A TOWN volunteer community group dedicated to grassroots projects that boost self-sufficiency helped save 51 tonnes of food from being thrown in the bin last year.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford visited the town community fridge project in August, which is overseen by Transition Monmouth (TM).

TM is holding its first members’ meeting of 2023 online on Tuesday evening (January 10).

And summing up 2022, chairman Bryan Miller said “a year of achievments had been “underpinned by the hard work and dedication of members in pursuit of our ethos; building resilient and sustainable communities to combat climate change”.

Having emerged from Covid hibernation, local communities were emboldened to bring about change, he added.

“Waiting for ‘big government’ action is no longer viable as the clock ticks down towards environmental cliff edges; we are faster and more agile at the grass roots.”

Urging people to get involved, he highlighted the work of the Monmouth Community Fridge at the Bridges Centre Stables, which saved 51.2 tonnes of food from going to landfill.

“It continues to make nightly collections of near use-by and surplus food from local supermarkets. Its doors are then opened seven days a week to distribute to the public,” he said.

“Masses of volunteers and coordinator resource comes together to make this operation possible, resulting in astounding statistics over two years.”

CO2 savings totalled 127.9 tons, 15,273 customers were served by 35 volunteers, 6,237 bunches of flowers were redistributed, and 1,800 Facebook followers were engaged.

Monmouth Rotary stepped in to help cover the £450 monthly utility bill, before a Monmouth Town Council grant of £3,000 and £1,000 from M&S’ Neighbourly fund bridged the gap,, followed by £1,300 from You Decide (MCC Participatory Budget) and £1,000 from Welsh Government Food Security funding.

“In addition to food and flowers, the Fridge has been distributing environmentally-friendly period products, supplied by the county council,” said Bryan.

Other successes included apple pressing at Wyesham St James’ Hall and Rockfield Community Hall, and the donation of the press and scratter set to Benthyg Monmouth, the library of all things, for private and community pressings.

Pruning sessions were held at Two River Meadows Community Orchard under local expert Helena Ronicle, who has created a site management plan.

And a new community orchard along the Redbrook Road in Wyesham will use land gifted by Peter Morgan, backed by a Lottery Heritage grant.

“The grant award is the largest ever received by us, and will lead to a wonderful community asset that will be a biodiverse haven for wildlife and people,” said Bryan.

The group was also represented with stands at the Wye Valley River Festival, The Bee Festival and Wye July, while the Kitchen Garden and Wildflower Meadows were opened up to the public and TM supported the Seed Swap event at Bridges.

Green Grow/Green Spaces planting schemes were also initiated to improve biodiversity, air quality and flood prevention.

Other projects under the TM umbrella saw Plastic Free Monmouth increase its profile, while Wyesham Community Woodland hosted a Big Jubilee lunch, spooky Halloween gatherings and a Christmas tree chipping session to create pathways.

Bryan said: “We continue to engage with other groups from schools, charities, business and local groups to Government bodies at all levels. It is clear that our members continue to drive our projects with passion and energy. They also continue to engage the public in important environmental awareness... Massive thanks to all our wonderful volunteers.”

In November, the group also celebrated a High Sheriff award for Vivienne Mitchell who has spearheaded the 15-year-old group since its foundation.

Benthyg, which has launched Baby Benthyg, has now reopened at Bridges every Friday and Monday from 1pm to 2pm, while the next Repair Café at Rockfield Park Community Centre will be held on Sunday, January 15, from 2pm until 4.30pm.

TM’s first Seed/Plant Swap of 2023 is on Saturday, February 25, at 10am at Bridges, where you can swap seeds, plants, and organic vegetables, and have tools refurbished by Tools for Self Reliance Cymru.

The Members’ Meeting next Tuesday is at 7.30pm via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84883814127?pwd=ZjVIUDc2MTBLSW44NkU1VG05S0ZmZz09 - Meeting ID: 848 8381 4127 - Passcode: Transition.

See TM’s Facebook page for more information.