Uncategorised – Page 12 – Monlife

A look inside Abergavenny’s newest youth centre

Opening on Friday 4th 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

Chepstow Swimming Pool

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.”

Council issues update on velo park plans for Abergavenny

Plans for a new velo park at Llanfoist, Abergavenny were discussed at Monmouthshire County Council’s meeting of full cabinet on Wednesday 2nd March. The project would help provide facilities for cyclists across Monmouthshire, as well as hosting some local and national events.

Council members agreed that a capital budget of £492,000 be created in the 2021/22 financial year to fund the construction of the first phase of the Abergavenny velo park. The report was put forward by Councillor Lisa Dymock, cabinet member for Social Wellbeing, who said: “The project has been developed in consultation with a number of stakeholders including Sport Wales, British Cycling, the national governing body and two local cycling clubs. The provision of a velo park in Llanfoist is a key component of the council’s emerging cycling strategy and is intended to form part of a network of regional facilities promoted by Welsh Cycling, the governing body of the sport in Wales.”

In 2020 the council was awarded a grant from the Welsh Government, via Sport Wales, to develop a project for the construction of a velo park (to include a purpose-built closed road circuit (CRC) and some recreational trails) at Racecourse Farm, Llanfoist.

The project has been complex to develop, because of the site’s topography, biodiversity and ecology, with a number of protected species identified on or immediately adjacent to the site.

The council has been working closely with senior managers at Welsh Cycling and with local cycling clubs to develop proposals for ongoing management of the velo park, which will be comparable to those at other similar facilities elsewhere in Wales and the UK. The site will host a range of cycling related activities and events organised by the council, local cycling clubs and by Welsh Cycling. It will also be available for use by schools and will have a booking facility for cycling clubs to hire, so as to produce income to offset annual running costs. At this stage it is

envisaged that a limited number of regional or national events may be held on the site each year.

Temporary/overflow parking provision has been made in the management plan on nearby land in council ownership. Use of the site will not be restricted to just cycling and will include opportunities for all wheeled sports (including wheelchair users, roller blades, etc.), walking and running.

There is a separate but adjoining proposal by the owner of Grove Farm and the Gwent Wildlife Trust, with support from Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, to develop a wetland reserve on the water meadows situated between the River Usk and the proposed velo park. The wetland proposal is located on land in council ownership, which could provide the opportunity for future partnership on managing the new habitats proposed as part of the velo track.

Further updates will be announced as the project progresses.

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.

Youth-led Museum Placement Opportunities

Ydych chi rhwng 18 a 25 oed?

Rydym yn edrych am bobl frwdfrydig i’n helpu i wella’r ffordd yr ydym yn cynnwys pobl ifanc wrth lunio amgueddfeydd yn Sir Fynwy.

Fel rhan o gynllun Gaeaf llawn Lles Llywodraeth Cymru, rhaglen o ddigwyddiadau a gweithgareddau a gaiff eu harwain gan bobl ifanc ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rydym yn edrych am ddau person 18-25 oed ar gyfer prosiect cyfnod cyfyngedig i gyfrannu at wella’r ffordd yr ydym yn cynnwys pobl ifanc wrth lunio amgueddfeydd yn Sir Fynwy.

Bydd y lleoliadau hyn yn cael eu talu, ar gyfradd o (£100/diwrnod), a gyllidir yn uniongyrchol gan Ffederasiwn Amgueddfeydd ac Orielau Cymru (nid Cyngor Sir Fynwy). Cynhelir y lleoliadau hyn rhwng 9 a 31 Mawrth 2022.

Rhagwelwn y bydd pob lleoliad yn 9 diwrnod i gyd, wedi’u lledaenu dros y cyfnod hwn (er y byddem yn ystyried llai o ddyddiau os na all ymgeiswyr gyflawni i’r 9 diwrnod llawn). Bydd y lleoliadau yn gweithio’n agos gyda Gwneuthurydd Rhaglen Gaeaf llawn Lles o Ffederasiwn Amgueddfeydd yng Nghymru, fydd yn cydlynu’r prosiect gyda chefnogaeth gan amgueddfeydd Sir Fynwy.

Beth fyddaf yn ei wneud?

Bydd y rôl yn cynnwys gweithio gyda’r tîm i:

  • Ymgynghori gyda phobl ifanc, yn defnyddio dulliau fel gweithdai a thrafodaethau wyneb i wyneb
  • Casglu sylwadau a barn pobl ifanc yn Sir Fynwy am y ffyrdd gorau i ymgynghori gyda nhw
  • Casglu’r canfyddiadau i adroddiad fydd yn sail i gyflenwi rhaglenni amgueddfeydd yn Sir Fynwy a sut y byddwn yn ymgysylltu â phobl ifanc a’u cynnwys yn y broses yn y dyfodol
  • Ymweliadau safle posibl i adolygu cynnig presennol amgueddfeydd ar gyfer pobl ifanc.

Bydd y lleoliadau yn gyfle rhagorol i gael profiad uniongyrchol gyda MonLife Treftadaeth, Ffederasiwn Amgueddfeydd yng Nghymru ac Amgueddfa Cymru a datblygu sgiliau a phrofiad mewn ymgynghori gyda phobl ifanc.

Mae hyn yn ddechrau ymdrech tymor hirach i ddatblygu a gwella’r gwasanaeth amgueddfeydd ar gyfer pobl ifanc. Gobeithiwn y bydd y prosiect yn gosod sylfeini ar gyfer sefydlu Panel Ieuenctid, i fwydo’r ffordd yr ydym yn datblygu ac yn darparu ein gwasanaethau ar draws yr amgueddfeydd yn Sir Fynwy.

Manyleb Person

Rydym yn edrych am unigolion gyda’r sgiliau, profiad a diddordebau dilynol.

  • Diddordeb mewn gwella mynediad a gwasanaethau cynhwysol ar gyfer pobl ifanc (hanfodol)
  • Sgiliau cyfathrebu ysgrifenedig a llafar da – gallu addasu cynnwys ar gyfer gwahanol oedrannau (hanfodol)
  • Trefnus, gyda’r gallu i reoli eich llwyth gwaith a’ch amser eich hunan (hanfodol)
  • Cyfeillgar, agos atoch ac yn dangos cydymdeimlad (hanfodol)
  • Diddordeb mewn clywed a chynrychioli amrywiaeth o leisiau a barn pobl ifanc (hanfodol)
  • Profiad o weithio fel rhan o dîm bach (dymunol)
  • Diddordeb mewn dulliau newydd a chreadigol i ennyn diddordeb pobl ifanc, yn cynnwys defnyddio technoleg a chyfryngau cymdeithasol (dymunol)
  • Profiad o hwyluso trafodaethau neu weithdai (wyneb i wyneb ac ar-lein) (dymunol)
  • Profiad o weithio gyda phobl ifanc a grwpiau ieuenctid (11-25 oed) (dymunol)
  • Profiad mewn gwerthuso, ymchwil gymdeithasol neu ymgynghori (dymunol)
  • Diddordeb yn y sector treftadaeth (dymunol)

Mae’r cyfle ar gael i unrhyw un rhwng 18 a 25 oed. Fodd bynnag, mae gennym ddiddordeb neilltuol mewn clywed gan ymgeiswyr nad ydynt mewn cyflogaeth lawn-amser ar hyn o bryd ac sy’n dymuno ymchwilio gwahanol lwybrau gyrfa.

Sut i wneud cais

Anfonwch eich CV (gydag enw dau ganolwr) atom ynghyd â datganiad diddordeb, dim mwy na 500 gair, ar sut ydych yn ateb prif gyfrifoldebau a disgwyliadau’r proffil rôl yma erbyn diwedd dydd Llun 7 Mawrth at rachaelrogers@monmouthshire.gov.uk .   Byddwn yn penodi i’r swydd cyn gynted ag sy’n bosibl ar ôl y dyddiad hwn a bydd cyfarfod cyflwyno yn ystod wythnos y 7 Mawrth

DS: Rhagwelwn y bydd 9 diwrnod o waith fesul person sy’n rhaid ei wneud rhwng 7 a 31 Mawrth. Mae rhai dyddiau penodol o weithio o fewn y cyfnod hwn, sef:

Dydd Mercher 9 Mawrth – dydd Gwener 11 Mawrth (cynhwysol) – dim dyddiau llawn

Gyda’r nos yn ystod yr wythnos yn cychwyn 14 Mawrth – I’w gadarnhau

Dydd Gwener 25 Mawrth

Dydd Mercher 30 NEU dydd Iau 31 Mawrth – i’w gadarnhau

Gadewch i ni wybod yn eich cais os gwelwch yn dda os nad ydych ar gael ar rai o’r dyddiadau hyn, neu os na allwch ymrwymo i’r 9 diwrnod llawn.

Gaeaf llawn Lles

Caiff y lleoliadau hyn eu hariannu drwy raglen Gaeaf llawn Lles Llywodraeth Cymru, cynllun ar draws Cymru i helpu plant a phobl ifanc i gael adferiad o’r pandemig a mynd i’r gwanwyn yn teimlo’n well, wedi cysylltu’n well gydag eraill ac yn barod am ddechrau newydd.

Dylid nodi nad yw Cyngor Sir Fynwy yn rhoi taliad am leoliadau. Fodd bynnag bydd yr ymgeisydd llwyddiannus yn gymwys i dderbyn taliad dan y rhaglen Gaeaf llawn Lles. Bydd hyn yn gytundeb rhwng y lleoliadau a Ffederasiwn Amgueddfeydd ac Orielau Cymru a chaiff unrhyw geisiadau ariannol eu gwneud ar ôl cwblhau’r gwaith rhwng y ddau barti ac NID Cyngor Sir Fynwy.

Cadwch lygad am weithgareddau Gaeaf llawn Lles eraill ledled Cymru a chael y diweddaraf am yr hyn sy’n digwydd drwy Instagram (@bloedd_ac), Twitter (@AmgueddfaCymru), TikTok (amgueddfacymru) a Facebook (@amgueddfacymru). #winterofwellbeing #gaeafllawnlles

Are you 18 to 25 years old?

We are looking for enthusiastic people to help us improve the way we involve young people in shaping museums in Monmouthshire. 

As part of the Welsh Governments Winter of Wellbeing, a programme of youth-led events and activities for young people, we are looking for two 18 – 25 year olds for a limited time project to contribute to improving the way we involve young people in shaping museums in Monmouthshire.

These placements are paid, at a rate of (£100/day), funded directly by the Federation of Museums and Galleries of Wales (Not Monmouthshire County Council). They will take place between 9th and 31st March 2022.

We anticipate each placement being 9 days in total, spread over this period (though we will consider fewer days if applicants are unable to commit to the full 9 days). The placements will be working closely with a Winter of Wellbeing Programme Maker from the Federation of Museum in Wales, who will co-ordinate the project with support from Monmouthshire museums.

What will I be doing?

The role will involve working with the team to:

  • Consult with young people, using methods such as workshops and face to face discussions
  • Collect the thoughts and opinions of young people in Monmouthshire about the best ways to consult with them.
  • Compile the findings into a report which will inform future delivery of museum programmes in Monmouthshire and how we engage and include young people in the process.
  • Possible site visits to review Museum’s current offer for young people

The placements will be an excellent opportunity to gain experience directly with MonLife Heritage, The Federation of Museums in Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru- National Museums of Wales and develop skills and experience in youth consultation.

This is the start of a longer-term effort to develop and improve the museum service for young people.  We hope that the project will lay the groundwork for establishing a Youth Panel, to feed into the way we develop and deliver our service across the museums in Monmouthshire.

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals with the following, skills, experience, and interests.

  • An interest in improving access and inclusivity of services for young people (essential)
  • Good written and spoken communication skills- able to adapt content for different ages (essential)
  • Organised, with the ability to manage your own workload and time (essential)
  • Friendly, approachable, and empathetic (essential)
  • An interest in hearing and representing a diversity of voices and opinions of young people (essential)
  • Experience working as part of a small team (desirable)
  • An interest in new and creative approaches to engaging with young people, including use of tech and social media (desirable)
  • Experience facilitating discussions or workshops (face to face and online) (desirable)
  • Experience working with young people and youth groups (11-25) (desirable)
  • Experience in evaluation, social research or consultation (desirable)
  • An interest in the heritage sector (desirable)

This opportunity is open to anyone aged between 18 and 25 years.  However, we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who are not currently in full time paid employment and wish to explore different career paths.

How to apply

Please send us your CV (with names of two referees) and an expression of interest, maximum 500 words, on how you meet the main responsibilities and expectations of the role profile by end of Monday 7th March to rachaelrogers@monmouthshire.gov.uk .  We will appoint the roles as soon as possible after this date and there will be an introductory meeting during the week of  7th March.

NB: We anticipate there will be 9 days work per person which must be carried out between 7th and 31st March.  Within this period there are some fixed days of working, they are:

Wednesday 9th March – Friday 11th March (inclusive) – not full days

Some evenings during w/c 14th March – TBC

Friday 25th March

Wednesday 30th OR Thursday 31st March – TBC

If you are not available on some of these days, or not able to commit to the full 9 days, please let us know in your application. 

Winter of Wellbeing

These placements are funded through the Welsh Government’s Winter of Wellbeing programme, a cross-Wales bid to help children and young people recover from the pandemic and head into spring feeling better, more connected to others and ready for a new start.

Please note that Monmouthshire County Council does not provide payment for placements.  However the successful applicants are eligible to receive payment under the Winter of Wellbeing Programme.  This will be an agreement between the placements and the Federation of Museums and Galleries of Wales and any financial claims will be made on completion of the work between the two parties NOT Monmouthshire County Council.

Look out for other Winter of Wellbeing activities across Wales and stay up to date with the latest goings on via Instagram (@bloedd_ac), Twitter (@AmgueddfaCymru), TikTok (amgueddfacymru) and Facebook (@amgueddfacymru). #winterofwellbeing #gaeafllawnlles

STORM EUNICE – CLOSURES

MonLife Active

Our MonLife Active Leisure Centres will be closed on Friday 18th February due to #StormEunice.

We will update you tomorrow on our social media channels with regards to Saturday re-opening times.

Don’t forget that all MonLife Members can continue to train with your favourite instructors using the MonLife LIVE & ON DEMAND app. The app allows you to access exciting virtual live groups and your own personalised fitness experience from home. If you haven’t already done so you can Download it here: https://mywellness.page.link/QD4pCMXo31fvwujw5

The safety of our staff as well as our customers are our main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.

MonLife Heritage

Our MonLife Heritage Sites and grounds will be closed on Friday 18th February due to #StormEunice. This includes:

  • Caldicot Castle and Country Park
  • Old Station Tintern
  • Shire Hall
  • Abergavenny Museum and Castle
  • Chepstow Tourism Information Centre however, they are available by telephone, 01291 623722.

We will update you tomorrow on our social media channels with regards to Saturday re-opening times.

The safety of our staff as well as our visitors are our main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.

After the storm has passed and you are visiting our sites please watch out for debris and hanging branches.

MonLife Countryside

We advise avoiding using countryside sites and the rights of way network due to #StormEunice.

The safety of our visitors is our main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.

After the storm has passed, please watch out for debris and fallen branches.

MonLife Connect

Our MonLife Connect youth centres will be closed on Friday 18th February due to #StormEunice. This includes:

  • The Zone Youth Centre
  • Caldicot Positive Futures
  • Thornwell Pavilion

The safety of our staff as well as our young people are our main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.

MonLife activities lined up for a fun February half term

Monmouthshire’s leisure provider MonLife is gearing up for the exciting February half term, with plenty on offer to keep children and young people active and entertained over the school holidays.  The activities wil kick off on Monday 21st February and run  until Friday 25th. A full list of what’s on offer can be found on the website at www.monlifeholildayactivities.co.uk and there is something for everyone.

As part of the Winter of Wellbeing funding from Welsh Government, MonLife Learning will be carrying out a number of different sessions across Monmouthshire including making a ‘mindful mosaic’, creating a wellbeing jar as well as mindful colouring inspired by the museum’s collections. MonLife will also be staging a wide range of play events for local communities, for children and families to come along to. These events are free to attend, so to register you interest via the website. Please note that parental supervision is required for children under the age of 11.

The Monmouthshire Games will also be taking place and are aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 11 and offers activities to suit a range of different interests and hobbies. The sessions run from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. All activities will be delivered in accordance with National Governing Body guidelines for each sport and will be COVID-19 compliant. The Monmouthshire Games are available to all young people in Monmouthshire, including any children of families visiting Monmouthshire on holiday. Each site has 50 spaces available per day and parents are being encouraged to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “The MonLife holiday activities are so important to our children and young people, and are designed to promote wellbeing as well as mental and physical health. After nearly 18 months of having lockdowns and restrictions, our younger generations have missed out on people able to have fun, socialise and be active. Spaces fill up very quick so I would encourage parents to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

Oh boy! Rare vintage Mickey Mouse toy saved from rubbish

A vintage and rare Mickey Mouse toy will proudly be put on display after being saved from the rubbish tip thanks to eagle-eyed colleagues from Monmouthshire County Council’s waste and recycling contractors, Suez. The extraordinary cuddly toy, which is thought to date back to the 1930s, was discovered in a container destined for the tip. After unearthing the old toy, staff contacted MonLife’s Museum’s team about their special find.

Intensive research found the Mickey Mouse was originally made at one of UK’s oldest teddy bear manufacturers, the Deans toy factory in Pontypool. The business, which dated back as far as the 1700s, was the first manufacturer to make the Disney character in the UK in the 1930s but sadly fell into administration in 2005. An almost identical example of the toy – the earliest version of Mickey, as he appeared in his debut 1928 film ‘Steamboat Willie’ – is held within the collections of the V&A Museum in London.

After discovering the historical importance of the toy, Rachael Rogers, curator of Abergavenny Museum suggested that Mickey’s forever home might best be Pontypool Museum, which is less than a mile from the old Dean’s factory where it was made all those years ago.

Speaking about the extraordinary find, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Jane Pratt said: “I think it’s wonderful that Mickey has, after his very long life, been saved from the rubbish! I am so pleased that he is being donated to Pontypool Museum near to where he was made at Deans Rag Book Company. I hope that the publicity he creates will encourage people to think carefully before they throw things away. I am delighted that he will be viewed by generations to come in his new home.”

Cllr Pratt added: “Our Reuse shops at Llanfoist and Five Lanes have gone from strength to strength, with fantastic support from the staff at these recycling centres who spot lovely things, as well as the dedicated team of enthusiastic volunteers. It is not every day you find something as special as Mickey, but you would be amazed at what great things get saved that would have simply been thrown away.”

Upon receiving the donation, Pontypool Museum Curator, Caitlin Gingell said: “The curatorial staff are very pleased to be acquiring Mickey into the collections at Torfaen Museum. Dean’s toy factory, where Mickey was made, has been an important strand of Pontypool’s history and it is lovely to be bringing him back to his hometown. We hope that Mickey can go to a professional conservator in the near future, to be cleaned and structurally supported before going on display as part of a small exhibition about the toy manufacturer.”

Bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts alike will be able to head to Monmouthshire County Council’s Llanfoist and Five Lanes Reuse shops from mid-March.  Buying reused items is a great way to help the environment and reduce waste. All profits from the reuse sites go to tree planting in Monmouthshire to help in the fight against climate change. People can visit the reuse sites at the following locations:

  • Llanfoist Reuse shop – Llanfoist, NP7 9AQ, reopening every Tuesday 10am – 3pm from 15th March
  • Five Lanes Reuse Shop – Caerwent, NP26 5PD reopening every Wednesday 10am – 3pm from 16th March

COVID Announcement

Following on from the recent announcement from Welsh Government on the easing of covid restrictions, we’d like to update you on how this applies when you visit our MonLife venues.

From Monday 28th February 2022

  • Adults and children aged 11 and over will no longer be required to wear face coverings in our MonLife venues.
  • If you have covid symptoms do not enter our facilities – get tested and follow current self-isolation advice.
  • We will continue to take reasonable measures to keep staff and visitors safe during their time in our venues including ventilating areas; completing bespoke risk assessments; maintaining good hygiene at the premises.
  • Please respect those who continue to wear face coverings – everyone’s safety is important to us.

Once again, we thank you for your continued support. For further important updates, offers and news why not download the MonLife App.

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