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Artist Don Lavelle set his easel up in the middle of Chepstow High Street and painted this detailed watercolour for us. He decided to highlight the arch in a dominant position on the top right of the composition with a wide angle of view to ensure that most of the High Street can be seen. Much detail has been included by the artist yet retaining a relatively loose style. Contrast has been introduced by shading one side of the street and emphasising the sunny side. The artist decided to omit some of the more unsightly street fittings - such as the traffic signs and lights - and it was also thought better to exclude cars from the scene. A Welsh flag flying lightly in the breeze was added to the Arch to complete the complete the painting.

An Abergavenny chef was picked to cook for the creme-de-la-creme of the gastronomic world for TV programme for The Great British Menu.

The White Hart in the pretty village of Llangybi, near Usk, guarantees a warm welcome and delicious food.

Exotically-named teams of men and women in brightly coloured boats disturbed the peaceful waters of the River Wye to raise money for St David's Foundation Hospice Care.

Visit the quiet village of Grosmont today and you'd be forgiven for thinking its history has been nothing but peaceful, despite the castle in the heart of the village. But, as David Pilling, shares with MCL, it was the site of one of the key battles in Owain Glyndwr's campaign for Welsh independence The Battle of Pwll Melyn (Yellow Lake) was fought in the spring of 1405 near Grosmont, in Monmouthshire, and was one of the key battles during the Welsh wars of independence led by Owain Glyndwr against the King of England, Henry IV.

Jo Barnes catches up with Usk author Julie McGowan.

Ladies are under starter's orders for the social gathering of the year when the highly prestigious Ladies' Evening event is held at Chepstow Racecourse on Friday, July 11.

Marianne Sparrenius-Waters is Swedish, married to a Welsh man and has owned a house in Monmouthshire for the past 20 years. She moved here permanently last summer and has opened a galley, shop and café near Usk

Upon entering the Essence of Beauty salon, at Dewstow, which was recently nominated for a Customer Excellence Award, I was immediately welcomed by salon manager Tania Dowse, who made me feel relaxed and at ease.

Year Two pupils at Agincourt School, Monmouth, entered a nationwide prose and art competition run by Oxford University. The competition invited pupils to design a perfect city.