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Join us at one of these drop-in sessions for an update on the findings of the recent Tracks & Trails public consultation, which ran from 1st November 2023 to 12th January 2024. Find out about the strategic direction we are taking with the development of the new strategy and action plan, to enhance the experience of tracks & trails in the Wye Valley National Landscape. Our aim is to safeguard the natural and built environment for present and future generations and to give all types of users the opportunity to enjoy the many different tracks and trails.

This is an opportunity to engage with representatives from the Wye Valley National Landscape, Monmouthshire County Council, and the consultants, Tomorrow’s Tourism, to gain insight into the ongoing development of the new strategy and action plan. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Tracks & Trails is a project focused on the Monmouthshire section of the Wye Valley National, looking at how to help provide the best experience for everyone who uses these routes to explore and enjoy the National Landscape. The aim of the work is to develop the most practical ways of supporting the requirements of all types of users, while protecting the natural and built environment for current and future generations.
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WILD HARE AND ABBEY HOTEL OPEN DAY AT TINTERN VILLAGE HALL, THURSDAY 18TH JANUARY

Savills, agents for the owners of The Wild Hare and the former Abbey Hotel in Tintern, are hosting an open day in the village hall to allow everyone to see how the plans for these establishments are shaping up. They will be available from 8.30am to 6.00pm and light refreshments will be available.

Posted 13 January 2024
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THE WEBSITE HAS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL

Bag lost outside the Rose & Crown


Your Name Graham Kendall

Your Email grahamkendall79@gmail.com

Subject Lost Shoulder bag

Message My daughter in law lost her bag probably whilst changing cars outside the Rose and Crown on the evening of 27 December. Name on cards and driving licence is Llinos Jackson. Please email or call 07930 324524 should there be any news.

Thank you

Posted 28 December 2023
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Tintern lights up for Christmas


Thanks to the efforts of Liz Klinkert and County Councillor Ann Webb, Tintern has had a great display of Christmas lights fixed to lamp posts throughout the village. The community is hugely grateful for donations towards the cost received from businesses, village groups and individuals. Combined with the lights set up around homes and businesses in Tintern, the village is looking very welcoming and festive.

Posted 03 December 2023
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'National Landscape' rebrand for Wye Valley


This report was published by the Western Daily Press on November 17 2023.

The Wye Valley is set to be rebranded from an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to a 'National Landscape'.

The 126 sq m area straddling the border between Wales and England, following 58 miles along the lower Wye from Chepstow, north to Mordiford, south east of Hereford, was first designated as an AONB in 1971.

It has 27 identified special qualities, from wildlife - such as 25 per cent of Britain's population of lesser horseshoe bats - to woodlands and landscapes, as well as heritage sites including Tintern Abbey.

But the Wye Valley, along with the four AONBs that are wholly within Wales and the 41 others in England and Northern Ireland, are to be renamed and National Landscapes.
The change is intended to recognise the importance of the areas similar to national parks such as the Brecon Beacons which earlier this year was rebranded using its Welsh name, Bannau Brycheiniog, as its sole corporate identity.

A committee of local councillors and groups from across the area was told the idea is also intended to make the protected conservation areas, currently referred to as AONBs, better known.

A report said: "The title National Landscape does not remove or replace the legal definition of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in law, but is a simpler common name without a complicated acronym."

The tagline Wye Valley AONB will be used underneath the new name and on branding, with Westminster providing £3,000 to each area to cover the cost of the changes.

The Wye Valley AONB joint committee, which includes three county councillors from Monmouthshire among its Welsh representatives, voted against the rebrand in July, but its most recent meeting, on November 6, was told refusing to accept the rebrand risks uncertainty over future funding from the Westminster government, and possibly the Welsh Government.
It was also told retaining the AONB identity would put it at odds with other areas and could damage relationships and collaborative working with them.

Other changes will require that any public bodies in England making decisions relating to one of the protected areas must seek to further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area. That is considered to strengthen the original requirement, which remains in Wales, of having a 'duty of regard' - which means authorities can make decisions that they acknowledge will impact a national landscape (or national park) without having to explain how they have taken that into account.

The National Landscapes branding is due to be unveiled in London on November 22 with a similar event to be held in the Send in the coming weeks.

Posted 17 November 2023
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Posted 13 November 2023
The Wild Hare is closing for refurbishment from 16th October

The Wild Hare Pub with Rooms will close for some months for refurbishment from Monday 16th October 2023. In the remaining days until then, business will be carried on as usual and all guests will be very welcome.


Posted 09 October 2023
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Following a successful application to Cardiff University Centre of Creative Economy by Monmouthshire County Council, SumnerMcIntyre have been appointed as Freelance Project Arts Producers to lead an exciting project to map the visual arts in Monmouthshire and scope out the opportunity for a Creative Cluster in the region.

There will be an opportunity to network with SumnerMcIntyre at a series of events across Monmouthshire. The first networking event will be held on Friday, 20th October, at Wye Valley Sculpture Park, Tintern, 2pm-4pm. Further details can be found here. The event is free but booking is advisable as numbers are limited - please go to the Eventbrite page to register.

The project team are keen to hear from as many people as possible who are involved in the visual arts in Monmouthshire or people who would like to contribute to shaping a future cultural policy, including venues, galleries, sculpture parks or studios. Across the next three months (October – December), creative residents of Monmouthshire have an opportunity to respond to a short survey, which
can be found here.

For the latest news and updates on events or on how to contribute to this project,
please visit here.

Posted 08 October 2023
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

TINTERN VILLAGE HALL

THURSDAY, 5TH OCTOBER 2023 - 7.30PM


Agenda

1. Minutes of Previous AGM (12th November 2019)

2. 023 Statement of Accounts including details of 2022 and 2023 Village Fete Finances (tabled)

3. 2023 Village Fete Report

4. Election of Association Officers–Chair, Secretary, Treasurer

5. 2023 Village Fete – Initial Plans

6. Proposals for Possible Future Events

7. Any Other Business

8. Date of Next Meeting

Posted 19 September 2023
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Posted 12 September 2023
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Resurfacing of Wye Bridge Monmouth postponed

Monmouthshire County Council has issued an update on the planned resurfacing works on the Wye Bridge in Monmouth. The proposed closure, due to start 16th October, has now been postponed until Spring 2024 at the earliest. The decision has been made after the Council was unable to proceed due to a non-compliant tender.

The need for a major investment to improve the condition of the Wye Bridge is widely appreciated by residents and businesses in Monmouth and surrounding areas. The criticality of the Wye Bridge as a key part of the travel network means that finding a way to resurface the Wye Bridge with minimal disruption will always be a challenge. This is made more difficult given the bridge’s age and unique structure.

Monmouthshire County Council would like to reassure residents and businesses that their concerns and needs will be respected and considered, and every effort will be made to minimise disruption to people's lives when the works take place next year.

Monmouthshire County Council also confirmed that it was mindful of other major infrastructure improvement projects in Monmouth, notably extensive work by Welsh Water on their infrastructure. These works are expected to commence in September. Details can be found at www.dwrcymru.com/en/help-advice/in-your-area

The Council will review the new timings to minimise the impact of disruption to residents and businesses where possible. Based on the need to go out to tender again, the very earliest that the works are likely to be able to proceed will be spring 2024.

The Council is still being advised by its engineers that it will be necessary to shut the bridge to all traffic other than emergency services and pedestrians when work does proceed. The Council will continue to explore options to limit the impact of the closure through the new tendering process and will issue updates as and when information is confirmed.

Posted 29 August 2023
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Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is trialling a new appointments service

The Board's Booking Centre is trialling a new function through DrDoctor which allows patients to respond directly to text messages offering an outpatient appointment. Patients who receive these messages will be directed to a link which will allow them to view the full message and respond to confirm whether or not they accept the appointment.

The Board offers assurance that these are trusted messages which will come from the same number as all other DrDoctor communications on 07860 039092.

Additionally, appointments teams are contacting patients via telephone and will be calling from a number beginning with 0330. If you have moved address or changed your contact number and are waiting for an appointment for one of the specialities listed, please ring 01495 765055 so that your records can be updated.

Cardiology
COTE
Diabetes & Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
General Surgery
Gynaecology
Haematology
Infectious Diseases
Nephrology
Neurology
Paediatrics
Respiratory
Rheumatology
Sleep
Vascular

Posted 09 August 2023
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Winner announced for 2023 Tintern Photo Competition

For a wonderful picture of Tintern Old Station (shown here) Shirls Lawton of Catbrook has been judged the winner of the 2023 Tintern Photographic Competition.

Shirls says of her entry, "It was early one morning in February, before sunrise, and so misty that there was not a lot to see! But I stopped first at The Old Station Tintern. It was very eery there, but a light had been left on and I thought it made for an interesting scene, not how I normally see the station."

Thanks to Shirls and all the other entrants for some truly great pictures. A few of them have been selected for printing in the 2024 Tintern Village Calendar which will be on sale later in August. All proceeds will be used to support the 2024 Tintern Fete.

Posted 04 August 2023
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Advance notice of the closure of the Wye Bridge, Monmouth

Monmouthshire County Council has officially confirmed the details about the resurfacing of the Wye Bridge in Monmouth. The work has now been put out to tender and a contractor will be appointed by mid-August.

The plan is for a closure of the bridge for up to five weeks from an expected date on 16th October, 2023. The bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic for 24 hours a day to enable major resurfacing work to be undertaken.

The essential work will involve the removal of 10cm of the road surface from the bridge, which was built c.1615 and widened 1878-80. While the bridge is without this surface usual vehicular traffic will not be able to cross. This is due to the change in weight load on the structure once the old road surface is removed. If normal traffic were allowed to cross it would raise a risk of potential structural damage to the historic bridge.

Monmouthshire County Council have requested that contractors work 24 hours a day on shifts to reduce the duration of the bridge closure.

Monmouthshire County Council has already liaised with all blue light services. Monmouth Town Council, neighbouring councils, local Councillors, local schools, social care teams and community groups will be engaged with. Residents and businesses in Monmouth and Wyesham, including Hadnock Road, will receive information over the coming weeks to enable them to plan ahead.

Cllr. Catrin Maby, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, said: “We are working to ensure that the essential resurfacing works of the Wye Bridge are planned to minimise the unavoidable impact on local residents and businesses. We are asking the contractors who are appointed to work in shifts 24 hours a day to reduce the time the bridge is closed. Sadly as a result of the need to remove so much of the bridge surface the bridge cannot be opened for normal traffic until the work is complete. We apologise for the inevitable inconvenience but would like to assure residents and businesses that everything will be done to ensure this project is completed as a priority in good time. Access will be maintained for pedestrians and for cyclists who dismount.”

A Q&A page with information about the works can be found on the Council’s website and information will also be available at
www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/wye-bridge-resurfacing/ this page will be updated as the project progresses. Follow the Council’s account on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Posted 04 August 2023
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Refurbished Wireworks Bridge officially reopened by Derek Brockway

Derek Brockway, meteorologist and presenter of BBC's Weatherman Walking, today cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of the refurbishment of Tintern Wireworks Bridge. The BBC filmed the event and recorded Vivien Richards on behalf of Tintern Business Forum providing comments on the bridge and its history and introducing Derek. In wonderful weather, the event was attended by an enthusiastic crowd.

Posted 21 June 2023
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Final Duck Race results

Following routine doping tests, stewards' enquiries and timing checks, results for the Tintern Duck Race held on the 27th of May can now be confirmed as follows:

1st £100 Ticket No, 57, Kevin Mead, Box Cottage, Tintern

2nd £50 Ticket No. 49, Emma Butt, East London

3rd £25 Ticket No. 324, Ali Law, Gwyn Storehouse, Tintern

Thanks to everyone who took part, including the valiant canoe team who ensured the retrieval and safe return of all the ducks.



Posted 04 June 2023
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TINTERN WIREWORKS BRIDGE IS OPEN AGAIN!

The much anticipated opening of the refurbished bridge happened today and it is already being enjoyed by many residents and visitors in this wonderful summer weather.
These striking photographs were taken by Martin Everett.

Posted 26 May 2023
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Tintern Wireworks Bridge Update 15th May 2023


The latest update from the contractors, VolkerLaser, has just been published. The works are almost complete!
Click on the picture to see the full pdf.


Posted 15 May 2023
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County Council would like to help you get composting and help the environment


Garden compost is great for growing your own fruit and vegetables which taste better and can save money, that’s the message for International Composting Awareness Week (May 7th-13th).

To get you started, Monmouthshire County Council’s Reuse shops are now selling compost, compost bins, water butts, garden tools and pots - all at affordable prices. Visit the Reuse Shops at Llanfoist recycling centre on a Tuesday (NP7 9AQ) or at Five Lanes recycling centre on a Wednesday and Thursday (NP26 5PD between 10am – 3pm.

Monmouthshire residents that have their garden waste collected by the Council may not know, but it’s is turned into lovely rich compost/soil conditioner by Abergavenny Green Waste Company. The compost is then put on sale at the Reuse shops at the recycling centres at Llanfoist and Five Lanes for as little as £3 per bag or box – all profits then go towards tree planting in the county.

By contributing to this, or by using your own or locally made compost can also reduce the need for fertilizer and harmful pesticides as well as helping to conserve water and store carbon in the soil.

Cabinet Member for Climate and Environment Catrin Maby said: “Garden waste and the compost it produces really does make a positive impact to our work on the climate emergency. The compost it produces goes back into the gardens of the residents who then buy it from the Reuse shops, the profits of which go towards tree planting in the county.

“To support this, it’s so important for all of us to make sure that no plastic bags, polystyrene or plastic plant labels are left in the garden waste we put out for collection, or in the green waste skips at the household recycling centres. This way we can ensure that the locally made compost remains high quality and all our valuable organic matter can be returned back to the soil in Monmouthshire which of course is great for our gardens and for us!”

Reuse Shops at Llanfoist recycling centre (NP7 9AQ) and at Five Lanes recycling centre (NP26 5PD) are open between 10am – 3pm. No booking required.

Find out more:
www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/garden-waste/


Posted 27 April 2023
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Tintern Wireworks Bridge Update 18th April 2023


A new update from the contractors, VolkerLaser, has been published.
Click on the picture to see the full pdf.


Posted 18 April 2023
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New fixture in Tintern

Spotted today opposite the Junction Railwayana shop and sent to us by Martin Everett.

Posted 17 April 2023
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Plans for resurfacing of Wye Bridge at Monmouth progressing

At Council in January earlier this year, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member Catrin Maby announced the plans for the resurfacing of the Wye Bridge Monmouth.

The condition of this highway has been a longstanding concern, but improvement works have been on hold pending repairs to the structure of the railway arches and mains utility services. Those works are now complete and engineers are the design and contract documentation to resurface the highway and ensure that this vital link of the A466 is made fit for use.

Works have commenced to investigate the existing road base material which will allow the designer to assess the form of repairs required and prepare the detailed design and contract specification. Once this work has been completed, the tender process will be with the expectation of construction works commencing between mid-July and up to the end of August when traffic flows are reduced.

We appreciate that these essential repairs will cause significant disruption due to the need for full closure of the road, resulting in a lengthy diversion route. In order to reduce the impact upon the local community, it is planned to carry out some of the work during night time or over the weekend. Council officers will work with the contractor to agree the construction management plan. Priority will be given to the safety of both the travelling public and the contractors workforce.

Details of the timings and potential disruption will be shared with the local community once the contractor has been appointed and the detailed programme has been confirmed. The road closures will follow the usual statutory process which includes wider consultation with highway users such as the hauliers, emergency services and other businesses who may be impacted during the works.

Posted 06 April 2023
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The refurbishment of the Grade II listed Wireworks Bridge spanning the River Wye at Tintern is due to be completed soon.

Vital maintenance and refurbishment work has been taking place on the Tintern Wireworks Bridge, which lies on the border on Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire, to prevent it from becoming unsafe to use.

The bridge is jointly owned by Gloucestershire County Council and Monmouthshire County Council, with Gloucestershire having the responsibility for bridge inspections and maintenance. It was identified as being in poor condition and in need of significant repairs, so refurbishment work got under way in August 2022 to stop it deteriorating further.

Work carried out has included strengthening of the structure and removal of timber decking, which has been replaced with new steel and timber decking.

Some of the work has been delayed because the extremely poor winter weather has impacted on operations at critical times. This has caused delays in completing the painting, removing scaffolding from over the structure and welding.

The final work is planned to be completed as soon as possible and the bridge will then be reopened to pedestrians and cyclists. There is also an agreement in place to allow light vehicles to access individual properties and land on the Gloucestershire side, but it is not suitable for all vehicles to use.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It’s good news that work on this iconic bridge is nearing completion. The work has been essential to ensure it will be available for use for many years to come.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay in reopening and are confident that the fully refurbished and maintained bridge will be open very shortly.”

Cllr Catrin Maby, Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for climate change and the environment, said: “I am pleased to see that this major restoration project is nearing completion. The work undertaken will hopefully safeguard this important bridge for generations to come. We would like to thank residents and visitors for their patience during the works.”

Local Gloucestershire county councillor Chris McFarling said: “I know the closure of the bridge has been inconvenient for people and I would like to thank them for their continuing patience.

“The reopening of the bridge will now fully link those users of the Sedbury to Tintern Greenway, through the Tidenham tunnel for all local communities and visitors, with health benefits including active travel and contributions to local economies.”

Cllr Ann Webb, Monmouthshire County Council’s local member for Tintern, said: “The completion of the refurbishment of this historical bridge will be welcomed by the Tintern community. I hope that the works will be completed for May so that Tintern can benefit from the bank holidays which is always a busy time for tourism. I am delighted that we will soon have the bridge fully restored to its former glory and safe for public use again.”

A webpage containing more information about the scheme can be accessed here:
https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/major-projects-list/tintern-wireworks-bridge-improvements/



Posted 04 April 2023
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Changes to waste collections in Monmouthshire this Easter

Monmouthshire County Council will be collecting recycling and waste from residents on Good Friday, Friday 7th April, and Easter Monday 10th April.

In a change from previous years, recycling and waste will now be collected on all bank holidays except for Christmas and New Year.

Previously, all collections would be a day later after a bank holiday. Please put your waste out on your normal collection day.

For more information about recycling and waste in Monmouthshire visit
https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/


Posted 03 April 2023
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Tintern Wireworks Bridge Update 16th March 2023


A new update from the contractors, VolkerLaser, has been published.
Click on the picture to see the full pdf.


Posted 16 March 2023
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Monmouthshire’s Community Hubs want to hear from you about the library service

Monmouthshire’s Community Hubs – in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, Gilwern, Monmouth and Usk - want to know what residents think about their local library service.

Users of the library service who are over the age of 16 are being asked to get involved by completing a short survey, which will be available online from 13th March at
https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/community-hubs-and-libraries/ The survey can also be completed in any of the six Community Hubs across Monmouthshire until 25th March 2023 when the survey closes.

Libraries play a key role in promoting the pleasure of reading, in providing information, promoting knowledge and developing skills for people of all ages and all walks of life. Each library in Monmouthshire offers a wide range of wonderful and exciting fiction for all ages, as well as a comprehensive collection of non-fiction books.

Library membership in Monmouthshire is free and includes other free services and free activities, such as computer access, as well as eBooks and eAudiobooks via the Hubs’ Borrowbox service. Monmouthshire is also now ‘fine free’ – there are no charges for books that are overdue.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Engagement, Cllr. Angela Sandles (pictured), said: “We hope as many people as possible will take a few minutes of their time to complete the survey and help to shape developments and offer guidance for the future. Libraries remain a very important part of our Hubs and we want to ensure they meet the needs of Monmouthshire’s residents.”

The survey will run from Monday 13th March until Saturday 25th March 2023.

For further information on the survey contact:
cherylhaskell@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Posted 08 March 2023
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Monmouthshire Cabinet publishes final budget proposals

The Cabinet of Monmouthshire County Council will consider its final budget proposals for the forthcoming financial year at its meeting on 1 March. Having engaged in a very thorough engagement exercise throughout January, councillors, residents and a range of organisations have had the opportunity to share their views on ‘draft’ proposals.

Debate has been honest, open and thorough. The majority of people that have offered views have recognised just how difficult the financial situation is and that the medium term outlook looks challenging. They have recognised pressures such as public sector pay awards, energy and commodity prices alongside a significant increase in the demand for and complexity of social care and homelessness services. A £26 million financial gap has had to be managed through a combination of service savings, income increases, Council tax rises (5.95%) and one-off use of reserves.

Cabinet has recognised a number of key concerns that have come to the fore and is recommending a series of changes to its budget proposals.

a) Cabinet acknowledges the specific challenges regarding deliverability of savings within adult social care. £1million of savings will be delayed into 2024/25.
b) To limit the fee increase to attend before school clubs from £1 to £2 per day to only the first child, thus ensuring that families with more than one child are not disproportionately impacted.
c) To remove the proposed increase in the concessionary fee for home to school transport.
d) To remove the proposed £30 subscription fee for the Grass Routes Bus Service.
e) To remove a proposed increase in the licence fees for pavement cafés.
f) To remove a proposed reduction in opening hours in leisure centres during the summer months.
g) Opening hours of community hubs across the county will not be reduced.
h) The removal of a proposed saving to delete a post in the internal audit team resulting from feedback received from the Governance & Audit Committee and concern that the level of audit coverage will fall below acceptable levels.
i) £2 million (£0.5 million per annum in each of the next 4 years) of additional investment for pothole repairs to roads.
j) An additional £50,000 to allow for surveys and assessments to be undertaken of bridges across the public rights of way network.

Councillor Rachel Garrick, Cabinet Member for Resources (pictured above) said: “This has been a very difficult process. With a financial challenge of this scale there just isn’t an easy way through. We have done our very best to come up with a set of proposals that are balanced and considerate of the impact on all of our residents. We are recommending a Council Tax increase of 5.95%. Whilst significantly below inflation, I recognise that this will be a challenge for some residents. We will be doing our upmost to ensure that people who are entitled to receive a discount benefit from that discount.”

The final budget will now be considered by Cabinet on 1 March. It will then be the subject of a full Council consideration on 2 March.

Posted 22 February 2022
New playground under way at Tintern Village Hall

Great news ! Our playground contractors are ready to start installing our brand new playground at Tintern Village Hall!

They will begin erecting the safety fencing this week (Thursday 2nd or Friday 3rd). Work should begin this Monday 6th. Estimated build time is 4-6 weeks, so fingers crossed it will be ready by mid-March!

The build site will be fully enclosed and fenced off for the whole period of the works. The playground will be completely closed to all users. A route for pedestrian access along the side of the car park area to the Leytons Field will be kept open for access. Please make sure your children and dogs stay out of the site! It will be a building site and will be dangerous.

The Village Hall building itself will be open as usual (for all our regular groups, events and hires).

The contractors seem to be lovely so please be nice to them and make them feel welcome as they build us a fantastic new playground. Thank you everyone for all your support.

Posted 01 February 2023
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The Abbey Hotel is being brought back into use

County Councillor Ann Webb has confirmed that The Abbey Hotel site has been sold and that the buyer intends reinstating it as a hotel. Contractors are already preparing the site for the works to come.



Posted 31 January 2023
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Tintern Wireworks Bridge Update 24th January 2023


The latest update from the contractors, VolkerLaser, has been published.
Click on the picture to see the full pdf.


Posted 24 January 2023
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Monmouthshire County Council public budget consultations in the midst of the cost of living crisis

The cost of living crisis is challenging for everyone – including the council. Monmouthshire County Council is facing unprecedented cost pressures of £26million. Energy costs, inflation and price rises, pay awards and rising interest rates are all contributing factors. The cabinet will meet on the 18th January to agree a strategy to address these pressures. It will include a higher than expected funding boost from Welsh Government, service changes, staffing efficiencies, raising of fees and charges, and increasing the level of council tax. Monmouthshire’s communities will be invited to share their views on these possible changes in an open consultation process that will start on Wednesday 18th January and run until noon on Thursday 16th February.

Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader said: “In this budget we’re determined to do all we can to support our communities during a cost of living crisis despite the financial challenges the council is facing.

“This is a budget that still delivers on our core priorities. Our draft Community and Corporate plan has shaped our draft budget proposals. Our budget proposals are offering children the best possible start in life with more money for schools and for those requiring additional service and support. We will continue to support our older residents retain their independence. We will ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities are supported whilst protecting our leisure centres and libraries, recognising their important role in the wellbeing of our communities. Our commitment to modernising our schools remains as does our intent to work towards a low carbon Monmouthshire through continued investment in cycle routes, roads, and footpaths, and improved broadband.

“It’s also a budget that looks to the future and positions the council to take on some of the biggest challenges facing our county and society more generally. Our focus is on making sure Monmouthshire is:

  • A fair place to live where the effects of inequality and poverty have been reduced
  • A green place to live and work with reduced carbon emissions, making a positive contribution to addressing the climate and nature emergency
  • A thriving and ambitious place, full of hope and enterprise
  • A safe place to live where people have a home and community where they feel secure
  • A connected place where people feel part of a community, are valued and connected
  • A learning place where everybody has the opportunity to reach their potential.”

Cllr. Rachel Garrick, Cabinet Member for Resources said: “We are pleased that Welsh Government has acknowledged the challenges faced by local authorities in Wales. Notwithstanding the fact that Welsh Government has not received sufficient funding from UK Government to allow it to meet the full extent of the financial challenges facing public services at this time, a 9.3% increase in our settlement is very welcome and more than we expected - it means that we have been able to better protect important services like social care and school budgets.

“Monmouthshire continues to be more reliant on council tax income than any other council in Wales to meet the needs of communities. Given the scale of the challenge it is inevitable that council tax will need to rise, although at a rate well below inflation. At council tax increase of 5.95% is proposed for 2023-2024. Council tax is a key source of income that allows the council to sustain services that meet the needs of residents and in particular those who are most vulnerable.

“The council tax reduction scheme, which offers mitigation for those on low incomes and those in receipt of benefits, will still be in place and single person households are also eligible for a 25% reduction on council tax.

“Most fees and charges will increase. Charges in areas such as domiciliary and residential care will continue to be means tested and capped to limit the impact on those with the lowest incomes.

“The council continues to lead by example in committing to pay all staff in line with the Real Living Wage set by the Living Wage Foundation. For 2023-2024 the intention is to extend this to all of our commissioned care settings. Everyone delivering paid care in Monmouthshire should be fairly rewarded.”

Residents are encouraged to offer their views on the proposals, which be available from Wednesday 18th January at www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/budget-2023-2024/.

Face-to-face budget consultation events are taking place across Monmouthshire as follows:

Monday 23rd January, 6pm. Caldicot Hub, Woodstock Way, Caldicot
Tuesday 24th January, 6pm. Chepstow Hub, Manor Way, Chepstow
Wednesday 25th January, 6pm. Usk Hub, 35 Maryport St, Usk
Thursday 26th January, 6pm. Shire Hall, Monmouth
Tuesday 31st January, 6pm. Magor CIW Primary School, Magor
Tuesday 7th February, 6pm, Abergavenny Hub, Abergavenny


In addition, two online budget sessions are taking place on Thursday 2nd February, at 10am and 6pm. Register to take part in the virtual events via the budget page on the council’s website and an email will be sent with a link to join the event. You can pre-submit your questions or raise them during the session. For those unable to join the events, the online sessions will be uploaded to the website to watch after the event.

As part of the consultation process, which is open until noon on 16th February 2023, residents are also being asked to share their thoughts via a feedback survey on the budget proposals, which will be found alongside all the proposals at Budget 2023-2024 - Monmouthshire.


“These are draft proposals and we want to know your views. So please visit our website from 18th January and have your say,” added Cllr. Brocklesby.


Posted 11 January 2023
‘An appreciation of Mum’
given by Jonathan Mitchley at the funeral service for Jean Catherine Mitchley (1925-2022) on 6th January 2023, St Michael's, Tintern


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Jean Mitchley on her 97th birthday and at age 14.


Thank you all for coming to remember and celebrate mum’s long and eventful life. At 97 years Mum outlived all her immediate siblings but it is lovely to see so many others here, covering all her many connections, including some who could not attend but who have sent lovely messages. These well-wishers include her children and grandchildren, other relatives, friends and neighbours, colleagues and friends of her children, some of her carers as well as the Reverend Julian White who presided at my sister Joanna’s wedding, her eldest daughter Charlotte’s christening and, eighteen years ago, gave the Eulogy at dads funeral. Also, parents of children at the grand childrens’ school in learning of mum’s passing recalled her bright smiling face at the school gate and at the many school activities. The lives of all of these have been touched, in one way or another, by our mum.

Mum was very much the centre of gravity of the family, her loss leaves us feeling aimless and rudderless and without the home she built here at the Woodlands, where we could all visit whenever we wanted and needed and could be sure of a warm welcome, a full pantry and freezer, we never went hungry with mum!

97 years is a long life to be sure, and Mum lead a full, fascinating and loving life, but always had more to offer. As we all know, when you lose a loved one it leaves a void, whether they leave early or late, the pain is in the same vein. As a friend told us, ‘One way to help with this is to fill our lives with good memories of her long and busy life, with emotions of love and happiness, with sentiments of gratitude and warmth. In that she will live on.’ Mum even surprised herself, and not long ago she said ‘I worked it out, and I can’t believe how old I am!’

So, how do I remember my Mum? Let me count the ways! A 4 foot 10 ½ inch force of nature. Funny, very funny, uniquely interesting and interested in pretty much everything, a great and considerate listener and problem solver, strongly but consistently opinioned, spontaneous, colourful and charismatic. As a colleague said, she was one in a million, once you met mum you never forget her.

I asked the family for some words to describe mum, her grandchildren whom she adored say the following:

We will always treasure our precious memories with our Grandma - from special family Christmas’s spent together to the summer holidays in Wales and the magical trips to Disneyland. Our Grandma has always put her family first and she was always at her happiest when we were all together, no matter the occasion. She has been with us through all the important moments in our lives, such as nativity plays, birthdays and graduation. Always with a smile on her face, beaming with pride. We miss her dearly but know that she will always be watching over us through every chapter of our lives.
My sister Joanna said the following:
‘Her love and support for her family over the years was unconditional, a constant source of warmth, joy and laughter. We may not always have agreed, but that was OK. To know she was there by your side or at the end of the phone to share highs and lows and discuss all manner of topics, is something we shall miss terribly. Mum and Dad’s love and devotion to each other, and to the family was returned in equal measure. After Dad died our constant love and support for our Mum and Grandma helped her continue to enjoy many more happy years making memories in the Woodlands, her home she loved, and was so very proud of. May her unique spirit live on in all our hearts so we can continue our lives without her physically by our sides’
Mums impact is also illustrated in this appreciation from her friends the Jongepierova family from Veseli, Czech Republic.
When we first met Jean at her house in Tintern, we all were astonished by the interior where every nook and cranny contained the most incredible, and amusing items. During our family stay we secretly started playing a game called ‘Who spots the most incredible item today?’  We were also enchanted by her beautiful romantic and varied garden, where we could spend hours and hours still discovering new elements. 

In the course of our stay we became increasingly astonished by Jean – by her wit, humour, laughter, funny remarks. We drank many cups of English tea in her garden and spent very precious moments with her. After this stay, we actually started calling her our ‘English grandma’. 

Recently, when Jonathan visited our family in Czechia, he brought a present from Jean. We slowly and carefully unwrapped it and couldn’t believe our eyes. It was one of the incredible and amusing items from her house – Jean’s teapot looking like a washing machine. Till this day, we are so happy that we have this precious item in our house, and every time we look at that teapot, we think of our English grandma. 

I spent lockdown 2020 with Mum at the Woodlands for around 5 months. The spring weather and flowers were a daily source of joy and many times we sat in the garden taking tea and looking at what had popped up since the last time, the spring green leaves unfurling on the trees and shrubs, the wild flowers and the garden flowers and the glorious bird song!

Another memory was of Mum’s hats. Mum had lots and lots of hats, both comic and serious, and we started a ‘hat of the day’ series which I published on twitter and which got quite a following. Many of these twitter followers subsequently left lovely tributes when they heard of mums passing, as one commented: ‘this brought real joy at a testing time for all’.

Mum was very photogenic; it was difficult to take a bad photo of her! The lovely photo on the front of the order of service is mum at 97, taken by my sister Joanna. The other is mum at 14 years old. Take a moment to look at these, and to marvel and think what a life she had between these two images, some beautiful and very wonderful times, some not so good, some tragic, but what a life! That’s what we are here to celebrate and will celebrate always.

Both mum and dad loved going to plays and shows and were into amateur dramatics as actors and directors, and there is no doubt with different opportunities, mum could have been a successful actor and director from her young years right up until the end. She had a natural sense of drama and amazing, unusually clear diction. Her stage whisper was quite wondrous. Sometimes she would whisper a comment about someone across the room, perhaps in the hospital ward or in a restaurant or at a concert or school fete and, when we tried to shush her, she would say in all innocence ‘do you think they could hear me?’ With immaculate diction such as mums, of course they could!

As well as drama and books, mum loved music and she loved dancing. She and dad were a great couple on the dance floor. Latterly when mum was generally less mobile, you only had to play some music and her feet would jump into life with some pretty nimble foot work!

I must say, my sisters have been amazing helping prepare for today, the grandchildren have been a delight, we have been a great team, Joanna with arranging the flowers and the catering and Catherine with legal and financial matters, I have been responsible for the music, some might say I have got off lightly! So, I want to say a bit more about mum and music, to explain the choices I have made for today. Mum and Dad were of the generation of young people who went to music concerts, they were regulars at the symphony concerts at the Watford Town Hall – we still have some of the programmes and these are on show at the house. A major musical recollection was of the Overcoat Aria from La Boheme, this is typical of mum’s musical appreciation, it’s a quite short slip of an aria, but the impact of that live Covent Garden performance must have been immense as mum recalled this again and again all her life.

Mums all-time favourite concert pianist was John Ogdon. Mum always made a point of going up to thank the musicians or performers when she went to shows and concerts. John Ogdon, like so many other people, really took to mum, she went to many of his recitals and each time he recognised her and kissed her hand and they talked about the music. So, John Ogdon was an absolute must to include today, and later we hear his rendition of a beautiful and delicate prelude by Rachmaninoff.

During my lockdown with mum at the Woodlands I started to meet online with some members of the university choir that I sing with. We all decided we missed singing together so much that we would try and create one of these virtual choirs, you know where each person records their part on their own and then these are spliced together by modern technology. One of our sopranos (who is here today) suggested we sing Samuel Barber’s ‘Sure on this shining night’ as our first project. I recorded my part in mums lovely calm sitting room (after a zillion takes!). When the final recording had been completed, I played this to mum and she instantly fell in love with it, as did the rest of the family when I played it to them. Later, after lockdowns were over, we christened our little choir ‘The Dairy Project’ and so the piece you will hear at the end of the service, is the first lockdown performance of the Dairy Project, Samuel Barber’s ‘Sure on this shining night’.

The last piece I have chosen is again a beautiful piece but also one with beautiful memories of mum. As some of you know I am an amateur singer with a half decent tenor voice, you’ll probably hear me warbling lustily in the hymns! My piano man, is Dan Macleod and so together we are Mitch and Mac. And it is we who perform the musical dedication for mum which comes next. It is a song written by American composer Ernest Charles in 1934. This summer Dan and I performed and recorded a few songs at a friend’s house in that glorious short July heat wave you may recall? When mum was in hospital, I put this and a couple of others on a memory stick and played them to her. Her face lit up and she turned to me and said ‘is this you? You should be on the stage!’ This song will forever remind me of mum, and I’ll sing it in her memory always.

So, that’s me done with my very personal appreciation of mum, but before we play my musical dedication, I will just remind you, we warmly invite you all to Mum’s home at The Woodlands for refreshments after this service, when you can see what a wonderful home maker mum was and we have collected plenty of images of her from her early years to the present to show what an uniquely amazing and beautiful person mum was, and will remain so in our hearts and minds for ever!


Posted 08 January 2023

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Tintern Wireworks Bridge Update

The latest update from the contractors, VolkerLaser, has been published. Click on the picture to see the full pdf.


Posted 04 January 2023
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Seasonal updates on services over Christmas

As Christmas approaches, Monmouthshire County Council has published the seasonal opening hours and service updates for recycling and waste, leisure centres, Community Hubs and libraries, as well as museums.

All recycling and waste collections in Monmouthshire will be made a day later than normal on the week commencing 26th December, while the following week all collections will remain on the normal days of the week.

The county’s
household recycling centres at Llanfoist, Mitchel Troy and Five Lanes, will be open on Christmas Eve between 8am and 2pm, after which they will remain closed until 27th December. They will then close on New Year’s Day. Visits to the recycling centres can be booked on the Council’s website: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/

The
ReUse Shops are closed from 22nd December, reopening at Llanfoist recycling centre on 17th January, and at Fives Lanes recycling centre on 18th January (both 10am to 3pm).

Meanwhile at
Abergavenny Market the market building will building will be closed from Christmas Day, reopening on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st December. It will then be closed until Tuesday 3rd January. & Sat 31st Dec.

The Community Hubs in Abergavenny, Chepstow, Gilwern, Monmouth and Usk have varying opening times as below. For more information visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/community-hubs-and-libraries/community-hubs-opening-hours/
Abergavenny Library Building is open 9am-1pm on Christmas Eve (library only), then closed until 29th December, when then library and Community Hub it is open 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. Open Friday 30th December 9am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm. The library only is then open on New Year’s Eve 9am-1pm. The library and Community Hub both reopen on 3rd January.
Gilwern Community Hub is open on Friday 23rd December 10am-1pm and 1.30pm-5pm, then closed until 30th December when it is open 10am-1pm and 1.30pm-5pm. Gilwen Community Hub is then closed until 3rd January.
Chepstow Community Hub is open 10am-1pm on Christmas Eve, then closed until Thursday 29th December when it is open between 9am and 5pm. On New Year’s eve it will close at 1pm, reopening at 9am on Tuesday 3rd January.
Usk Community Hub closes on Christmas Eve at 12.45pm, reopening on Thursday 29th December at 9am. Closed all day 30th December. Open 9am-12.45pm on New Year’s Eve, then closed until Wednesday 4th January at 9am.
Monmouth Community Hub is open on Christmas Eve between 9am and 1pm, but is then closed until Friday 30th December when it is open 8.45am-1pm, 2pm-4.30pm. It’s also open on Saturday 31st December 9am-1pm, then closed until 3rd January.

Caldicot Castle and Country Park, and Tintern Old Station iare closed until 1st April 2023.

Tourist Information Centres and Monmouth’s Shire Hall are closed from 4.30pm on Friday 23rd December until Tuesday 3rd January.

All Monmouthshire museums are closed from Monday 19tth December until Friday 17th February 2023.

The
leisure centres in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, and Monmouth will close at 2.30pm and reopen on Thursday 29th December. On New Year’s Eve, the opening hours are 8.15am-2.30pm, then closed until Tuesday 3rd January.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Contact Centre will close at 4.30pm on Friday 23rd December. It will be closed between Monday 26th and Wednesday 28th December, reopening at 9am on Thursday 29th December. It will be closed on Monday 2nd January for the New Year Bank Holiday. The MyMonmouthshire app will still be available.

Posted 20 December 2022
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The winner of the Best Dressed Business in Tintern this Christmas is The Wild Hare.
The judges agreed that the display has a real wow factor while being sensitive to the age of the main building and in keeping with the location.
Highly Commended are
Abbey Mill and Tintern Garage.
Many thanks to all of you who have taken part and brightened up the village in these difficult times.
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Photographs are of The Wild Hare (top two) and Abbey Mill. The competition was sponsored by Tintern Festivals Association and Tintern Business Forum.

Posted 16 December 2022
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Monmouthshire County Council welcomes news of increased funding for the forthcoming financial year but significant challenges ahead remain

Monmouthshire County Council today received confirmation from Welsh Government that it will receive a 9.3% increase in its core funding next year. This compares to the 7.9% average for Wales - councils across Wales have received settlements ranging from increases of 6.5% to 9.3%. This welcome news will allow the Council to lessen the degree to which it will need to bring forward saving proposals that would otherwise impact on services.

Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader said: “This is a better than expected local government settlement from Welsh Government, which rightly recognises the extraordinary role of our local services alongside the NHS in Wales. I am grateful to Welsh ministers for listening to us as council leaders. The Chancellor’s autumn statement was not sufficient to protect public service budgets against the immense challenges caused by record inflation. This shows what can be achieved for communities in Wales when local and Welsh Government works together.

“Notwithstanding the increased level of funding for next year, the Council is suffering in the same way as its residents amidst a cost of living crisis. Demand and inflationary pressures significantly outweigh the additional funding received from Welsh Government and difficult decisions will still need to be taken to ensure that our services remain viable and sustainable. Our focus will remain on protecting those most vulnerable and in need across Monmouthshire”.

Cllr. Rachel Garrick, Cabinet Member for Resources said: “The provisional settlement has offered only a partial lifeline to the Council. Services continue to remain under intense pressure and we are continuing to see funding from UK Government falling short of inflationary and demand pressures. Whilst the above average increase in settlement for the Council is very welcome, we must still recognise that the Council remains firmly rooted to the bottom of the table for the amount of funding per capita it receives from Welsh Government, which means that the Council has to raise a significantly higher proportion of its funding from council tax and other sources compared to its counterparts”.

The Council’s draft budget proposals will be considered by its Cabinet at a meeting on the 18th January 2023 and will then be released for public consultation. The local community and partner organisations will have an opportunity to share their views on the proposals at face to face events, Teams Livestream events or online. Further information will be provided on the Council’s website –
monmouthshire.gov.uk – details of all consultation events and information about the survey will be shared in the New Year.

Posted 15 December 2022
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View your Treasure Hunt Clue Sheet by clicking on the banner below. You can print it or take it with you on your mobile phone. Good luck!
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Posted 02 December 2022
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Posted 28 November 2022
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Change a Child’s life, FOSTER!

Monmouthshire has some wonderful foster carers, but sadly not enough, meaning children and young people are growing up without a place they can call home. For those children, their only Christmas wish is to be part of a loving family, which is why Monmouthshire County Council is urgently seeking more foster carers.

Foster Wales Monmouthshire is looking for homes for these children, calling out to Monmouthshire residents to consider fostering. As a foster carer you will receive an allowance for every foster child in your care, and as a foster parent you’ll also receive an allowance too. It’s about taking care of the everyday, as well as helping create more special memories. Monmouthshire’s fostering team will also be there to provide excellent practical and emotional support to you and your foster child along their journey.

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for its fostering service, Councillor Tudor Thomas said: “If you’ve previously considered fostering, please come along to our drop-in sessions to talk with us – it could be life-changing. Monmouthshire County Council offers excellent training and support for foster carers and it really is so rewarding. Please consider taking the first step to transform a child or young person’s life today.”

If you have ever thought about fostering, and have a spare room in your home, please get in touch today. What you can offer a child will be life changing for them.

Monmouthshire County Council is holding a series of drop-in events around the County, so please pop along for an informal chat about fostering at the following locations:

Shire Hall Monmouth 25th November 10am-3pm
Waitrose Abergavenny 29th November 1pm-6pm
Abergavenny Market 6th December 10am -3pm
Waitrose Abergavenny 7th December 1pm-6pm
Caldicot Hub 9th December 10am – 3pm


For anyone who has thought about fostering but has never made the first step, here is some information about a local child who urgently needs a home today. Ellie (not her real name) is currently living in a children’s home. She loves roller skating, dancing and eating pizza, and her favourite film is Encanto. She is described by people who know her, as a little girl who is kind, considerate and empathetic. Christmas is a really difficult time for Ellie as it is a reminder that she doesn’t have a family or a home of her own. This little girl is so desperate for a family that she has asked her friends in the playground if they have room at home for ‘one more child’. Ellie has told us that she wants to live with people who are ‘nice’, who will ‘be kind’ to her and who will ‘take care of her’. If you think you could offer Ellie a home, contact the team today.

Contact: 01291 635682
https://fosterwales.monmouthshire.gov.uk/
Email: foster@monmouthshire.gov.uk


Posted 26 November 2022
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Parva Farm Vineyard wins The Best Wine in Wales award!

Tintern's Parva Farm Vineyard has come top at the Welsh Wine Awards with its Tintern Parva Dathliad Sparkling Rose voted Best in Wales.

Parva Farm Vineyard, situated on a steep, south facing slope, overlooking Tintern Village and its ancient Abbey, has been producing grapes for over 40 years. It is said that old vines produce the best quality wines and this year it has proved to be true in Wales. Parva Farm Vineyard's “Tintern Parva Dathliad Sparkling Rose” was voted the "Best Wine Overall" in the Welsh Wine Awards held at Llanerch Vineyard Hotel on Wednesday 9th November. After winning the class for the best sparkling rose, the wine was re-tasted by the 3 judges along with other medal winning wines and deemed the “Best in Wales”. The judges were Simon Thorpe and Richard Ballantyne (both Masters of Wine) and Deiniol ap Dafydd, of well known Blas ar Fwyd. All the judges were very impressed with the wine. The awards were presented at a dinner held in the evening after the competition. The presentations were made by Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh Minister for Rural Affairs.
Colin & Judith Dudley, who own Parva Farm Vineyard said they were, “Absolutely delighted” to receive the award. Judith commented that they had owned the vineyard for 26 years and won many awards during that time and it was lovely to have their wine judged the “Best in Wales”.

Judith Dudley

Posted 14 November 2022
AONB Grants for Community Groups, Businesses and Individuals

The Wye Valley AONB have grants available for community groups, businesses and individuals who live and work in the Wye Valley (Wales only). Please see the flyer below for the SDF criteria for your information. Lucinda James, AONB Community Links Officer, is very happy to discuss project ideas, the application process and help where she can. Her contact details are community@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk 07956452770 / 01600 710844
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Posted 07 November 2022
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This week, hospitals across the UK are reporting extreme pressure in their Emergency Departments (EDs) – and the situation in Gwent is no different.

The ED at The Grange University Hospital saw 340 patients yesterday, which resulted in many patients with non-life threatening conditions waiting up to 12 hours to be seen by a doctor. On a usual day, the ED sees between 140 and 220 patients.
Today there are already 100 patients in the ED (by 10am) and we are appealing to people to only visit The Grange University Hospital with serious of life-threatening illnesses.
Dr Alastair Richards, Clinical Director, said: “We are currently seeing around a 30% increase in the number of patients in ED, compared to a usual busy day.
“We know that around 300 people who turn up at The Grange University Hospital each week have minor illnesses that could be treated elsewhere. With things as they are at the moment, people attending with such minor illnesses are likely to be waiting a very long time to be seen.”
Please call 111 for advice, or use the online NHS Wales symptom checker, before attending the Emergency Department. For non-life threatening illnesses please visit with your local pharmacist, or contact your GP surgery – please remember that their staff are also working under significant pressure.
Alternatively, if you have a minor injury, please visit the Minor Injury Units in Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, Nevill Hall Hospital, the Royal Gwent Hospital, or Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan.
Our staff are doing an incredible job under extreme pressure, and we’d like to thank them for their dedication to patients at this time.


Posted 18 October 2022
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EXTENDED OPENING TIMES FOR TINTERN OLD STATION PLUS FREE HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES

From 4th November to 11th December 2022, the tea rooms, carriages and toilets will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm.

The car park and Old Station grounds are open daily 9am - 5pm throughout the year.

The Old Station Tintern tea rooms, carriages & toilets are open daily from April to October, 10am - 4pm.


Posted 15 October 2022
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TINTERN CHARITIES

A vacancy has arisen for a Secretary to the Tintern Charities
(The Francis Bradford & Chapel Hill United Charities)

The Charity Committee meet twice a year and deal with administration of the two Charities.

This is very much a part-time responsibility and would
include submitting yearly returns to the Charity Commission,
taking minutes at the meetings, liaison with the
Village Hall Committee regarding the annual Senior Citizens
Lunch/Tea and insertion of the bursary form in the
Tintern News.

Remuneration payable for the post of £30 per annum.

The post will commence in January 2023.

Applications in writing (by post or email)
to the Clerk of Wye Valley Community Council,
The Poplars, Whitelye, Catbrook, NP16 6NP
Email: clerk@wyevalleycc.co.uk


Posted 09 October 2022
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The Funeral of Bryan Scott Jones 1944 - 2022

Well-known Tintern resident Bryan Jones died recently and his funeral service was held at St Arvan's Church on the 22nd of September.

His family has provided the text of the Eulogy which was read at the service and it is reproduced below.

Sidney Jones was the 5th child in a family of 7 children living in Sunnyside in Tintern. As an adult he worked in the family building business at The Mill and married Rose Scott who was brought up in Scotland. On the 3rd of September 1944 they had their first child: Bryan Scott and 4 years later Michael was born. In 1955 Bryan being a bright lad, passed his entrance exam for Monmouth School for boys where he developed his love of cricket, playing for the under 14s, the colts and captained the seconds. He remained in touch with the school…..evident from the innumerable old boys magazines we discovered in his home.
He inherited his fathers interest in construction and studied Civil Engineering at Imperial College London where he later studied for his Masters. After graduation he worked in London and Bristol having gained some experience during vacations being involved in the first Severn bridge. At Imperial he made two very good and faithful friends: Adrian Joseph and Martyn Johnson. They travelled around Europe together and remained in contact throughout his life despite Adrian emigrating to Canada and Martyn living in Devon. Adrian last visited Bryan in 2018 and had hoped to visit again this winter and Martyn in the spring of this year. He later studied for a Masters at Imperial and after graduation worked in London and Bristol and was even involved in the construction of the first Severn Bridge whilst a student.

Tragically Bryan and Michael were involved in a serious accident in which Michael sadly died and Bryan suffered serious injuries which were to effect the remainder of his life significantly and led to his early retirement on health grounds. Bryan returned to Tintern where he remained for the remainder of his life. Having a lively and curious mind he interested himself in environmental issues, climate change European Law, current affairs and railways among many areas.
He involved himself in the local community: being a faithful member of the local church, where he sat on the PCC for many years, attending whist drives [very competitively], joining the Village Produce Association [entering a trifle at the annual show] and joining the monthly village hall soup lunches [again demonstrating his love of second helpings].
He loved to walk the many beautiful paths in the Tintern area, he never needed a map, he knew exactly where the best bilberries, snowdrops and primroses were. Becky has fond memories of picking bilberries with him and making bilberry and apple pies and I of looking for primroses and snowdrops.
Food had an important place in Bryans affections, sometimes he used to visit Beckys home for Sunday lunch, always enjoying second helpings. I regularly took him out to a local hotel or teashop where he would enjoy tea and cake or rather cakes… to the amusement of staff.
After he sold his car he, as a creature of habit, caught the same bus to Chepstow every morning before 8.00 to purchase the Telegraph, provisions from M&S, visit the bank and library to use the computer and the Palmer centre for tea and biscuits before returning home for lunch on the same bus.
In the afternoon for many years he always had to be home at a certain time in order to watch Countdown with his good friend Mrs Dexter. I suspect there was also some liquid refreshment in a glass.
For many years Bryan enjoyed the faithful friendship and support of 2 neighbours: Elizabeth Craig and Bernard Bradshaw. Bernard saved the day on many occasions: replenishing his fridge, sorting out the central heating and plumbing problems to name but a few of the many tasks.
As he became less mobile he enjoyed the support of a wonderful team of carers who enabled him to spend the last years of his life in his own home. He enjoyed and appreciated visits and attention greatly.

Bryan experienced many sadnesses, losses, disappointments and ill-health in his life and had, what one might consider, a restricted life for one so gifted but despite this he was a person with a wonderful sense of humour and wit, always ready to tease and be teased without offence and was always contented and always grateful for any help and support he received
Indeed Bryan has left us with many memories and amusing stories and will be remembered fondly by both family and friends.



Posted 30 September 2022
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Trellech Road Closure

Monmouthshire County Council has issued a notice of closure of Trellech Road from the 3rd to the 7th of October between 8.00am and 5.00pm. This is to allow contractor works to take place safely.
A signed diversionary route will be in place and can be see in the map PDF.

Posted 26 September 2022
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Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Monmouthshire, and as we say a fond farewell to long summer days there's still plenty to look forward to. Not least the spectacular colours as the leaves on the deciduous trees change from green to red, orange and gold.

Check out our best autumn views and walks and the wonderful events taking place in the most beautiful surroundings. Autumn is also when we celebrate the harvest, and this year there's lots to celebrate as we bring in an abundance of awards alongside the produce.
Please click here.

Posted 23 September 2022
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Tintern Visitor Experience Survey
Please help us improve the visitor experience in Tintern by answering the questions in the survey. Responses will be kept anonymous and ill be used to develop improvements to visitor signage and car parking facilities funded under the Welsh Government's Brilliant Basics Grant Scheme. The survey can be found here.

Complete the survey for a chance to win a 3-Day Family Explorer Pass from Cadw.
Closing date 1st September 2023. The winner will be notified by email and the winner's name will be published on the Visit Monmouthshire Facebook page. Full terms and conditions can be seen here.

Posted 02 September 2022
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Japanese Knotweed Control

The Wye Valley AONB Unit is once again coordinating the chemical treatment of Japanese Knotweed to support our landowners and residents in getting this invasive species under control.

Our contractors will be treating the Tintern area during the first two weeks of September. They will visit all knotweed sites, monitor abundance, and treat it accordingly.

Further information on this and other projects can be found
here.


Posted 01 September 2022
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Autumn Covid booster campaign from Wye Dean Practice

We are delighted to inform you that we will be offering an autumn Covid booster campaign starting in September 2022. You will be sent a letter with your appointment. The clinics will be held in Tintern Village Hall.

We will also be offering flu vaccinations from October 2022 and again we will be contacting you with an appointment.

We will be vaccinating in the order recommended by the JCVI to ensure our most vulnerable persons receive the vaccination first.

If you have not received an invitation by the end of September and you are in one of the following groups, please telephone the practice:

  • frontline health and social care workers
  • all adults aged 50 years and over
  • persons aged 18 to 49 years in a clinical risk group
  • persons aged 18 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
  • persons aged 16 to 49 years who are carers


Posted 31 August 2022
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Abbey Stores opening on Wednesday 10th August

The long-anticipated opening of the new Abbey Stores will take place on the 10th of August. Run by Kasia and her mother, the shop is stocking a wide range of family grocery and toiletry items.

Abbey Stores is situated opposite The Wild Hare, adjacent to Wye Dean Medical Practice.

Hours of opening are 8.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Saturday and 9.00am to 3.00pm on Sundays.

Below is a photograph supplied by Martin Everett of the opening of the original Abbey Stores in 1912, accompanied by the Chepstow Town Band.

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Posted 09 August 2022
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Tintern Old Station retains Green Flag Award

Monmouthshire’s green spaces and parks have been placed in the spotlight again in this year’s Green Flag Awards. The awards, presented by leading environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, give recognition to the locations that offer excellent facilities while demonstrating an ongoing commitment to delivering great quality green space.

This year sees Caldicot Community Garden, Garden City Sensory Garden and Rogiet Wildlife Friendly Village receiving their first Community Awards, while four of the county’s locations are celebrating repeated success:
Tintern Old Station (award winners since 2009), Caldicot Castle Country Park (since 2013),and Castle Meadows Abergavenny (since 2014) and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (since 2020).

Tintern’s Old Station is a popular attraction, and situated in a scenic wooded area next to the River Wye it’s described as a hidden gem, while Caldicot’s magnificent medieval castle is set in fifty-five acres of beautiful country park offering an ideal setting for picnics and walks against the background of the castle walls, with picnic tables and barbecues. Abergavenny’s tranquil Castle Meadows on the banks of the River Usk provides a peaceful setting just a short stroll from the centre of the town.

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park with a stretch from Gilwern to Mamhilad within Monmouthshire. This quiet and scenic waterway is popular with boating beginners and offers incredible mountain views and some of the darkest night skies in Britain.

Twelve other locations across the county have received special recognition with a Community Award: Caldicot Community Garden, Garden City Sensory Garden, Rogiet Wildlife Friendly Village, Incredible Edible Usk Garden at Monmouthshire County Council’s County Hall in Usk, as well as Mardy Park and Bailey Park, both in Abergavenny, Crick Woodland and Crick Meadow, Crucorney Allotments, Goytre Community Garden, Laurie Jones Community Orchard and The Cornfield in Portskewett.

The Green Flag Award programme is delivered in Wales by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government. Independent green space experts volunteered their time in early autumn to judge applicant sites against eight strict criteria, including biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management, and community involvement.



Posted 02 August 2022
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WASTE COLLECTIONS IN MONMOUTHSHIRE TO BE MADE EARLY IN THE DAY TO AVOID PEAK HOT WEATHER

Due to the extreme heat forecast, our Monmouthshire County Council crews will be out collecting earlier w/c 18th July.
Monmouthshire residents, please put your bags out before 6am.
Apologies for any noise as they drive by. Please share this with neighbours. Thanks.

Posted July 15 2022
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Free leisure centre membership offered to refugees in Monmouthshire

Monmouthshire County Council has announced that it is giving all refugees living in the county six months’ free membership of its leisure centres in a move to benefit their wellbeing. The news came on World Refugee Day (20th June) but the offer can be claimed at any time within a year of arrival in the UK.

The scheme is available to those who have fled the war in Ukraine along with all other international refugees who have been granted refugee or asylum status by the UK Government. The MonLife Active membership includes access to the leisure facilities in Abergavenny, Chepstow, Monmouth and Caldicot, as well as a free personalised fitness plan and a weekly 30-minute Body Blitz session. Refugees are also entitled to a free course of swimming lessons (subject to availability). More details about MonLife memberships are available at
www.monlife.co.uk/monactive/memberships/

Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr. Catherine Fookes commented: “Over the past year the number of people forced to flee conflict, violence, human rights violations and persecution has grown alarmingly. We’re all aware of the situation in Ukraine but we are not blind to the plight of many others forced to flee their homes and see sanctuary around the globe. Physical activity plays a significant role in maintaining wellbeing and on World Refugee Day I’m delighted to be able to extend the offer of leisure centre membership to all refugees in Monmouthshire

Posted June 27 2022
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The following has been provided by Mark Hand of Monmouthshire County Council

Wireworks Bridge 'Meet the Contractor and Public Share Event'


The tender submission process is complete and bids assessed and by now the successful contractor should have been formally awarded the contract.
A community drop-in event is arranged for Tuesday 21st June at Tintern village hall with two slots for people to drop in: 11am to 3pm or 5pm to 8pm.
It is unlikely that the Ironworks car park will be needed for the compound set up on 25th June so it is hopefully available for the Tintern Fete visitors.
Realistically the bridge is likely to be closed to pedestrians in early July for mobilisation works and then commencement.

The refurbishment works include
  • stabilisation of the west abutment
  • re-establishment of the load capacity of the bridge
  • improvement to the surface
  • maintenance works to masonry walls and piers
  • painting
Detailed plans of the refurbishment will be on display.

Posted June 2022
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Medical help over the Jubilee Weekend

With the upcoming long holiday weekend, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has published a comprehensive guide to medical services and advice - including what you can do at home, pharmacy and dental services, the 111 helpline, and emergency care.

It can be found by
clicking here.

Posted 01 June 2022
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Eight months of Severn Bridge closures for corrosion checks

Cables supporting the M48 Severn Bridge are to be opened up for inspection in June, resulting in the need for lane closures for eight months. The work, undertaken by National Highways, is being performed to monitor corrosion. Several sections of the two main suspension cables will be inspected as part of routine investigations to ensure the bridge remains safe for years to come.

One lane will be closed westbound from 22 June and one eastbound from the start of July. During the inspection period, vehicles wider than 2.9m will be prohibited from using the bridge. The bridge will also be closed entirely over three weekends to enable the lifting of inspection gantries, the first complete closure being planned for the weekend of 25-26 June with a diversion in place over the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.

Posted 01 June 2022
Chepstow’s Community Cabin Reopens to Offer Wellbeing Support

Pictured (top): Trish Edwards, Head of Service for Monmouthshire Borough, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, with Cllr Tudor Thomas, Cabinet Member for Care, Safeguarding and Accessible Health, and Stacey White of Caldicot’s TogetherWorks.
Pictured (below): The Community Cabin

Chepstow’s Community Cabin reopened on Monday 23rd May- for the first time since the Covid-19 Pandemic led to its temporary closure.

Based at Chepstow Community Hospital, the Cabin is a collaboration between Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Monmouthshire County Council, and acts as a hub for the local community and for voluntary organisations. It’s a place where a wide range of wellbeing-focused organisations can have a base, right in the heart of the community. This also creates a fantastic space for co-operation and working together, as well as a drop-in opportunity for members of the community to find out about all the wellbeing services and events on their doorstep.

Trish Edwards, Head of Service for Monmouthshire Borough, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “It’s given the teams a real boost to know the public will once again benefit from the services provided from the Cabin.’’

The Cabin is now open to the public, so local residents are encouraged pop by to find out more about wellbeing organisations and community opportunities in Chepstow and the south of Monmouthshire.

Posted 31 May 2022
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Half term fun as the Jubilee weekend approaches

There are plenty of fun events and inspiration for days out in Monmouthshire this coming half term, many of which are free.

Monmouthshire County Council’s MonLife, which runs many of the county’s museums, attractions and leisure centres is offering a chance to make
Brilliant Banners and Super Scrapbooks. Families can create their own family banner using printmaking techniques or make a scrapbook to collect and preserve all favourite keepsakes and memories. It’s messy fun for all the family so do take along an old shirt or apron. There’s no need to book but children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children 4 years and above. The sessions run from 11am – 3pm on the following days: Monday 30th May at Shire Hall, Monmouth; Tuesday 31st May at Abergavenny Museum; Wednesday 1st June at Chepstow Drill Hall.

Monmouthshire’s Community Hubs are hosting some special free activities as well. On Monday 30th May, Chepstow Hub is asking children (4-8yrs) to help them celebrate the occasion by decorating special jubilee bunting and join in a special story time, from 2pm. The following day, on Tuesday 31st, also at 2pm, Chepstow Hub is hosting a Baby Rhyme Time for babies. Caldicot Hub is also hosting Baby Rhyme Time on Tuesday 31st May, between 10.30am-11am, followed from 3pm-4pm by a Decorate a Jubilee Bookmark and Royal Themed Story Time for ages 4-8 years.

At Usk Hub there’s a free
Story Time and Crown Craft session at 10.30am on 1st June for children up to the age of 7 years. At Abergavenny’s Hub there will be a free Jubilee Stories and Crafts day on 1st June, with children of all ages welcome between 10.15am-10.45am and 2.15pm-2.45pm. Monmouth Hub is also offering free fun, with a Baby Rhyme Time from 10.30am-10.50am on Monday 30th May, and a Queen’s Hat and Making A Crown session from 11am on Wednesday 1st June for ages 4-7years. Gilwern Hub is also hosting a free Drop-In Craft and Colouring opportunity on Tuesday 31st May and Wednesday 1st June.

The
Monmouthshire Games returns for more action packed half-term fun from 30th May – 1st June (8am-5pm; £21 per day) for children aged 5-11 years. There are new activities to try each day, learn new skills and make new friends. Call 01633 644800 or visit https://www.monlife.co.uk/monactive/childrens-activities/the-monmouthshire-games/ to book.

At Monmouth Leisure Centre there’s a
Queen’s Jubilee Afternoon Tea Party for children on 1st June., from 4pm-6pm. There will be sandwiches, cake and fruit and celebrations galore. To book a place phone 01633 644800 (£6 per child). Tintern’s Old Station will also be open for visitors, as usual from 11am to 4pm daily.

For more half-term inspiration take a look at the
VisitMonmouthshire.com website which is packed with inspiring ideas for days out across the county, many of them with a Royal theme, such as Jubilee Party Racenight at Chepstow Racecourse on Saturday 4th June (4pm-9pm), a special garden party at Raglan Castle (4th and 5th June) and the Welsh Cider and Perry Festival is taking place at Caldicot Castle between 2nd and 5th June.

All this, plus countless community events will make this half term truly memorable. If you’re planning a community street party to celebrate the jubilee, the message this year is
“ditch the disposables” and not buy single-use tableware. There are environmentally friendly alternatives, such as encouraging visitors to each bring their own plate and cup, or borrowing party sets from one of the Library of Things (benthyg-cymru.org) or perhaps buy a pre-loved selection of china tableware from one of the Reuse Shops. Based in Llanfoist and Five Lanes recycling centres, the shops sell second-hand essentials at bargain prices and the profits go to tree planting in the county. They’re open from 10am-3pm on Tuesdays (Llanfoist) and Wednesdays (Five Lanes).
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Thank you to all who voted at the County Council elections on 5th May.

As your elected Member to Monmouthshire County Council,
which provides all local services, my wish is to represent your views and assist wherever possible.
If I can be of assistance to you please do contact me.

Ann Webb
Telephone: 07816678948
01291 689559
Email annwebb@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Posted 11 May 2022
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New website for the recently formed Wye Valley Community Council

The recently-formed Wye Valley Community Council which covers the villages of Llandogo and Tintern has a newly developed website containing all the latest information regarding council matters together with contact details for all councillors.

The Council's website
can be reached here.

Posted 09 May 2022
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Tintern Wireworks Bridge closure and repair update

Monmouthshire County Council has issued the following statement regarding plans for repairs works:

As you’ll be aware, Gloucestershire County Council is leading on essential repair works to the cross-border Wireworks Bridge in Tintern. Given the dangerous condition of the bridge, colleagues at GCC have worked to bring the repairs forward, to seek to minimise the total duration of the closure.

A Temporary Closure Order has now been signed by both Councils to enable the bridge to be closed from 1st June to 1st December 2022, after which an extension of time might be sought from the Secretary of State if needed. I am yet to see a programme of works, but my expectation is that a longer closure is likely to be needed. Given the timescales to conclude the tender process and mobilise on site, it is possible that the closure will actually kick in mid June.

Unfortunately, no alternative right of way route is available: different options such as boat crossings and temporary bridges were considered by GCC but have been discounted as viable options. Obviously the timing is not ideal with the Greenway tunnel recently re-opening for the summer season, but I know that businesses and the local community are broadly aware of the proposals and the reasons why the works must proceed.

Posted 27 April 2022
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Welcoming Ukrainians into Monmouthshire Homes - from Monmouthshire County Council

Monmouthshire Council has praised the incredible response from residents who have opened their homes to families fleeing the war in Ukraine. More than sixty families in the county have offered accommodation under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The council has been in touch with all of these people to ensure that safeguarding and property checks are carried out. It is also working with partners including Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, The Welsh Government and the British Red Cross to provide a service where hosts Ukrainian families will be able to access financial support, health checks, education advice and counselling as well as essential supplies.
The latest figures published by the UK Government show that 48 visas had been issued to people who will be arriving in the county which is the fourth highest in Wales.
Like many local authorities, Monmouthshire will be providing free language classes along with employment support advice to help people find jobs. A number of local people have also come forward to offer their services as translators alongside professional interpreters. The council is also keen to hear from local landlords who may have properties to let which could accommodate families arriving in Wales under the separate Welsh Government super-sponsor scheme.
A spokesperson for the council said:
“We are humbled by the remarkable response from the people of Monmouthshire who have opened their homes to families fleeing the war in Ukraine. We are also incredibly grateful to the businesses and community groups who have been in touch to offer support.”
Anyone who wants more information is advised to visit
www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/support-ukraine or e-mail ukrainesupport@monmouthshire.gov.uk.


Posted 21 April 2022
Tintern flies flags in support of Ukraine.

Thanks to Martin Everett for his pics of flags flying in Tintern to support Ukraine. They are at Wye Barn, Park Glade, and The Old Rectory. Maybe there are more flags to come?
Click on an image to enlarge.

Posted 19 April 2022
Council gets ready for Nature Isn’t Neat 2022

Spring is officially here and Monmouthshire County Council’s grounds team are about to start preparing the county’s open spaces for the year ahead.

At the end of last year, the council’s team left some areas for hibernation sites for insects, left seed heads for winter food, as well as other wildlife-friendly considerations. Now, as we head towards summer, the council will be following the selective mowing regime that was such a success last year. This will start with a ‘first’ cut that will see most areas mown to reset the grassland. After this, successive mowing will follow the Nature Isn’t Neat principles to make space for wildlife and pollinator plants in open spaces across Monmouthshire. This includes not mowing under trees (which will reduce stress and disease), creating meadow spaces throughout our open spaces and read verges. Some areas will be cut less frequently or on rotation, and some areas will be left until late summer or early autumn to allow the grasses and flowers to set seed.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said: “The feedback we received about Nature Isn’t Neat showed overwhelming support of the approach and offered some valuable insights on what was working well and where we can improve. Taking account of this feedback, discussions with our operational crews and the reduced impact of Covid on our ability to manage the work, residents will see some changes to the mowing this year compared to the last two years and we will continue to take feedback, and we will continue to make sure that play areas and sports pitches are cut to the full extent.”

Nature Isn’t Neat is an important part of the council’s response to the biodiversity crisis and climate change. The management principles help pollinators and other insects to thrive. This in turn supports other wildlife and improves long term food security. The changes in management also increase the amount of carbon drawn down into the soils and increases the ability of open spaces to absorb water, reducing runoff, flooding and pollution and makes our environment more resilient.


Posted 01 April 2022

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While most council owned green spaces will receive the Nature Isn’t Neat approach, some areas are owned by housing associations and not all of these have adopted the Nature Isn’t Neat approach, although they are mown by the council under contract. It is hoped that more organisations will get onboard with the selective mowing regime through the support of the regional Nature isn’t Neat project, and help the county’s mission to improve biodiversity and support wildlife.

If you would like to get involved, a new Nature isn’t Neat survey will be launched in May, Monmouthshire want to know what you think about its approach to ensure the right balance is maintained between nature and recreation. For more information visit:
www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/nin/ and www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/nature-isnt-neat or follow @MonmouthshireCC and @Natureisntneat on social media channels.
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Library of Things to launch in Monmouth

Monmouthshire’s first Library of Things opens its doors in Monmouth on April 1st. It allows people to borrow things that they need but don't own, saving money and space in their homes. This includes equipment for entertainment, household items or garden tools. It also allows residents to donate things they no longer need, helping to reduce waste, all whilst meeting and sharing knowledge and skills with others.
Monmouth’s Library of Things is named Benthyg Monmouth, benthyg being the Welsh word meaning to borrow or lend. Benthyg Cymru and local community groups have trained up a team of local volunteers who will be running the project, which will be based at Monmouth’s Bridges Centre.
Monmouthshire County Council is working on this project as part of its Climate Emergency work. Hazel Clatworthy, the council’s Sustainability Policy Officer said: “The Library of Things give people an easy way to borrow items like gardening tools, household items, equipment for parties or entertaining and so on for very little cost. At this time where we are all feeling the pinch, we hope that the Benthygs will help people to save money by not having to buy items they need, whilst also reducing waste, by putting unused or unwanted items lurking in people’s attics or sheds to good use.”
Bryan Miller, volunteer project co-ordinator for Benthyg Monmouth said: “We are really excited to be launching Monmouthshire’s first Benthyg. Individuals and community groups will be able to save money by being able to borrow rather than buy equipment that they need, and it will be a great way to help people to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Ella Smillie, co-founder of Benthyg Cymru added: "This project will showcase Wales' commitment to the circular economy, and we're delighted to be working with Monmouthshire County Council to make borrowing better than buying for local residents."
Three other Benthygs will also be launching this spring, in Abergavenny, Caldicot and Chepstow.
For more information on how to borrow, browse and donate items, visit:
https://monmouthshire.benthyg.cymru/. There is an option to reserve what you need to borrow, where you can pick up your item from Bridges Centre for up to a week.

Pictured: Project co-ordinators, Terry Ing & Bryan Miller, Fran Williams of Benthyg Cymru, Project co-ordinator Norman Williams.

Posted 30 March 2022
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LOCAL GUIDE SOUGHT FOR RIVER WALK WITH AFGHANI FAMILIES

As part of the Wye Valley River Festival taking place between 29th May and 5th June 2022, Walk Out West is teaming up with Bridges for Communities in Bristol to bring over a coach of Afghani families on June 1st . We would love to have a walk along the river - maybe some of it will not be suitable for pushchairs and some will , we can work that out !

We are ideally looking for a local person who would be happy to meet us and be a guide for a short walk . It will all be risk assessed etc.

Is there anyone out there who might like to be this host welcoming person ? Please get in touch with Deasy Bamford, deasybamford[at]googlemail.com
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Silver Circle Aquavit wins Silver

Silver Circle Aquavit has won Silver at the International Wine & Spirit Competition - IWSC with a score of 91! We’re so proud. Lovely tasting notes too…

“Warm earthy aromas of rye cereals and caraway, plenty of spice on the palate with an anise and nutty five-spice sweetness and lingering in the mouth on a warm peppery note.”

Try it with tonic.

To learn more about Silver Circle Distillery please
click here.
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Posted 10 March 2022
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'CATBROOK CATS' WIN TINTERN QUIZ NIGHT

Nine teams took part on Saturday 5th March in the Annual Tintern Quiz Night held at The Wild Hare.

The Catbrook team came out of the traps running and despite an early lead from the 'E Street Band' managed to stay the course and gradually eased into a commanding lead.

Fiona Creasey is pictured (top) receiving the winners' cup from quizmaster John Livermore and (below) her team is shown celebrating. They are (from left to right): Declan Guerin, Karen Guerin, Diana Rees, Fiona Creasey, Keith Bolton, and Jeremy Creasey.

The quiz is held to raise funds for Tintern Fete which is being held this year on the 25th of June. The Fete committee would like to thank the Wild Hare for its hospitality and hard work in making the evening such an enjoyable success.


Posted 06 March 2022


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MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL CONFiRMS SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE AND THOSE FLEEING THE CONFLICT

Monmouthshire County Council has issued a statement affirming its commitment to supporting the people of the Ukraine. Its Leader, Councillor Richard John said: “Events taking place in Ukraine are something we had hoped never to see in our lifetime. Europe was never meant to see unprovoked aggression again, following the wars of the last century. We stand with Ukraine and recognise the many Russians ashamed of their Government. We are ready to support those fleeing the conflict, and will play our part in any scheme that comes into place to assist refugees.”

Posted 01 March 2022
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Monmouthshire County Council update on the effects of Storm Eunice

At 18:39 on Friday 18th February, MCC issued a further update on conditions and services in the county. The statement reads:

Power cuts, high winds and trees down in Monmouthshire

Storm Eunice has impacted across Monmouthshire. Over 1,000 homes in Monmouthshire were left without power and residents were urged to contact Western Power for information.

Both the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge and M48 Severn Bridge were closed to traffic due to high winds. The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge is now back open.

Monmouthshire County Council crews have been out and about throughout the day clearing over 50 fallen trees which blocked the roads.

Home carers attended all calls and Monmouthshire’s meals service delivered to all homes as expected.

The contact centre took over 300 calls to support people throughout the day and responded to queries coming in via the Chatbot. The situation was updated via @MonmouthshireCC’s social media channels throughout the day.

Winter maintenance teams will be out gritting roads overnight as temperatures drop and there are risks of snow, ice and difficult driving conditions – a few centimetres of snow is anticipated on the North West corner of the county overnight.

Any residents who were due a recycling and waste collection on Friday 18th should put their recycling and waste out for collection by 7am on Saturday 19th February and the teams will endeavour to collect everything as soon as they possibly can.

Plans are in place for services to resume from tomorrow:

  • All Leisure Centres will open tomorrow. All MonLife attractions are also aiming to open.
  • All library services will run as usual tomorrow and staff will be able to assist hub enquiries too. Usk Post Office will be open.
  • All Social Care and Health services will continue to run tomorrow on top of the additional assistance that has been provided today.
  • All community meals will be delivered tomorrow.
  • Bus services should be running.
Teams will be on storm patrol all weekend, including monitoring rainfall and flood risks as flood alerts remain in place on the River Wye and River Usk.

Council Leader Richard John said: “I would like to thank everyone in Monmouthshire who has avoided travel today – conditions are still looking challenging out there, so it’s wise to avoid any unnecessary journeys. Thank you to colleagues who have been working round the clock in difficult conditions to keep everyone safe and to get so many services back up and running for tomorrow. I’m incredibly proud of the way that colleagues and residents alike have dealt with the biggest storm we have seen in decades.”

Posted 18 February 2022
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The election of councillors for Town and Community Councils in Wales takes place on 5th May 2022 (the same day as the election of County Councillors).
The Tintern Community Council boundaries have been redrawn by the Boundary Commission for Wales and no longer include Penterry or Trellech Grange but will incorporate Llandogo. The Community Council will be known as Wye Valley Community Council and will have one fewer councillors overall - 7 instead of 8 with 4 representing Tintern and 3 Llandogo. The individual Tintern wards of Chapel Hill and Tintern Parva will no longer exist. 
The election provides a chance for any qualified resident to take part in shaping the future of Tintern and the surrounding area. It is the level of government closest to the people and can make a real impact on the lives and prosperity of its residents.
For more information on these changes and how to stand, please visit this page.

Nominations open on 17th March.

Posted 18 February 2022
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Monmouthshire County Council issues Storm Eunice update

Monmouthshire County Council is prepared for Storm Eunice. Following the Met Office’s Red Warning for high winds that could pose a danger to life and possible damage to property, it has been confirmed that
all Monmouthshire school sites will be closed on Friday 18th February 2022. All pupils due to attend school and any planned inset days will move to a virtual setting instead.

Five Lanes and Llanfoist
Household Waste and Recycling Centres will also be closed, and residents are being asked to not put waste and recycling out for collection as collections on Friday 18th February are being cancelled. Any bags left out will be at risk of blowing around, so should be kept securely until a collection can be made.

A
flood warning is in place for the River Wye at Tintern, the council’s Highways teams have been out delivering sandbags and clearing channels.

MonLife’s Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth
leisure centres will be closed to the public all day. The county’s museums will also be closed as will the council’s community hubs. The adverse weather will also close the markets scheduled to be held in Abergavenny and Monmouth tomorrow. Abergavenny Town Hall and Market will be closed throughout the day.

The Countryside service has requested that
residents avoid putting themselves at risk by walking during Storm Eunice, and in its aftermath being mindful of the risks posed by damaged trees and debris.

The council’s
Community Meals team will deliver food to all people who require it and have made contingency plans for tomorrow. If staff are unable to deliver on Friday because of worsening conditions, everyone will be contacted by phone if they need assistance. The Community Meals service has the use of a number of four-wheel-drive vehicles while bad weather persists.

The council’s contact centre staff are working remotely and will operate as usual from 9am to 5pm. The MyMonmouthshire app can also enable access to services via www.monmouthshire.gov.uk. Residents can ring the contact centre on 01633 644644.

County Hall in Usk will remain closed to avoid staff needing to travel and office based colleagues will work remotely.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Richard John said: “I would like to thank all those front line colleagues who will be continuing to support our community during this potentially challenging time. I would encourage everyone to stay at home where possible and avoid any unnecessary travel while Storm Eunice is still a threat. We have not taken the decision to close schools and other services, such as our leisure centres, lightly, but have done so to protect members of the public and colleagues.”

Residents are advised to follow the council’s social media accounts @MonmouthshireCC on Twitter and Facebook for the latest service updates.

Posted 17 February 2022
Notice of Experimental Traffic Order for Tintern

Monmouthshire County Council has issued documents relating to the proposed 20mph speed limit for traffic on various roads in and around Tintern.

The documents and procedure for raising any objections can be found in the pdf files below.
Posted 20 January 2022
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Monmouthshire County Council signposting support for those facing money worries

Monmouthshire County Council is launching a new ‘Money Matters’ campaign highlighting the support available to those facing money worries. It is said the average UK household now has £2,805 in credit card debt alone and a change of circumstances can lead any household to start feeling the pinch.

On top of this, the Covid-19 pandemic has been a worrying time for so many, made worse when dealing with concerns about income or paying bills or rent/mortgage.

But there is help and support available. Working alongside Citizens’ Advice Monmouthshire, Mind Monmouthshire, Gateway Credit Union, Monmouthshire Housing Association, Pobl, Melin, town councils and a wide range of other organisations, Monmouthshire County Council is aiming to make it easier to take the first step in seeking help.

Guidance on available support to help with money, food, utility bills, housing, mental health, and many more related areas can be found at
monmouthshire.gov.uk/money-matters.

Monmouthshire County Council Councillor Lisa Dymock, cabinet member for Community Wellbeing, said: “The most important thing you can do is seek advice as soon as possible. Early help can stop a temporary situation becoming a long-term problem. But, it is important to also stress that it is never too late to seek support. There is more support available than people realise." She added that The Money Matters campaign puts wide range of help under one roof via
the website and staff at the Contact Centre are also available on 01633 644644 to help point in the direction for the right support. The Chepstow Community Hub can also find someone will to establish what support is available.

Citizens’ Advice Monmouthshire are one of the lead partners in this campaign and can be contacted directly on 0800 702 2020.




Posted 05 January 2022
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Council issues update on plans to introduce 20mph zones in Monmouthshire


Plans for the introduction of pilot 20mph zones across Monmouthshire were raised at Monmouthshire County Council’s full council meeting on Thursday 16th December. The Welsh Government scheme will see 20mph zones introduced in phases, the first of which will include eight communities, two of which are in Monmouthshire.

Councillor Jane Pratt, cabinet member for Infrastructure said: “We appreciate that many towns and villages across the county support the reduction of speed on our roads. The benefits of lowering the urban speed limit from 30mph to 20mph will contribute to a reduction in the frequency and severity of road collisions, more opportunities to walk and cycle in our communities, make our streets safer and help to safeguard the environment for future generations.

“At this time, pilot projects in Abergavenny and Severnside are being prioritised, with consultation for the Traffic Order scheduled to commence on 22nd December and running for 28 days. The consultation period has been extended to account for the Christmas break. Provided there are no objections raised that cannot be resolved, the 20mph zones will be implemented in February in Abergavenny and Severnside. We’re grateful for the support received from the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales officers.”

The other 20mph zones agreed for this financial year are in Devauden, Mathern, Monmouth including Wyesham) Mynyddbach, Shirenewton and two parts of Chepstow (Mounton Road and the town centre). The 21-day consultation for the Traffic Order for these will commence in early February and, provided there are no objections raised that cannot be resolved, the 20mph zones will be implemented in March 2022. Monmouthshire County Council is also proposing to make the Raglan and Tintern trial 20mph zones permanent, a move widely supported.”

More information about the Welsh Government 20mph project visit
https://gov.wales/introducing-20mph-speed-limits



Posted 17 December 2021
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Update on planned work to strengthen and restore Tintern’s Wireworks Bridge

Tintern’s Grade II Listed Wireworks Bridge, which crosses from Monmouthshire into Gloucestershire, was closed to vehicles in August 2021 following the results of a structural assessment undertaken earlier in the year. Pedestrians and cyclist have still been able to use the bridge. However, with the bridge deteriorating, major repairs need to be made that will strengthen the bridge and secure its long-term future, rather than a temporary repair which would not be cost effective or have any lasting effect.

The bridge that spans the River Wye at Tintern, is jointly owned by Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) and Monmouthshire County Council (MCC). Plans to repair the bridge are underway, led by Gloucestershire County Council supported by Monmouthshire County Council.

The planned works will include the removal of the existing timber deck and replacement with a deck to meet the required capacity. In addition, the structure will need to be strengthened and this will include the installation of new box beams to replace the existing corroding steel infrastructure. Grit blasting and will take place, as well as repointing of the masonry abutments/piers.

Some of these activities will unfortunately mean that the bridge will have to be closed to all pedestrians and bicycles – for example, the timber deck will have to be fully removed for a significant period of the construction phase. The current plan is to start work in Spring 2022. This is not a decision that was made lightly due to the appreciation of the inconvenience this will cause. However, undertaking the work over winter would present additional risks in relation to flooding, high water levels, a safe working environment, poor weather and shorter hours of daylight, all of which risk extending the duration of the works.

The next phase of the project will be to tender the works out and to consider the mitigation measures possible to reduce the impact. Both councils would welcome suggestions or insights on any additional measures from local businesses, residents and other users of the bridge. Planning has already begun, which will include advanced warning of the Public Right of Way closure, with maps posted at all routes leading to the bridge, and local car parks, advising of alternative walking routes. Planned phasing of construction activities will aim to minimise disruption, an example of this is the aim to programme the grit blasting to start after school spring half term holidays and complete prior to school summer holidays.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Cllr Jane Pratt said: “We support Gloucestershire Council’s difficult decision to bring forward the repair works to the Wireworks Bridge. While we recognise the inconvenience this will bring, we wish to see the bridge safe, restored to its former glory and re-opened as quickly as possible.”

Ward Member for Tintern, Councillor Ann Webb said: “I understand the frustration of residents and business, but I accept the engineer’s opinion and that this work on the bridge is urgent and needs to be done as soon as all the permissions are in place.”

All residents and businesses, including hotels and other holiday accommodation, will soon receive a letter with details of the closure and alternative routes. Gloucestershire County Council plans to undertake consultation and public events in early 2022 to share the proposals for the planned works.

Updates will be posted on the following website page:
https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/major-projects-list/tintern-wireworks-bridge-improvements/

The Tintern Christmas Santa Treasure Hunt is open!

All families are invited to join this December-long fun. The trail goes right round the village and ends with children's prizes and free refreshments for everyone. You can download the entry form and an information sheet here.


If the pdfs have not appeared, please refresh your browser.




Posted 02 December 2021
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Interruption to Post Office van service in Tintern
As anyone who has visited the Post Office van in recent days will testify, Tina has been quite unwell and is now off work. As a result, no Post Office service will be available from Thursday 18th November until Monday the 29th on which day it is hoped the service will resume.









Posted 18 November 2021
David Hurn becomes recipient of the 2021 Lucie Award for Achievement in Documentary

Tintern resident David Hurn has been recognised by The Lucie Awards, the premiere annual event honouring the greatest achievements in photography. The photography community from around the globe pays tribute to the most outstanding people in the field. Recipients normally receive their Lucie statues during a spectacular evening at the Lucie Awards in New York. This time round in October 2021, however, Covid required that the event was held online.


Let David know if you have a Tintern family or group event coming up. He would love to photograph it - at no cost.
He is very happy to be invited to any village event or to family occasions such as special birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, baptisms and weddings (although of course not as the 'official' photographer but as an observer). He can be contacted by phone on 01291 689358 or by email hurn@tintern.u-net.com.
David has already recorded his reflections on many village events, including those shown
here.
Posted 16 November 2021
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No Post Office van service in Tintern from Monday 8th November to Friday 12th November

To allow maintenance of the vehicle, there will be no mobile Post Office service for the whole of the week. Normal service will resume on Monday 15th November.

Posted 07 November 2021
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Council looks to update climate change plan

Monmouthshire County Council will meet on Thursday, 4th November to consider an action plan to update the council’s Climate and Decarbonisation Strategy - its response to combatting climate change, originally approved in October 2019. The report recommends a series of revised measures to accelerate progress towards reducing the council’s emissions to zero by 2030.

The action plan focuses on ten areas where the council can concentrate on tackling climate change. These comprise of energy and buildings; renewable energy; nature recovery and green spaces; procurement; waste; active travel; greener transport; public transport; education and involvement; and climate adaptation.

Among the proposals designed to help the council achieve its aims are reducing the amount of energy used for buildings and street lighting, speeding the move from fossil fuels to renewable energy, supporting biodiversity and resilience for ecosystems, and reducing waste by encouraging people to reduce, re-use and recycle more. In addition, the council will invest in new routes making it easier for people to walk and cycle rather than drive, encourage the use of hydrogen and electric vehicles as well as public transport and educate people to understand and face climate change by making carbon literacy training available in communities. The council will also make preparing and adapting for the impact of climate change a priority.

The actions aim to reduce carbon emissions that the council produces, but also emissions from across the county. This means working in partnership with other organisations, businesses and community groups in order to have the biggest impact. The action plan also includes simple steps that everyone can take. Together these small steps add up and make a big difference.

Responsibility for overseeing the development of the action plan sits with a cross-party working group, involving officers, councillors and community representatives. It is chaired by Councillor Jane Pratt, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member leading the council’s campaign against climate change. Councillor Pratt said: “Climate change is arguably the biggest challenge facing the world today. With the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference currently taking place in Glasgow, there is no better time to restate our commitment and refresh the authority’s action plan.”

The cross-party group will continue to examine new activity and it is likely that a further revision of the action plan will take place within the next twelve months.

As part of the COP26 conference, Monmouthshire has also signed an international declaration called the Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration, which renews the council’s commitment to develop sustainable food policies and reinforces the councils ongoing commitment to develop the county as a sustainable food region. This work has included recently joining with the Sustainable Food Network to develop a county- wide Food Partnership and aligning MCC’s food action plan and the developing food strategy for continued development of a good food movement.

Councillor Pratt continued: “We’re aware that working towards becoming net zero by 2030 will not be easy and we need everyone to support this agenda. As always, we’re indebted to the county’s residents, businesses and other organisations for their enthusiasm, energy and expertise as we encourage them to reduce their own emissions.”

For more information on Monmouthshire’s climate change policies, visit:
https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/climate-emergency/

Posted 02 November 2021
Posted 31 October 2021
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MCC introduces cashless parking

Monmouthshire County Council has partnered with PayByPhone to offer drivers cashless parking at 2,383 parking spaces across its 18 off-street car parks. The new system will launch on Monday, 1st November, and no transaction fee will be charged for using it.

Monmouthshire’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Jane Pratt said: “We are delighted to offer residents and visitors to our beautiful county the safe, easy and simple option of cashless parking. PayByPhone offers drivers great flexibility, enabling them to start and to extend their parking sessions in a matter of seconds from the PayByPhone app. This means there is no risk of handling cash and no need to worry about rushing back to cars to extend parking sessions if they want to stay longer than they had planned.”

Adam Dolphin, Sales Director for PayByPhone UK said, “We are very happy that PayByPhone is helping to make the parking experience as hassle-free as possible for residents and visitors to this beautiful part of Wales. I would encourage drivers to download the app as soon as possible - registration takes less than 30 seconds - so that they can make use of the new service immediately.”

When using phones to pay via contactless or via apps, it’s important to clean the device with alcohol-based wipes regularly. Phones can pick up germs from surfaces on which they are placed, potentially then transferring them to hands or faces.

The PayByPhone app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store and more information is available at
https://paybyphone.co.uk.

Posted 27 October 2021
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Posted 09 October 2021
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Posted 09 October 2021
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A selection of entries from the competition from this year and earlier is being selected for publication in the Tintern Village Calendar 2022. It is hoped to have this on sale by early November.

Photo competition winner announced

The winning entry in the annual Tintern Photographic Competition for 2021 has been chosen. Shown here, it is an evocative picture of seagulls keeping watch over the River Wye in the morning mist.

The photographer is Shirley Lawton and she will receive a hardback copy of the Landscape Photographer of the Year - Collection 14 which will be published this month.

Congratulations to Shirley and huge thanks to all those who entered. The standard of entries was outstanding.

Posted 06 October 2021
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Concerns over planning permissions at Tintern Old Station

After Tintern & Brockweir residents, visitors, volunteers & others, objected to the alcohol and event licence application from Katie Burton (Monmouthshire County Council Tourism & Leisure, MonLife), a committee hearing was held on 7 September after which Monmouthshire County Council Licensing granted the licence.
You may have seen the MonLife signs at Tintern Lower Wireworks, or Tintern Old Station where they took over the running of the tearoom this year when the Just Perfect catering contractors left. The licence is being appealed via Newport Magistrates Court, but in the meantime plans to grow the commercial element at Tintern Old Station (shepherd caravans, camping pods, electrical hook ups for campervans, electric bike hire, event and marquee hire including weddings) continue with two planning applications. Locals and visitors may not have spotted Monmouthshire County Council Planning notices which are down by Tintern Old Station rubbish store but they can be viewed at:-
https://monmouthshire.gov.uk/view-planning-applications/ where comments and objections may be made online or, by writing to Monmouthshire County Council or, telephone 01633 644644 if you have any accessibility problems.
More information is available from us and will be available shortly. As Tintern Old Station supporters and volunteers we are concerned about this major change of use on land and fields which are protected.

Tintern Station Friends

Posted 01 October 2021
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Good news! Sillver Circle's Damson Negroni has been awarded 3 stars by Great Taste, the highest award a product can get. Only 1.5% of over 14,000 entries achieved 3 stars this year so we're obviously extremely chuffed about it. The judges comments bowled us over!

Silver Circle Distillery

Posted 22 September 2021
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Further Japanese knotweed control in Tintern this month.

The Wye Valley AONB team is once again coordinating the chemical treatment of Japanese knotweed to support our Lower Wye Valley landowners and residents in getting this invasive growth under control.

Contractors will be in Tintern the week of 20th September and will visit all the knotweed sites that have been treated for the past one to three years, monitoring abundance and treating it accordingly.

Enquiries for further information can be made by emailing projects@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk.

Posted 13 September 2021
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Number 69 Bus Service between Chepstow and Monmouth returns to normal timetable.

The emergency timetable for the 69 bus service operated by Phil Anslow Coaches with stops in Tintern has now been returned to normal Monday to Friday and Saturday services.

Please note, however, that the closure between 9.00am and 3.00pm of the A466 between Brockweir and Llandogo on the 8th, 9th and 10th of September will mean that only the first service of the day and the last three will run the complete route between Chepstow and Monmouth in both directions. All other services on those days will operate only between Chepstow and Tintern.

Timetables for the 69 service can be seen here.

Posted 06 September 2021
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RESIDENTS' VIEWS SOUGHT ON 'WYE VALLEY VILLAGES' PROPOSALS AS CONSULTATION IS LAUNCHED


Monmouthshire County Council, Wye Valley AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and Wye Valley’s Community Councils are asking residents of and visitors to Trellech, Penalt, The Narth, Devauden, Tintern, St Arvans, Llandogo, Llanishen and Catbrook to view proposals for the Wye Valley Villages Stage 2 Report as its consultation period begins.
The report, produced by ARUP, provides a strategy and action plan for the villages. The plan initially grew from issues around road safety and village infrastructure, however as these issues were recognised to form part of a much more complex set of challenges it was agreed by the council, Wye Valley AONB and the community councils to consider these issues in a broader village and Wye Valley context. The result is the Wye Valley Villages project.
Those who live, work and visit the areas within the report area are now being encouraged to read the report and respond with their opinions, comments and to feed in any additional suggestions. The report and consultation is now live and will run for 5 weeks, closing at midnight on Sunday 12th September.
The information on the website (
https://wye-valley-villages.virtual-engage.arup.com) includes a short introductory video by Deputy Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Councillor Sara Jones, links to the consultation and a ‘virtual engage room’ which will take visitors through the Stage 2 study, including the proposals that have been developed for each of the eight Wye Valley villages – Trellech, Penallt, The Narth, Devauden, Tintern, St Arvans, Llandogo, Llanishen and Catbrook.

Posted 05 September 2021
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Monmouthshire buzzing with wildlife after successful 'No Mow May'

Birds, bees, plants, flowers and trees have all received a boost thanks to a successful 'No Mow May' and Nature Isn't Neat campaign. Over the last two months, verges and green spaces have been left to grow, allowing flowers and wild grasses to develop to support pollinators. The success of the campaign comes as Monmouthshire County Council gears up for the summer months and is reminding residents of its selective mowing policy.
 
Under the policy, sports pitches, path edges and road junctions will be mown while in other areas, the longer grass will gradually be cut, so residents will notice there will not be an immediate return to short green lawns. Some larger green spaces will have paths cut through them, and circles to provide areas for people to sit or children to play. This will create a more varied greenscape, providing a wider range of recreational and social opportunities as well as benefitting more species, and make a more interesting, natural environment. These changes will continue as the seasons progress, and some grass will not be cut until the end of the summer. There is no intention to return to flat, close-mown grass throughout the county’s green spaces, as this is not beneficial to the environment.

Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for grounds maintenance and climate change, Councillor Jane Pratt, said: “It’s been wonderful to hear the overwhelmingly positive and supportive response to No Mow May from residents, who have reported enjoying the appearance of longer grasses swaying in the breeze, more wild flowers, and hearing the buzz of insects feeding on them. A wide diversity of different flowers have appeared in parks and footpath verges, ranging from daisies and dandelions to cow parsley, buttercups, hawkweed and trefoils. There have been rarities too, like the exotic-looking bee orchids spotted in Chepstow, Monmouth and Caerwent.

“Now we are moving into the next phase – selective grass mowing is resuming. As the mowing teams work their way around the county, they will still be observing the key principles of Nature Isn’t Neat, which partners the ethos of No Mow May perfectly,” said Cllr. Pratt. She added: “The changes are a key part of our response to the catastrophic decline in biodiversity, particularly in numbers of pollinators. Our mowing policy will directly increase habitats, shelter, food sources and hibernation sites for them. Pollinators need more than just flowers to survive and thrive, moths and butterflies for example have a caterpillar stage that need grasses and wild plants like nettles as an edible food source, and somewhere safe to develop when they are in their chrysalis stage. Wildflowers and plants are essential to the ecosystem, which support everything, including all of us. Our green spaces and gardens, whether in towns or the countryside, have a vital part to play, and the council has a duty to manage the environment under its control in a sustainable way. Our Nature Isn’t Neat principles are designed with this in mind. The changes they encompass will help make our towns and green spaces more resilient to climate change and help us all as we face the challenges ahead.”

For more information about Nature Isn’t Neat visit
monmouthshire.gov.uk/nin

Posted 24 June 2021
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MCC CONFIRMS REOPENING A466 AT WYNDCLIFF

Works on the Wyndcliff site between Tintern and Chepstow are due to come to an end. The removal of the closure and reopening the road will take place by the close of today (Friday 18th June 2021). This follows weeks of work to stabilise the cliff adjacent to the road.
There are a number of outstanding works that will need to be complete and Monmouthshire County Council will need to temporarily reinstall two-way lights for a short period to allow the workers a safe area to complete these works.
There were plans to complete repair works on another section of bank near to Tintern under the current closure but due to ecological issues the works could not be started. Unfortunately, workers will have to return to complete these works at a later date but it is hoped that this can be done without a further closure.

Posted 18 June 2021
Tintern is the star of the latest Monmouthshire County Council Shop Local campaign.
Posted 28 May 2021
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A466 ROADWORKS DELAYED FOLLOWING ROCK FALLS

Following consultation with contractors working on the stabilisation works above the A466 at Wyndcliff, Monmouthshire County Council has announced that the anticipated reopening of the road for the Whitsun bank holiday weekend will not be possible due to safety issues. This follows a potentially dangerous rockfall on the site on Friday 21st May.
The steepness of the rock face means that any rocks that fall might do so with such velocity that they could potentially breach concrete safety panels along the road. Additional rock has had to be removed where weaknesses have been exposed. To ensure road users' safety, netting will now need to be installed to control any rocks and debris that come loose in the future.
A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said: "This decision has not been taken lightly and we appreciate the disappointment and frustration this will cause among residents and businesses in Tintern and the surrounding area. However, the need to protect the safety of motorists and cyclists is paramount. Our immediate and ongoing priority remains to make the A466 safe, not just in the short term, but longer term. We'll be discussing the matter further with the contractors later this week but at this stage we hope to reopen the A466 by 11th June. We will provide a further update at the end of this week."
Tintern's businesses are still open and accessible via the signposted diversion route. Drivers are asked to follow the diversion signs and not rely on a satnav, as many of the local lanes are very narrow with limited opportunities for vehicles to pass. Cyclists will still be able to dismount and use the A466 during the closure.

Posted 24 May 2021
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COLDEST APRIL SINCE 1980 PREVENTS START ON WORK AT WYNDCLIFF ON THE A466

Monmouthshire County Council has confirmed that, unfortunately, due to the ongoing unseasonably cold spell, it is not yet possible to commence the stabilisation works above the A466 at Wyndcliff. It is anticipated that the works will be able to commence on Tuesday 4th May 2021, with the road closure commencing on that day. However, this is subject to further temperature monitoring over the next few days. We are also working with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to seek to bring forward a one day road closure on Bargain Wood Road currently scheduled for 4th May 2021 to minimise any potential conflict. We will provide an update on both matters as soon as possible.

While the A466 Wyndcliff site is set up and work ready to commence, the seven consecutive nights with temperatures at or exceeding 8oC, as required by the European Protected Species licence, has not been achieved. On site temperature monitoring stations are being regularly inspected and work will commence as soon as possible once the terms of the licence have been met.

Monmouthshire County Council officers are holding frequent meetings with the ecologist and contractors on the project to discuss the situation and revise the timetable. The collapsed rock face and cave system above have been confirmed as providing important bat species a roosting site to hibernate throughout the winter. A European Protected Species (EPS) development licence for bats has been approved by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for the Wyndcliff site. The seven consecutive days is the minimum amount of time, set out in the EPS development license, to allow the bats to emerge from their hibernation roosts. Any deviations in this approach would breach wildlife legislation and the licence must therefore be adhered to.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said: “Figures suggest that this is the coldest April since 1980. Unfortunately the unseasonably cold weather has delayed the commencement of works, because we must comply with the terms of our bat licence. We hope to commence the works on Tuesday 4th May and will confirm this as soon as possible. It is hoped that the road closure will be removed prior to the second May bank holiday weekend.”

Throughout the road closure period - now expected to be a four-week period from 4th May - a full diversion will be in place allowing traffic to travel between Chepstow and Tintern. Drivers are asked to follow the diversion signs and not rely on satnav, as many of the local lanes are very narrow with limited opportunities for vehicles to pass. Cyclists will still be able to use the A466 during the closure.

For the latest information visit:
monmouthshire.gov.uk/a466

Posted 27 April 2021
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St Michael's to open on Wednesday 14th April to mark the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

To mark the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, St Michael's Church in Tintern will open its doors from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on Wedesday 14th April for quiet prayer and contemplation. Anyone wishing to call in during this time is welcome.

Posted 09 April 2021
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MCC CONFIRMS DELAY TO A466 CLOSURE AT WYNDCLIFFE

Monmouthshire County Council has confirmed that due to the recent cold spell the stabilisation works above the A466 at Wyndcliffe have been paused. This is due to current and forecasted low overnight temperatures delaying the seasonal emergence of hibernating bats, a protected species.

While the site is now set up and work ready to commence, based on current weather forecasts it is likely that contractors will not be able to recommence works on site until the 26th April. Temperature monitoring stations have been installed on site, which are being regularly inspected and if the actual temperature measurements over the seven-day period permit, as specified by the EPS development license, work will start sooner and the contractor is able to accommodate this.

On Thursday 8th April, Monmouthshire County Council held a meeting with the ecologist and contractors on the project to discuss the situation and revise the timetable. The collapsed rock face and cave system above have been confirmed as providing important bat species a roosting site to hibernate throughout the winter. A European Protected Species (EPS) development licence for bats has been approved by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for the Wyndcliff site.

The EPS development licence is pursuant to relevant wildlife legislation and sets out a robust approach to reduce the impact and prevent harm to roosting bats as a consequence of the stabilisation works. Part of this approach includes excluding bats from their roost using sensitive and precautionary measures, such as ‘one-way’ mechanisms to allow bats to emerge but not re-enter their roosts. The licence states that once bat roost exclusion material is installed, the rock face cannot be excavated or modified for a period of seven consecutive days when overnight temperatures at the site remain at eight degrees celsius or above. This is the minimum amount of time, set out in the EPS development license, to allow the bats to emerge from their hibernation roosts. Any deviations in this approach would breach wildlife legislation and therefore have to be adhered to.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said: “Unfortunately this has meant that the road closure will now span the first May bank holiday (3rd May), something we were hoping to avoid in light of the easing of lockdown restrictions. At the recent meeting with contractors the option of waiting until the 4th May to start the works - leaving the first bank holiday free - was ruled out because of the risk of the works not being finished by the second bank holiday (31st May). That in turn would have affected the May half term break too, which would have had an even greater impact on businesses and tourism.”

Throughout the road closure period - now expected to be a four-week period from 26th April - a full diversion will be in place allowing traffic to travel between Chepstow and Tintern. Drivers are asked to follow the diversion signs and not rely on satnav, as many of the local lanes are very narrow with limited opportunities for vehicles to pass. Cyclists will still be able to use the A466 during the closure.

For the latest information visit:
monmouthshire.gov.uk/a466

Posted 09 April 2021
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Cadw announces that Tintern Abbey is open from 6th April and free to visit with a pre-booked ticket

Cadw has announced that Tintern Abbey will be open from 6th April 2021 and free to visit with a pre-booked ticket.
Access is to the outer grounds only and the visitor centre will be closed; there will be no access to refreshments, toilets or other facilities during this time.
You must pre-book your tickets before your visit and please remember:

  • tickets cannot be reserved by anyone resident outside of Wales
  • book a ticket for every member of your party for the same time slot
  • bring your face mask, to be worn in all indoor areas

Bookings can be made at:
https://www.cadwmembership.service.gov.wales/events/
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News from St Michael's

Dear St Michael's Church members and friends,

Greetings and hopes that rain holds off for Tuesday and Wednesday with high tides!
We had a Palm Sunday Zoom service and communion on Sunday, and plan now to have Good Friday at noon service on the lawn outside the church (weather permitting) and then on Easter Sunday at 10:30 am. If the weather is nice on Sunday, bring tea or coffee and we’ll chat afterwards with an Easter Egg hunt, if there are little ones who might come? There is a Chrism Mass is being held St. Woolos on Tuesday.
Great progress on the church this week with delivery of the pews and chairs. It’s starting to look like a church again! Now we just need to pass the risk assessment to be able to open for small gatherings.
John Dearnley’s Bible Study on Tuesday night offers lively discussion for scholars and those exploring the book of John for the first time. Join us on ZOOM next Tuesday at 7:30 - just contact Alan Carter.
A wedding is scheduled for 1st May; a small ceremony which we hope can be conducted in the church.
Jan is leading a ZOOM meeting on the 8th April at 7.00 pm. to discuss the questions we need to send to the Diocesan Office by the 14th April regarding the new Ministry Area proposals with the Bishop, Archdeacon and Staff team. The proposed plan is to centralise control of finance and establish a mission for the churches in the Monmouth area within in the context of fewer paid clergy. We want to ensure that our views are heard and that we retain our autonomy on local issues.
Don't hesitate to contact me via email or phone if there is anything you would like added next week to the newsletter or if you want to be included in our ZOOM services.
Hope all are well and that we will see you soon! Toni Harvey
07717 668651 or harvey.toni@gmail.com

Posted 31 March 2021
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A466 north of Bigsweir to reopen Wednesday morning, 31st March

A welcome message from County Councillor Ann Webb:

Just to say the work on the slippage on the A466 between Bigsweir and Monmouth have been completed ahead of schedule therefore the road will be open tomorrow morning when signage has been removed.

Posted 30 March 2021
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Update made on 30th March
A466 WYNDCLIFFE CLOSURE CLARIFICATION - NOW CONFIRMED TO BE FROM TUESDAY 6TH APRIL

Further to news posted yesterday, MCC has now confirmed that COMPLETE closure of the A466 between Tintern and St Arvans will commence on Tuesday 6th April. (The original plan was to have just partial closure for a week from that date before starting the complete closure.)
They have also announced that during this closure the smaller landslip close to Tintern village will be made safe.

Latest on the upcoming A466 closure between Tintern and St Arvans at Wyndcliffe rock face

The following information is subject to weather conditions being suitable for bats to leave their hibernation. Councillor Ann Webb will be kept informed throughout the project and, like all of us, will be more than pleased to see the work completed.

This update has been received from Stephen Baldwin, Project Engineer with Monmouthshire County Council.






  • Welsh Government grant funding has been secured.
  • Tree felling works are scheduled to start this week (29th March)
  • Alun Griffiths Contractors has been awarded the contract and will start on site on 6th April as hoped. Part of the first week will be site set up and it is expected that the full closure will commence w/c 12th April.
  • The contractor proposes to work a 6 day week meaning the road closure should be slightly less than the 4 weeks previously discussed. The works are scheduled to be complete before the first May bank holiday (again, as hoped). I say this with the caveat of finding unexpected matters when they are working or cold weather delaying the start due to bats, but everything in our control is in place to achieve this.
  • The Contractor has allowed in his method statement to allow for pedestrians and cyclists to be escorted/walk their bikes through the site.
  • The last update from Gloucester County Council’s regarding their works near Redbrook suggests they are on schedule to finish on time.
  • Everything seems to have gone to plan so far and I’m hoping the works themselves go smoothly.

Posted 29 March 2021
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Medieval tunnel discovered in Tintern

Power technicians working for Western Power Distribution discovered the tunnel while moving a pole in Tintern, underneath a footpath running parallel to the Angiddy.

Work at the site has been halted while Cadw make further investigations of what is said to be an exciting and impressive find.

Apparently, no record of the tunnel, part of a network, is recorded on any Ordnance Survey maps dating as far back as the 18th Century.

Posted 04 March 2021
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White Monk closed for most purchases following fire. Newspapers still available for the time being.


Following the fire at The White Monk shop on Thursday 25th February, the premises will not be available for most shopping and food takeaways. Newspapers will continue to be available for the time being.
Extensive damage, including smoke damage, will require significant refitting and restocking.
The village wishes Helen and the team at The White Monk all the best for a speedy recovery from this setback. Many of us are very grateful to them for the service they have provided during the Covid emergency.

Posted 26 February 2021
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MORE NEWS ON TINTERN BRIDGE REFURBISHMENT

Working in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council, Gloucester County Council plans to start the refurbishment of Tintern Wireworks Bridge next year.

As noted in the earlier posting of 11 February, preliminary investigations will take place between 22 and 26 February 2021.

This joint MCC/GCC project of bridge refurbishment is scheduled to be under way during 2022.

More information is available on the Gloucester County Council website
here.

More information will be posted on the GCC site as it becomes available.

Posted 16 February 2021
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GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL TO MAKE FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS OF TINTERN BRIDGE

GCC have alerted Tintern Community Council to investigation work which will be carried out on the bridge between the 22nd and 26th February. This will include a roped access inspection, removal of some of the vegetation, and making a scour assessment of the foundations.
The Bridge will be kept open to pedestrians with marshals at either end managing access across the bridge.
GCC is planning to launch a page on its Major Projects website site at the end of this week/early next week, which will have further information on timescales and other useful information on the bridge and this project.

Posted 11 February 2021
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Bike pump available for all to use has been installed at The Filling Station

The Filling Station Café, in conjunction with Monmouthshire County Council, has just installed a very smart stainless steel, easy-to-use bicycle pump for use by all its customers, the village community and visitors to Tintern. The Filling Station is on the main road, on the opposite corner to the Royal George Hotel at the junction with Forge Road.

Posted 28 January 2021
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Ellaline Williams (nee Brown) 15th October 1925 - 15th January 2021

Early life
Ella was born in Catbrook to Lily and Edwin Brown. She lived at Hazelgrove which her father Edwin had built. She lived with her brothers and sisters, Kathleen, Geoffrey, Merlyn, Joan and Graham. She went to school in Catbrook and spoke with fond memories about walking to school up and down the dingle. She worked hard in school and her teacher noted that she was adept at all subjects but especially Mathematics.
After leaving school at 14 Ella gained employment at the Florence hotel near Redbrook. During her time working here she met Dr Knight who ran the Welfare centre of Dinham’s Naval cordite and explosives factory in Caerwent. He was staying at the hotel and when he noticed how quick Ella was with her Maths he offered her a job in the welfare centre. She worked and lived at Dinhams for the whole duration of the war and when she wasn’t working she was part of the entertainment committee putting on shows and dances.
She returned home to Catbrook after the war and worked at The Anchor and in 1951 married Adrian Peter Williams (Pete). In 1952 Ella and Pete became parents to Helen and Ella had a modern approach as she continued to work and look after baby Helen as also in 1952 Ella and Pete bought the then run down shop from the owners of the Anchor for Ella to run. Lib remembers Pete saying that he bought the shop for his girls.
In the early days Ella served coffee and salmon sandwiches (possibly from the river but we couldn’t possibly say) through a hatch at the rear of the shop and this trade grew and Tintern grew in its popularity during the 50s and this led to Ella building the extension on the front of the building in the 60s.
The shop also became a bit of a meeting point for young people, it sold penny bottles of pop where you put a tablet into a bottle of water to create fizzy drink and then you returned your bottle so it could used again. It also sold sweets, chocolates and cups of milo.
Many local people started their working life in Laurel Stores and Ella was a good boss. She expected reliability and hard work but in return you were paid a fair wage and served elevensies, lunch and threesies! Whenever anyone went to visit she would always say “put the kettle on dear”. If you worked on a Sunday you were treated to one of her legendary Sunday Roasts even if it was the height of summer and there were queues round the block!
Ella was a popular stop for coach drivers and reps alike as she would always give them a warm welcome, a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich. This was a shrewd move though as while the drivers and reps were being well looked after, the tourists from their coaches were spending in the shop.

Village life
From a young age Ella has been a part of village life in both Catbrook and then Tintern. She was particularly proud that her older sister Merlyn was made carnival queen one year. Sadly Merlyn died when she was only 21 but she was remembered fondly by Ella and she always got the best daffodils and tulips on flowering Sunday.
Ella was a keen Gardener and had a lovely Garden wherever she lived. Downfield was a particularly special garden and she was once featured in a Home and Country magazine. She would also take pride in entering her flowers in Tintern Flower show and quite often won prizes.
For many years in the 70s and 80s Ella was a member of The Anchor crib team she was very skilled cribbage player and won many trophies over the years. She was also an avid whist player and would take her Granddaughter Leila to whist drives in Brockweir. She also taught her great grandchildren Jacob and Seren how to play. She really enjoyed the family whist drive we organised last year laughing as everyone was moving in the wrong direction around the tables. Ella also loved watching snooker, especially the welsh players, Mark Williams was her favourite of course!

A part of village life Nan rarely missed was Easter and Christmas bingo. She loved a game of Bingo and was very grateful to Nicky for ensuring she had the table at the front so she could hear the numbers. Nan was also usually pretty lucky and we would usually go home with a few prizes. We would also have a game of bingo on most birthdays and family get togethers. Her great grandson Llewyn loves using the bingo roller and Seren loves shouting out the numbers! This brought Ella a lot of pleasure.
Ella has been a good friend to many over the years. She would sit out the front of the shop and have a cup of tea with her friends. Rex, Hazel, Avril, Russel and Aileen became her travelling companions in the 70s, 80s and 90s and she loved jetting off to various destinations but she particularly enjoyed her trips to the States and Canada. She would also regularly visit Harold and Aileen at the farm and take her grandchildren, Leila and Sam to sit on the tractors. They have all been treasured lifelong friends and she always enjoyed catching up with them whether in person or on the phone.

Family
Ella was pleased for Helen when she met Paul and got engaged in 1974 and Ella played a big role organising the big day, she even picked out Paul’s velvet green suit. In 1977 Leila was born and made Ella and Pete grandparents. Sadly Pete was also taken ill this year and would pass away at the end of the summer. A couple of years later Sam was born and Ella played a full part in Leila and Sam’s life.
When Leila and Sam would visit Ella at the shop on the weekends Ella would make them houses out of the ginormous boxes that the stock for the shop was delivered in. It was so much fun for them to play in those houses among the hollyhocks in the garden of the shop. They would also be spoilt with ice cream and sweets as long as they finished all their dinner! She was also very keen to know how they were getting on in school and would enjoy filling in her brother Graham about their progress in their regular telephone chats.
Ella was also very interested in the lives of all her nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and loved to receive photos, postcards and letters from them. She was a pillar of practical support for family members in times of need and they have repaid that care and kindness over the years. She loved it when her family visited telling them to put the kettle on dear while she fussed about what biscuits she had in the cupboard. Until recently as many family as possible would come to her house on Boxing day. She loved having everyone together and it always involved cooking twice as much food as anyone could eat and a game of chase the ace and of course a game of bingo.
Ella always kept up with modern technology and loved using facebook to keep up to date with what all the family were up to. She had a portal video phone and would keep in touch over facebook messenger.
In 2005 Leila married Simon and soon after Ella and Simon’s Grandmother Thelma became firm friends. Ella also really valued her friendship with Hilary and David (Simon’s mum and dad) and was always very grateful to be included for Sunday lunches at the Wye Valley hotel and also for including her on some lovely trips away to Cornwall, Tenby, Jersey, Torquay and more. Hilary remembers after a very choppy hovercraft crossing to Jersey both Ella and Thelma refused to get back on the boat insisting that they were going to fly back! She loved to spend time looking at a nice view with a cup of tea with Thelma.
In 2006 Ella became a great grandmother to Jacob and in 2009 to Seren. Sam would then meet Laura and Llewyn came along in 2014. Ella was such a proud great Nanny and loved her great grandchildren so much, she never missed an opportunity to spoil them. She used to enjoy buying them a magazine with free gift on the front or a small toy on her shopping trips with Pat and then leave it on the bench by the front door. They would always have a look to see what was there on the way in. By far their favourite game was playing shop with the little cardboard shop Ella had made from recycled boxes and filled with plastic food and other items she had made. She also bought them a till and a little trolley. She was passing the baton on. She was always keen to ask them about their schoolwork and the kids were also keen to make her proud. Seren would ask for sums to do and Llewyn would show how good he was at colouring within the lines! She gave them the best hugs that even a big 14 year old Jacob could not resist. She would always come to the window and wave us off “cheerio”. Cheerio Nan.
Ella was a very independent person and with the invaluable help of Emma she maintained her independence until the end. We were very proud of her for that.

Put the kettle on dear…

Posted 26 January 2021
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Grange University Hospital to open ahead of schedule

The new hospital in Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran will bring important changes to NHS hospital services in South East Wales.

The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board will be opening The Grange University Hospital, ahead of schedule on November 17th 2020 to help it respond to winter season pressures and a potential second wave of Covid-19.

The new hospital has received over £360m Welsh Government funding. The 60-acre site will have a 471- bed capacity and feature a 24-hour specialist assessment facility, intensive care facilities, comprehensive diagnostic facilities, inpatient beds for major emergencies and complex surgery and theatres.

When the new hospital opens, a range of services will remain at the Royal Gwent and Nevill Hall hospitals, with inpatient and outpatient care, including diagnostic tests, therapies, minor injuries treatment, and midwifery-led birthing services available across the Health Board. The Royal Gwent and Nevill Hall hospitals will join Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan, St Woolos, Chepstow and County Hospitals to provide a network of hospitals able to provide the majority of hospital-based care for our local communities. These hospitals (or home) will also be where patients will be transferred once they have stabilised from a critical illness and discharged from The Grange University Hospital.

As NHS services change across Gwent, it is vitally important that residents understand how they will access these services in the future. Therefore a (bilingual English and Welsh) leaflet has been developed which will be delivered in early November by Royal Mail to every household prior to the opening of The Grange University Hospital and as the wider changes in the system take effect. This leaflet can also be seen in its English version in the PDF above.

The leaflet includes a handy cut-out-and-keep page which highlights at a glance where to go if someone has an illness, minor injury or a life-threatening illness or injury.

Dedicated pages on the Board's website have also been developed to reflect the changes taking place and explain what will be available at each hospital. Please follow this link to view these pages:
https://abuhb.nhs.wales/clinical-futures1


Posted 16 October 2020
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Landslip causes blockage of Wye Valley Walk between Monmouth and Biblins

Monmouthshire County Council has
informed the public that the walk has been subject to a land slip and should be avoided since it is unsafe.

Richard Garner has added on Facebook, "Just to add, the area of the landslip is north of Malley Rook Bridge in the wooded area before the path reaches Wyestone. As the slip is in Herefordshire, their rights of way team are looking into it. At the moment it seems unlikely that an alternative will be in place any time soon at the site and the works to remedy the issue will be extensive.
For now the Wye Valley Walk is likely to be diverted onto the Perrgrine path via Biblins Bridge.

Posted 14 October 2020
Gwent Police issue advice on off-roading rules for powered vehicles.
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Posted 04 September 2020
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Sorry to hear you've left us Frank

Really sorry to hear of Frank's passing. This wonderfully warm and wise Spinone was always alongside Sue and Barry Cooke at the Wye Valley Hotel in Tintern to ensure that every guest and visitor felt welcome. An amazing dog. We'll all miss him. Sue and Barry, our thoughts are with you.

Posted 20 August 2020
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Interior refurbishment to commence at St Michael's


Following delays owed to the coronavirus pandemic, work on the comprehensive re-ordering of the interior of St Michael's is about to commence, starting during week beginning Monday 6th July. The £200,000-plus project aims to make the church building fit for use by the entire community for generations to come with the centrepiece being the provision of a water supply and toilet and kitchen facilities.

More details
can be found here, including an architect's floor plan of the revised interior.

Posted 03 July 2020
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A Manifesto for the Coronacene - author and Tintern resident Herbert Girardet presents an argument for re-examining our whole way of life.

Professor Girardet has published his views in which he argues that following the end of the coronavirus pandemic we should not merely pick up the pieces and carry on as normal but we need to be bold and to subject the whole of our way of life and worldview to fundamental re-examination. He writes:
"It is clear that that we need new priorities. Restoring the Earth’s living, organic economy should be at the heart of any recovery; economics predicated on mass production and disposal should be replaced by circular, regenerative economies; local economies should be strengthened and made more resilient; concern for the wellbeing of impacted communities and of future generations should take joint centre stage."
The manifesto can be found on the Ecologist magazine website.


Posted 05 Jun 2020

Quest for more information on early cinema in Tintern

Phill Walkley of Moviola (who provide us with the licensed films shown in the village each month) is compiling a history of cinema in Monmouthshire.

Last year, a call went out for information on the early evolution of cinema in Tintern and some very helpful details emerged, not least from Sheila Hayward Black and Ron Morris. However, there are still some loose ends which Phill would like to tidy up and he is requesting anyone with more information to shout out, including anyone who may already have responded before.

Phill has written an article which is shown below to summarise where he is with understanding the early days of cinema in Tintern. One particular detail he is trying to nail down is the 'tin box' referred to in relation to the Tintern Garage site - he was hoping there might be a photo which showed the box and the hall upstairs. The box would have been needed to fulfil the requirements of the Cinematograph Act of 1909 to get a licence. But alas, no record of a licence has survived in the MCC records

Posted 19 May 2020
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Tintern photographer David Hurn to be honoured at the 18th Lucie Awards in New York this October

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Renowned documentary photographer and Tintern resident David Hurn is to be recognised at the prestigious annual Lucie Awards which will again celebrate the greatest achievements in photography, this year at Carnegie Hall, New York in October. He will be awarded for Achievement in Documentary.

David Hurn first gained a reputation in documentary photography during the Hungarian revolution of 1956 and became an important recorder of life in the 1960s, working extensively with The Beatles and other celebrated figures of the time including Sean Connery and Jane Fonda. He was responsible for the iconic image of Sean Connery holding a pistol in the main publicity shot for the film
From Russia with Love. In 1967, David was made a full member of the exclusive Magnum photographers' cooperative.

Since the 60s, David has built up a huge collection of work, much of it based in Wales and in 1973 he set up the famous School of Documentary Photography in Newport. He has donated a collection of photographs taken by him and other leading contemporary photographers, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Eve Arnold, and Bill Brandt, to the National Museum of Wales.


Posted 07 May 2020
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Easter funding boost for St Michael's Church

The much loved church of St Michael's is to share in a £333,000 funding payout from the National Churches Trust.

A £20,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant will help fund the installation of toilets and a kitchen at the Grade II listed St Michael’s Church making it better able to serve its local community and is part of a project to refurbish the entire interior of the church to make it fit for use by the village - now and for generations to come.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, Vice President of The National Churches Trust, said: “The UK's historic churches and chapels are a vital part of our national heritage. During the coronavirus pandemic churches are doing so much to help vulnerable local people and boost morale”.

“Many churches need to carry out urgent repairs and install modern facilities to ensure their buildings can continue to be used well into the future. But the cost of this work is often far beyond what most congregations can pay for themselves.”


Huw Edwards

“So I’m delighted that St Michael’s Church, Tintern is being helped with a £20,000 National Churches Trust Grant. The work on the installation of toilets and a kitchen will help secure the future of this important and much loved historic build and will enabling it to do even more to help local people.”

A total of 31 churches and chapels in England and Wales will benefit from the latest grants from the National Churches Trust, the charity supporting church buildings of all Christian denominations across the UK.

These grants are the first made in 2020. Last year the National Churches Trust distributed over £1.2 million to 176 churches and chapels around the UK.

St Michael’s is a small church sitting on the Welsh bank of the River Wye. It was the location of a Celtic church long before the Cistercian monks arrived to create Tintern Abbey. It could well have been used by King Tewdric, a local Welsh chieftain who came out of retirement as a hermit in Tintern to defeat the Saxons in a battle close by.

It is certainly thought that worship to St Michael’s will have taken place from the time a church on the site was dedicated to the saint around 765 AD; this is border country and the soldiers of the time revered the great archangel Michael as their saint.

While much of the church dates back to medieval times, it took its present form in 1846 when it was enlarged. The medieval fabric survives to some considerable degree and the South Porch dates from the late 15th century and is unusually elaborate with a vaulted ceiling; the quadripartite vault with corner colenettes and narrow stone bench seats is of importance.

In 1839, WH Thomas wrote, "By the churchyard stile, and beneath the dark mantling boughs of the yew, a scene of exquisite sweetness steals upon the eye - the beautiful meadows beyond are skirted by a ridge of lofty woods, with the gentle Wye flowing like a liquid mirror below.... the unmolested sheep repose in grateful shade". This is a picture largely unchanged some 180 years on.

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Jan Pain, Focal Minister at St Michael's

Jan Pain, Focal Minister, and Alan Hillard, Churchwarden, said: “We are so grateful to the National Churches Trust for this grant which will enable St Michael’s to better serve the needs of Tintern’s residents today and for generations to come. Bringing its facilities up to modern-day standards will be of special help in encouraging gatherings at the church from all parts of our community.”
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Tintern remembers

A service was held on Sunday 10th November in Tintern Abbey to commemorate the fallen in many conflicts. The picture shows the service in progress, attended by the Tintern company of the Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade, by scouts from Monmouthshire, and by many others who came to show their respects. In the foreground are ceramic poppies made by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of Monmouthshire.
Posted 10th November 2019