Bridges has played a vital role in the life of Monmouth & Monmouthshire for the past 40 years, enhancing the wellbeing of the community. The base for its work since 2003 has been Drybridge House, an important part of Monmouth’s heritage. However, maintenance costs are rising and without help, we will soon be unable to meet the annual £50,000 cost needed to keep the building in good condition, let alone fund necessary improvements to meet new needs. We need your help to raise a development fund to upgrade the building to handle another 40 years of community activity and take on a new lease with Monmouthshire County Council with confidence.

We have set ourselves a target of £40,000 to match the 40 years since our foundation and will aim to achieve this through an exciting programme of fundraising events and activities, including a 40th Anniversary Dinner with celebrity chef, Cyrus Todiwala, on September 19. We are also delighted that the Mayor of Monmouth for 2024-25, Cllr. David Evans, has chosen Bridges Centre as one of his charities to support during his year in office.

Bridges is now in a strong position to offer an excellent catering service for all of our events with the recent appointment of chef Richard Birchall. He has had extensive experience in the catering industry, including spells at Caer Llan Wedding and Conference Centre and the Chase Hotel in Ross on Wye. He has already wowed our users with his culinary skills, taking over the Christmas lunches at short notice and catering for formal dinners, funerals and celebrations.

The Pantry is now open on a daily basis from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfasts and light lunches plus teas, coffees and cakes. Please drop in and help spread the word about the excellent food and service, reasonable prices and friendly service!

As part of our financial savings this year, Bridges has undertaken a change in its management structure. It is now operating with a strong leadership team, a loyal and hard-working staff, supported by active trustees and underpinned by an army of willing volunteers who are prepared to lend a hand in a wide range of activities from helping to run our charity shop to looking after the beautiful gardens at Drybridge House.

The Joint Chairs of Trustees, Ann Rosser and Mark Walton, commented, “There was a tremendous fund-raising initiative from the local community when Bridges restored and moved into Drybidge House in 2003. We hope that the community will be able to join forces once again to help sustain its future.

If you feel you can help in any way in our fundraising initiative as an individual or business, please contact our Events and Marketing Manager, Ben Ford, on 01600 228789 or email ben.ford@bridgescentre.org.uk.

An Update from Bridges

Updates from the Bridges Chair of Trustees.

Another Successful Building Bridges Summer Camp

Fun packed summer camp!

The Inaugural Bridges Monmouth Area Volunteer Awards

Rotary Model Railway Exhibition

The Rotary's Model Railway Exhibition returned to Bridges in February.

Christmas Extravaganza

The Disability and Inclusion teams organised a Christmas Extravaganza last week. Read all about it here.

Wrapping up 2022

Our end of year newsletter has landed, catch up with what's been happening inside.

Random act of kindness brings joy to Bridges staff!

The kindness of a stranger provided an uplifting moment for all of the Bridges staff this week. Read on to learn how a small, beautiful gesture gave everyone a boost.

Bridges Centre selected as part of the Co-op Local Community Fund

Find out how your shopping can contribute to the work of Bridges Centre.

Art in Penallt Raise Funds for Social Circles at Bridges Centre

A generous donation from our friends at Art in Penallt.

Toy Swap – The Sustainable Way To Play! 

Learn all about our upcoming Toy Swap and our mission to avoid toys being sent to landfill!

Bridges Says Goodbye to Cedar Tree 

A sad farewell to a Monmouth landmark.