Undy Primary school were one of the last school groups to attended Gilwern Outdoor Education Centre before the lockdown restrictions were introduced. 44 smiling faces appeared on Wednesday morning full of anticipation and a dash fear about the adventurous program Mr Jones and I had planned and for many the first few nights away from home. Caving, canoeing, forest skills and a session in the high ropes were planned over the two and a half-day residential so it was busy from the start.
Beds made, sandwiches packed, equipment issued and they were off to the beautiful locations that surround the centre and over the next few days’ memories and experiences are made that stay with you for a lifetime. I can always tell how a school group is engaging by the instructors’ feedback and as normal Undy were fantastic. The staff pride themselves on supporting and encouraging individuals when it’s needed but also allowing those who require that extra challenge the chance to test their abilities. For one young person just putting on the climbing harness and being on the wall is a massive achievement as is racing to the top as many time as possible for another. This is where the skill and experience of the staff are required and that’s why when outdoor learning is done correctly, it’s so positive for the development of pupils and translates back into the classroom and life. I look forward to the day when we can start delivering adventurous outdoor activities and seeing those smiling faces again.
The Adventurer seeker “I enjoyed this trip it showed that I could do much more than my belief. The caving was very fun because I can challenge myself, forest fun was good because I could learn to survive and canoeing was fun because we learnt how to save someone if their boat sunk. All around Gilwern was a life-changing experience. I am very thankful that we went. I enjoyed caving the most because I learnt not to give up and I tried things that I hadn’t done before”
Over the last few months during this very different period, MonLife were able to demonstrate how they can collaborate effectively to deliver programs that positively impact young people in Monmouthshire.
At the start of the summer holidays MonLife we asked to provide a program for children aged 5-12 to access daily activities. In normal circumstances, The Monmouthshire Games is usually delivered within the four MonLife leisure centres. However, due to the pandemic, it required an adapted program to be devised and collaborative work.
With the help of services from sports development, youth service and leisure the Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs were developed. It was essential that the program had a variety of activities, risk assessed and following government guidelines to keep the children and staff safe.
“The Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs were a perfect example of MonLife employees coming together to provide a great experience for our young people. The feedback from the parents and children was positive and they enjoyed being able to interact with their friends from school as well as creating new friendships. We hope this gave the children some form of normality before going back to school in September”. – Sports development officer
The expertise of people within these services created a variety of activities for the children to complete from team building games, sports to arts and crafts. The impact of this program positively affected young people in Monmouthshire and in some instances it was the first opportunity that children had to reengage with others since the lockdown. The Hubs provided a safe environment for children to be able to interact and socialise together, which is reflected in the feedback gathered during the summer.
The delivery of the hubs also provided the parents and carers in the community with a scheme that they can trust and they can restart some normality of work. In addition to this, it provided staff with the opportunity to return to the workplace and reengage with the community.
Following on from the success of the Summer Activity Hubs we are very excited to announce that The Monmouthshire Games will be returning this October Half Term. Keep an eye out on our social media for the latest news and to register your interest as there will be limited spaces available!
We are delighted to announce that all the museums across MonLife are open again. Chepstow Museum and Monmouth Museum will be open Tuesdays 11 am-2 pm and Saturdays 1 pm-4 pm, whilst Abergavenny Museum will be open Thursdays 11 am-2 pm and Sundays 1 pm-4 pm.
During the summer we spoke to staff and carried out a survey, which was answered by over 170 people to find out what we could do to make visitors and staff comfortable when visiting the museums.
Visits are on a free pre-booked basis only and are for 45-minute slots. One slot is available for a group of up to 6 people from the same household or bubble. We have divided each of the museums into timed zones and during your visit, your group and a member of staff will be the only people within this zone.
We have various safety measures in place. Hand sanitiser is a requirement at the point of entry and staff will be cleaning throughout. All staff and visitors will be required to wear face coverings.
We are really pleased to be opening our shops and whilst we have been closed we have reviewed our offer which means there is currently a sale on in all the museum shops, so please take the opportunity to come and pick up a bargain. Please note we are only accepting card payments.
I would be pleased to see the staff again; they are always pleasant and it adds to the trip.
Our staff are all looking forward to welcoming you back to our sites.
We are thrilled to be re-opening the museums. Communicating the heritage of Monmouthshire to our visitors is what we are about and being able to do that face to face, in a safe way, is something we are all really pleased to do once more.
So, join us for an exploration of one of the dominant
artists of her generation, Georgia O’Keeffe was a major figure in 20th
century American art for seven decades. Staying true to her own vision, and yet
a key part of the development of Modernism in the USA, O’Keeffe is best known
for her paintings of magnified flowers, animal skulls, and New Mexico desert
landscapes. With exceptional observation, O’Keeffe created startling, detailed
images drawn from her experience of living in New York and in the barren
deserts of the American South West. Our 90-minute online lecture will look at
the life and work of this extraordinary artist.
You can join from wherever you are in the world! So tell
interested friends and family.
Only one booking per household is necessary.
Price for this 90 minute talk, is £7.50
Booking will close at 4pm on Sunday 5th September.
With exceptional observation, O’Keeffe created startling, detailed images drawn from her experience of living in New York and in the barren deserts of the American South West. Our 90-minute online lecture will look at the life and work of this extraordinary artist.
Image: Georgia O’Keefe, Blue and Green Music, 1919-21, The Art Institute of Chicago
Following the closure of MonLife Leisure Centres on the 20th March we decided to go digital to ensure our customers could continue their journey with us.
MonLife Active Fitness Instructors started recording Classes and Workouts such as Yoga, Tai Chi and HIIT and sharing them via the newly formed MonLife YouTube channel which now has more than 150 classes, and can be viewed at any time for FREE https://www.youtube.com/c/MonLife/videos
“Your well-being workouts have been a huge part of keeping me feeling rooted and connected to our old lives. Thank you team”
The digital platforms started to develop quickly and enabled the
staff to use Zoom classes as the platform for customer interaction and coaching
element that both members and instructors enjoy so much, with 3 classes being
offered each day with a post-class Coffee Catch Up.
The MonLife Active NERS Team also wanted to support people in the local community by organising a fundraiser using Zoom classes to support people living with Mental Health in Wales during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which raised £619.00
Additionally, using the Technogym My Wellness App “Stay at Home” Physical Activity Challenge, which provided new workouts every day and a Walk/Run The Monmouthshire Way Challenges were created to provide support and motivation to over 200 members while they waited for our centres to re-open.
“Thank you guys, all of you at Monmouth leisure centre have gone above and beyond. Truly amazing people”
We look forward to finding new and innovative ways to stay in contact with the members of our community to keep supporting both their physical and mental wellbeing.
We have also launched our brand new MonLife App, keep up to date with news, timetables, activities and more, simply download it from the Apple or Play store. Your Leisure Centre in your pocket!
Leisure Providers in Gwent Join Together to Keep Customers Active
During Lockdown
Following the most recent announcement from Welsh Government, additional
lockdown restrictions have been put into place in several areas across South
Wales. The importance of physical activity has never been more important and with
this in mind leisure providers have joined together across Gwent to help keep
customers active.
Customers who have a membership with a leisure provider in counties across Gwent, which they will be unable to access due to local lockdown restrictions, will instead through this innovative partnership be able to attend their local gyms or leisure centre whilst the local lockdown remains in place.
This new initiative, called Active Gwent, includes Aneurin
Leisure (Blaenau Gwent), Caerphilly County Borough Council Sport & Leisure
Services, MonLife (Monmouth), Newport Live and Torfaen Leisure Trust.
This means that customers who live in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly,
Torfaen, Monmouthshire or Newport who are currently members of leisure
providers outside of their local area which they are now unable to access, can be
given an Active Gwent membership to attend leisure services in their own
county as part of this new partnership.
This will be available until 31st October 2020 initially and kept
under review following Welsh Government updates. Customers continue to pay
their existing membership fees and will remain members of their usual leisure
provider. When local lockdowns are lifted, they will be able to return to their
usual facilities. Members who are eligible for this will be contacted by their
local leisure provider with more details on how to gain access.
The Active Gwent initiative has been introduced to help support communities in Gwent with remaining physically active whilst restrictions remain in place. All of the leisure providers taking part remain committed to the safety of staff and customers with additional guidelines in place including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing.
Steve Ward, Chief Executive at Newport Live said “We are thrilled
to be joining with other leisure organisations across Gwent to strengthen the
Active Gwent partnership. It is important to be able to help people with
keeping active and to support their health and wellbeing, even more so during
these challenging times. This new initiative means that despite local lockdowns,
customers will still have seamless access to take part in sports and activities
in their local area.”
Phill Sykes, Director of Operations at Aneurin Leisure Trust added
“Our mission is to improve community life.
We’re delighted to work in partnership with Active Gwent to provide
members outside of the borough with the opportunity to continue their fitness
activity whilst the local restrictions are in place, through this reciprocal
agreement.”
Angharad Collins, CEO Torfaen Leisure Trust said “WE are delighted
that in the face of adversity in our sector that we have been able to
collaborate with other colleagues in Gwent for this ground-breaking
project. Our ultimate aim is to ensure
that the citizens of Gwent can continue to be physically active in our COVID
safe environments. I strongly encourage
you to get in touch with your existing provider to take advantage of this
unique opportunity.”
Cllr Richard John, Cabinet Member for MonLife said “This fantastic
news means that people can continue to keep fit and well at a local leisure
centre as winter approaches – regardless of their home address in Gwent. This
is a great example of how we are working in partnership across Gwent to support
people – I would like to thank everyone who has made this happen.”
Cllr Ross Whiting, the Caerphilly County Borough Council Cabinet
Member for Learning and Achievement commented “The collaboration between
leisure trusts and councils from across Gwent is a fantastic initiative that
will allow residents of Caerphilly and the wider Gwent area to keep active in a
time when customers need physical activity the most.
“I am delighted that leisure providers from across Gwent have come
together to find a solution that is in the best interest of the people that
matter – our residents. Thank you to all officers who have made this possible
and to our customers who have been patiently waiting to return to their
favourite facilities once again.”
Following on from the recent announcement made by Welsh Government, please be advised that customers and staff using all MonLife facilities will have to wear a facemask from Monday 14th September.
If you have visited one of our MonLife facilities, you will see that we have put measures in place to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. More than ever, we need to ensure that everyone is adhering to these measures, especially the 2-metre social distancing rule and washing your hands.
Take a look at the video below of Monmouth Leisure Centre, this will give you an idea of what to expect in all of our MonLife facilities.
These are very different times for us all and we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.
It is recognised that there may be a variety of reasons e.g. physical or mental illness, disability or impairment that prevents someone from being able to wear a face covering. In such circumstances, the Welsh Government advise people to carry information, which demonstrates, why they are unable to wear a face covering, e.g. a prescription or hospital letter relating to a medical condition.
Following the Welsh Governments announcement on Friday 31st July, we are thrilled to announce all 4 MonLife Leisure Centres in Monmouthshire will begin to reopen on Monday the 10th August. We are working hard to mobilise our teams and open facilities and welcome our valued customers back.
Our staff are working tirelessly preparing your facilities, we want to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable. We will share these plans with you in the coming days so that you can see exactly what we have been doing and what to expect on your next visit.
We look forward to seeing you very soon.
“We are delighted by the Welsh Government‘a announcement today giving our hardworking MonLife team the green light to begin reopening our leisure centre facilities from Monday 10th August.
“The lockdown has really taken its toll on people’s mental and physical health so the ability to take part in a wide range of leisure activities will be welcomed by many of our residents.
“I’d like to thank our leisure centre customers for their patience and support during this difficult time and we look forward to welcoming you back.”
Quote from Richard John, Monmouthshire elected member for Leisure and Education.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) to #MakeYourComeback. Click the link to find out more.
Today MonLife launched their new website that allows you to take a look at the proposed multi-million pound re-development plans for Caldicot Leisure Centre. This site gives you the opportunity to have your say via our online survey and also answer any questions you may have.
The consultation will take place from the 10th June and we want to hear your feedback. By completing the survey or signing up for our regular updates you will also be entered into a prize draw for a chance of winning a MonActive Annual Membership worth £335 or a Fitbit charge 4.
Here at MonLife we are committed to investing in projects which will benefit the health and wellbeing of our community, not only for now but also for our future generations. Our Leisure Centres provide a vital hub to support physical and emotional wellbeing across all age demographics. MonLife is excited to be focusing on the re development of Caldicot Leisure Centre and look forward to developing the project to provide state of the art facilities for our existing and future customers.
The proposed new facilities will include:
Children’s Adventure Play
Extended Fitness Suite
Power Assisted Exercise Studio
Spin Studio
Fitness Changing
Studio / Community Room
Changing Village for the pool
Outdoor Changing Facilities
Café
New Reception Area
Viewing for the pool
New Skatepark
Additional Parking spaces
Light refurbishment to the pool
This development follows the successful completion of the project at Monmouth Leisure Centre, which was completed in 2019. Councillor Richard John, Cabinet member for MonLife “We want the new Leisure Centre in Caldicot to be at the heart of the community and that’s why we’re proposing this multi-million pound investment in exciting new facilities. We now want to hear the views of as many people as possible before we make any final decisions about the new Leisure Centre. I’d urge everyone in Caldicot and surrounding communities to have their say.”
Richard John Cabinet member for MonLife and Monmouthshire Elected Members 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 to Leisure facilities will have a significant impact on wellbeing for not only now, but also for our future generations.
Stay at home if you or anyone you live with has Coronavirus Symptoms, this includes if you have been contacted by NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect and told to self- isolate
Be vigilant with hand washing and hygiene
What
countryside Sites and Public Rights of Way are open?
All of our countryside sites are open for use and no car parks are currently shut.
All closures are kept under review and any amendments will
appear here. Closures on paths due to flooding, dangerous bridges etc.
can be found here.
Before you
visit
Make your promise to Wales to care for our local communities and protect our landscapes.
Plan ahead – check what is open and closed before you set out. Pack hand sanitiser and face masks.
Avoid crowds – Chose a quiet place and if busy go to an alternate destination.
Additionally for information on where to walk, or to report issues, please use our Countryside Access Map
The Countryside Access Service is currently experiencing high volumes of reported issues. Please note if you report anything, there may well be a delay in receiving a response. Our offices at Raglan and County Hall still remain closed to the public and it will take some time before all volunteering activities will be re-started.
