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Councillor Anthony Hunt on Torfaen's summer and Green Flags

Councillor Anthony Hunt on Torfaen's summer and Green Flags

I also love summer because there's so much going on in our communities at this time of year. This year has been better than ever.
We've had the Cwmbran Big Event, World Heritage Day in Blaenavon, Henllys fete, events in schools up and down Torfaen and more.
Last weekend saw nearly 1,000 runners braving the heat to run in the Mic Morris 10K. The event has a great reputation, not just as a fast course and a well-run event. The feedback I had volunteering at the finish also commented on the beautiful location, starting in Blaenavon and running down the valley before finishing in Pontypool Park.
I'm pleased that nine of our parks have been awarded green flag status thanks to the dedication of volunteers working with our teams.
Pontypool Park is not only host to a great rugby club, it's also had events this summer ranging from Pontypool Pride to the weekly Parkrun and Junior Parkrun, and Party in the Park this month too. Thank you to all the community councils, organisations and volunteers who make these events so special.
This month also saw Relay for Life in Pontypool Park. Our teams walked for 24 hours to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, to help with vital medical research. We also shared stories of hope, remembered those we've lost to cancer and gave the emphatic message that no-one going through cancer treatment should feel on their own. We have a community to support each other, whatever people are going through.
In saying that, I want to pay tribute to Sophie Busson, our friend and Cancer Research UK relationship manager at Pontypool Relay for Life. Sophie has been an inspiration to so many of us, and her light will shine on. She even got me wearing a pink cowboy hat for Rodeo at Relay! Our love goes to Sophie's family – we will go on raising money and supporting each other in her name.
Our schools broke up on Friday, and I want to repeat the massive thank you I gave to all the staff in schools across Torfaen. From heads to teachers to TAs to canteen and support staff, plus governors, volunteers and PTA helpers, thank you for all your hard work. You not only keep our children safe and learning, you make a huge difference to so many young lives.
School holidays in Torfaen mean one thing – Torfaen Play! I hope everyone involved with our unique Play Service has a wonderful summer. This week the 500 staff members and volunteers are having training week. Then on Monday, July 28, until Thursday, August 22, 37 different daily provisions will see an anticipated 2,500 children and young people attend. There are food and fun camps, respite provision, open access sessions and more, all delivered in a fun and inclusive way. Enjoy your summer!
Councillor Anthony Hunt is leader of Torfaen County Borough Council.
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Councillor Anthony Hunt on Torfaen's summer and Green Flags
Councillor Anthony Hunt on Torfaen's summer and Green Flags

South Wales Argus

time3 days ago

  • South Wales Argus

Councillor Anthony Hunt on Torfaen's summer and Green Flags

I also love summer because there's so much going on in our communities at this time of year. This year has been better than ever. We've had the Cwmbran Big Event, World Heritage Day in Blaenavon, Henllys fete, events in schools up and down Torfaen and more. Last weekend saw nearly 1,000 runners braving the heat to run in the Mic Morris 10K. The event has a great reputation, not just as a fast course and a well-run event. The feedback I had volunteering at the finish also commented on the beautiful location, starting in Blaenavon and running down the valley before finishing in Pontypool Park. I'm pleased that nine of our parks have been awarded green flag status thanks to the dedication of volunteers working with our teams. Pontypool Park is not only host to a great rugby club, it's also had events this summer ranging from Pontypool Pride to the weekly Parkrun and Junior Parkrun, and Party in the Park this month too. Thank you to all the community councils, organisations and volunteers who make these events so special. This month also saw Relay for Life in Pontypool Park. Our teams walked for 24 hours to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, to help with vital medical research. We also shared stories of hope, remembered those we've lost to cancer and gave the emphatic message that no-one going through cancer treatment should feel on their own. We have a community to support each other, whatever people are going through. In saying that, I want to pay tribute to Sophie Busson, our friend and Cancer Research UK relationship manager at Pontypool Relay for Life. Sophie has been an inspiration to so many of us, and her light will shine on. She even got me wearing a pink cowboy hat for Rodeo at Relay! Our love goes to Sophie's family – we will go on raising money and supporting each other in her name. Our schools broke up on Friday, and I want to repeat the massive thank you I gave to all the staff in schools across Torfaen. From heads to teachers to TAs to canteen and support staff, plus governors, volunteers and PTA helpers, thank you for all your hard work. You not only keep our children safe and learning, you make a huge difference to so many young lives. School holidays in Torfaen mean one thing – Torfaen Play! I hope everyone involved with our unique Play Service has a wonderful summer. This week the 500 staff members and volunteers are having training week. Then on Monday, July 28, until Thursday, August 22, 37 different daily provisions will see an anticipated 2,500 children and young people attend. There are food and fun camps, respite provision, open access sessions and more, all delivered in a fun and inclusive way. Enjoy your summer! Councillor Anthony Hunt is leader of Torfaen County Borough Council.

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