Work to commence on Caldicot Active Travel Scheme, Woodstock Way

Monmouthshire County Council will commence work on the Caldicot Active Travel Scheme on the 17th of March 2025.

Funded through the Welsh Government Active Travel Fund, the scheme aims to enhance active travel connections to Caldicot School and other local destinations. 

The council’s strategy for active travel encourages residents to utilise walking, cycling, and other forms of active transport for short, everyday journeys. By creating community environments which make active travel safe, convenient, and attractive, the scheme offers a cost-effective and healthy alternative to driving while enhancing the efficiency of the road system for those who need to drive.

The Woodstock Way scheme has been developed in response to local needs identified by the council and other organisations, which include the necessity for safer routes and crossing points for pedestrians and wheelchair users and will see upgrades in paths and crossings along the road to improve safety, path quality, and reduce congestion. 

A public consultation held in 2024 gathered input on the area’s development plans. This included face-to-face engagement sessions, an online consultation form, and a survey for pupils at Caldicot School to provide feedback.

The developments along Woodstock Way include a redesigned road layout to incorporate a shared-use active travel path, the repositioning of Gray Hill Surgery bus stops closer to the pedestrian route to the town centre (away from the Mill Lane junction), and the installation and upgrading of crossing facilities, tactile paving, and signage.

For full details of the planned works, please visit www.monlife.co.uk/woodstockway/. 

The council are working with Wales & West Utilities and Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) to minimise disruption on all schemes in the vicinity of Woodstock Way. From the 17th of March, the project will involve collaboration between the council and Wales & West Utilities, who are upgrading more than 2,000 meters of gas pipes. All organisations will work together to minimise disruption for residents using the road daily.

Further information about the gas works can be found on the Wales & West Utilities website: www.wwutilities.co.uk/in-your-area/in-your-area-map/?postcode=caldicot. 

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, said: “It’s great to see the work on Woodstock Way beginning. As a council, we are looking to secure the best possible routes for our residents and visitors to utilise while travelling within our towns. 

Thanks to all who participated in the consultation last year, we can design and develop an active travel route that will make people’s journeys safer and more efficient in Caldicot.

I am also pleased to see our partnership with Wales & West Utilities. This working partnership will lessen the impact on people day-to-day as we commence the implementation of the scheme.

MonLife announces a fun-filled line-up for families and young people

MonLife have announced an array of exciting activities and events for families and young people this February half-term.

Free stay and play sessions offer children and families the chance to enjoy a variety of activities, including physical play, arts and crafts, and den building. Additionally, the Active Play programme for children aged 5-11 features free sessions led by experienced playworkers. Sessions in Caldicot and Chepstow are fully booked, so we recommend securing your spot at other locations as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Join us at Caldicot Leisure Centre for our water safety masterclasses. Powered by Swim Wales, these classes equip children with essential self-rescue skills and vital water safety knowledge.

Designed for ages 7-11 and 12 – 14, these sessions focus on practical learning while building confidence in and around water with no previous swimming experience needed. With two sessions available, we encourage everyone to sign up now.

Youth centres across Monmouthshire will be open on specific days during half-term, providing a safe space for young people to engage in activities, meet new friends, and receive support from qualified youth workers.

We are excited to welcome everyone back to Abergavenny and Chepstow Museums this Saturday. Don’t miss the new ‘Big Fish’ exhibition at Chepstow and join us for St David’s Day themed crafts at our museums available throughout half-term.

Get ready for a fun-filled February half-term with MonLife Community Hubs and Libraries! A range of exciting activities from stories and crafts to Lego Workshops are lined up for you to enjoy.

Don’t miss the fantastic events at the Borough Theatre in Abergavenny this half-term. Highlights include performances by Blazin’ Fiddles, Llyr Williams with Rhapsodies & Waltzes, Budapest Cafe Orchestra, and a special production of “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

A celebration of volunteering in Monmouthshire – past, present and future!

On Friday, 7th February 2025, Monmouthshire County Council hosted an event celebrating the past, present, and future of volunteering in Monmouthshire.

The event was a collaboration between Monmouthshire County Council, Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA), Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) and Bridges.

Welcomed to County Hall by Council Leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, the event celebrated the significant contributions of volunteers in Monmouthshire, provided an opportunity for collaboration with partner organisations and community groups, and expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their invaluable support.

The event featured guest speakers: Jenny Powell from The Gathering in Abergavenny, Morgan Collins a youth volunteer from MonLife, Bryn Probert from the Monmouthshire Veterans Support Hub, and Alison Palmer, Deputy Director of GAVO. Attendees also had opportunities to meet with local groups and organisations, and there was a performance by the Monmouthshire Community Choir.

Volunteers across the county play a vital role within the community. Within MonLife services, between April and September 2024, 370 volunteers participated in 43 volunteer opportunities, contributing 6,372 hours with an economic value of £86,2191. With 19 Sports Development and Leisure volunteers moving on to gain summer employment in 2024.

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to meet and engage with other volunteers and organisations, including Hedgehog First Response Unit, Cwtch Angels, Growing Spaces, Mind Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire Scouts, Raglan Coffee and Computers, Sport In Mind, and Usk Track.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: “Volunteers from all aspects of life play an important role within our community. Their dedication allows us in the council to provide services and protect the most vulnerable in our community. On behalf of the council and our communities, thank you for every hour, minute and second you volunteer.”

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equality and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, stated: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community. From our 16 year old volunteers to the oldest at 94, each individual brings enthusiasm, energy, and a variety of skills to their activities. You only need to look at the economic value of volunteers to view their enormous contribution. Thank you to each and every one of you.”

To find out more about volunteering opportunities, visit the Volunteering Wales website: www.volunteering-wales.net

Find out more about Volunteering with MonLife here: www.monlife.co.uk/connect/volunteering/

MonLife Secondary School Swimming Gala makes a splash

More than 50 young people from secondary schools across Monmouthshire recently gathered to participate in the inaugural MonLife Secondary School Swimming Gala, hosted by MonLife’s Sports Development team at Chepstow Leisure Centre.

The event showcased the swimmers’ skills and provided schools with a valuable opportunity to gather assessment data for GCSE Physical Education moderation.

This gala builds upon the successful foundation laid by our Primary School Swimming provision, ensuring a legacy of aquatic opportunity continues into secondary education.

We are committed to expanding participation in swimming beyond standard curriculum hours, offering students the chance to engage with the sport in a competitive environment.

The Swimming Gala marks the beginning of an annual event, and MonLife is excited to continue organising various sporting events throughout the academic year.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles said, “Attending the swimming gala was a wonderful experience. As a council, we are committed to providing a platform for young people to participate in a competitive and friendly environment. Congratulations to everyone who took part.” 

“I look forward to seeing further developments in school sports events.”

To find out more about the MonLife Sports Development Team, visit: www.monlife.co.uk/connect/sports-development/

Christmas Celebration held at Caldicot Hub

Monmouthshire County Council held a festive event in Caldicot to highlight all the good work in the region’s libraries.

Caldicot Community Hub was the setting for the Christmas Celebration this year.

On Thursday, 12 December, the council hosted an event for the community and library members, supported by the Friends of the Library.

The annual festive fun showcased the county’s library service – and reinforced the fact that there is so much more than simply books at your local library. Monmouthshire’s Hubs are a community focussed service.

The Singing Clubs of Chepstow and Usk provided musical accompaniment to the day’s proceedings, with a selection of Christmas songs – both modern and traditional.

Staff members also gave festive readings.

Cllr Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “Our libraries are the cornerstone of our communities in Monmouthshire, they provide us with so much more than books, this includes laptops to borrow, a place to meet, a place to study and learn, a place to get advice and also of course to hold great social events such as this one.

It is important that we continue to value and utilise everything that our Hubs and libraries and the staff within them offer all the residents of Monmouthshire.”

Sponsor a Book initiative launches at Monmouthshire libraries

Monmouthshire libraries have launched the “Sponsor a Book” initiative to enhance community engagement. Residents can now sponsor books at Monmouthshire libraries through our partnership with Friends of Caldicot Library.

The new scheme allows locals to contribute directly to their library by sponsoring new titles, ensuring the shelves remain vibrant and well-stocked for all community members.

Donors will receive recognition for their generosity with a bookplate and a certificate of appreciation for each sponsored book. This provides an opportunity for individuals to honour the memory of a friend or loved one as they contribute to the library’s collection. Donations from organisations are also greatly welcomed.

Interested sponsors can participate by downloading the form from our website and submitting it alongside a cash payment or a cheque made out to the Friends of Caldicot Library at your local Monmouthshire library. Your contributions will directly support purchasing books for our libraries, benefiting adults and children.

Please note that while we will strive to place new books in local libraries, there is no guarantee gifts will be allocated to the donor’s usual branch.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “This initiative allows the Libraries in Monmouthshire to provide the best possible service. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored a book already and those who will sponsor it in the future.

“Our collaboration with local community groups, such as Friends of Caldicot Library, showcases how, as a council, we want to work with the communities we serve. I thank them for their dedication to promoting the services and helping with this incredible scheme.”

To mark this significant initiative, community members and local elected representatives attended a special event on Monday, 18 November, where we celebrated the success of the “Sponsor a Book” campaign and highlighted the importance of public libraries in Monmouthshire.

For more information, please visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/community-hubs-and-libraries/

Vice-Chair of Monmouthshire County Council and Chair of the Friends of Caldicot Library Group, Cllr Peter Strong with the Vice-Chair’s consort Cllr Jackie Strong at Caldicot Library

River Gavenny community litter pick

The River Gavenny Project was successfully relaunched with a community litter pick event in Swan Meadows, Abergavenny, on Friday, 15 November 2024. 

The event, organised in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy and Groundwork Wales’ Healthy Rivers team, saw enthusiastic participation from local community members.

The litter pick was part of the broader initiative to restore biodiversity in the River Gavenny, increase community engagement, and raise public awareness of its benefits. 

Participants worked together to clean up the river area, contributing to the project’s goals of enhancing the river and its adjacent habitats.

The River Gavenny Project aims to create a community engagement plan for the river restoration phases, providing volunteer opportunities, learning, and training opportunities. 

The project highlights the importance of the River Gavenny for biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and community wellbeing.

The river is a great place to live, work, and visit, offering opportunities for nature walks and the chance to spot stunning wildlife such as kingfishers and rare dipper birds.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “It’s fantastic to see the relaunch of the River Gavenny Project. Thank you to everyone who attended the litter pick. We can all play a positive art in impacting nature recovery, however small, and I look forward to seeing how this project develops.”

For more information about the River Gavenny Project and future events, please email localnature@monmouthshire.gov.uk.

The project is being delivered by the Green Infrastructure Team in Monlife, supported by the Gwent Green Grid via the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Monmouthshire Local Nature Partnership.

Young people inspired to become future leaders at annual conferences

Monmouthshire pupils have found inspiration to become leaders through sport, thanks to the return of the Bronze Young Ambassadors Conferences.

Hosted by MonLife’s Sports Development team, this year’s conference spanned two days, with events held at Gilwern Outdoor Adventure Centre and Thornwell Primary School.

The annual conference brought together Year 6 pupils from primary schools across Monmouthshire, focusing on health, wellbeing, physical activity, and leadership.

Throughout the day, the Young Ambassadors participated in various workshops inspired by the new framework from Youth Sport Trust. This included themes such as Inspire and Influence, Lead and Mentor, as well as a play consultation and practical games.

Since its inception in 2017, 6,287 pupils have participated in the Year 5 playmaker programme, with more than 409 advancing to represent their schools in the Year 6 Bronze Young Ambassador programme.

The Bronze Young Ambassador Programme marks the beginning of many young people’s leadership journey, with four leadership academies now established at all comprehensive schools in Monmouthshire.

The academies reinforce the programme’s core messages and offer opportunities to support physical activity within schools and local communities, while gaining invaluable volunteering experience.

A clear pathway has been created for young people to enhance their skills and secure employment opportunities through the playmaker to post-16 employment route.

In addition to the young ambassadors, the event saw the attendance of the Chair of Monmouthshire Council, Su McConnel, and the Cabinet Member for Equalities & Engagement, Angela Sandles.  

Cllr Sandles said: ‘’From attending the conference, it was clear that this program is making a significant impact, not only in developing leadership skills but also in creating a sense of community and belonging.

“The energy and excitement of the children was palpable, and it’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of providing such opportunities for young people across Monmouthshire’’.

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

Chepstow park project in full swing with £100k National Lottery funding

A successful bid for National Lottery Funding has secured £100,000 towards the regeneration of the Dell play area in Chepstow.

The funding was obtained by the volunteer group Friends of the Dell Park Chepstow, in partnership with Chepstow Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council. This means creating a new destination play park should be underway early next year.

This now brings the total raised for the new park to £225,000, with Chepstow Town Council already pledging £100,000 and £25,000 received from Monmouthshire County Council. The Town Council also contributed an additional £13,000 towards initial design fees and costs for the successful planning application.

The new destination park will see the removal of existing outdated play equipment to make way for a modern and more natural play environment, complementing the historic port wall that runs alongside the park. Play boulders, accessible swings and a roundabout will all be installed, as well as new pathways, seating and wildlife planting.

Inspiration has also been taken from Chepstow’s rich past, with the inclusion of a bespoke wooden boat. There are also plans for a castle-themed slide running down the Dell’s embankment, subject to securing an additional £70,000. The group is currently crowdfunding for this feature.

Vicky Burston-Yates, Chair of FDPC, said: “This has been a real pinch me moment for our group. We are immensely grateful to the National Lottery for seeing the value of this project and to everyone else that has backed us along the way.

“The park will stand as a lasting legacy for Chepstow, and we take great pride in our role in bringing it to fruition. We can’t wait to see the park filled with joy and laughter for generations to come, and to see the wider benefits it will hopefully bring to our beautiful town.”

Cllr Margaret Griffiths of Chepstow Town Council said: “The Town Council is delighted that the National Lottery has recognised the need for this park and that it supports the large contribution made by the residents of Chepstow through the precept raised by Chepstow Town Council”.

Cllr Angela Sandles, MCC Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “It is fantastic to hear that the Dell Park will now be able to serve the children of Chepstow for years to come.

“It has been a popular destination for families through the years but has needed attention in recent times.

“This work will stand the park in good stead to remain a popular draw for the town.”

To contribute to the group’s slide Crowdfunder, visit their JustGiving page: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/friendsofthedellpark. You can follow progress of the park’s development on the Friends of the Dell Park Facebook page @friendsofthedellpark.