Williams Field Lane to Monnow Bridge Active Travel Route

A complete and accessible active travel route from Kingswood Gate housing estate, Monmouth, to Monmouth town centre via Wonastow Road Industrial Estate, Overmonnow Primary School and Old Monnow Bridge, with onward connections to Bridges Community Centre, Monnow Vale Community Hospital, Rockfield Road car park (MCC) and Monmouth skatepark.

The scheme was divided into phases:

Blue: Williams Field Lane Phase 1
Red: Wonastow Road to Monnow Bridge including Rockfield Road and Drybridge Street
Green: Kingswood Gate path

Overall scheme objectives

Provide a coherent, direct, comfortable, and attractive walking and cycling network from Overmonnow to surrounding communities, services, and facilities across Monmouth;
Increase levels of sustainable access to employment, health, education, and services;
Positively impact actual and perceived pedestrian, cyclist, and wheelchair user’s safety along and across the study area;
Support modal shift in Monmouth towards more sustainable forms of transport;
Reduce the negative impacts of transport on the natural and built environment.

Why were changes proposed?

The need for an improved route to Overmonnow Primary School was first recognised during Monmouthshire County Council’s Active Travel Integrated Network Map (INM) submission to the Welsh Government in 2018. Wonastow Road is an arterial route into the town and industrial area for vehicle traffic, but providing active travel routes in the area was challenging due to the legacy road layout, lack of footway and width in some sections, and a ditch/culvert that runs along the side of the road. A public right of way running between Kings Fee, Overmonnow, and St Thomas Road, Drybridge, offered a route away from sometime heavy vehicle traffic, but was a dirt path that was dark and inaccessible at times.

The housing development at Kingswood Gate has been one of the key drivers for changes being proposed, responding to local population growth by supporting modal shift and reducing pressure on local highway network. Walking, wheeling and cycling provision have a significant role to play in mitigating vehicle congestion, pollution, and health and wellbeing issues related to car-dependent lifestyles.

How was the scheme funded?

Funding for the various elements of this scheme has been granted from the Welsh Government Active Travel Fund, Safe Routes in the Communities (SRiC) fund as well as Section 106 monies from local developments.

Kingswood Gate path

Constructed 2025

The Kingswood Gate housing estate lies to the West of Overmonnow Primary School and was built circa 2016 and contains over 300 houses. The estate is connected by road to Monmouth by Wonastow Road. This road has poor pavement infrastructure with no scope to improve sections, high levels of HGV movement with the local industrial estate and a lack of active travel infrastructure. There is little potential to improve this corridor, due to the proximity of roadside culvert and neighbouring properties. The pedestrian route provided with the development of the estate was not sufficiently accessible or direct, and the Section 106 funding from the estate set aside for development of the preferred ‘desire line’ route across the Kingswood Gate meadow proved insufficient to complete the path. MCC therefore developed the path using successive rounds of funding from the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund (in addition to the Section 106) and, in 2025, £338,000 construction funding was secured by MCC from Welsh Government Safe Routes in Communities (SRiC) Fund.

This phase of the scheme has taken longer to complete than originally planned. Land ownership, changing the alignment of the Public Right of Way, sensitive ecology, flooding and funding cycles have all been factors in increasing the time the process took. The path was opened for use in November 2025.

The scheme includes:

A 3 metre-wide walking, wheeling and cycling path
A culverted crossing over the ditch from the meadow into Kingswood Gate estate (West end of the meadow)
Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) features for ground water management along the length of the path
Biodiversity-friendly low-level lighting
Connection to the already constructed Wonastow Industrial estate crossing and the Williamsfield Lane path.

Walking and cycling data will be collected over the next couple of years to help build a picture and show trends of usage of the route. The Williams Field Lane section of the route saw increased use after its installation and continues to show good usage and obvious trends that people are using the route to go to and from school or a place of work. With the addition of the new Kingswood Gate section to this route it will allow even more people to choose to walk or cycle into Monmouth. The completed route connects directly to the crossing in Wonastow Industrial Estate, on to Williamsfield Lane and finally joins the Wonastow Road/Drybridge Street active travel paths, creating a continuous, direct and comfortable route for walking, wheeling and cycling between Kingswood Gate and the centre of Monmouth.

*Image: Before and after – Active Travel route through the Kingswood Gate Meadow*

*Image: Before and after – Culverted crossing from the meadow into Kingswood Gate estate*

Wonastow Road to Monnow Bridge including Rockfield Road and Drybridge Street

Constructed in 2024

This phase of the scheme focussed on Wonastow Road, Drybridge Street and Rockfield Road and creating a connection between the Phase 1 Williams Field Lane and the Monnow Bridge. It provides improved access to Bridges Community Centre, Monnow Vale Hospital and the facilities and services within the town centre and beyond such as the leisure centre and Comprehensive School. It also provides a connection from the MCC free car park and Rockfield Road skatepark to the town centre.

Historically the roads in this area have a lot of traffic including large lorries accessing the Wonastow Industrial Estate. The road layout which included a painted mini roundabout allowed vehicles to move at speed even after the 20mph restriction was brought in. Together these issues alongside narrow pavements and poor provision for crossing the road made the area feel unsafe and uninviting for those walking and wheeling.

The scheme included:

Widening the existing footway on the northern side of Wonastow Road to accommodate a shared-use footway/cycleway.
Replacing the existing Wonastow Road/Drybridge Street/Rockfield Road mini-roundabout with a priority junction (T-junction).
Providing a parallel crossing (like a zebra crossing but with a lane for cycling) on the Rockfield Road junction arm
Providing an informal crossing (dropped kerb and tactiles) on the side road arm of the junction (Wonastow Road).
Widening the existing footway on Rockfield Road from the new priority junction to Monmouth skatepark.
Widening of a short section of the existing footway along Drybridge Street near the Monnow Bridge roundabout
Removing sections of on-street parking along Wonastow Road to deliver the route in line with the Active Travel Act Guidance.
Providing a parallel crossing across Wonastow Road Industrial Estate Road

*Image: Scheme proposal for Williamsfield Lane to Monnow Bridge*

*Image: Before and after – Roundabout and Rockfield Road crossing*

*Image: Before and after – Changes made converting the mini roundabout to T-junction*

*Image: Before and after – Footway widened to Shared Use Path along Wonastow Road*

Wonastow Industrial Estate parallel crossing

Also as part of this phase of works, a parallel crossing (like a zebra crossing, but with a lane for cycling) was installed across the Wonastow Industrial Estate road, as this road carries large vehicles. This crossing is key in linking the Kingswood Gate path to the Williams Field Path and give those who walk, wheel and cycle a place to cross.

*Image: Before and after – Parallel crossing at Wonastow Road Industrial Estate*

Williams Field Lane Phase 1

Constructed in 2022

The first phase of the scheme was the Williams Field Lane path. The path links multiple housing estates allows for direct, safe access to Overmonnow Primary school, the town centre and other facilities. Constructed in 2022, the scheme provided a 3m wide walking, wheeling and cycling route from the Wonastow Industrial Estate through to where Williams Field Lane connects with Wonastow Road. The route replaced a well-used but muddy track and primarily allowed for much safer access to Overmonnow Primary School whilst benefitting wider network connections to the town centre. The path features low-level lighting, designed to minimise impact on bats and other local wildlife. As a joint effort between MCC departments, a play park in Kings Fee was also constructed as part of this route phase. The play park, built either side of the path, allows for “play along the way” as well as an outdoor education space for Overmonnow Primary School. This section of the route was recognised in May 2025 as a benchmark for other Active Travel and “play along the way” schemes across Wales – https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/2025/05/monmouthshire-county-council-will-use-funding-to-improve-play-areas/

Data on route usage is gathered to monitor impact and usage trends. In the 3 years the route has been in place the data has showed an increase of traffic at peak times, giving evidence that the route is being used for ‘purposeful journeys’ such as getting to school or a place of work.

There is a short, narrow section running between two large industrial premises just off Wonastow Industrial Estate Road. Whilst the path still allows access, it is narrow and anyone wheeling or cycling along that section should exercise caution and look out for other users. Currently plans to widen this section are on hold due to the prioritisation of other schemes.

*Images: The Williams Field Lane active travel path, play park and outdoor learning area*

Data and Impact

This route has been monitored for walking, wheeling and cycling usage throughout its development. The data shows a trend of increased use at weekday school-times, which suggests the route is useful for purposeful journeys, such as trips to school and work, in addition to leisure journeys. Through anonymised data collection, path usage is monitored to measure the impact of route improvements.

Image: Data collection shows trends in path usage

For more information on MCC’s work on active travel in Monmouth, please visit Monmouth – Monlife

Monmouthshire’s heritage to benefit from funding awards

Tea caddy – Our collections contain items that reveal the products of the British Empire. This work will better interpret these objects. — Tea caddy – *Our collections contain items that reveal the products of the British Empire. This work will better interpret these objects.*

MonLife, which runs Monmouthshire County Council’s heritage service MonHeritage, has secured two funding awards totalling over £415,000 from Welsh Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The award will enable MonHeritage to work closely with communities in Monmouthshire, over the next two years, to ensure everyone’s stories are told in the county’s museums.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £241,697 for the project ‘Dynamic Collections – Opening the box’ discovering and sharing Monmouth’s local history collection. This work will transform how Monmouth’s local history collections are documented, making them relevant to today’s communities.

The project will run between April 2023 and March 2025 and tasks will include: Improving computerised catalogue database and commissioning a report on empire, slavery and colonialism artefacts within the local history collection, to complement reports that have recently been produced about museum collections in Abergavenny and Chepstow.

The MonHeritage team will work with diverse community groups to critically examine how and what is recorded about collections, including identifying key terms. This will include working with Race Council Cymru to support sessions with racially diverse groups; those with a disability and the LGBTQ+ community, and working with people who understand ecology and climate change.

This project will result in a community co-curated touring exhibition that explores the question “What makes Monmouth Monmouth?” This will enable different perspectives to be heard, new contexts explored and a variety of stories told. The exhibition will tour community venues, sharing collections with new audiences who may not have previously visited the museum. A companion exhibition in Shire Hall will enable themes explored in the project to be showcased and trial new approaches ahead of the Shire Hall Museum’s redevelopment. A community engagement programme of learning sessions, handling workshops, renaissance session and craft activities will facilitate discussion around our collections.

Collections Review –Our projects will enable us to improve information about and access to our collections — Collections Review – *Our projects will enable us to improve information about and access to our collections*

Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales said: “Heritage is for everyone and we want to see a wider range of people involved in heritage, which is why we’re supporting Monmouthshire County Council’s ‘Dynamic Collections – Opening the box’ project. Through our funding we aim to bring communities together through a deeper engagement with heritage, particularly through finding creative ways to bring heritage to new audiences. This will help discussion and exploration of our heritage so that people and communities across Wales can engage with, interpret, and gain a shared understanding of our past.”

To support MonHeritage’s collections at Abergavenny and Chepstow Museums, MonLife has been awarded £173,318 by Welsh Government. The funding is for the project ‘Researching, re-examining and reclaiming: the heritage and culture of Monmouthshire’s Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities’.This work will contribute to the heritage goals in the Anti Racist Wales Action Plan. The award builds on work begun at the two museums and will lead to improved interpretation of the collections, better representing their links to slavery, colonisation and empire and acknowledging Monmouthshire communities’ past role in slavery, empire and globalisation

With Race Council Cymru, MonHeritage will host community workshops to explore ways to better interpret the collections. Work with the communities will enable the Learning and Curatorial team to create an activity programme, which is likely to include cultural events, exhibitions and displays in Monmouthshire venues. In addition, community and learning activities in local schools and in the county’s museums. The content will be inspired by the collections and local heritage.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden visited Abergavenny Museum recently and said: “It was excellent to learn more about how our funding will be used by MonLife. Our national and local museums, galleries, libraries, theatres, and sporting venues need to be inclusive of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and places. Our culture, heritage and sports services must be culturally competent and reflective of the history and contribution made by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people to Welsh society.

“I am committed to delivering the goals and actions in the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan and the Programme for Government commitments within my portfolio. I look forward to seeing how MonLife’s project contributes to our continued progress as we deliver meaningful change with and for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people across Wales.”

This work complements the recent decision of Monmouthshire County Council to become a member of the City of Sanctuary network and to begin the process of formally applying to become a county of sanctuary for those fleeing persecution.

Cllr. Sara Burch, Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for Inclusive and Active Communities, said: “We are very grateful for this funding from Welsh Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It will bring about significance improvements in the way our heritage collections are interpreted, displayed and communicated. The activities planned in both of these programmes will help us to identify and share with people the stories related to our collections and our locality that celebrate the full cultural diversity of our Monmouthshire communities and will enable representation of all our communities at our museums. We look forward to working with Race Council Cymru to ensure our collections are relevant, respectful and inclusive.”

Tags: funding, heritage, MonHeritage, MonLife, Monmouthshire, news, The National Lottery

Let’s Move for a Better World

Support the fight against sedentary lifestyles by joining the biggest social movement campaign in the fitness industry. Get ready to donate moves from 14^th to 31^st March 2023.

By taking part in the ‘Let’s Move for a Better World’ Campaign, you commit to fight against physical inactivity and all the consequent health diseases contributing to build a better and healthier world. To give everyone the same chance and opportunity, irrespective of age, sex and level of physical ability, Technogym have created the ‘MOVE’, a new way to measure physical activity that connects the whole community.

With only 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week, you reduce the risks associated with obesity and chronic diseases, whilst at the same time reaching other important goals.

Join our Challenge

This March, MonLife are teaming up with Technogym to get Monmouthshire moving. We have set up a ‘MOVEs’ challenge via the ‘MyWellness’ App (available on both the App Store and Play Store) for everyone to join and take part in! All you have to do is complete 2000 MOVEs.

You can complete the challenge in the gym, outdoors or our spin classes. All members that participate will enter a raffle for the chance to win a 12-month membership. Additionally, all members that collect 5000 ‘MOVEs’, will enter a raffle to win ‘Let’s Move’ merchandise.

How to Collect ‘MOVEs’

The Technogym® MOVE is based on body displacement in space, therefore it offers the best means to measure and compare participants’ activity levels during the Campaign. The faster and more often you move, the more ‘MOVEs’ you collect. Here’s how you can collect your ‘MOVEs’:

– Indoor Automatic on cardiovascular equipment within MonLife Leisure Centres (i.e., Treadmill, Bikes, Vario, Syncro, Climb, Skill line, Group Cycle)

– Indoor Automatic on connected resistance equipment within MonLife Leisure Centres (i.e., Chest Press, Leg Press, Shoulder Press).

– The Mywellness App Outdoor GPS Activity Tracker

– 3^rd Party Devices with GPS connectivity (e.g. – Garmin). Please note Fitbit and Apple watches do not offer this.

Win for your community

The facilities that gather the required number of ‘MOVEs’ will be able to donate equipment to the Institutions or Schools of their choice to help fight obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Let’s Engage your community to create a healthier world!

Get set for half-term fun with MonLife!

MonLife has put together a programme of exciting activities for children, young people and families to enjoy this February school half-term.

The Monmouthshire Games are returning, providing a great chance to learn new skills, develop confidence, meet new people and most importantly have fun through sport. The week-long programme runs from Monday 20^th to Friday 24th February and is hosted across the county’s leisure centres (Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth). Follow the link for more information and the booking form – www.monlife.co.uk/monactive/childrens-activities/the-monmouthshire-games/

At Monmouth leisure centre there is the indoor play centre, featuring an exciting three-storey, action-packed climbing maze, featuring a unique beat the clock timing system. There’s also a designated (enclosed) toddler area. The play centre is open seven days a week (except bank holidays) between 10am and 5.30pm and is suitable for ages – babies and toddlers (0-3), young children (4-8) and older children (9-11). Please note due to a private booking the play centre is closed to the public Saturday 18^th and 25^thFebruary between 4pm-6pm.

There’s also plenty of fun for all the family in the leisure centres’ pools with some amazing sessions to keep you or your children entertained. Find out more: Swimming – MonLife Holiday Activities

There is lots of free fun to be had at MonLife Museums. Follow the play trails at Abergavenny and Chepstow museums, play dress up at Shire Hall Museum in Monmouth and get creative with our chalkboards, market stall and ‘crack the crime’ games. Children can also could also cook something up at Abergavenny Museum’s Mud Kitchen and play in the grounds with special backpacks filled with fun things to do outdoors, toys and games.

Youngsters can also go undercover at Shire Hall in Monmouth, and at Chepstow and Abergavenny museums, and test their detective skills as part of the national Montgomery Bonbon: Museum Mystery Trail, organised by Kids in Museums and Walker Books. The trail celebrates the release of new children’s book Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum written by comedian Alasdair Beckett-King and illustrated by Claire Powell. So why not visit Monmouthshire’s museums over half-term and join the free fun. To find out museum opening hours visit: www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/

MonLife will be also be holding free Stay and Play sessions where children and families will have the opportunity to freely choose from lots of activities including physical play, arts and crafts, den building or wherever their imagination takes them. The sessions are taking place at Raglan Old Church School on the 21^st February between: 10am-noon; Shire Hall, Monmouth on the 21^st February between 1:30pm-3:30pm; Magor Scouts and Guides Hut on the 23^rd February between 10am-noon; Deri View Primary School on the 23^rd February between 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please note that parental supervision is required for children under the age of 11. Book now via the following form: https://forms.office.com/e/w38MZvNMGp

MonLife will also be holding FREE Active Play sessions at Abergavenny, Chepstow, Caldicot and Monmouth during February half term. Mon Life Active Play programme is 1 hours and 55 minutes where children aged 5-11 can be left with our highly trained and experienced playworkers and choose from a range of activities to play including physical play, arts and crafts, archery or wherever their imagination takes them. These sessions are now fully booked.

Youth centres across the county will also be open on certain days for young people to visit. They’re a safe space for young people to access, where they can take part in activities, hang out and meet new friends, supported by qualified and registered Youth Workers. The Attik, Monmouth, will be open Tuesday 21st between 3-5pm, Wednesday 22nd between 3pm and 8pm and Friday 24th between 3pm and 6pm. The Cabin, Abergavenny will be open Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd February, 3pm-8pm and Friday 24^th, 3pm-6pm. The Zone, Caldicot will be open on Tuesday 21st 2pm-8pm and ‘The Pav’ youth centre in Thornwell, Chepstow, will be open on Tuesday 21st between 2pm and 8pm and Friday 24th February 2pm-7pm.

Full details of what happening over half term can be found here: www.monlifeholidayactivities.co.uk/activities/

Monmouthshire’s Youth Service gears up for successful 2023 after receiving Welsh Government accolade

MonLife’s award-winning Youth Service is gearing up for another successful year after recently securing a Bronze Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales.

The Youth Service received the Welsh Government accolade following a week-long assessment of its services in October 2022, with the award officially given on the 17^th of November 2022.

The Quality Mark is awarded to organisations and service providers who meet a range of criteria as set out by gold, silver and bronze standards and supports the aims and objectives of the ‘Youth Work Strategy for Wales.’ The Quality Mark is regarded as being the only system available in Wales that can meet a profession-specific set of standards.

Assessment for the award focuses on:

Performance management
Quality of youth work practice
Young people’s learning and development
Legal requirements

Following the assessment, MonLife’s Youth Service was recognised for its work in developing positive relationships with young people, helping promote learning and achievement, and for providing opportunities which are educative, empowering, participative, inclusive and expressive, and extends their knowledge, skills and understanding.

The team and its services were also regarded as having a clear vision and strategy for young people, having a plan to measure the impact and effectiveness of its services and ensuring all work with young people is linked with local and national policies.

The accolade comes as the Youth Service gears up for an ambitious 2023, with the key focus on ensuring young people from 11 to 25 years old can develop holistically through a range of activities and opportunities. This work includes the delivery of youth clubs, youth centres, school holiday provision, the Shift project which supports young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, participation work including Engage 2 Change (Monmouthshire’s youth council) and LGBTQ+ support including ‘Equality Street’ – an award-winning service.

Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities, Cllr Sara Burch said: “Our youth services are a fundamental part of ensuring young people are given opportunities to help them learn new things, form new relationships, expand their minds and in turn thrive as members of our community. I am delighted the excellent work carried out by MonLife’s Youth Service has been recognised and I look forward to seeing these excellent programmes welcome more young people over the coming year.”

Cllr Martyn Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Education added: “Education and learning opportunities for our young people certainly do not stop at the classroom door, and youth services play a key role in giving our younger generations a well-rounded experience within our communities. This award further demonstrates our commitment to providing young people with every possible chance at being the best version of themselves. Well done to all involved.”

For further information on MonLife’s Youth Services, visit: https://www.monlife.co.uk/connect/youth-service/

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds to land on stage at Caldicot Castle

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds to land on stage at Caldicot Castle

One of the best-known names in the UK music industry has just confirmed that they’re heading to Monmouthshire in summer 2023. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have confirmed they are playing a special one-off date at Caldicot Castle on Saturday 19^th August.

Not shy of delivering world-class performances at prestigious outdoor venues, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will perform a one-off show in the grounds of the castle featuring a selection of the band’s most well-loved songs, from Oasis hits through to current day radio favourites. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have, since 2011, release three studio albums, a collection of EPs and have played hundreds of live shows across the UK. In summer 2022, the band completed a nationwide tour of outdoor shows by headlining on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

The announcement of the Caldicot Castle date follows the incredibly well-received release of the band’s brand-new single ‘Pretty Boy’, which recently featured as BBC Radio 2’s Record Of The Week. The track signals the beginning of a new creative chapter and first new music from Noel’s forthcoming new studio album which will be released next year.

Caldicot Castle has gained a reputation for hosting chart-topping, famous bands, including girl band Little Mix, in August 2017, and Status Quo in summer 2015. As recently as September 2022, the castle was host to a local folk band that have gained a massive following, Rusty Shackle, marking the release of their latest album.

When they come to Caldicot, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will be supported by local favourites Feeder. Formed in 1994, the band have released 11 studio albums and have spent a combined total of 184 weeks on the singles and albums chart. Their highly acclaimed album ‘Torpedo’ came out earlier this year continuing the band’s winning formula with big riffs, bigger emotions, and, of course, enormous tunes.

They’ll be joined by Newport’s Goldie Lookin’ Chain, officially Britain’s biggest rap group. Known for ‘Guns don’t kill people rappers do’, the group have released 18 albums in the course of their 22-year-long career.

Pablo Janczur, the Orchard Live promoter, said: “We’re so excited about this absolutely massive show coming to Caldicot Castle. We’ve wanted to bring a great rock line-up to this venue for some time and what could better, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds supported by Feeder on a beautiful summer’s evening. It’s going to be an awesome day out.”

Monmouthshire County Council Leader, Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we will stage another world-class concert in the beautiful setting of Caldicot Castle this coming summer. We’re looking forward to welcoming Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Feeder and Goldie Lookin’ Chain, as well as thousands of visitors and residents to what promises to be a very special night out.”

Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member with responsibility for MonLife, said: “It’s very exciting to see acts of such high calibre coming to Monmouthshire, and also great news that the organisers have given local residents the opportunity to secure tickets before the general sale takes place. Caldicot Castle is such a beautiful venue that we are really proud of – it has such a lot of offer as a concert venue, as well as being a tremendous attraction for all the family all year round. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the castle on August 19^thnext year.”

Tickets at £61.88 each, including fees, are on General Sale from 10am on Friday 16^th December, but Monmouthshire residents can snap up their tickets sooner than that. The organisers have arranged a special Pre-Sale for local fans from 10am on Wednesday 14^th December via http://orchardlive.gigantic.com/noel-gallagher-s-high-flying-birds-tickets/monmouth-caldicot-castle/2023-08-19-17-00

It has also been confirmed that local residents will be engaged with on plans closer to the event to ensure minimal impact on the Caldicot community. Full event information is available at www.caldicotcastle.co.uk.

Visitor to Caldicot leisure centre returns to thank those who helped save his life

A visitor to Caldicot leisure centre recently returned to thank the centre’s staff for their quick response when he suffered a potentially fatal medical emergency earlier in the year. Alan Owen of Carmarthen suffered a cardiac arrest while he was at a Walking Football Tournament at the leisure centre on Sunday 3^rd April 2022.

The immediate intervention of staff and players at the event is credited with saving his life. Alan was given CPR and a defibrillator was used prior to Alan being airlifted to Heath Hospital Cardiff, where he underwent surgery to have an ICD (implanted cardioverter defibrillator) and stents fitted.

During Alan’s return visit to Caldicot leisure centre last month, he met Kirsty Burnett, Briden Whitbread and Duty Officer Justin Aylett, to thank them for their life saving actions. All the leisure centre’s staff were delighted to see Alan looking so well.

Alan Owen with colleagues whose quick actions saved his safe in April 2022

All MonLife leisure centres across Monmouthshire have monthly training for all lifeguards on CPR and using the defibrillator machines to ensure they are prepared should a medical emergency occur

Cllr. Sara Burch, cabinet member with responsibility for Inclusive and Active Communities, said: “I am so proud of our colleagues at Caldicot leisure centre for their quick thinking intervention, without which the outcome could have been very different. It really does show the importance of having training in CPR and the use of defibrillators. I am very pleased to see Alan so well recovered and thank him for his kindness in coming back to visit Kirsty, Briden and Justin, and the rest of the team in Caldicot.”

Alan Owen said: “Without the early intervention of the players and staff who performed CPR and administered three shocks via the on-site defibrillator, I would not be alive today. The training that the staff undertook and put into practice on that day contributed to saving my life.”

CPR training can make the difference between life and death, and anyone can learn. The British Heart Foundation’s website has a helpful introduction to the basics: www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life

Gwent-wide projects come runner up at the Landscape Institute Awards

GGGP Team at the Awards on the 24th November 2022

The Gwent-wide Nature Isn’t Neat and Gwent Green Grid Partnership Team (GGGP) attended the Landscape Institute Awards 2022 on the 24^th November.

The team came runner up in both categories they were short listed amongst national and international submissions. Firstly, for the Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Enhancement professional category for their Nature Isn’t Neat project and secondly, for a Partnership & Collaboration award which recognises exceptional work in landscape as part of the Gwent Green Grid Partnership.

The Landscape Institute Awards is one of the biggest events in the industry, celebrating people, place and nature, and the many ways that landscape projects can connect them. It celebrates spaces that people can be truly proud of, with there being over 200 entries in total this year, including 53 from international entrants.

The Gwent Green Grid Partnership is a new ground-breaking regional collaboration that aims to improve and develop “Green Infrastructure”; a term used to describe the network of natural and semi-natural features and green spaces, rivers and lakes that intersperse and connect our villages, towns and cities as well as helping to support job opportunities within the area. Green Infrastructure has a crucial role to play in addressing nature, climate change, health and economic emergencies.

The Nature isn’t Neat project is establishing joined-up green space management to create wildflower-rich pollinator habitats across Gwent local authority areas – Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, and Torfaen – as part of the Gwent Green Grid Partnership. Nature isn’t Neat aims to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators, the actions that we can all take to support them, and how these can have a positive impact on other important issues such as reducing the decline in wildlife and lessening the impacts of climate change.

Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby said: “We are very excited that both the Gwent Green Grid Partnership and the Nature Isn’t Neat project have been shortlisted for the Landscape Institute Awards in London, getting the recognition they deserve on a national scale. Both of their approaches are crucial in protecting and enhancing our special landscapes, developing green infrastructure and helping address the decline in biodiversity and challenges of climate change. We are lucky to have such excellent professionals as well as such a stunning landscape to work with.”

These projects are 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.

If you would like to find out more about what these projects do, please follow these links:

Gwent Green Grid Partnership: Gwent Green Grid Partnership – Monlife

Nature Isn’t Neat: Nature Isn’t Neat – Monmouthshire

Community artwork in Abergavenny inspired by nature

The community artwork, with mosaic flowers, person, and insect, installed in Bailey Park, Abergavenny — The community artwork installed in Bailey Park, Abergavenny

New nature inspired artworks are appearing in green spaces across Gwent, encouraging more people to value the nature we can find in our communities.

The pieces have been developed as part of the Nature Isn’t Neat project, which aims to raise awareness of the decline in pollinators and encourage local action, including embedding a regional meadow management approach across the Gwent area.

Over the summer, communities have been busy designing and building mosaic artworks with artist Stephanie Roberts, that reflect the beauty of nature in their local green spaces.

The artworks are situated across Gwent, in Gilfach, Bargoed, Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar, Rogerstone Welfare Grounds, Rogerstone, Fairhill, Cwmbran.

Bailey Park, Abergavenny is home to the Monmouthshire sculpture, located near to the Rugby Club. The mosaic celebrates the humble daisy and its role for pollinators with an iridescent thick-legged flower beetle stealing the show.

The new community artworks celebrate the relationship between wildflowers, pollinators and people of Gwent. The artworks will be the focal point of a celebration in the spring, looking forward to an exciting season of nature ahead.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby said: “The new artworks celebrate the Nature Isn’t Neat approach and the positive effect it can have had on wildlife and pollinators across Gwent. Selective mowing allows grasses and wildflowers to thrive for longer is supporting pollinators and a diverse range of wildlife generally.”

Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities, said: “It’s fantastic to see this community project taking pride of place in Bailey Park. It was heart-warming to see how many local people went along to the workshops to work on this artwork in the summer. It’s not only a great testament to Nature Isn’t Neat, but also to the community spirit in Abergavenny.”

This community art 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.

Looking for a truly historic half-term? Welsh Museums Festival has it covered

Dragon lore, Pirate Codes, Time Travel and Treasures, and Crafts are on offer as museums across Wales are busy brewing a potent potion of inspiration for a bumper historic half term, as the Welsh Museums Festival ensures plenty of activity to delight locals and visitors of all ages. And with the cost of living soaring, this year’s festival will have more FREE festival activities than ever before.

Speaking about the festival, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden said: “Wales’ excellent museums support our sense of nationhood and wellbeing. They are also key to our tourism economy. At a time when families and individuals across the UK are struggling with increased living costs, we feel passionate that Wales’s story and our treasures remain accessible to all. Welsh Government is therefore proud to support Welsh Museums Festival to offer a packed fortnight of events for all ages, welcoming visitors and supporting our communities, with an engaging array of events and activities in museums across Wales. And importantly, enabling more of these events than ever before, to be offered free of charge.”

Welsh Museums Festival is made possible by funding from Welsh Government. It is an annual event presented by the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales, which is the advocacy body for museums and galleries and those working in this sector within Wales. It currently represents over 100 unique Accredited Welsh museums, from small independents to national museums. Together, these invaluable collections tell the story of Wales, and are a treasured resource for learning, exploration and knowledge about our local and national identity, and how we have lived here in Wales since the dawn of time.

Launching the programme for this year’s Festival, Nêst Thomas, President of the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales said: “I’m grateful to our fantastic museums for taking up the gauntlet of participating in a longer festival this year, so that we can support local tourism economies and our communities to have a historic half term. It feels particularly important at this time of increased financial hardship, to do as much as we can to support our visitors’ wellbeing, and so we’re delighted that more Festival activities than ever will be free of charge. Come along to discover our treasures, to enjoy historic hullabaloo, to solve riddles, to learn, to make and craft, to discover a wealth of stories, to time travel and enjoy.”

In Monmouthshire, MonLife Heritage is offering a number of free activities in partnership with the festival.

A key theme of this year’s festival is ‘treasure’. Festival events will explore treasures held in museum collections and asking questions such as ‘what do you treasure?’ and ‘why?’. To that end, the festival will be engaging visiting teenagers in a Photography Competition which encourages them to creatively explore some of their ideas about treasure, while children will enjoy hunting for Black Bart’s treasure chest by solving a series of riddles and cracking a secret code.

Oh, and did we mention dragons? Look out because ‘Here Be Dragons’! A clutch of baby dragons has hatched and run a mock in a number of our museums and sharp, young eyes are needed to help track them down. All through Welsh Museums Festival, afflicted museums will be engaging visitors help round them up and return them to the wild so that they can grow big and mighty like the dragon on the Welsh flag.

We are also running specific events. Whilst the leaves are turning and our wonderful wildlife is getting ready for the colder days ahead, drop in and join us for free half term fun with our autumn animal clay play days from 11am-3pm on the following dates:

Monday 31^st October at Shire Hall Museum, Monmouth

Tuesday 1^st November at Abergavenny Museum and Castle.

Thursday 3^rd November at Chepstow Drill Hall.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. No booking required.

Cllr. Sara Burch of Monmouthshire County Council said: “There are plenty of playful family activities at Abergavenny and Chepstow Museums this week. There are opportunities for children to dress up in costumes, play a game of ‘throw the fish in the basket’, chalk the longest line you can, or grab a ‘horse’ and canter down the corridor. From mud kitchens and chalkboards to dressing up and toys and games, there is something to make a visit full of fun.”

The time travel ends on 6th November full programme details will be available on https://www.monlife.co.uk/autumn-animal-clay-play-plus-much-more/ on the festival’s website www.museums.wales

« Previous 1 … 11 12 13 14 15 … 24 Next »