Please be
advised that due to ongoing technical difficulties the swimming pool at
Abergavenny Leisure Centre will be closed during the month of January.
Investigatory
works are being carried out and we will look to update you further on the
situation as it develops through our MonLife website and social media channels.
We would
like to remind you that MonLife have 3 other centres across Monmouthshire all
with swimming pools that you can use as either part of your membership or pay
as you go at Monmouth, Chepstow and Caldicot.
For further information, please visit www.monlife.co.uk.
If your
child is currently on our Learn to Swim programme at Abergavenny Leisure Centre
then there will be no payment taken in January.
If you have
an Aqua membership with MonLife your account will be frozen but if you wish to
use the other centres then you will need to contact the membership team by
emailing monmemberships@monmouthshire.gov.uk
to unfreeze your account.
Although the
swimming pool will be unavailable for use during the month of January all other
facilities at the centre including the gym, classes etc will be operating as
normal during this time.
We would
like to thank all of our customers for their continued support and will ensure
that the works are completed as quickly as possible.
Photo2:
The project enabled the team to find out more about this 17th
century spoon from the Skirrid Inn in Llanvihangel Crucorney
A
project to review Monmouthshire’s extensive museum collections, started in
April 2020, has been moving forward apace. It comes as similar projects looking
ensure collections are relevant to local communities takes place at museums
across the UK.
The Collection Review Project 2020-2022 has given MonLife museums the opportunity to discover more about the objects and their connection to Monmouthshire’s story. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has enabled staff to develop a more sustainable way of caring for collections. One of the aims of the project is look into the costs of long-term storage and conservation, and to ensure that resources are used appropriately.
The
process has identified some objects within collections without a clear
connection to Monmouthshire and these will now be offered to alternative homes.
Items identified for removal will find a place in an appropriate UK museum in
the first instance, a learning establishment or a relevant community
organisation, with those left over sold at public auction. Money raised
from sales will be used to conserve the museum collections. Museums
in Torfaen, Blaenavon and Hereford are among the museums we have transferred
artefacts to. For example, Y Gaer in Brecon, received a late 19th
Century engraved walking stick which belonged to the Vicar of Llywel in
Brecknockshire.
Cabinet
member with responsibility for MonLife Museums, Councillor Lisa Dymock said:
“As a local history museum service we want to focus our area on prioritising
objects that are related to Monmouthshire people, businesses, communities and
industries. After careful thought and research by the museum team, and
in-line with professional and ethical standards, some are being removed from
our collection.”
This
process is already having a positive impact on the museum’s work. By
removing artefacts which are not part of the Monmouthshire story and
reorganising stores, museum colleagues are able to create much needed physical
space which will allow for the collection of contemporary objects telling the
story of events, people, and communities in today’s Monmouthshire. Staff
are also conducting physical checks to assess the condition of objects and
their potential for use in future exhibitions.
Many
duplicate or generic historic items, while having been removed from the formal
museum collections have now found a new home with MonLife’s Learning Team,
providing a wonderful resource for handling, reminiscence and outreach
initiatives. In addition, research into collections has resulted in the
discovery and re-discovery of fascinating tales and material. One artefact
discovered was an antique spoon. After looking through documentation dating
back to the 1960s, the project team discovered that it came from the Skirrid
Mountain Inn in Llanvihangel Crucorney and dates from the 17th
century. Being able to conduct this research enabled to team to reunite this
object with its story.
Councillor
Dymock added: “I’m very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its
support to enable our museum service to undergo this very valuable
exercise. It’s provided a very welcome boost to our learning and
research, freed up valuable space in our museum stores and uncovered some
fascinating stories as well as benefitting other museums who have been able to
add to their collections.”
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
26th 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 1st
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 81st 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 21st.
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 25th 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.
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 25th October to Friday 29th 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.
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 25th October, the Drill Hall in Chepstow on 28th 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.
The Gwent Green Grid Partnership, a new
ground-breaking project, aims to improve and develop green infrastructure – a
term used to describe the network of natural and semi-natural features, green
spaces, rivers and lakes that intersperse and connect villages, towns and
cities – as well as provide green job opportunities within the area.
Green infrastructure has a crucial role to play in addressing nature, climate
change and health emergencies.
Monmouthshire County Council, working
with Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport and Torfaen councils as well as Natural
Resources Wales, Forest Research and the Severn Wye Energy Agency, leads the
partnership. The organisations will work together to ensure that the
area’s natural resources are healthy, resilient to pressures and threats and
thereby better able to provide vital health and well-being benefits for current
and future generations.
The Gwent Green Grid Partnership will
bring to life the Gwent Public Service Board’s commitment to implementing the
Well-being Of Future Generations (Wales) Act and the Environment (Wales) Act
through improved collaboration with partners, involving local citizens and
delivering across all seven well-being goals.
The project will deliver a range of
well-being benefits for local communities and plans to make improvements to
green spaces, urban and country parks, cycleways and public rights of
way. It will facilitate better woodland management and creation and take
action to protect and enhance vital habitats for pollinators. The
partnership will also explore better management of natural spaces to
provide opportunities which deliver preventative health-focussed activity.
Councillor Lisa Dymock, Monmouthshire’s
cabinet member with responsibility for green infrastructure said: “I very much
welcome the establishment of the Gwent Green Grid Partnership, bringing
together Gwent’s local authorities and three other organisations to protect and
improve our natural environment while providing opportunities for the area’s
communities.”
The project is supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas and is funded by the Welsh Government’s Enabling of Natural Resources and Well-being Grant.
For more information about this partnership, click HERE.
As part of our Green Infrastructure (GI) service, the Gwent Green Grid Partnership has contributed to many of the milestones outlined in the following report:
Monmouthshire
County Council is to carry out an up to date survey on the area’s tourism
industry.
Monmouthshire’s
strategic Destination Management Plan, which guides the running of the county’s
tourism sector, is due for review and the council will ask businesses,
residents and visitors for their views on how the area’s potential is
developed, managed and marketed.
Tourism
is vital to Monmouthshire’s economy and generates income to support a wide
range of businesses that benefit from spending by visitors. According to
figures supplied by tourism economic indicator STEAM (Scarborough Tourism
Economic Activity Monitor), the 2.28m visitors to Monmouthshire in 2019 brought
in almost £245m to the local economy and supported the equivalent of 3,119
full-time jobs.
While the council is keen to promote economic
growth and recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic it recognises the balance
to be struck between economic, environmental and social perspectives if tourism
is to develop sustainably. It aims to develop a tourism economy that
avoids a negative impact on the environment while ensuring a positive experience
for visitors with a warm welcome from Monmouthshire’s communities.
Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with
responsibility for tourism, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “Whether you’re a
business involved in the visitor economy, a Monmouthshire resident or someone
who’s visited the county over the past three years, we’d welcome your views.”
by Tuesday, 30th November. All who complete the survey will stand a chance of winning a Christmas hamper from the Wye Valley Producers collaboration packed with the area’s finest award-winning produce!
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.
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 25th October,
the work will necessitate the closure of the pool. The expected
re-opening date is 4th 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.”
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.