Diary of Events   2008

Click on a month to view events:

June

Regular group meetings
Talks
Walks
Special and family events
Sales
Practical working groups
Training workshops

Regular group meetings
Talks
Walks
Special and family events
Sales
Practical working groups
Training workshops
 

May

Tuesday 6th                                                                                                  Gwent Badger Group
Monthly committee meeting. British Legion Hall, Usk at 7.30pm. Members are welcome to attend.

Monday 12th                                                                           Llanthony and District Garden Club
Monthly meeting 8pm at Cwmyoy Village Hall. Plant sale.

Monday 12th                                                                                Monmouthshire and District FoE
Monthly meeting, held at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall, St James Street, Monmouth (almost opposite the Queen's Head). New members always welcome.

Tuesday 13th                                                                                   Chepstow Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting, 7:30pm at Chepstow Athletic Club, Mathern Rd, Chepstow. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday 14th                                                                                                 Usk Civic Society
Monthly meeting at in the upstairs hall of the Royal British Legion, New Market Street, Usk.  Meetings begin at 8pm. Non-members are always welcomed. £2 payment at the door.

Monday 19th                                                       Abergavenny & Crickhowell Friends of the Earth
Monthly group meeting at the Hen and Chickens, Flannel Street, Abergavenny.

Friday 23rd                                                                                             Monmouth Civic Society
Meeting to be held at St. Thomas' Church Hall, St. Thomas' Square, Monmouth.

Tuesday 27th                                                               Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Philosophy and debating group meeting. 7.40pm British Legion Club, Usk.
 

Monday 19th                                                                                        Transition Town Monmouth
Slide show by ISEC called "Global to Local" which focuses on food issues.  The slide show will be followed by a discussion of the impact of Peak Oil on food production and access to food supplies on Monmouth.  The slide show will begin at 6pm at Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth, entry £2.

Wednesday 21st                                                                                                 Chepstow Society
AGM: Stephen Jones - 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the South Wales Railway'. Chepstow Leisure Centre 7.15pm
 

Every Tuesday                                                                                      Walking the Way to Health
Meet at Chepstow Community Hospital 10-10.15am each Tuesday for a gentle walk in the Chepstow area. Contact Richard Gable, Forestry Commission Wales, telephone 07842 914355 for information.   

Every Wednesday                                                                                   Walking the Way to Health
Meet at the Family Church, Castle Street Abergavenny each Wednesday between 10 -10.30am for a gentle walk in the Abergavenny area. Contact Liz Hopkins, Forestry Commission Wales 0845 6040845 for details.

Saturday 3rd                                                                                    Gwent Ornithological Society
08:00 Craig Cerrig Cleisiad NNR, Nr Brecon for ring ouzel and other upland species. Meet LP at the A470 layby at SN 971 222, for this moderate/hard walk. Please bring suitable footwear. Half day.

Saturday 3rd                                                                         Monmouthshire Countryside Service
“True blue at Goytre Hall Wood”  1.00pm to 3.00pm. Join Erica Sheppard from Adventa and Sarah Jones from Monmouthshire Countryside Service for a 1.25 mile (2 km) family walk from Goytre Hall Wood to Goytre Wharf and back. Find out the difference between Spanish and British bluebells, make a nature scrapbook and discover more about all the blue things in nature. Enjoy a stroll through beech and conifer woodlands and stop for a short tea break near the canal at Goytre Wharf. Wear stout shoes and bring a waterproof coat. Cost: Children: £1.00; Adults: Free.

Sunday 4th                                                                           Monmouthshire Countryside Service
Join Alan and Stephanie Poulter for a 3 mile (5 km) walk through farmland to find a furnace deep in the heart of a bluebell wood and discover more about the history and wildlife of the area. Dogs on short leads welcome. There is a flight of steps on the route. Starting at Trellech village on the B4293 between Monmouth and Chepstow. Meet at the central village Map Board opposite the Doctor’s Surgery (SO 501 052). Park cars carefully in village. Adults: £1.00; Children: Free.

Sunday 4th                                                                  Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Tintern Area Walk. Meet Tintern Abbey car park 10.30am.  This will be a ‘shuttle’ walk car share from Tintern to start point.  Naturalist Colin Titcombe will be our guide, and the walk will include Tintern, Ninewells, Whitelye and the Angiddy Valley. For details contact Graham on 01873 852108 or Martyn Evans on 01291 673804.

Sunday 4th                                                                                                    Gwent Wildlife Trust Dawn Chorus Walk Leaders: Steve Williams and Kris Roberts – Senior Ecologists, Torfaen County Borough Council Be part of the global phenomenon of International Dawn Chorus Day. Get up early and listen to our birds greeting the new day. 6am – 8am Tirpentwys Local Nature Reserve, near Pontypool Cost: £1 members, £3 non-members, children free. Booking essential

Thursday 22nd                                                                                                   Wye Valley AONB
Join Nic Howes for an evening walk exploring the landscapes of the Little and Great Doward Hills and discover some of their rich history and geology. Approx 4 miles. This is a strenuous walk because of frequent steep inclines and rugged conditions underfoot. Meet at the Little Doward area - details on booking. 5pm - 8.30pm. Booking essential. Please contact Andrew Nixon on 01600 710844 or email: community@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk.

Sunday 25th                                                                 Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Ridge Walk above Grwynne Fawr. Meet at Grwynne Fawr car park (SO 252285) 10.30am. Moderate moorland walk approx 5 miles.  Shirley and Dave will be our guides. For details contact Graham on 01873 852108 or Martyn Evans on 01291 673804

Sunday 25th                                                                                     Gwent Ornithological Society
08:00 Mynydd Maen, Cwmbran; Join KR and MD for this moderate walk including a 600ft climb. Meet at ST 270 955, along Penmaes Road. Full directions in the Dipper nearer time. Half day.
 

2nd Sunday of each month                                                                            Gwent Wildlife Trust
The wardens of Strawberry Cottage Wood are now running Sunday morning work tasks, on the second Sunday of every month, at this gem of a site four miles north of Abergavenny. Sessions will start 9.30am at the lay-by by the woods and finish about 12.30pm. For more information, contact Kaf and John Faragher on 01873 851562.

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th                                                       Gwent Ornithological Society
17th and 18th. Great Gwent Bird Race. The idea of this fun event is for teams of up to 4 birders in one car to spend 24 hours spotting or hearing as many different bird species as possible. Each species may only be logged once.  See The Dipper for full details on the Gwent Ornithological Society web site, or phone 01495 350852 if you want to take part.

Sunday 18th                                                                                                  Gwent Badger Group
Cawl, Cake and Chat at Coed Chambers. 2pm-5.30pm. All members welcome, including their children and dogs on leads. Phone 01291 626068 for more information.

Saturday 24th                                                                                                Gwent Wildlife Trust Family Fun Day Leaders: Kathy Barclay and Helen John – Gwent Wildlife Trust runs a popular education service for schools and other organisations which brings hundreds of schools to Magor each year. Come and see how we inspire children to take an interest in the natural environment and how we can teach a wide range of subjects from Maths to English in the Outdoor Classroom. Everyone is welcome but we would especially like to see some of the mums and dads whose children have been to the reserve with their school. 10am – 12pm Magor Marsh Cost: Free. No need to book

Tuesday 27th                                                                                                 Gwent Wildlife Trust Wildlife boat trip at Llandegfedd Reservoir Torfaen Local Group in association with Welsh Water 7pm – 8.30pm Rangers Office, Llandegfedd Reservoir For more information, contact the Torfaen Local Group on 01495 769281 Booking essential LIMITED PLACES

Wednesday 28th                                                                   Monmouthshire Countryside Service
“Wildlife on the farms” 10.30am to 5.00pm. Starting from Monmouth we will travel by mini bus to visit 2 interesting local farms. There will be an opportunity to meet the landowners and find out more about the way they look after their farms. In the morning we will be visiting a 117 acre mixed sheep and corn farm, and the owner, Teona Dorien-Smith will talk about how the farm is managed organically and in an environmentally friendly way. This will be followed by a hilly 2 mile tour of the farm looking at how the land is being farmed with wildlife in mind. In the afternoon we will be visiting Little Mill Farm, Llanfaenor, a 30 acre holding with beef, sheep and hens as well as 200 kinds of flowers and 26 kinds of butterflies. We will spend the afternoon on a leisurely ½ mile stroll around the organically managed farm, led by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Eggleton. We will look at the way they farm and finish with tea and cake in the farmhouse. There is one stile on the route and the option of walking up one steep slope. Cost: £5.00 per person. For more details or to book a place on the trip contact Mark Langley from the Countryside Service on 01291 691237.

Thursday 29th                                                                                                Gwent Wildlife Trust Childrens’ pond-dipping event at Llandegfedd Reservoir Torfaen Local Group in association with Welsh Water 11am – 1pm Glascoed car park at the northern end of Llandegfedd Reservoir (SO 332006) For more information, contact the Torfaen Local Group on 01495 769281 Booking essential.

Saturday 31st                                                                                                 Gwent Wildlife Trust Gwent Wildlife Trust and Torfaen County Borough Council will be hosting a day looking at the Wildlife & Heritage of Churchyards. 10am - 3.15pm, Blaenavon World Heritage Site Visitor Centre. Free event including complementary lunch. To book a place contact Rebecca Price, 01600 740358 or rprice@gwentwildlife.org.
 

Every Week                                                                                                               TFSR Cymru
Open for sales of hand and garden tools - all proceeds contribute to the projects that we are supporting in Africa.  Wed to Fri 10am to 2pm and Saturdays 10.30-12.30.  Crickhowell  01874 730155

Every Week Day                                                                                              Homemakers Wales
Showroom open Mon-Fri  9am-4pm  St. Michael's Road, Abergavenny.

Sunday 4th                                                                                                    Gwent Wildlife Trust Chepstow Local Group – Grand Plant Sale 10am – 1pm Senior Citizen’s Hall, Cormeilles Square, Chepstow.  For more information, contact Hilary Lee on 01291 689326

Monday 5th                                                                                                     Homemakers Wales
Furniture sale, Senior Citizens' Centre, Chepstow. 10am-3pm.

Tuesday 13th                                                                                                   Homemakers Wales
Furniture sale, Methodist Church, Caldicot 12-4pm.

Thursday 15th                                                                                                 Homemakers Wales
Furniture sale, Abergavenny Market Hall 10am to 3pm.

Friday 16th                                                                                                      Homemakers Wales Furniture sale, Shire Hall (Old Library), Monmouth 10am to 3pm.
 

Saturday 10th                                                                                                Gwent Wildlife Trust Wildlife Gardening Workshop. Tutor: Sorrel Jones – Gwent Wildlife Trust. Would you like to attract more wildlife to your own garden. This introductory talk will explain just how important gardens are for a whole range of different plants and animals and you will learn how to create your own back yard nature reserve. The afternoon will conclude with a question and answer session for any queries you might have. 2pm – 4pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Cost: £3 members, £5 non-members Booking essential.

Saturday 31st                                                                                                 Gwent Wildlife Trust  Butterflies and Day Flying Moths Tutors: Dr Martin Anthoney and Roger James, County Recorder. An illustrated talk looking at local butterfly and day-flying moth species, together with tips on their identification and recording, followed by a field visit to one of the most important local butterfly sites to put the theory into practice. A must for anyone who enjoys watching these beautiful creatures. 1pm – 4pm Parc Cwm Darran Centre and Aberbargoed Grasslands, between Blackwood and Aberbargoed Cost: £15 members, £20 non-members Booking essential.
 

June

Tuesday 3rd                                                                                                  Gwent Badger Group
Monthly committee meeting. British Legion Hall, Usk at 7.45pm. Members are welcome to attend.

Monday 9th                                                                                 Monmouthshire and District FoE
Monthly meeting, held at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall, St James Street, Monmouth (almost opposite the Queen's Head). New members always welcome.

Monday 9th                                                                           Abergavenny & District Civic Society
Monthly meeting  held at St Michael's Centre, Our Lady & St Michael Church, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny. Contact Michael Foden Tel: 01873 855263 for details. Visitors welcome.

Tuesday 10th                                                                                  Chepstow Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting, 7:30pm at Chepstow Athletic Club, Mathern Rd, Chepstow. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday 11th                                                                                                 Usk Civic Society
Monthly meeting at in the upstairs hall of the Royal British Legion, New Market Street, Usk.  Meetings begin at 8pm. Non-members are always welcomed. £2 payment at the door.

Monday 16th                                                       Abergavenny & Crickhowell Friends of the Earth
Monthly group meeting at Crickhowell.  Please phone 01873 852245 for directions.

Tuesday 24th                                                               Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Philosophy and debating group meeting. 7.40pm British Legion Club, Usk.
 

Wednesday 18th                                                                                                Chepstow Society
Julian Mitchell - 'Images of the Wye Tour'. Chepstow Leisure Centre 7.15pm
 

Every Tuesday                                                                                      Walking the Way to Health
Meet at Chepstow Community Hospital 10-10.15am each Tuesday for a gentle walk in the Chepstow area. Contact Richard Gable, Forestry Commission Wales, telephone 07842 914355 for information.   

Every Wednesday                                                                                   Walking the Way to Health
Meet at the Family Church, Castle Street Abergavenny each Wednesday between 10 -10.30am for a gentle walk in the Abergavenny area. Contact Liz Hopkins, Forestry Commission Wales 0845 6040845 for details.

Friday 13th                                                                                       Gwent Ornithological Society
Cadira Beeches, Wentwood Forest. Meet JB at 20:00 at the car park (ST 422 949) [171], at the very top of the hill, for an evening walk to observe nightjars and woodcock. Bring torches for return walk to cars.

Thursday 19th                                                                       Monmouthshire Countryside Service
Trellech Antiquities” 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Join Alan and Stephanie Poulter for an easy 0.5 mile evening stroll around this historic village, visiting its ancient monuments and listening to local folklore and legends. No dogs please. Drinks and supper are available if required afterwards in the local hostelry. Starting point: Meet in the centre of Trellech village, by the Map Board opposite the Doctor’s Surgery (SO 501 052). Cost: Adults: £1.00; Children: Free.

Sunday 22nd                                                                                                  Gwent Wildlife Trust
Natural History Walk at Allt-yr-Yn Leader: Roger James – Local expert and naturalist. A guided walk around this beautiful reserve bordering the Monmouth and Brecon canal discovering its natural history as we go. Roger is an outstanding field naturalist with more than 30 years experience of helping people to understand wildlife. 2.30pm onwards Allt-yr-Yn local nature reserve, in Newport Cost: Free for members and non-members. Booking essential.

Monday 23rd                                                                 Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Gadr Farm, Llangovan. A walk around a Tir Gofal site, including visits to ponds and woodland (Herb Paris). Meet Usk Square 7pm to car share.
 

Sunday 1st                                                                                  Monmouthshire Meadows Group Monmouthshire Meadows Open Day. A marvellous opportunity to see and walk round flower rich meadows and pastureland which have been conserved by the group. 4 sites will be open at Penallt Old Churchyard; Maryland, Penallt; Newgrove Farm Trellech and Northriodge Farm Shirenewton.11.00am to 6.00pm. Please contact Maggie Biss Monmouthshire Meadows Group for directions tel:01989 750740  Booking not required. Entrance £2 at first site which covers you for the remaining sites.

Friday 6th                                                                                                      Gwent Wildlife Trust
Open Garden Day for Gardening for Wildlife. Last year, more than 500 people came to our series of Open Garden Days at Dingestow Court which offer a perfect example of how wildlife gardens can sit next to vegetable plots and more formal plantings too. Visitors will be able to take a signposted tour around the gardens, buy plants from the GWT plant stall, and ask Trust experts any questions you may have about how to make your own gardens more wildlife friendly. There will be information sheets about wildlife gardening for you to take away and refreshments will be available. 11am – 4pm Dingestow Court, near Monmouth. Cost: Free but donations welcome. No need to book.

Saturday 7th                                                                         Monmouthshire Countryside Service
Become a tree detective at Warren Slade Wood. The launch of the first section of the Coastal Footpath at 12.00 noon, then tree activities during the afternoon until 3.30pm. Come and collect your “tree detectives” packs from the start at Thornwell Football Club and take part in our logo competition. Afterwards find out more about the woodlands at Warren Slade and Park Redding. Go off into the woods to look for interesting trees. Measure, draw and record them using equipment and expertise available on the day. The information that is collected will then be put onto a larger tree ‘map’ which will eventually be turned into a basic leaflet that will be available locally and in Chepstow Library & TIC. Family event - children to be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments available. Wear stout shoes and bring a waterproof coat. There is no charge for this activity. Assistance dogs only please. A “barrier free” activity. Toilets on site.

Saturday 7th                                                                                                  Gwent Wildlife Trust
Abergavenny Local Group – Visit to Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. For more information, contact Keith White on keith.white@tesco.net or 01873 852036.

Sunday 8th                                                                            Monmouthshire Countryside Service
Wildlife wonders at Llandegfedd Reservoir. 2-4pm. A family event full of games and activities held during Wales Biodiversity Week. We will go on a short walk, looking at the variety of wildlife in and around the reservoir followed by a craft activity. Meet us and the Welsh Water Rangers at the northern car park at the Glascoed end of Llandegfedd Reservoir (SO 332 006). (Not the New Inn end). To book, please ring 01495 769281 (between 9.00am and 4.00pm Monday – Friday).

Sunday 8th                                                                                                    Gwent Wildlife Trust
Family Moth Morning Tutors: Denis and Val Jackson – Gwent Wildlife Trust. A chance for people of all ages to see some of the moths we caught the previous night (see 'Training Workshops') and learn something about them. The morning includes a short talk followed by a look at the live moths. 10.30am - 12.30pm  Magor Marsh, near Newport Cost: £3 members, £5 non-members, children free. Booking essential.

Sunday 8th                                                                                                   Gwent Badger Group
Group will be at Summerhill Avenue Veterinary Clinic, Newport. Phone 01291 626068 for more information.

Saturday 14th                                                                                                Gwent Badger Group
Group will be at Blaenau Gwent Biodiversity at Bryn Bach. Phone 01291 626068 for more information.

Saturday 14th                                                                       Monmouthshire Countryside Service
Sacred landscapes in the Usk area. Denis Manning will be looking at sites with mystical, spiritual or historical significance in the beautiful county of Monmouthshire including a Hill fort, ancient churches and other items of interest. Starting at Usk, you will travel between places by minibus on this day long tour. However the tour will also involve some walking. For more details or to book a place contact Mark Langley on 01291 691237. Cost: £5.00 per person.

Thursday 19th                                                                                               Gwent Badger Group
Group will be at Magor Marsh. Phone 01291 626068 for more information.

Friday 27th - Sunday 29th                                             Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Stressbuster weekend to Greenham Common. Adrian Hickman will be our guide on Saturday 28^th.  Greenham Common is now a conservation area and abounds with wildlife. Accommodation Travelodge Chieveley. Transport arrangements to be decided.  Early booking essential for accommodation.

Saturday 28th                                                                                                Gwent Wildlife Trust
Creepy Crawly Day Leaders: Kathy Barclay and Helen John – Gwent Wildlife Trust. Come and celebrate National Insect Day! Kids love hunting for bugs and mums and dads usually find themselves joining in too. Join our education team for an afternoon of pond dipping and bug hunting. You can make an insect badge or a dragonfly to take home and their will be an Ugly Bug Ball fancy dress competition with prizes for the best bugs! 1pm – 3pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Cost: £1 per person and donations for refreshments. No need to book.

Sunday 29th                                                                                                  Gwent Badger Group
Group will be at the Garn Lakes. Phone 01291 626068 for more information.

Sunday 29th                                                                                     Gwent Ornithological Society
Garnlydan Reservoir, Nr. Brynmawr. Meet CH at 08:00 alongside the B4560 at SO 166 129 [161] for upland moorland species. Half day.
 

Every Week                                                                                                               TFSR Cymru
Open for sales of hand and garden tools - all proceeds contribute to the projects that we are supporting in Africa.  Wed to Fri 10am to 2pm and Saturdays 10.30-12.30.  Crickhowell  01874 730155

Every Week Day                                                                                              Homemakers Wales
Showroom open Mon-Fri  9am-4pm  St. Michael's Road, Abergavenny.

Monday 2nd                                                                                                    Homemakers Wales
Furniture sale, Senior Citizens' Centre, Chepstow. 10am-3pm.

Tuesday 10th                                                                                                   Homemakers Wales
Furniture sale, Methodist Church, Caldicot 12-4pm.

Thursday 19th                                                                                                 Homemakers Wales
Furniture sale, Abergavenny Market Hall 10am to 3pm.

Friday 20th                                                                                                      Homemakers Wales Furniture sale, Shire Hall (Old Library), Monmouth 10am to 3pm.
 

2nd Sunday of each month                                                                            Gwent Wildlife Trust
The wardens of Strawberry Cottage Wood are now running Sunday morning work tasks, on the second Sunday of every month, at this gem of a site four miles north of Abergavenny. Sessions will start 9.30am at the lay-by by the woods and finish about 12.30pm. For more information, contact Kaf and John Faragher on 01873 851562.
 

Saturday 7th                                                                                                  Gwent Wildlife Trust
National Moth Night Tutors: Denis and Val Jackson – Gwent Wildlife Trust Moths are important. Why? Well, as an example, without moths and their caterpillars, what would our small birds feed their chicks? Nationally, moths aren’t doing well, so come and join us on National Moth Night to learn more about moths and see what species we can find at Magor. You will need a torch, boots and warm clothing. 9.30pm – 1am Magor Marsh, near Newport Cost: £3 members, £5 non-members Booking essential.

Tuesday 10th                                                                                                 Gwent Wildlife Trust
Meadow Plant Identification Tutor: Rebecca Price – Gwent Wildlife Trust. A course looking at the flora of a species-rich meadows. The course will provide a general introduction to plant identification by focusing on live specimens in the field which will enable participants to confidently identify some of our more common meadow plants. 10am – 1pm Pentwyn Farm, near Monmouth Cost: £12 members, £17 non-members Booking essential. LIMITED PLACES.

Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th                                                 Monmouthshire Countryside Service
Drystone Walling - a perfect gift for Father's Day. Come and learn the ancient craft of drystone walling with expert waller Chris Hodges, a qualified advanced instructor. This relaxed 2 day course introduces the basics of walling enabling you to manage your own walls. 9.30am to 4pm. Near Goodrich. Cost - £40 for the 2 days. Booking essential. To reserve your place please contact Andrew Nixon Community Links Officer on 01600 710844 or email community@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk

Sunday 29th                                                                                                   Gwent Wildlife Trust
Wildlife at Dingestow Court – Invertebrate identification and recording Tutor: Sam Bosanquet, Countryside Council for Wales. Many insects can be accurately identified by knowing what plants they eat; this approach can reveal all manner of intriguing animals and add to our knowledge of their local distribution. Everyone will go away having learnt a new species to target. Sunday 29th June 10am – 4pm  Dingestow Court Estate, near Monmouth Cost: £15 members, £20 non-members Booking essential.