Diary of Events   2009/2010

Click on a month to view events:

August      

Regular group meetings, Talks and Walks
Special Events and Open Days
Sales - Furniture, Tools, Plants.....
Physical work days
Training workshops and Conferences

Regular group meetings, Talks and Walks
Special Events and Open Days
Sales - Furniture, Tools, Plants...
Physical work days
Training workshops and Conferences
 

July 2009

The world in 2055? See the film "The Age of Stupid"  Fri 3 July 7.30 St Michael's Hall, Abergavenny
Shown by Abergavenny and Crickhowell Friends of the Earth.
 

Monday 6th July                                                        Usk Conservation and Environmental Group
An evening walk along the Usk nature trail.  The walk will include insect species identification (hoverflies, dragon and damselflies) with our guide Colin Titcombe.  We will also explore the folklore and medicinal uses of trees and other plants.  Meet Usk Island car park on Pontypool Road 7pm.

Monday 6th July                                                             Monmouth & District Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting 7.30pm at The Three Horseshoes pub, Drybridge Street, Monmouth.

Tuesday 7th July                                                                                            Transition Chepstow
Steering Group meeting 7.30 to 9.30pm Regency Room, Beaufort Hotel.  All welcome to share ideas and find out more.

Sunday 12th July                                                       Usk Conservation and Environmental Group
Outskirts of Pontypool walk.  Features of the walk will include Griffithstown, the canal towpath, Mamhilad, Folly Lane and New Inn.  Meet 10.30am at the car park in Station Road Griffithstown (opposite Masons' Arms).  Dave Jones will lead this walk.

Tuesday 14th July                                                                           Chepstow Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting at 7:30pm at Chepstow Athletic Club, Mathern Road, Chepstow.

Tuesday 14th July                                                                                         Transition Monmouth
We meet informally at The Robin Hood pub, Monnow Street, Monmouth from 7pm.  It's a chance to get to know one another, put forward ideas or just have a drink and a chat.  All welcome.

Wednesday 15th July                                                                                  The Chepstow Society
A talk by Gwilym Davies on "Local Traditional Music and Song".  7.15pm at The Drill Hall, Lower Church Street. 

Thursday 16th July                                                                                         Transition Chepstow
Medicinal herb walk with Max Drake 6.30 to 8.30pm.  Meet at the top end of Castle Dell by the gate entrance onto Welsh Street.  £5.  To book a place email sustainablehealth@transitionchepstow.org.uk

Sunday 19th July                                                                              Gwent Ornithological Society
A visit to Gwent Wildlife Trust's Wyeswood Common.  See The Dipper for directions.

Monday 20th July                                              Abergavenny & Crickhowell Friends of the Earth
Regular monthly meeting at The Kings Arms, Abergavenny 8pm. Please phone  01873 852245 for details

Wednesday 22nd July                                                           Monmouthshire Countryside Service
A hypochondriac's guide to the countryside.  Suffering from headaches, scurvy, piles or the plague? Why not join Mark Langley for a leisurely 1 mile walk and find out how flowers and other plants were used in the past to cure a variety of ailments.  The Old Station, Tintern (SO 536 006) is 1 mile (1.6 km) from Tintern Abbey along the A466 towards Monmouth. 2-3.30pm.  A barrier free walk suitable for all; mobility scooters available to hire from Old Station 01291 689566.

Sunday 26th July                                                       Usk Conservation and Environmental Group
River Severn Foreshore Fossil Hunt.  An afternoon walk searching for fossils - Ammonites, Crinoids, and maybe an Ichthyosaurus bone.  Meet 2pm at the Loop Road, near Beachley.

Sunday 26th July                                                                                              Wye Valley Society
A walk for members of the Wye Valley Society led by George Peterken around some of the interesting landscape and artefacts at the Hudnalls.  We will see ancient archaeology, 19th century squatter evidence of industrial history, good views, woodland ecology, and grassland management.  George has a wealth of knowledge of this area so it should be an interesting day.  Contact the Wye Valley Society if you wish to attend - 01989 750740.

Friday 31st July                                                         Usk Conservation and Environmental Group
An evening walk in moorland and around moorland ponds searching for the rarer species of dragonflies, damselflies and birds.  Meet Pontypool Leisure Centre car park 7pm.  Chris Hatch will be our guide.
 

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 4th July                                                          Wye Valley Communities for Safe Cycling
Public consultation meeting with Sustrans on the Wye Valley Cycle Path proposals.  Come along and have your say between 10am and 5pm - Methodist Church Hall Chepstow.

Thursday 9th July                                                                                           Gwent Wildlife Trust
An evening with Trudy Friend.  Chepstow branch of Gwent Wildlife Trust invite you to spend an evening with Trudy Friend, wildlife artist and local resident.  Two of her paintings will be available to purchase on the night, with proceeds donated to GWT.  7.15pm at The Drill Hall, Chepstow, tickets are £2.50, refundable against purchase of Trudy's new book which is available from Chepstow Bookshop.

Saturday 11th July                                                                                         Gwent Wildlife Trust
Magor Marsh Open Day.  A real family day out, with masses to see and do for everyone.  Guided walks, pond dipping, stalls, children's trails, bug hunting, face painting, refreshments and more.  2pm to 5pm, Magor Marsh, adults £2 (members £1), children £1, family £5.

Sunday 12th July                                                                  Monmouthshire Countryside Service
"The Sun has Got His Hat On!" - join Sarah Jones for an afternoon of weather related activities as we approach St Swithin's Day.  There will be a short walk around the school grounds at Overmonnow school and Drybridge Park looking at weather related folklore and clouds, followed by an indoor craft activity.  2pm to 5pm at Overmonnow School.  Family event - £1 per child, adults free.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.  All monies go to school funds.

Tuesday i4th July                                                          Wye Valley Communities for Safe Cycling
Public consultation meeting with Sustrans on the Wye Valley Cycle Path proposals.  Come along and have your say between 4pm and 9pm - Wyedean School, Sedbury.

Sunday 19th July                                                                                            Transition Chepstow
To be confirmed.  The Big Lunch!  9am to 5pm - a national series of street and local parties aimed at strengthening communities.

Tuesday 21st July                                                                                              Wye Valley AONB
"Wild Thing, You Make My Heart Sing"!  Go wild in the woods; a fun filled afternoon discovering the wildlife of Whitestone Woods near Llandogo.  Learn to track and read signs left by wild creatures.  During a short walk natural materials will be collected to build a large sculpture.  Led by Sarah Sawyer Wye Valley AONB and Yvonne Thompson, artist.  Booking essential, phone 01600 710844.
 

Every Week                                                                                                               TFSR Cymru
Open for sales of hand and garden tools - all proceeds contribute to the projects that we are supporting in Africa. Sales - Wed to Fri 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10.30-12.30.  Also open for refurbishing Tuesday and Thursday 7.30 -9.30pm. Crickhowell  01874 730155

Every Day                                                                                                       Monmouth Fairtrade
The new Monmouth Fairtrade town shopping bag is now on sale at Munday and Jones Greengrocer in Church Street,  Monmouth Museum in Priory Street, Gabby's in Beaufort Yard, and Bridges, Drybridge Park, price £2. It is made from organic Fairtrade cotton and produced for Bishopston Trading by their partners in South India. Using the bag advertises Monmouth's commitment to Fairtrade producers.  It also helps to reduce the use of plastic carriers.  Since they don't biodegrade they can become permanent, troublesome clutter, fouling the landscape and harming animals, birds and sealife.

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

Friday 3rd July                                                                               British Hydropower Association
A one-day micro-hydro seminar at the Glan Usk estate near Crickhowell.  The seminar is aimed at people interested in finding out more about small scale hydro-power schemes and will cover how and where to start developing a scheme, avoiding pitfalls, and overcoming hurdles.  It will help participants to discover if a potential scheme is feasible and economically viable.  The cost is £50 and includes lunch and site visits.  For more information or to book your place, please visit www.british-hydro.org/bhaevents.asp. or call 01202 880333. 

Sunday 5th July                                                                                             Gwent Wildlife Trust
An introduction to dormice, suitable for all the family.  The course is led by expert Jan Kinchington, and provdes the chance to meet these elusive mammals and gain an insight into how they live and the work the Trust does to conserve them.  9.30-11.30am at Croes Robert Wood, nr Monmouth.  Booking essential 01600 740358.  GWT members £3, non-members £6.
 

August

Dingestow Court Open Gardens - Seddon House
 Wednesday 26th August   11am - 4pm   Free Entry
As well as the gardens, tea, cakes and plants for sale, we plan to provide a number of activities for children including pond dipping and minibeast hunts – a great day out for the whole family.

Monmouth Show  - The Showground, Redbrook Road August 27th.
 

Monday 3rd August                                                                    Llanthony & District Garden Club
The Garden Club meets at 8.00pm on the 1^st  Monday of each month at Cwmyoy Village Hall.

Monday 10th August                                                       Monmouth & District Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting 7.30pm at The Three Horseshoes pub, Drybridge Street, Monmouth.

Tuesday 11th August                                                                                     Gwent Badger Group
Monthly meeting at The Nags Head , Usk at 7-30pm. Members are welcome to attend.

Tuesday 11th August                                                                                    Transition Monmouth
We meet informally at The Three Horseshoes, Drybridge Street, Monmouth from 7pm.  It's a chance to get to know one another, put forward ideas or just have a drink and a chat.  All welcome.

Tuesday 11th August                                                                       Chepstow Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting at 7:30pm at Chepstow Athletic Club, Mathern Road, Chepstow.

Wednesday 12th August                                                                                     Usk Civic Society
Their monthly meetings are held in the library of the Sessions House, Usk at 8pm.  Following the talk there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about any significant planning, or other, matter affecting Usk and its environs. Non-members are always welcomed, £2 payment at the door.

Saturday 15th August                                                                       Gwent Ornithological Society
Llangors Lake, 7:00am – 11:00am. Meet at Llangasty reserve car park (SO132261) for a Ringing Demonstration and then a walk around Llangasty nature reserve. Contact Luke Philips (01495 350852) for more details.

Monday 17th August                                            Abergavenny & Crickhowell Friends of the Earth
Regular monthly meeting at The Bear, Crickhowell. 8pm. Please phone  01873 852245 for details

Monday 17th August                                                  Usk Conservation and Environmental Group
An evening walk along the Canal Towpath to the Bridgend Pub Govilon for refreshments. 
Meet Llanfoist crossing car park 7pm.

Sunday 23rd August                                                  Usk Conservation and Environmental Group
An industrial heritage walk. Meet 10.30am at Talybont on Usk Henderson Hall SO 112228 (parking fee).  Shirley and Dave will be our guides.

Tuesday 25th August                                                 Usk Conservation and Environmental Group
Philosophy and debating group .  We continue to meet at 7.30pm at the British Legion Club in Usk on the last Tuesday of every month. Please come along and join in the debate, discussion and argument! Anyone may speak, if you have a topic you would care to discuss with the group please contact Graham on 01873 852108, or come along to the meetings. 

Saturday 29th August                                                                       Gwent Ornithological Society
NWR Goldcliff, 7:00am – 11:00am. Meet at the Goldcliff Lagoons (ST369829) to observe wader passage. Contact Luke Philips (01495 350852) for more details.

Sunday 30th August                                                                                           Wye Valley AONB
Walk - Beyond the Abbey. 10am - 1pm. Leader - Wye Valley Green Badge Guide. A 5 mile walk in Tintern exploring the Angiddy Valley’s industrial heritage. During the 18th and 19th centuries the waters were harnessed to drive blast furnaces for the iron industry. Our guide will bring the era to life, while we enjoy sublime views of the landscape. Booking Essential.
 

Tuesday 4th August                                                                                       Gwent Wildlife Trust
Nature Detectives with Chris Hatch. Who better than ecologist, wildlife photographer, wildlife tour leader and GWT Trustee Chris Hatch to teach you the fundamentals of wildlife identification? Do you know how to tell a badger footprint from a dog’s? Do you know how to find out if dormice live in your local wood? How about telling your crows from your rooks? If you want to be a real nature detective, these are the sort of skills you need. Chris will show you that you don’t need to see wildlife to be able to prove it’s there! A great family experience. Pentwyn Farm, Penallt. 10am - 12 noon. Adults £4 Children £2. Booking Essential.

Sunday 9th August                                                    Usk Conservation and Environmental Group
Canal boat trip from Goytre Wharf to The Star Mamhilad for lunch.  Price per person £12.50, 20 places only so booking essential, contact Graham 01873 852108.  Meet Goytre Wharf 10am.  Volunteers needed for steering duties!

Wednesday 12th August                                                                                 Gwent Wildlife Trust
Bird Ringing Demonstration with Ian Vaughan. The demonstration will provide a very special opportunity for members of the public to see some of Magor Marsh’s wild birds close up in the hand. With luck, this will include one of Magor’s specialities – the secretive Cetti’s Warbler. Dr Ian Vaughan is an ecologist working at Cardiff University and will help you learn how bird ringing is carried out, why bird ringing is carried out and the ways in which regular ringing at Magor contributes to vital conservation work, locally, nationally and internationally. This event is suitable for beginners and families, provided that children are accompanied by an adult. Site is flat with boardwalk access to the ringing area. 8am - 12 noon at Magor Marsh, near Newport. Members £3 Non-members £6. Booking Essential.

Friday 21st August                                                                 Monmouthshire Countryside Service
“Moths and bats on tour at Caldicot Castle and Country Park”  8.00pm until late. A fun evening for all ages discovering moths and bats as you have never done before using live moth traps and electronic bat detectors.  There will be quizzes and games while we wait for it to get dark after which we will go in search of moths and bats around the Castle and Country Park. Family event - all children to be accompanied by an adult. Barrier free route. Assistance dogs only please.Cost: £2.00 per person. Booking essential on 01291 420241

Date -  'To be confirmed'                                                                                   Wye Valley AONB
Welcome the cows - 11am to 4pm with the Woodland Trust at Little Doward. Come and welcome the cows on Little Doward! These new seasonal residents will play an important role in the future management of the hill fort and historic pasture woodland. Booking Essential.  
 

Every Week                                                                                                               TFSR Cymru
Open for sales of hand and garden tools - all proceeds contribute to the projects that we are supporting in Africa. Sales - Wed to Fri 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10.30-12.30.  Also open for refurbishing Tuesday and Thursday 7.30 - 9.30pm. Crickhowell  01874 730155

Every Day                                                                                                       Monmouth Fairtrade
The new Monmouth Fairtrade town shopping bag is now on sale at Munday and Jones Greengrocer in Church Street,  Monmouth Museum in Priory Street, Gabby's in Beaufort Yard, and Bridges, Drybridge Park, price £2. It is made from organic Fairtrade cotton and produced for Bishopston Trading by their partners in South India. Using the bag advertises Monmouth's commitment to Fairtrade producers.  It also helps to reduce the use of plastic carriers.  Since they don't biodegrade they can become permanent, troublesome clutter, fouling the landscape and harming animals, birds and sealife.

Every Week Day                                                                                              Homemakers Wales
Showroom open Mon-Fri  9am-4pm  St. Michael's Road, Abergavenny, or at the following sales;

Chepstow Senior Citizens Centre     Monday 3rd August    10am - 3pm
Caldicot Methodist Church              Tuesday 11th August  12pm - 4pm
Abergavenny Market Hall                Thursday 20th August  10am - 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 8th August                                                                                       Gwent Wildlife Trust
An Introduction to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Upland Gwent with Ian Smith. Family Event (for children 14 and over).  This is an introductory course for dragonfly novices who would like to get to grips with their Hawkers and Darters. You will look at the species to be found in the uplands of Gwent between the Blorenge and Brynmawr. The area is enormously rich in diverse wetland sites resulting from past industrial influences. Ian Smith, life long naturalist and ecologist, is also an Inclusive Access Consultant and has chosen visits to sites with potentially easy access for people, including those using larger mobility scooters or powerchairs. Please ask for more information to help inform your decision making and plan your day. 10.30am - 4pm. Members £17. Non-member £20. Booking essential.

Sunday 9th August                                                                                         Gwent Wildlife Trust
Creating your Ultimate Wildlife Garden with Ian Smith. Ian Smith is a life long naturalist and ecologist with 30 years experience of turning flat lawn ‘yawns’ into buzzing 3D wildlife heavens on shoestring economics. This is a one stop crash course for you to maximize the options in your garden for attracting a wealth of wildlife. You will learn all the techniques for providing food, shelter, breeding and hibernation sites for insects, amphibians, and mammals, both large and small. From the depths of a pond, up the twining honeysuckle stems to the twigs of the trees – we shall examine: the good rules to follow and what to avoid; working around cats and other predators; what techniques always work and where crossed fingers might be prudent. Start preparing your ultimate garden wish list right now! Easy access, suitable for all. Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth. 10am - 4pm. Members £17. Non-member £20. Booking Essential.

Saturday 29th August                                                                                     Gwent Wildlife Trust
Surveying for Dormice with Jan Kinchington. This course is a brief introduction to dormouse ecology, their conservation requirements, their legal protection, where to find them and what signs to look out for. You will join Jan in a walk around Croes Robert, looking at habitat, woodland management and for signs of dormice. Site is often steep with muddy paths. 9.30am to 1pm. Pentwyn Farm and Croes Robert, near Monmouth. Contact:Gwent Wildlife Trust. Cost: Members £10, non members £16. Booking Essential
 

If you are planning an event in Monmouthshire in the next few months, that will be of interest to visitors to this site, contact us.
Green Man Festival at Crickhowell August 20th to 23rd
Usk Show September 12th
Green Travel Day, Monmouth September 19th.