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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MonLife to offer lots of fun and fitness over October half term

With over 30 different sports available, there’s plenty in store to keep children and young people active and entertained over half term at this year’s Monmouthshire Games. The week-long event runs from Monday 25^th October to Friday 29^th October and is hosted across the county’s leisure centres in Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth as well as Deri View Primary School in Abergavenny while the town’s leisure centre undergoes refurbishment.

Aimed at children between the ages of five and 11, the Monmouthshire Games offer activities to suit a range of different interests and hobbies. The programme is based on learning new skills, developing confidence, meeting new people and most importantly, having fun through sport. Sessions run from 8am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. It follows a successful summer programme which saw over 900 young people attend, all expressing their desire to come back and try it again.

Each site has 50 spaces available per day and parents are encouraged to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Monmouthshire’s Cabinet Member for MonLife, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “The Monmouthshire Games have been running for over five years and the impact the programme has on a young person’s continued health and wellbeing during the holidays and half term breaks has been evident. The variety of activities means children are not only getting the chance to have fun and meet new friends but learning life skills such as teamwork. Spaces really do fill up quickly on this excellent programme so please book your child’s place to ensure they don’t miss out on a fun-filled half term.”

Refurbishment of the pool area means that swimming is unavailable at Chepstow Leisure Centre.  The much-needed improvements include redecoration, an upgrade to glazing in the viewing area, a replacement ceiling, an LED lighting upgrade and installation of new air handling units.  Likewise, refurbishment at Abergavenny Leisure Centre rules out poolside activities. Work is expected to be completed in the new year.

To book a place visit: https://www.monlife.co.uk/monactive/childrens-activities/the-monmouthshire-games/ and fill out an enquiry form.

Meanwhile, MonLife’s heritage museums will offer activities for children over October half-term in conjunction with the Welsh Museums Festival.  Children of all ages can have fun and share the enjoyment of experiencing traditional toys and games together.  Some of these may have their roots in simple pastimes played for centuries, while others might be games parents or grandparents enjoyed in the playground or parties.

Sessions are 45 minutes long and start at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm at Monmouth’s Shire Hall on Monday 25^th October, the Drill Hall in Chepstow on 28^th October and Abergavenny Museum the following day.  Places are free but must be pre-booked at www.visitmonmouthshire.com/traditional-games

Also, throughout the Welsh Museums Festival each museum will feature a Dragon hunt for youngsters.

For further information about all the MonLife activities available please visit: www.monlifeholidayactivities.co.uk

Summer of Fun Review 2021

MonLife wanted to make the summer of 2021 a special one for all of our communities given the events these past two years. The easing of lockdown restrictions enabled MonLife to bring back many of our much loved schemes and activities including ‘The Monmouthshire Games’.

Children in Monmouthshire in particular have enjoyed a fun-filled summer holiday with wide range of play provisions. Two flagship programmes, The Monmouthshire Games and The School Holiday Enrichment Programme took centre stage and were supported by a wide range of MonLife services aimed at children and young people. Below you will be able to find our review and can help us celebrate our Summer achievements.

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Improvements set for Chepstow Leisure Centre pool area

MonLife has announced a programme to carry out much-needed improvements to Chepstow Leisure Centre’s swimming pool hall.  These will include redecoration, an upgrade to glazing in the viewing area, a replacement ceiling, an LED lighting upgrade and installation of new air handling units.

Scheduled to start on Monday 25^th October, the work will necessitate the closure of the pool.  The expected re-opening date is 4^th January.  Meanwhile, the rest of the leisure centre will remain open and MonLife will automatically freeze the membership of its Aqua holders while work continues.

MonLife members with any queries about the pool area refurbishment should email: monmemberships@monmouthshire.gov.uk – meanwhile, groups with bookings for the pool have already been notified of the closure.  Anyone with a general query on the work should contact chepstowleisurecentre@monmouthshire.gov.uk.  MonLife will also launch a dedicated microsite on Tuesday 28th September with up to date information on the scheme’s progress and a list of FAQ’s.

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for MonLife, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “I’d like to thank visitors to Chepstow Leisure Centre for their patience while work continues and I’m pleased that these refurbishments will provide an improved service to users of the leisure centre.  I’m also glad that many of the measures implemented will result in improved energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions.”

Play Schemes offer fun and activities to county’s young people

Children in Monmouthshire have enjoyed a fun-filled summer holiday, thanks to two successful play provision schemes offered by MonLife, the council’s tourism, leisure, culture and youth services body.

The Welsh Government-funded School Holiday Enrichment Programme (SHEP) has provided healthy meals, nutrition and food education, physical activity and enrichment sessions to children in specific areas of the county during the summer holidays.

The free four-week programme has seen over 420 children sign up at five schools, with sessions at Overmonnow Primary and Kymin View Primary in Monmouth, Thornwell School in Chepstow, Caldicot’s Dewstow Primary and Deri View Primary in Abergavenny.  The response to the scheme was overwhelmingly positive with a large majority of children delighted to make new friends and try new sports.

Meanwhile, MonLife has offered the exciting and popular Monmouthshire Games, with a range of different interests and hobbies keeping children and young people active and entertained over the summer holidays. The five-week programme featured at all of the county’s leisure centres in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth, with almost 900 youngsters participating.  Nearly all expressed their desire to attend future events.

This is the sixth year that MonLife has organised the Games. Aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 11, they have encouraged thousands to develop confidence, meet new friends and most importantly have fun through sport.    With challenges caused by the pandemic, this year’s events also aimed to help improve wellbeing and promote healthy bodies and minds.

Monmouthshire’s Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “The School Holiday Enrichment Programme and The Monmouthshire Games have been especially valuable during the pandemic, allowing the county’s children to be active, have fun and socialise.  They have been brilliantly organised by MonLife staff and give parents the peace of mind that their children are looked after in a fun and safe environment.”

The Monmouthshire Games and SHEP attracted a total of 7,750 attendances over the summer while children enjoyed 7,240 free meals provided in line with the wide range of benefits delivered by SHEP.  

Closure on footpaths in Caldicot and Rogiet extended

In December, Monmouthshire County Council made a Traffic Prohibition order to temporarily close footpaths 6 and 13 in Caldicot and Rogiet. The legal closure due to end on 23rd June has been extended for a further 6 months due to continuing safety issues.

Speaking on the closure, Councillor Lisa Dymock, cabinet member with responsibility for MonLife said: “We are deeply concerned that people are at risk. This section of footpath contains two live firing ranges and we have had reports about people continuing to use the path, wandering around the foreshore and elsewhere putting themselves in danger. An alternative route is in place following the Wales Coast Path, which is well signed and maintained and we appeal to people to use this path instead.

“A multi-agency approach is being taken to resolve the issues on this popular path. These include fly tipping, arson, vandalism, gates being left open, which allowed cattle to wander off, damage to the sea wall, illegal cycling, motorbike use and consideration of range safety measures”.

A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson added: “Notices regarding the closure of the footpath and alternative route are available on Monmouthshire County Council’s website and we have been endeavouring to keep them up on site. However, there has been problems with individuals removing the signs. This is an offence, but it is also putting visitors and local people in danger and hampering our endeavours to deal with the issues”. If you or anyone should witness someone tampering with the signs, then please contact: countryside@monmouthshire.gov.uk”

Refurbishment of Abergavenny Leisure Centre confirmed

Following the meeting of Full Council on Thursday 22^nd July, Monmouthshire County Council has confirmed that the proposed refurbishment of Abergavenny Leisure Centre has been agreed.  To enable residents to see the full development plans and find out more, MonLife has today (Friday 23^rd July) launched their new microsite www.monlifeleisuredevelopment.co.uk.

Monmouthshire County Council’s MonLife is committed to investing in projects which will benefit the health and wellbeing of the county’s community.  Its leisure centres provide a vital hub to support physical and emotional wellbeing across all age demographics. 

The proposed refurbishment of Abergavenny Leisure Centre will create a wellness hub over the first floor of the building, to create modern leisure facilities for the local community and helping to increase participation in regular physical activity.

The proposed new facilities will include:

·        Extended Fitness Suite

·        Power Assisted Exercise Studio

·        Dedicated Spin Studio

·        New Fitness Changing Facilities

·        Ground Floor Coffee Vending Offer

Councillor Lisa Dymock, Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice, said: “We are committed to investing in and developing leisure facilities across our county to support the health and wellbeing of our citizens.  The continued investment in leisure facilities will have a significant impact on wellbeing for not only now, but also for our future generations. I would encourage local residents to have a look at the plans and find out more about this exciting project.”