SIR,

As Bridges Community Centre at Drybridge House is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, I just wanted to say what a wonderful building it is to hold functions.

My daughter and her now husband, Claire and Jon Despontin were married in Mexico over Christmas. It was, as we expected, a truly memorable occasion for the family. However they wanted an event at home where they could celebrate with all their friends.

They held a wedding party at Drybridge House on Saturday 25th January. The venue is beautiful and extremely well laid out. We had the full use of the whole building at a very affordable price.

The helpfulness of the staff just couldn't be faulted, they went out of their way to make the event a success, even hanging the miles of handmade bunting which decorated every room.

The new bride and groom had a drinks reception and a casino in the older part of the building which is galleried and has beautiful oak panelling.

A photo booth was set up in the hallway, leading into the disco in the main hall, all decorated throughout with bunting, balloons, candles and photographs of the wedding. The whole building looked magical. A fish and chip supper was supplied by The Old Stables fish and chip shop in Ewyas Harold. Their stable fish bar was a great success.

Claire and Jon have received lots of praise for the evening and many local people commented on how amazing the venue was and that they didn't realise it was there.

As this is Drybridge House's 30th anniversary year I felt that it would be nice to give them support and recognition. So please residents and visitors to Monmouth if you do see events being advertised please make an effort to attend this beautiful venue, it is one of the best in Monmouth and should be celebrated.

Kathleen Lowther

(Monmouth)