Paramedics and technicians in Monmouth are continuing to operate out of a leaking portacabin while the neglected former ambulance station falls into a further state of deterioration. The facilities these hard-working Welsh Ambulance Service employees have put up with for 12 years now is simply unacceptable. I have had a look around myself and the “station” is not fit for purpose in the 21st century. The main room in the portacabin comprises a living/dining and kitchen area, which at best can fit five people in. Yet Monmouth is a station of 16 members of staff. During cold weather, there is often no water due to pipes freezing. I understand there are numerous issues with the drainage system, not to mention a damp and mould problem. It is beyond shocking and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust really ought to be stepping up efforts to deliver the facilities Monmouth deserves.
St David’s Day is a great celebration of Welsh history, Welsh culture and of course the Welsh language. As Secretary of State for Wales, it was a huge privilege to host a series of events in Westminster last week. Monmouth Male Voice Choir made such an impression on US Ambassador Jane Hartley last year that they were invited back again to perform at Winfield House, while I had the enormous pleasure of welcoming Peter Farthing, chair of the Royal British Legion’s Abergavenny branch, to London. Peter also organises the Abergavenny Combined Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club, with offers mutual support to help veterans after service life. This excellent club meets on the second Saturday of each month for breakfast at the Brewers Fayre in Llanfoist. All service veterans are invited to turn up at 9:30am and you will be made very welcome.
If you want a wonderful gift to send to somebody for Mother’s Day or Easter while supporting a Monmouthshire business, then the Welsh Luxury Hamper Co. should be top of your list! I first met Abi Chamberlain earlier this year and was struck by her remarkable story. As a young ambassador for The Prince’s Trust, Abi started her business from the back of a garage during the Covid pandemic after dropping out of university due to a learning disability. She now operates from a unit in Chepstow town centre, exporting high-quality (and delicious!) Welsh food and drink all over the world. Abi was in Downing Street at a special St David’s Day reception where she proudly showcased her beautiful collection of luxury hampers in handcrafted keepsake boxes. You can view these online at www.welshluxuryhampercompany.co.uk
*Published in the Monmouthshire Beacon and Abergavenny Chronicle on 06 March 2024*