Monmouthshire GreenWeb

Volunteers, Community Groups and Support Organisations are invited by MCC to a unique community event taking place on Thursday, 5 July from 6.30pm – 8.30pm in Abergavenny’s Market Hall. The event is built on asset based community development principles and focussed on individual volunteers and community groups in the north of the County.  This way of working is a key responsibility of MCC’s Community and Partnership Development team.  The purpose of the event is: –

• To provide a local, genuine thank you from political leadership for the considerable volunteer-based activity in the area.
• To present an opportunity for volunteers and community groups to engage with others, increase networks and for us to work together to strengthen local activity.
• To raise awareness of the excellent support on offer to community groups including advice, guidance, funding and training opportunities.
• To showcase the Market Hall as a community venue.

Local and national funders such as Rural Development Programme, Big Lottery People and Places, Abergavenny Rotary and Brecon Beacons National Park will be at the event, with young musicians performing to provide a little extra atmosphere. Volunteers and any community groups can book a free place at the event by following this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-community-networking-event-abergavenny-tickets-46928441231. If you have any questions contact Owen Wilce on 01633 644420.

On Sunday, 10 June, Gwent Wildlife Trust are inviting the public to their Pentwyn Farm reserve as part of Open Farm Sunday, from 11am to 4pm.  They will be showing off their Hereford cattle, Hebridean and Hill Radnor sheep and lambs as well as their beautiful meadows (and if you haven’t see the meadows at Pentwyn in June you really should!).  More details on their web site.

Now that the inquiry into the £1.6 billion M4 Relief Road is over, CALM is continuing to seek more supporters and encouraging them to write to their AMs before the (new?) First Minister takes the final decision after considering the Inspector’s report.  https://savethelevels.org.uk/take-action/ has posters, a leaflet and a detailed briefing to help lobbying

A Welsh Government consultation in the process leading to a National Development Framework is open for consultation until 23 July. It can be found here: https://beta.gov.wales/national-development-framework-issues-options-and-preferred-option. The purpose of the NDF is to support the delivery of the Government’s Prosperity for All strategy by developing a clear long term spatial direction for Government policy, action and investment and for others who the Government work with. The NDF will achieve this by identifying key growth areas, the type and location of the infrastructure we need, by co-ordinating the delivery of housing, employment and connectivity infrastructure, and by directing key partners to help deliver the national spatial vision. Regional and local development plans will have to comply with the NDF.

This stage is about the main issues, options and preferred option, supported by environmental reports and assessment. A draft NDF will be consulted upon next year.

Nominations for the annual GAVO Volunteer Achievement Awards, which recognises the fantastic efforts of volunteers, have now opened, culminating in four celebratory evening events. The events will provide an opportunity to recognise local heroes who dedicate their time to helping others and highlight their impact on the community, and will be held throughout September.

Nominations are invited for categories including Young Volunteer, Adult Volunteer, and Environmental Volunteer. For Guidelines & Nomination Form please visit www.gavowales.org.uk/recognition. Nominations close 8 June.