Let's Talk together about what matters

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Published 18 December, 2025

Council Leader, Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby"As we approach the festive season, I am conscious that this year’s holiday season will be different for many.

For residents and businesses affected by the flooding, it will be a challenging time. Many residents sadly won’t be able to be in their own homes yet. Many businesses will have lost stock and have premises that will take longer to reopen. When I think of the flooding, alongside the struggles of those affected, I also think of the tremendous community spirit that came to the fore. People helping people in every way possible in the wake of the unimaginable.

Every one of us can keep helping though. For example, I’d encourage you to support, where possible, local businesses when you’re out getting your food and gifts for Christmas. It could make a real difference to businesses who are struggling to get back on their feet.

Christmas can also bring challenges of a different sort, personal challenges. Maybe you’re finding it lonely, perhaps it’ll be your first Christmas on your own, or your first following a bereavement. If this resonates with you, wherever you are this Christmas, please don’t be alone. For example, for those in Monmouth, The Priory is inviting local residents who are alone to pop in for a Community Christmas dinner from noon on Christmas Day.

This is just one example of the community spirit in Monmouthshire. We all reach out at times when others need a smile, need support, need somewhere to go, need a meal. There will be a seat for you at a table with food and friendship in a village hall, a church, or a community centre, where you can be and feel part of the community.

So wherever you are this Christmas, I hope you're able to spend it with others in your community, with friends, or with family. In the meantime, I wish you a healthy, peaceful and happy Christmas."


Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council


Published 18 December, 2025

Council Leader, Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby"As we approach the festive season, I am conscious that this year’s holiday season will be different for many.

For residents and businesses affected by the flooding, it will be a challenging time. Many residents sadly won’t be able to be in their own homes yet. Many businesses will have lost stock and have premises that will take longer to reopen. When I think of the flooding, alongside the struggles of those affected, I also think of the tremendous community spirit that came to the fore. People helping people in every way possible in the wake of the unimaginable.

Every one of us can keep helping though. For example, I’d encourage you to support, where possible, local businesses when you’re out getting your food and gifts for Christmas. It could make a real difference to businesses who are struggling to get back on their feet.

Christmas can also bring challenges of a different sort, personal challenges. Maybe you’re finding it lonely, perhaps it’ll be your first Christmas on your own, or your first following a bereavement. If this resonates with you, wherever you are this Christmas, please don’t be alone. For example, for those in Monmouth, The Priory is inviting local residents who are alone to pop in for a Community Christmas dinner from noon on Christmas Day.

This is just one example of the community spirit in Monmouthshire. We all reach out at times when others need a smile, need support, need somewhere to go, need a meal. There will be a seat for you at a table with food and friendship in a village hall, a church, or a community centre, where you can be and feel part of the community.

So wherever you are this Christmas, I hope you're able to spend it with others in your community, with friends, or with family. In the meantime, I wish you a healthy, peaceful and happy Christmas."


Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council


  • Register your interest

    If you would like Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby to come along to your community group or organisation in the coming months, please use this form to express interest. 

    We're aiming to accommodate as many groups around the county as possible, diaries permitting, however we cannot promise to be able to meet every request due to other council commitments in Mary Ann's diary.

    In this form we'll ask for some suggested dates - if you can be flexible and send a selection of dates, this will be helpful when we are planning the visits.

    Any questions, please email letstalk@monmouthshire.gov.uk

    Thank you

    Express interest here
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Page last updated: 18 Dec 2025, 12:41 PM