Environet Cymru, successor to Environment Wales under the WCVA umbrella, can point you to resources, support and funding for your environment project.  Go to http://www.wcva.org.uk/what-we-do/making-a-difference/environet-cymru or sign up for their newsletter at https://t.co/IBeFPE86Gy.

Following an appeal for donations and successful grant applications to the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Pilgrim Trust, the Welsh Georgian Trust is to acquire the Gunter Mansion and its secret 17th century Catholic chapel at Abergavenny.  Once the building is acquired options for restoration and use of the building will be considered and consulted upon.

Further proposed regulations and guidance on the management of the historic environment are the subject of Welsh Government consultation at https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/regulations-required-historic-environment-wales-act-2016-and-guidance.  Comments are required by 13 January.

Eight local and national organisations have organised the Gavenny Meadows Community Day on Saturday morning, 22 October (11.00-1.00) at the meadow off Ross Road, Abergavenny (SO 3064 1472).  Lots of interesting activities.

Gwent Energy CIC have installed the first of many local electric car charging stations at Bridges Centre in Monmouth, about half a mile from the A40 – a very useful place to have a charging point.  It is a very fast charging capable of delivering 32 amps at 3 phase or 22 kW or power per hour; other locations may have slower charge rates depending on grid connection available.  There is a 7 pin type socket that people can connect to 24 hours a day, and they plan to have both main types of cable connection available for rent at the charger.  It is token operated and a token will cost (initially) £5 for one hour of charging – available with further information at the Centre.

Abergavenny Cycle Group has attracted 800 signatures to the petition at http://abergavennycyclegroup.org.uk/missing-link-petition/ to fix the ‘missing link’ on National Cycle Route 46 between Abergavenny and Brynmawr.  They really need over 1000 to press the County Council and the Welsh Government to look into the compulsory purchase of the land required.  The Missing Link was included as a priority scheme in a major new report commissioned by the ten local authorities of South East Wales looking into cycling and tourism.

The Gwent Wildlife Trust is appealing for donations to help meet the costs of lawyers and witnesses to contest the proposed M4 ‘Black Route’ at the forthcoming public inquiry. You can donate directly at www.gwentwildlife.org/donate or email info@gwentwildlife.org or call 01600 740600. Mark your donation ‘Save the Gwent Levels Appeal’.

The County Council wants to raise your awareness of the Volunteer Achievement Awards being run in partnership between Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations. Nominations and the awards ceremony on Friday, 25 November are for any volunteer active in Monmouthshire. Working jointly means the event can be bigger, giving more volunteers the opportunity to be recognised.

Nominate your volunteers and voluntary groups using this link www.prideofmonmouthshire.co.uk. The aim is to have 200 volunteers at the event. It is very quick and simple to nominate so please take five minutes to recognise the huge support received across the county from volunteers. Nominations close on Friday, 28 October. If you have previously sent nominations directly to GAVO then these are still valid and will be considered equally by the judging panel.

When completing the nomination please consider: – What voluntary activities carried out by the individual/group has inspired you to nominate them?
How do you feel the activities listed benefit the relevant community/individual?
Why do you think this person/group stands out as an inspiration to others and deserves to be recognised within this category?

RSPB’s Great Crane Project released 93 hand-reared young birds on the Somerset Levels in 2010-14.  This year one of only three pairs to breed successfully reared a single chick on the Gwent Levels, the first for about 400 years.  The family has returned to Somerset for the winter but there is a good chance that these spectacular 4 foot tall birds will return to breed in Gwent next year.

To celebrate European Democracy Week, 10–17 October, Monmouthshire County Council would like to invite you to an informal information session to about democracy and the democratic process, 5pm on Monday, 17 October at County Hall, Usk.

“Democracy is a right we all hold dear. I’m delighted to issue an open invitation to the county’s communities to attend this informal event and discover how the council applies the democratic process. We don’t think there is a ‘typical’ councillor so come and see for yourself.”- County Councillor Frances Taylor.

The event will be of interest to anyone wishing to know about the county’s democratic process. On the agenda will be democratic engagement, registering to vote, using the vote, and standing for election.  You can also find out more about what inspires our local councillors, their roles, and the part they play in active citizenship.  Afterwards you will have an opportunity to ask the panel of councillors questions.