Latest news with #CwmbranBigEvent
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- Sport
- 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.
South Wales Argus
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Here are the best events happening in Gwent this weekend
The Cwmbran Big Event makes a return to the Boating Lake on Saturday, June 14, from noon onwards. The community event will have free activities, live performances, and family fun. The Cwmbran Big Event is returning this weekend (Image: Supplied) Children can enjoy arts and crafts, whale circus shows, a skateboard academy, hip hop culture classes, laser tag, inflatables, and face painting. Torfaen Sports Development will be running sports sessions. There will be live music from local performers, including No One Knows, Mics & Fins, and The Revamps. A dog show organised by All Creatures Great & Small Animal Sanctuary will also take place. Artisan food and craft stalls will showcase local talent and produce. A spokesperson for Cwmbran Community Council said: "The Big Event is always a fantastic community occasion that highlights the best of Cwmbran. "We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Boating Lake for what promises to be another memorable day." The Legion Music Festival will liven up Usk with free entry on Saturday, June 14, from 6pm to 10pm. The Legion Music Festival (Image: Supplied) Regular open mic night performers such as Daisymae, Katielou, Jamie T, and Gums 'n' Noses will entertain with a variety of musical genres. The same date will see Tintern Abbey host Brother Thomas, the Cellarer, for a historical event from 10.30am to 4.30pm. (Image: Supplied) Visitors can travel back in time to learn about monk life at the abbey. Normal admission prices apply for this event. On Sunday, June 15, the Uskonbury Festival will take place at the Greyhound Inn & Hotel from 12pm to 9pm. (Image: Supplied) This family-friendly festival will feature live music and a range of homemade food and drinks. Kids' activities, a craft makers market, and more will also be on offer. The festival will raise funds for the DPJ Foundation, a charity supporting those in agriculture and rural communities with mental health challenges. Tickets are £20 for adults and £10 for children. Under 5s can enter for free, and under 12s will require a child ticket. More details on these events can be found on the respective organisers' websites and social media pages.
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
Torfaen residents asked for views on walking and cycling routes
Torfaen County Borough Council is updating its Active Travel Network Map, which highlights existing and proposed routes designed for everyday journeys using foot, cycle, wheelchair, or mobility scooter. Mark Thomas, deputy chief officer for highways and climate change at Torfaen County Borough Council, said: "There are huge environmental, social and health benefits to supporting residents to be able to travel more actively. "Having safe, accessible routes that connect residents with the places where they need to be such as workplaces, schools and shopping areas is critical. "Your feedback is essential in understanding what routes work well, what could be improved and whether our funding priorities are right." The map is reviewed every four years and helps the council identify areas needing improvement, such as dropped kerbs, crossing points, benches, or cycle storage. The updated map will support future applications for Welsh Government funding and will be subject to further consultation in 2025 before being finalised in 2027. Residents can share their views online or in person until Saturday, August 31. The council's active travel team will also be available at community events throughout June and July. Residents can speak to the team at the following locations: the Cwmbran Big Event on Saturday, June 14; Pontypool Market on Wednesday, June 25 from 10am to 2.30pm; Blaenavon World Heritage Day on Saturday, June 28; Blaenavon World Heritage Centre on Friday, July 11 from 10am to 2.30pm; Party in the Park, Pontypool on Saturday, July 12; and Cwmbran Library on Thursday, July 17 from 10am to 2.30pm. Earlier this year, the council announced an additional £5 million investment to improve roads across the borough over the next five years. For more information or to take part, visit the Get Involved Torfaen website.
