The Project

The Village Alive Trust was born earlier this year with the aim of supporting the local community through the imaginative linking of some diverse topics. What can some ‘at risk’ old buildings, local family history, hospitality establishments and Internet communications have in common? More than you might think…

The seed from which the Village Alive Trust developed was planted in the Summer of 2003 when a community project was included in Monmouthshire Council’s Action Plan for using European money in Foot and Mouth Disease affected areas. On September 18, the Council accepted the Trust’s project plan and gave it a Priority One Mid-level rating in its submission to the Welsh Development Agency. An MCC spokesman said, ‘The Trust has made it through four hoops and there is just one to go’ – so fingers crossed!

The ultimate aims of the project are to restore a Grade Two listed Well House and a 18th century Cider House so that people can see them as they were intended; to create a website promoting the area to visitors and to gather people’s memories for an archive of local social history. If the project succeeds it will promote local tourism and craft businesses and encourage year-round visitors – bringing money into the local area in a sustainable way.

November concert date
The first fund-raising and social event organised by the Village Alive Trust is a concert at The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny on Thursday, November 18 at 7.30pm, by kind support of Will and Charlotte Griffiths. Entertainment will be by Cwmbran Male Choir. Tickets, priced £6, include tea and coffee. Interval drinks can also be ordered. Come and join us for a pleasant evening when you might win the Lucky programme Prize!

Tickets available from Sharon Nicholas (01873 821816) and Pat Griffiths (01873 821418) or on the door.

Calling local B and Bs, pubs and holiday lets

The Village Alive Trust believes it can help promote your business for year-round tourism. This area has many natural and historical assets which visitors – and walkers – can be given a taste of through a properly managed website. The world can get to hear about our area and your business can have a website link. Watch out for your personal invitation to a cheese and wine evening being organised for November 29 to discuss these possibilities. To check that the Trust knows about your hospitality business call Jean Prosser on 01873 821405 or Pat Griffiths on 01873 821418.

Do you have an interest in people’s memories or have memories to tell?

The Village Alive Trust is aiming to collect local people’s memories on tape to compile archives, which capture life in the last century. Times have changed and not many can remember the old rural customs; life without supermarkets or central heating! To collate these memories before it is too late we need volunteers willing to undergo training from experts in some basic interviewing techniques. The volunteers will then talk to people and record their memories for CD. The Trust’s website will also have links with family history sites to aid people from around the world in their family history research. If you would like to help, please call Jean Prosser on 01873 821405 or Pat Griffiths on 01873 821418.

Cistercian Way
A new long-distance heritage footpath through Wales is to be launched in 2005. It will run through Llangattock Lingoed and surrounding areas highlighting the long history of the ‘White Monks’ at Abbey Dore, Grace Dieu and Llanfair Cilgoed. Watch for details of community initiatives linked to the Cistercian Way in the local press.

Lammas Fair 28th and 29th August 2005
A medieval fair with archery, traditional crafts and music. Put the date in your diary now!

For more information about any of these activities or The Village Alive Trust contact: Jean Prosser on 01873 821405 or Pat Griffiths on 01873 821418.

The Village Alive Trust is a company limited by guarantee operating as a charity Registered in Wales No. 518543. Registered Address: Yew Tree Farm, Llangattock Lingoed. Nr. Abergavenny. Wales NP7 8NS

The Village Alive Trust is supported by The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, Grosmont Fawr Community Council and local people.