Monmouthshire County Council hosts annual PlayMaker Conferences

Last week, the MonLife Sports Development Team hosted primary school pupils from across Monmouthshire at their annual PlayMaker Conferences.

The conference brings together Monmouthshire’s young leaders for training and to celebrate their leadership journeys.

Around 650 children from Monmouthshire primary schools in Abergavenny, Chepstow, and Caldicot took part in a variety of activities delivered by MCC Services, Monlife Leadership Academy, and external partners, including Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and County in the Community.

Unfortunately, due to the weather, our event with Monmouth Cluster Primary School’s has been postponed for this academic year.

The events included various workshops, such as developing play opportunities, promoting Active Travel, pupil voice, healthy eating, sustainability, water safety and many more.

The week-long programme of events received fantastic support from our Comprehensive Schools, who provided facilities for the events, as well as Abergavenny Rugby Club at Bailey Park. 

The MonLife Sports Development Team has been delivering the Sports Leaders PlayMaker Award throughout this academic year, engaging with nearly all Monmouthshire primary schools. After the pupils have achieved the award, they assist with providing a positive impact on wellbeing within their schools.

Councillor Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Engagement and Equalities, said: “The PlayMaker Conference is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our young leaders.

“It’s so fantastic to see these young people develop and grow from Playmakers in year 5 to volunteering in youth work in secondary school and then often starting their careers in sports development in Monmouthshire.

“It’s an inspiring journey, and a joy to see.”

Across the week, 43 Leadership Academy volunteers supported the events, recording 172 hours between them.

For more information about the PlayMaker programme, or wider Sport Development initiatives, please visit – www.monlife.co.uk/connect/sports-development or email sport@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Young people make their mark at annual Youth Conference

Monmouthshire County Council held its annual youth conference on Friday 23 May at County Hall in Usk.

The youth conference allows young people from schools across the county to unpack and dig deeper into the three priority areas identified in the 2025 Make Your Mark survey, which a record-breaking 3,509 young people took part in.

The priority areas were:

1. Cost of living (with 17.1% share of the total vote from all respondents)
2. Mental health matters (with 17% share of the total vote from all respondents)
3. Employment and skills (with 14% share of the total vote from all respondents)

Discussions and workshops around those priority areas were conducted with a view to formulate recommendations for decision makers, public services and young people themselves to address over the coming year.

The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, opened this year’s youth conference and gave some perspective of the top three priority issues at a national level.

Cllr Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “It is vital that we listen to the voices of young people across Monmouthshire and hear what is important to them.

“Engaging with people of all ages will help us to form a balanced picture of what matters most to the people of Monmouthshire.

“I hope that everyone who attended Friday’s Youth Conference was able to take away an understanding of how we all have to support each other to thrive as a county.

“This is always my favourite conference of the council year, listening to the voices of our young people inspires me and reminds us of all of the insight and innovation they bring.”

Cllr Laura Wright, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Learning how local government can function to support people from all aspects of society can be an extremely beneficial part of education.

“It was great to see so many young people taking part in the Youth Conference.

“I particularly enjoyed listening to them discussing mental health and wellbeing, reflecting on their experiences and sharing their ideas.

“They have given me a lot to think about and I look forward to working with young people across Monmouthshire to protect and improve mental health in our schools.”

For more information about the youth conference, the Make Your Mark survey and more, visit the Youth Service’s webpage at monlife.co.uk/connect/youth-service/

Temporary closure of Abergavenny Leisure Centre for Phase 2 site improvement works

Abergavenny Leisure Centre will be closed from the 21st of July until mid-August for improvement works.

This work is part of the Phase 2 School and Leisure Centre improvement works programme, which began in Easter 2025; the next stage now includes the installation of new utilities and significant construction works at the school and leisure centre site, which must be carried out during school holidays due to the scale of the project.

These upgrades ensure the facility’s long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “We understand the importance of the leisure centre to our members and the potential disruption to their routine, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“I thank all our members for their understanding throughout the period.”

To minimise the impact of this closure, we will not be processing Membership Direct Debit payments in July. Annual members will have their memberships extended to cover the closure duration.

Due to the work, the swimming pool will remain closed beyond the centre’s reopening date, and we will provide updates regarding specific reopening dates through our website, social media channels, and the MonLife App.

For families with children enrolled in swimming lessons, no payments will be processed in July or August, and further communication will follow regarding lessons starting again in September.

MonLife will continue to provide summer holiday programmes in Abergavenny. Further updates regarding The Monmouthshire Games and Active Play will be released soon. The Food and Fun Scheme in Abergavenny will also take place this summer, with the location to be confirmed shortly.

MonLife are currently looking at a limited provision of fitness classes in Abergavenny. Further information will be provided as soon as details are confirmed.

We appreciate your patience and continued support throughout this period.

For regular updates and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please visit www.monlife.co.uk/temporary-closure-of-abergavenny-leisure-centre/, follow our social media accounts or download the MonLife App.

For further enquiries, please email monmemberships@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Monmouthshire celebrates positive impact of NERS Program

The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) has positively impacted more than 1,000 individuals in Monmouthshire over the past 12 months.

The programme, funded by the Welsh Government, helps improve the lives of adults at risk of developing or currently managing chronic conditions through a structured 16-week physical activity regimen.

In the 2024/2025 reporting period, NERS received 1,010 referrals, demonstrating strong community engagement. Among these referrals, 75% of clients commenced the program, with 66% successfully completing it.

Based on feedback:

• 100% of participants expressed their hope that the program would continue in the future
•  91% said they would recommend the program to others
• All participants reported feeling safe and comfortable while exercising
• 100% found the fitness instructors approachable and easy to talk to

One participant, Donald, 90 years old, has been part of Chepstow Leisure Centre since 2018.

Despite challenges, including a fall which resulted in a broken femur, Donald’s daughter said: “The surgeon believes his remarkable recovery is down to his fitness from his exercise classes.

“Dad is now back to his weekly class, enjoying the banter and exercise with the rest of the class, who we now consider to be our friends.”

Donald continues to attend weekly classes, enjoying the camaraderie and exercise with friends.

This year also marked the retirement of one of our members of the NERS team, Clare.

Clare has been an integral part of NERS since its inception in Monmouthshire in 2008. Throughout her time with MonLife, Clare has been instrumental in supporting individuals with chronic health conditions, aiding them in regaining fitness and leading healthier lives.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “It’s incredibly uplifting to witness the positive outcomes and feedback from those who have participated.

“Programs like NERS are vital in promoting healthier lifestyles and supporting individuals in managing chronic conditions.

“The participant stories and high engagement rates are a testament to the program’s impact and the dedication of our team.”

To learn more about the impact of the National Exercise Referral Scheme, visit https://www.monlife.co.uk/the-positive-impact-of-the-ners-program-on-monmouthshire-residents/

Improving Access for All, Monmouthshire’s commitment to inclusivity

MonLife’s Countryside Access Service has teamed up with Bethany Handley to raise awareness about improving access for all.

Funded through the Welsh Government Access Improvement Grant, two videos have been filmed to raise awareness and train volunteers/landowners about the need to remove barriers for people accessing the county’s countryside.

Bethany Handley is a resident of Monmouthshire, a member of Monmouthshire’s Local Access Forum and serves as an ambassador for Country Living’s Access for All campaign, Wales Coast Path, National Trails and Ramblers Cymru. She has been recognised as one of the ten most influential disabled people working in the UK’s politics, law, and media.

Bethany Handley stated: “We all have access requirements. One in five people are disabled. At some point in our lives, we may all experience a disability.

“When you exclude one individual, you also exclude their family and friends. There are ways for everyone: volunteers, landowners, and those walking and wheeling on trails to make our paths more accessible to all”.

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, noted: “Monmouthshire was the first authority in Wales to adopt (in 2004) a policy of least restrictive access. Because of the policy we are committed to reducing barriers to access on the rights of way network and removing existing stiles.

“It’s one of the ways we are tackling disadvantage within communities. I am delighted we are working in partnership with Bethany and getting out the message that the countryside is for everyone.

“Improving the accessibility of our public rights of way network is core to what we do. It makes it easier for people to incorporate walking, riding or cycling into their everyday lives and supports active healthy lifestyles. We would like to thank all the landowners, organisations and volunteers that work with us to remove barriers and make our countryside more accessible for all.”  

Cllr Sarah Burch, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing, and Tourism, added, “We are very proud to have been able to support and enable community volunteer groups to be actively engaged with countryside projects, creating sustainable and resilient communities.

“Thanks to the Access Improvement Grant we now have 17 active volunteer groups who have been supported with training, equipment and materials.

“They have undertaken miles of surveys and in the past two years have helped to improve access by removing stiles and replacing them with gaps or gates(68). They have also cleared vegetation from eight miles of paths and 466 pieces of furniture.  Many more paths are lined up for improvements in 2025 and we are looking at ways we can now promote them better.” 

If you are interested in removing barriers or joining a countryside access volunteer group, please get in touch with the Countryside Access Team by emailing countryside@monmouthshire.gov.uk

For more information, and to view the videos, you can also visit:

https://www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/countryside-access/countryside-access-projects-delivery-plan

Swift tower unveiled at County Hall, Usk

A six-metre common swift tower has been installed at County Hall in Usk as part of the Gwent Green Grid Shared Prosperity Funding for enhancing Green Spaces.

The tower, which includes bird boxes for up to 12 pairs of swifts, has been installed at the Incredible Edible community garden.

The tower aims to support the local swift population, which is on the Red List of Conservation Concern, and to raise awareness of how Monmouthshire County Council is supporting nature recovery across the county.

The tower will:

• Provide additional nesting spaces for swifts and other urban nature, to help address the long-term loss of traditional nest sites in buildings.
• Provide a prominent piece of art to inform residents and visitors to the Incredible Edible Community Garden of this iconic, declining urban bird, and to inspire individuals to take action to help swifts and other urban nature.

Swifts have recently been put on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in recognition that populations across the UK have declined by 58% since 1995, 75% in Wales.

Swifts nest almost exclusively in buildings, making use of small holes to raise their young. Swifts pair for life, returning to the same nest site each year.

However, with many old buildings being renovated, small holes being filled, or buildings simply demolished, our swifts are losing their nesting sites. To help these birds, their nesting sites should be retained during renovations, provided artificially in the form of swift boxes or in the form of a Swift Tower.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has produced a Local Nature Recovery Action Plan, which sets out actions to help reverse the decline in biodiversity and build ecosystem resilience, support nature recovery and deliver nature-based opportunities to raise awareness.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “Swifts are on the red list due to declining numbers and so it is vital that we do what we can to support them.

“This swift tower is an excellent way to ensure that we continue to see breeding pairs at County Hall for many years to come. Hopefully it can prove to be a small step towards the recovery of swift populations in the near future.”

Monmouthshire County Council hopes to support further swift project work through the Welsh Government Local Places for Nature funding during 2025-2027. If you would like to find out more or get involved, please email LocalNature@Monmouthshire.gov.uk

Play Sufficiency Assessment being completed in Monmouthshire

Monmouthshire County Council’s 2025 Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) is currently being completed and is due for submission in June.

Part of the objective of the assessment is to show that play is a whole-authority responsibility, and that it should be included in all agendas.

The council held a conference to present to stakeholders – including county and local councillors and dignitaries, through a mix of presentations and interactions – demonstrating all the work that has been completed across the local authority from a variety of departments relating to play.

This celebrated the work completed and the benefits experienced by the community, children and young people. The conference also provided an opportunity for those attending to include their views into the final submissions.

As well as a statutory duty, play is important to the health, development and wellbeing of children and young people and is their right as stated in the UNCRC article 31 – guaranteeing children’s right to rest, leisure, play, and participation in cultural and artistic life.

The Welsh Government deadline for the submission of the PSA is 30 June, 2025.

A report will be brought to Cabinet on 25 June for consideration.

Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Angela Sandles, said: “Play provision is such a vital part of the work across Monmouthshire County Council and forms an integral part of the development of children and young people across the region.

“I am proud of all the work that goes on across the county to ensure that play is prioritised.

“It was lovely to hear submissions from schoolchildren at the conference.

“I look forward to seeing the final Play Sufficiency Assessment ahead of its submission later this year.”

Monmouthshire celebrates cultural success at annual event

A giant puppet, poetry, community choir and advice on funding were amongst the highlights of Monmouthshire’s second Creative Celebration.

On Friday, 11 April, County Hall was once again full of creative thinking as Monmouthshire’s creative professionals and cultural organisations came together.

This year’s theme focused on film, theatre, music, script writing, and hearing from those who achieved creative success in 2024. The event featured presentations, a Q&A panel, workshops, a marketplace and performances. Participants heard about work that has been done so far to support the arts in Monmouthshire, and next steps in the development of a Cultural Strategy for the County.  Guests were greeted by the Goddess of the Wye, the creation of puppeteer Kim Kaos and Monmouthshire Community choir performed during the break. 

The Makers Market in the training area showcased a mix of creatives sharing and selling their products.  

Following opening remarks from Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, guests were treated to presentations from Samantha Dazhure, a Zambezian poet from Caldicot who opened with a commissioned poem about Monmouthshire, and Hilary Farr from Arts Council Wales discussing funding opportunities and ACW activities in Monmouthshire.  

Council Leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby noted: “The arts are in Monmouthshire’s DNA. Across the county, we have artists making Monmouthshire a beacon for all of Wales. Our Cultural Celebration event allows us to bring people together to celebrate their success and also to say thank you for all the work they are doing every day across the county.” 

Quick Fire presentations provided an insight into the varied cultural aspects of Monmouthshire. These were presented by Emma Bevan-Henderson and Lynn Webb from Abergavenny Creative Alliance, Stephanie Roberts from Usk Primary School, Stuart Bawler from Hummadruz – Theatr Uwchfioled Cymru, Bonnie Helen Hawkins (Under Milk Wood illustrated book) and composer Fiona Frank.  

The event also allowed guests to take part in workshops. These included practicalities of funding applications by Hilary Farr, establishing a portrait practice by Oriane Pierrepont, Samantha Rumbidzai Dazhure discussing her book ‘Weeping Tomato’, and Liz Mance presenting her Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Cup of Tea with George Elliot.’ 

A Creative Conversation Panel Q&A, chaired by Emma Bevan-Henderson, closed the event. Panelists included MCC Leader Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism Cllr. Sara Burch, Tracey Thomas, Head of Culture and Community Learning at MCC, and Rachael Rogers, Culture, Heritage and Arts Strategic Manager at MCC. 

Closing the event, Cllr Sara Burch, noted: “This event highlights some of the fantastic work being done across Monmouthshire to support our vibrant cultural industries and creative communities. Our vision is of a Monmouthshire where everyone, at every age can be creative, and can find the their talent. We want to be a County where there is always something happening, in every town, and in our inspirational countryside, supporting new work as well as preserving heritage and tradition. Our hubs, libraries, museums, theatre, schools and town centres are important in providing spaces for creativity of all kinds.  Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to our celebration.” 

The MonLife Heritage and Arts team have a mailing list and growing network of creative professionals and organisations in Monmouthshire. If you would like to be kept informed of future developments, events and opportunities please register with Let’s Talk Monmouthshire letstalkmonmouthshire.co.uk/ or email Culture@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Tree felling work paused at Mill Common, Magor

Mechanical tree felling at Mill Common in Magor as part of The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) has been paused due to the progressing spring and the discovery of several bird nests in the area.

Ecologists have been working closely with contractors throughout the tree works to minimise disruption to local wildlife. Upon discovering the nests, it was decided to halt works and complete any remaining felling in the autumn.

Works to restore the woodland that will not disturb nesting birds will continue, including dead hedging, removal of brash, and stump grinding along the path edges where felling has already been completed.

This change is not expected to affect other parts of the wider project. Monmouthshire County Council will be able to initiate volunteering projects, offering opportunities for the community to help regenerate Mill Common.

Restoration of the paths will be prioritised to ensure that works can be undertaken across all areas where felling is completed. The final section of the path will be finished in autumn/winter.

We appreciate residents’ patience and cooperation with the contractors throughout the tree works and understand there has been disruption to access on site.

We also recognise the changes to the woods resulting from the works, highlighting the extent of ash trees affected by dieback in Mill Common. Replanting with native trees will be undertaken in autumn/winter.

In the meantime, the woods will start to regenerate from naturally present saplings and seeds.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “Whilst we are disappointed that some of the work will be delayed until the autumn, we take our duties to safeguard nesting birds very seriously and are confident that the woodland restoration project will be complete by end March 2026.” For further information, or to register interest in volunteering, visit: Mill Common Restoration Project – Monlife

Celebration event for Paths to Communities success

On Friday, 28th March, the Community Hub in Magor and Undy hosted a celebration event to mark the success of the Paths to Communities project.

This event highlighted the achievements made possible by the Welsh Government Access Improvement Grant over the past three years.

The Paths to Communities project has been instrumental in developing partnerships with various organisations, including Ramblers Cymru, Gwent Wildlife Trust, Living Levels, and others. These collaborations have significantly contributed to the project’s success, expanding from 5 to 17 active volunteer groups, with five more groups showing interest.

Monmouthshire has been a pioneer in the UK, being the first authority to undertake a Service Level Agreement with the Ramblers, a model now replicated elsewhere. Although the Paths to Communities Project will not continue into the next financial year, MonLife’s Community Links Officer will continue to support the volunteer groups.

The Ramblers have conducted 82 engagement events, and volunteers have contributed over 4500 hours in the past two years. Their efforts have led to installing 117 waymark posts, 225 waymarkers (signs to mark public footpaths), 68 gates, 94+ signposts, 109 steps, and the resolution of 281 safety issues. Additionally, volunteers have cleared 420 overgrown furniture items and 14,077 meters of vegetation.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, paid tribute to the volunteers, “Without the dedication of the volunteers across the county, the council will not be able to secure that our rights of ways are clear and safe for everyone to use. On behalf of the council, thank you for all your work and dedication.”

The Paths to Communities project, which took place from July 2024 to March 2025, aimed to create a more sustainable management system for the Paths and Rights of Way network on the western side of Monmouthshire. The project focused on enhancing community resilience and empowering local volunteers to achieve social justice and well-being goals.

Cllr Burch continues, “As a council, we are dedicated to working with partners to improve access for all. Being able to agree a service agreement with The Rambles has been key to this, as they’ve been able to provide their expertise in recruiting and training the volunteers.”

To find out more about the MonLife Countryside Access team, please visit: www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/countryside-access/