Monmouth Town Council now has a full complement of councillors with the co-option of Wyesham woman Jem Jenkins- Jones at Monday night’s full council meeting for the ward of Overmonnow.

She moved to Wyesham five years ago from Torfaen and has become involved in many local projects and activities.

She has two daughters, eight and 12, who are at Redbrook and Haberdashers’ schools.

“My eldest is autistic so I’m very proactive in the area of children and disabilities and I’m on the committee of MAGIC Parent Carers group and my children are members of QB at Bridges.

“In the summer I organised the Wyesham Big Jubilee Lunch with the generous help of a town council grant to enable myself and local helpers to offer a free afternoon tea with a competition and crafts for the children too, which was so important when people are struggling financially.

“It was a brilliant day and we had about 150 attendees of all ages.

“I’m also involved with Benthyg Monmouth doing their social media which has been a great success. Until recently I was involved with ACE Monmouth but because of other commitments I’ve had to step down from being an active member.

“My main interest is in mental health and well-being and I’ve been involved with MIND Monmouthshire on both sides, having been helped through a difficult period in my life by them and then helping out by running crafts with a social group.

“I’m currently studying at college to become a counsellor to enable me to help others.

“I’ve previously helped run crafts with an intergenerational group at Monnow Vale called Owls & Acorns and with Social Circles at Bridges and I’m hoping to use my arts and crafts background by volunteering again in the community at some point in the future.

“I’m passionate about the town and the community we live in and want to help others when and where I can therefore joining the town council seems like a great way to enable me to do this,” she added.