Half term fun as the Jubilee weekend approaches

Half term fun as the Jubilee weekend approaches

There are plenty of fun events and inspiration for days out in Monmouthshire this coming half term, many of which are free.

Monmouthshire County Council’s MonLife, which runs many of the county’s museums, attractions and leisure centres is offering a chance to make Brilliant Banners and Super Scrapbooks. Families can create their own family banner using printmaking techniques or make a scrapbook to collect and preserve all favourite keepsakes and memories. It’s messy fun for all the family so do take along an old shirt or apron. There’s no need to book but children must be accompanied by an adult.  Suitable for children 4 years and above. The sessions run from 11am – 3pm on the following days: Monday 30^th May at Shire Hall, Monmouth; Tuesday 31^st May at Abergavenny Museum; Wednesday 1^st June at Chepstow Drill Hall.

Monmouthshire County Council’s new cabinet member for Inclusive and Active Communities, Cllr Sara Burch said: “This is a truly historic half term holiday with its four-day celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. After the past two years of extremely restricted social events due to the pandemic, Monmouthshire’s communities will undoubtedly enjoy the opportunity to come together and celebrate with friends, family and neighbours. I am pleased to also see so many fantastic fun, free activities planned across our leisure centres, museums and Community Hubs for this coming week.”

Monmouthshire’s Community Hubs are hosting some special free activities as well. On Monday 30^th May, Chepstow Hub is asking children (4-8yrs) to help them celebrate the occasion by decorating special jubilee bunting and join in a special story time, from 2pm. The following day, on Tuesday 31st, also at 2pm, Chepstow Hub is hosting a Baby Rhyme Time for babies. Caldicot Hub is also hosting Baby Rhyme Time on Tuesday 31^st May, between 10.30am-11am, followed from 3pm-4pm by a Decorate a Jubilee Bookmark and Royal Themed Story Time for ages 4-8 years.

At Usk Hub there’s a free Story Time and Crown Craft session at 10.30am on 1^st June for children up to the age of 7 years. At Abergavenny’s Hub there will be a free Jubilee Stories and Crafts day on 1^st June, with children of all ages welcome between 10.15am-10.45am and 2.15pm-2.45pm. Monmouth Hub is also offering free fun, with a Baby Rhyme Time from 10.30am-10.50am on Monday 30^th May, and a Queen’s Hat and Making A Crown session from 11am on Wednesday 1^st June for ages 4-7years. Gilwern Hub is also hosting a free Drop-In Craft and Colouring opportunity on Tuesday 31^st May and Wednesday 1^st June.

The Monmouthshire Games returns for more action packed half-term fun from 30^th May – 1^st June (8am-5pm; £21 per day) for children aged 5-11 years. There are new activities to try each day, learn new skills and make new friends. Call 01633 644800 or visit https://www.monlife.co.uk/monactive/childrens-activities/the-monmouthshire-games/ to book.

At Monmouth Leisure Centre there’s a Queen’s Jubilee Afternoon Tea Party for children on 1^st June., from 4pm-6pm. There will be sandwiches, cake and fruit and celebrations galore. To book a place phone 01633 644800 (£6 per child). Tintern’s Old Station will also be open for visitors, as usual from 11am to 4pm daily.

For more half-term inspiration take a look at the VisitMonmouthshire.com website which is packed with inspiring ideas for days out across the county, many of them with a Royal theme, such as Jubilee Party Racenight at Chepstow Racecourse on Saturday 4^th June (4pm-9pm), a special garden party at Raglan Castle (4^th and 5^th June) and the Welsh Cider and Perry Festival is taking place at Caldicot Castle between 2^nd and 5^th June.

All this, plus countless community events will make this half term truly memorable. If you’re planning a community street party to celebrate the jubilee, the message this year is “ditch the disposables” and not buy single-use tableware. There’s are environmentally friendly alternatives, such as encouraging visitors to each bring their own plate and cup, or borrowing party sets from one of the Library of Things (benthyg-cymru.org) or perhaps buy a pre-loved selection of china tableware from one of the Reuse Shops. Based in Llanfoist and Five Lanes recycling centres, the shops sell second-hand essentials at bargain prices and the profits go to tree planting in the county. They’re open from 10am-3pm on Tuesdays (Llanfoist) and Wednesdays (Five Lanes).

First Minister celebrates 10 years of the Wales Coastal Path with visit to Chepstow

The Wales Coastal Path is celebrating its tenth anniversary this week, with celebrations beginning with First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, meeting with local walkers, artists and pupils in Chepstow on Thursday 11^th May.

With Chepstow being the official start (or finish) of the Coastal Path, Mark Drakeford met with local walkers and creatives in the town after being greeted by pupils of the Dell Primary school. The 870-mile (1,400 km) long-distance walking trail runs from the Welsh border near Chester to Chepstow, connecting historic coastal trails, such as Anglesey, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

Award winning broadcaster and National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn wrote a poem especially for the milestone, naming it ‘A Wales Coast Path Blessing’. The poem was presented by Ifor at Thursday’s event just after the First Minister unveiled a bespoke, handcrafted bench designed by Tony Bonnici from Newport Wrought Ironwork, which celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the Coastal Path.

Thursday’s event in Chepstow also showcased art installations from local artists Sheila Moya Harris and Toby Garratt, showcasing examples of seal sculptures, linking to the importance of the environment along Wales Coastal Path. The sculptures will be exhibited by the riverside in Chepstow as part of the Festival of Arts on July 16^th, and then placed on a seal trail around the town’s landmarks for the rest of the year.

Year 2 pupils from the Dell Primary School gave a delightful performance of Penblwydd Hapus/Happy Birthday to celebrate the 10-year milestone, accompanied with handmade cakes made from Chepstow School’s year 9 ‘Bake off’ winners.

The Wales Coast Path has made it easier than ever to explore Wales’ coastline. In Monmouthshire, you can enjoy the trail in short sections or walk the whole 14-mile (22km) length from Chepstow to Magor. Black Rock is a popular spot along the Coastal Path as it offers spectacular views of the Severn Bridge and the Prince of Wales Bridge, and a peaceful spot to enjoy picnics and bird watching.

A year-long programme of events and activities celebrating the Wales Coast Path will take place throughout 2022, including walking festivals, virtual challenges and art installations. Since its opening in 2012, the Wales Coast Path has established itself as a beacon of our nation’s natural beauty. The path guides walkers along Wales’ picturesque coastline, weaving its way past a hundred beaches and 16 castles.

First Minister Mark Drakeford, who spent time meeting all the people involved in the celebrations, said: “The coastal path is one of the crowning glories of Wales and one of the proudest achievements of devolution. I would like to thank all those involved in the management of the path. Particularly the staff and volunteers, who are out in all weathers, working hard to maintain the path to such high standards. If I had to choose my favourite stretch of the path, the portion between Pendine and Amroth would be a candidate: starting in my own home county of Carmarthenshire and ending in Pembrokeshire. It may not be the most well-known part of the path, but it offers huge variety: some challenging climbs, outstanding variety of flowers, secret coves and plenty of historical interest.”

The Welsh Government will build on the successes of the first ten years so that more people are able to enjoy the path, from more backgrounds, more easily, and with more benefits for local communities, businesses and the environment.

If you would like to walk a stretch of the Wales Coastal Path in Monmouthshire, you can find out more information here: Wales Coast Path – Visit MonmouthshireTags: Chepstow, First Minister, Mark Drakeford, Monmouthshire, Wales Coast Path, Wales Coastal Path

Spring into Easter holiday fun with MonLife

Spring into Easter holiday fun with MonLife

If you’ve been looking for things to do during the upcoming Easter school holidays then look no further, MonLife has the answer – a whole programme of activities and events to keep even children of all ages (and their parents) entertained.

MonLife Learning has hatched some plans for free family fun between 11am and 3pm at Monmouth’s Shire Hall (Monday11^th April), Chepstow Drill Hall (Thursday 21^st April) and Abergavenny Museum (Friday 22^nd April).

The ever-popular Monmouthshire Games (TMG) returns from Monday 11^th – Thursday 14^th April, and Wednesday 20^th – Friday 22^nd April. It’s a chance to learn new skills, build confidence, meet new people, and most importantly, have fun through sport. Each day promises to be action packed, and booking is essential as there are 50 spaces available per day. Children and young people between the ages of five and 11 will get the chance to experience, across the sessions, over 30 different sports. Sessions run from 8am to 5pm, and it costs £21 per day. Places can be booked via the MonLife website:

 https://www.monlifeholidayactivities.co.uk/monmouthshire-games/

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous then why not book one of MonLife Youth Service’s Adventure Taster Days. This series of outdoor adventure days will include – weather permitting – canoeing, caving, rock climbing and high ropes. The trips are open to young people in Years 7-10, so ages 11 to 15. Each trip has a set fee of £15, which covers the activity and transport, and will be led by professional outdoor education staff, accompanied by MonLife Youth Service Staff. Places are limited so booking is essential and the deadline is Friday 8^th April, so you’ll need to be quick. Details of these sessions can be found on the MonLife website or by emailing youth@monmouthshire.gov.uk    

The Cabin and Skate park in Abergavenny will run a free Skateboarding Workshop between noon and 2pm on Tuesday 12^th April, when a professional skateboarder will help young people learn the basics of skateboarding. Monmouth’s Play Centre at the town’s leisure centre will also be open, offering three-storey action-packed fun. There’s even a special enclosed toddler area. Adults can relax with a cup of tea in the café, with free wi-fi access available. Don’t forget the swimming pools, gyms and classes are open throughout the holidays (excluding Friday 15^th, Monday 18^th and Tuesday 19^th April).

For more information and ideas visit:

 https://www.monlifeholidayactivities.co.uk/activities/

Register now to vote in May, TikTok star reminds Monmouthshire’s young people

Register now to vote in May, TikTok star reminds Monmouthshire’s young people

Monmouthshire County Council’s MonLife Youth Service team have been out in schools across Monmouthshire to promote the up-coming elections. So far they’ve visited Caldicot and Abergavenny comprehensive schools and plan to make their way to Monmouth and Chepstow before the Easter holidays.

At King Henry School VIII in Abergavenny the team were joined by Welsh TikTok Star Lewis Leigh. @Lewisleighh’s TikToks with his nan currently have 1.6million followers –  to create some short clips to encourage young people to register to vote.

The Youth Services sessions have shown that Monmouthshire’s young people are keen to get involved and are interested in knowing more about the basics of the elections and the process. The Youth Services team are planning an online session on Wednesday 13^th April for young people 14-25 who are interested in finding out more. They team will be joined by the Youth Council to discuss topics including ‘what is a local election’, ‘how can I take part’ and ‘where can I get information on my ward area and what members will be standing in my area’. If you are under 18 and would like to be involved in the discussion apply via this link https://forms.office.com/r/d7Rm49SBQ9

In this year’s elections, on 5^th May, 16 and 17 year-olds will be able to take part but it’s essential that they register to vote before 14^th April 2022.  From the age of 14 young people can register to vote here:

https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

New trees planted in Bailey Park to improve Green Infrastructure

With help from Cantref Primary School’s eco club, Abergavenny’s Bailey Park now has five brand new English Oak trees and five Copper Beech trees, which have been dedicated to Her Majesty the Queen for the Platinum Jubilee under the Queen’s Green Canopy project.

After inspections of Bailey Park’s green infrastructure, a number of the trees in the park had to be removed for safety reasons. To compensate for the loss, 21 trees have been planted this year. Working well as a team in some challenging weather, Cantref Primary School’s eco club gave a helping hand to the council’s grounds staff with the planting of ten of the new trees, five English Oak and five Copper Beech. The Friends of Bailey Park have also planted wildflowers during the winter and plan to improve the park’s green infrastructure will be developed this summer, including a review of the brook and a long term tree management and planting plan.

Grants from Welsh Government, through the Gwent Green Grid Partnership (GGGP), have allowed the council to improve and develop green infrastructure in Monmouthshire, with Bailey Park being the latest beneficiary. The GGGP is a three-year project running from March 2020 to March 2023.  

The GGGP aims to improve and develop green infrastructure – a term used to describe the network of natural and semi-natural features, green spaces, rivers and lakes that intersperse and connect villages, towns and cities – as well as providing green job opportunities within the area.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said: “Improving our green infrastructure is so important to our green spaces. The Gwent Green Grid Partnership aims to improve green infrastructure in the Gwent area, providing real benefits to local communities. Green infrastructure has a crucial role to play in addressing nature, climate and health emergencies. It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of local school children planting trees in Bailey Park to improve our natural environment, and their local park.”

Monmouthshire County Council, working with Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport and Torfaen councils as well as Natural Resources Wales, Forest Research and the Severn Wye Energy Agency, leads the GGG Partnership. The organisations will work together to ensure that the area’s natural resources are healthy, resilient to pressures and threats and thereby better able to provide vital health and well-being benefits for current and future generations.

This 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.

A look inside Abergavenny’s newest youth centre

Opening on Friday 4^th March, The Cabin is a safe space for 11-25 year olds to socialise, meet new friends and talk about any issues, with help from Monmouthshire County Council’s Youth Service.

Prior to its replacement, The Cabin had been very small with limited capacity, and was not fit for purpose. With significant help and support from Abergavenny Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council, funding for the removal and replacement of the existing Cabin with a more fit-for-purpose structure was provided to use as a youth centre, with brand new equipment and activities being provided by Monmouthshire Housing.

The Cabin acts as a hub for young people to gain information such as sexual health, addiction, relationships, to informally meet peers and to take part in recreational activities. Following its refurbishment, The Cabin has a larger capacity, with features including comfortable areas, TVs, game consoles and a pool table.

The Youth Workers that reside at The Cabin carry out important support for Monmouthshire’s young people on many issues, such as employability, youth homelessness, alcohol and substance abuse, mental health, self-harm, and sexual harassment. The key purpose of Youth Work is to enable all young people aged 11-25 years old to develop holistically through a range of activities and opportunities. Youth Work supports young people’s personal, social and educational development, empowering them to develop their voice and influence, and supports them to reach their full potential.

This has been made easier due to The Cabin’s refurbishment, as there is now a quiet room for these personal and private conversations. Monmouthshire Youth Service’s Shift project, which supports young people aged 11-25 with mental health and emotional wellbeing support needs, will also operate out of this room.

Councillor Lisa Dymock, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice, said: “The refurbishment for The Cabin is such fantastic opportunity for young adults in Monmouthshire to have a safe and secure place to, not only have fun, but to get any support that is needed. Our Youth Service have done an excellent job in creating this safe space for 11–25-year-olds, and I am looking forward to seeing how much The Cabin will positively affect these young adult’s lives.”

Youth Work is primarily based on a voluntary relationship between young people and Youth Workers, where young people choose to take part and are involved in the decision-making, design, and delivery of a service to meet their needs.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Youth Work takes a person-centred, rights-based approach which works to the Five Pillars of Youth Work in Wales, where young people who access the service have opportunities for learning that are Educative, Expressive, Empowering, Participative and Inclusive.

Drop-in sessions will be available at The Cabin every Tuesday (3-8pm), Wednesday (3-8pm) and Friday (3-6pm).

For more information, please visit: Youth Service – Monlife

The next steps in the improvement of Chepstow Leisure Centre

At Wednesday’s meeting of Monmouthshire County Council’s full cabinet, the ongoing improvements to Chepstow Leisure Centre was discussed, which when completed will represent a total investment of more than £1.6million.

The programme of work, which has been underway since March 2021, forms part of the council’s ‘Looking Ahead, Delivering Now Our Strategy to Summer 2022. Chepstow Leisure Centre is benefiting from significant improvements to facilities which include the sports hall, outdoor playing facilities and pitches, swimming and fitness facilities. The investment is also testament to Monmouthshire County Council’s MonLife commitment to addressing the issue of health inequality, enabling more people have an improved experience in its leisure centres, and more opportunities to continue to increase their health and wellbeing. 

There are three main phases of the investment for the overall project at the Chepstow site. The first phase included measures as part of the council’s aim to reduce its carbon footprint and is already completed. Improvements included LED lighting and shower upgrades, swimming pool plant and boiler replacements and a refurbishment of the pool hall.

The second phase starts next week and is expected to be completed by July. This will see health, fitness and wellbeing improvements including an upgrade of the fitness and studio equipment.

The third and final phase of proposed improvements to the outdoor facilities and pitches see improvements to the outdoor play areas and pitches. In December 2021, MonLife was invited to apply for a grant from the Welsh Government, via Sport Wales, and a separate grant from Football Association of Wales, to develop the outdoor playing facilities and pitches at Chepstow Comprehensive School and Leisure Centre.  The overall total project funding and grant funding was £101,997 from Monmouthshire County Council, with an additional £433,058 sought from the funding bodies.

The proposed project of improvements has been developed in consultation with Chepstow Leisure Centre, Chepstow Comprehensive School, Sport Wales, Football Association of Wales, Hockey Wales and Monmouthshire Junior Football League.

Cllr. Lisa Dymock, cabinet member for Social Wellbeing said: “These proposed improvements will see the Chepstow site future-proofed, with the ability to enhance and improve many different sports, enabling growth and providing opportunities for all.

“The sustainability of outdoor facilities, fresh air and the ability to exercise and play in a safe, secure environment.is more important than ever before. The leisure centre will continue to build on the excellent work already being undertaken to increase provision and an improved community sport hub.”