2024 is the 40th anniversary of Bridges, the community centre that began over on Hadnock Road where it was honoured with a visit by Diana, the Princess of Wales in 1987 to to officially open the facility.

Now homed in Drybridge House, the celebrations began last week with a visit by the Mayor of Monmouth, Cllr David Evans and his wife Fiona, the Mayor’s Consort, to its showcase of activities and charities that are on offer within the community, many housed in Bridges itself.

After a quick introduction by The Joint Chairs of Trustees, Ann Rosser and Mark Walton, he began with one of his chosen charities, The Alzheimer’s Society Cymru where he met Chris Hodson.

Next was Monmouth’s Probus Club were he heard from Tony and Josie Martin about what Probus offer to the community.

They meet on the second and fourth Monday in the centre, catering for the retired.

He then met with Mike Skidmore on the Parkinson’s stand before moving on to speak to Frances Green to hear about the Art group and the classes she runs on Wednesday mornings and afternoons. Moving on to the Monmouth u3a - University of the Third Age - he heard from Sheila Rowland about some of the 70 activities they offer.

After speaking to the ladies at the Nordic Walking group who meet on Monday and Wednesday afternoons for a 2-4 mile walk, he moved on to chat to Kirsty Abraham and Catherine Harmer on the ‘Singing for Lung Health’ Group.

David and Lynda Steiner from Hands Around the World (HATW) are themselves celebrating 30 years of charitable work and explained their help and support for over 3000 vulnerable children in 5 different countries.

David and Fiona also chatted with the Monmouth Choral Society, Dancetime4all,  and the ladies at Monmouth Mobility and Monmouth Floral Society.