West Wales and the Valleys

A weatherproof box where anyone can leave books, toys or kitchen bits and take something else: sustainability can be that simple. What matters is a good spot, permission from the owner or the council, and a few people w…

Not everyone finds smartphones, online bookings or long forms easy. Often a patient half hour is all it takes to help someone. Important: never take over passwords or bank details, go through it together step by step in…

Whether it's a part-time job in a café, delivering leaflets or tutoring: your first job brings not just money but confidence too. Make sure you get a written contract and that your hours fit around school or college. Wh…

A driving licence is a big step towards independence for many, but it takes time and money. Compare offers beforehand, study the theory regularly in small chunks and stay relaxed during lessons. Bikes and public transpo…

Spring brings blossom everywhere, summer calls you to the water, autumn leaves glow and winter gets cosy. Which season do you love most in Monmouthshire, and what do you like to do then? Let us know!

Some words only make sense if you grew up here. Which local expression from Monmouthshire do you love, and what does it mean? Post it in the comments, ideally with a short explanation for everyone who moved here!

Moving somewhere new often means not knowing anyone yet, and that's exactly when a neighbourhood can show how welcoming it is. Just arrived in Monmouthshire? Tell us where you're from and what you're looking for. Everyo…

=== Pre-History === Evidence of human activity in the Mesolithic period has been found across Monmouthshire; examples include remains on the Caldicot and Wentloog Levels and at Monmouth. A major hoard of Bronze Age axe…

Monmouthshire (; Welsh: Sir Fynwy) is a county in the south east of Wales. It borders Powys to the north; the English counties of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire to the north and east; the Severn Estuary to the south,…

A raised bed in the courtyard, a community garden or simply swapping cuttings and seeds: gardening connects generations. People without a garden of their own are often happy to share a bed. Do you have plants, tools or …

Snow and ice are a real challenge for older or unwell neighbours. If you're clearing your own path anyway, you can often do a few metres more. Sharing a bag of grit between several houses saves effort too. Who in Vale o…

Moving for training or university is exciting, but it can feel a bit lonely at first. Sports groups, choirs, youth clubs or volunteering are great ways to meet people quickly. And sometimes just saying hi here is enough…

Sport doesn't have to mean pressure. Bouldering, skating, volleyball in the park or running with friends: the main thing is that you enjoy moving. Many clubs offer free taster sessions. What sport is popular in Vale of …

The weekend is coming and the question is the same as always: what shall we do? Got an idea for a day trip, a concert or simply a lovely afternoon in Vale of Glamorgan? Drop your tips in the comments!

A good walk clears the head and shows your home from a new angle. Which route do you love most in Vale of Glamorgan, and roughly how long does it take? Share your favourite loop with us!

Lots of things in town only work because people give their time for free. Where do you volunteer in Vale of Glamorgan, and where could more helping hands be useful? Tell us about it and inspire others to join in!

Glamorgan (Welsh: Morgannwg, historically known as Glamorganshire / Sir Forgannwg) is a traditional county in Wales. It is home to Cardiff, Wales' capital city, along with the city of Swansea. The Bristol Channel marks …

The area is the southernmost part of the county of Glamorgan. Between the 11th century and 1536 the area was part of the Lordship of Glamorgan. In medieval times, the village of Cosmeston, near what is today Penarth in …

The Vale of Glamorgan (Welsh: Bro Morgannwg [ˈbroː mɔrˈɡanʊɡ]), locally referred to as The Vale, is a county borough in the south-east of Wales. It borders Bridgend County Borough to the west, Cardiff to the east, Rhond…

A street party brings together people who otherwise just walk past each other. Check early with the council whether you need permission, share out tasks like tables, music and activities for kids, and everyone brings so…