space in our museum stores and uncovered some fascinating stories as well as benefitting other museums who have been able to add to their collections.”

Monmouth’s Shire Hall welcomes ‘Wales and The Battle Of Britain’ touring exhibition

 

Photographs: Monmouth Mayor Terry Christopher, Chair of Monmouthshire County Council Mat Feakins, Air Commodore Adrian Williams OBE; Cllr Lisa Dymock, Monmouthshire County Council’s Armed Forces Ambassador, Air Commodore Adrian Williams OBE and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Prof. Simon Gibson CBE.

The Royal Air Force’s ‘Wales and the Battle of Britain’ free exhibition has arrived in Monmouth’s historic Shire Hall (from Friday 26th November 2021) and tells the story of Welsh service personnel that took part in the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940, a pivotal battle of the Second World War.

The exhibition was officially opened on Wednesday 1st December by Air Commodore Adrian Williams, with Squadron Leader John Dunn, and was attended by Monmouthshire County Council Leader Cllr Richard John, Monmouth Town Mayor Terry Christopher, Chair of Monmouthshire County Council Mat Feakins, Monmouthshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion Cllr. Lisa Dymock and representatives from the Armed Forces and emergency services, amongst others.

Countless Gwent service men and women served during the Second World War, including John Bedford Kendal whose story can be discovered in the exhibition. John was a pilot from Chepstow. After joining the RAF in 1939, he began flying Spitfires operationally in September 1940. In the following month he was shot down, sustaining injuries after force-landing his plane. He was back in action within a month helping to defend the country from Nazi fighter planes and bombers. He went on to volunteer to help protect Arctic Convoys to supply Russia. In April 1942 he shot down an enemy bomber, but he tragically died of injuries he received when he had to bail out of his plane. John Bedford Kendal’s story is just one of countless stories of courage and sacrifice told within ‘Wales and the Battle of Britain’.

The Wales and the Battle of Britain Exhibition was created by the RAF’s Air Historical Branch (Dr Lynsey Shaw), together with Air Commodore Williams, to commemorate Wales’ contribution to victory in the Battle of Britain. It was originally planned to be launched in 2020, but had to be postponed many times due to the pandemic. Although now in the 81st anniversary year of the Battle of Britain, it was decided to go ahead with the planned exhibition launch, particularly as the Wales story had never before been told before as a single complete story to a Welsh audience.  

Monmouthshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr. Lisa Dymock said: “It is a great honour for Monmouthshire’s Shire Hall to be able to host this touring exhibition. The selfless courage and sacrifice of all service personnel must never be forgotten. The Battle of Britain was one of the pivotal moments in the Second World War. It is down to those brave pilots, the ground crews, and all those who supported them that the Battle of Britain was won and the threat of invasion was removed. I would encourage people of all ages to visit this exhibition while it is in Monmouth, it is both incredibly interesting and poignant. I would like to thank  Squadron Leader John Dunn and the RAF for bringing the exhibition to our county.”

Air Commodore Adrian Williams, who officially opened the exhibition, said; “ I am delighted that, following on from the national opening of the Wales and the Battle of Britain exhibition in Cardiff, the exhibition is now going on tour around Wales, giving everyone the chance to see it. I am especially pleased that we have been able to link up with schools across Wales so that Welsh children are able to find out not just about one of the defining battles of the Second World War, but also about the extraordinary contribution of Welsh men and women serving in RAF Fighter Command 81 years ago.” 

Squadron Leader John Dunn, whose task is to coordinate and take the exhibition around Wales, said: “The exhibition is fully booked to the end of 2021 and I am getting numerous requests to host the exhibition in 2022, ranging from large aviation museums to many Local Authorities. I’ve even had a request to host the exhibition in a town shopping centre. Its proving to be extremely popular.”  

The ‘Wales and the Battle of Britain’ free exhibition can be viewed during the Shire Hall’s opening hours, between 11am and 4pm, every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday until December 21st.

Highly-anticipated new inclusive play park in Monmouth officially opens to families

A highly anticipated nature-friendly play park has officially opened in Chippenham Fields in Monmouth, providing a new accessible and safe place for families to enjoy.

The new play park officially opened on Monday 25th of October with a special ceremony at the site. It follows years of hard work and planning by Monmouthshire County Council and partners to develop a new and appropriate location. The play area has been designed and installed as part of the council’s move away from traditional metal equipment to the use of more natural products made from sustainable hardwoods, and a greater proportion of inclusive equipment for children with disabilities and other support needs. The playground is now situated in a much more central position, which makes it more accessible and a safer place for children to play.

The official opening was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by families and children, Monmouthshire cabinet members, Monmouthshire County Council Chairman, representatives from the Monmouth Rotary Club and members from Friends of Chippenham Mead group. The official opening gave families a first chance look at the new site and the opportunity to try the equipment.

The process for establishing the play area on Chippenham Mead started back in 2014 when the council was allocated Section 106 funding of £85,000 to renovate the existing play area on the green, or to relocate it to another position. Initially, the council was looking to refurbish the play area in its existing location next to the A40 dual carriageway but following extensive representations by a wide range of local people and the Friends of Chippenham Mead, the council’s Cabinet decided to relocate the play area to its new position away from the noise and traffic fumes generated by vehicles using the adjoining main road.

Despite the project being many years in the making, and while permission and consents were were obtained, the council were able to draw in additional S106 funding and generous grants from Monmouth Town Council and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The expected total cost of the works will be £156,000. This includes provision for the eventual reinstating of the old play area to its natural state as part of the green.

Speaking at the official opening, cabinet member for open spaces, Councillor Jane Pratt said: “This new playground follows years of extensive work by Monmouthshire County Council and partners and is a testament to our commitment to providing inclusive spaces that everyone can enjoy. It’s been wonderful seeing families and children enjoy the new equipment today. It’s an area that not only provides a fun place to visit but the wooden play equipment fits perfectly with the environment while encouraging play through the exploration of nature.”

Adding further comments, Councillor Lisa Dymock, Cabinet Member Community Wellbeing and Social Justice said: “Providing our communities with spaces just like this is important in helping our children learn through play and sparking their adventurous sides. This space has been carefully crafted to ensure the needs of all residents, no matter their ability, can be met. I would like to thank Monmouth Town Council, Friends of Chippenham Mead, the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the general public for their continued support throughout the process.”

In addition to the renewal of the Chippenham play area, this year the council will renew the play areas at King’s Fee, Goldwire Lane and Hendre Close and will also be undertaking extensive works to many of the smaller play areas on the Rockfield Estate to create a number of community nature spaces, which include new landscape features and some wild play elements.

When all these works have been completed, the council will have spent over £420,000 on the various fixed play sites in Monmouth in the 2021/22 financial year.