More than 80 guests gathered on Saturday to mark the official opening of the Eddie Butler Performance Centre, a world-class facility dedicated to sport, wellbeing and the enduring legacy of one of Wales’s greatest rugby figures.
Members of Eddie Butler’s family, including his children and grandchildren, joined Old Monmothians, distinguished alumni and representatives from Sport Wales, Team Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union, alongside staff and students, for the occasion.
The celebrations featured speeches from Headmaster Melvyn Roffe MBE, Lord Colin Moynihan and Director of Sport Richie Rees, as well as an emotional film voiced by Eddie himself. Eddie’s son, Jack Butler, delivered a heartfelt address before unveiling a commemorative plaque. Guests then toured the cutting-edge facilities, designed to inspire future generations of athletes both at the school and across the wider Monmouthshire community and Wales.
Credit: Haberdashers’ Monmouth School
Headmaster Melvyn Roffe MBE said:
“The Eddie Butler Performance Centre reflects Eddie’s lasting connection to Monmouth and symbolises the spirit of community, ambition and the values he carried throughout his life. It will give generations of pupils, as well as the wider community, the opportunity to learn, train and thrive in outstanding facilities.”
Jack Butler added:
“Dad always believed in the power of sport to shape character and bring people together, and to see his name attached to a place where young athletes can grow and push themselves is truly inspiring. All of us – his six children and his grandchildren – are here today, proud to celebrate his legacy.”
Sue Butler. Credit: Haberdashers’ Monmouth School
Sue Butler, Eddie’s wife, said:
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed by the space. It’s moving to be here, but what Eddie would be most proud of is that this centre is in Wales – for the students, for the wider Monmouth community, and for Wales itself. To have a world-class facility built here is truly special.”
Director of Sport Richie Rees, a former Welsh international, emphasised the centre’s role in continuing Eddie’s influence:
“Eddie embodied the values we want our students to aspire to – passion, dedication and integrity – and it’s an honour to carry his name on such a facility. These spaces will inspire future generations of athletes and benefit the whole community.”
Brian Davies OBE, CEO of Sport Wales, praised the vision behind the project:
“I think the Eddie Butler Centre is a great example of fusing a lot of qualities – education, sport and community. The EBC can do it all. What was so wonderful was how genuinely enthusiastic the students are – it’s brilliant and it shows how invested the school is in sport.”
Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, Chief Executive of Team Wales, described the centre’s wider impact:
“It’s rare to find facilities of this calibre, especially within a school. The Eddie Butler Centre is an incredible setting for developing athletes and for Team Wales, who will benefit from future talent nurtured here. What’s particularly exciting is that it supports all sports — I’ve spoken with students who row, play rugby, netball, and hockey, and they’re all so inspired by the opportunities this centre provides. It’s a true testament to how deeply Haberdashers’ Monmouth School is invested in sport.”
Former Welsh international, Lions player and rugby coach at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, John Bevan emphasised the importance of expert guidance to match the facilities:
“This facility is outstanding, and the students are genuinely excited to use it. Having something of this standard within the school is impressive, but what matters most is that the teaching staff match the quality of the space – ensuring students can use the equipment safely and effectively. That support is vital in helping them build their strength, technique and confidence.”
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-pair-of-canadian-voter-cards-for-the-2025-federal-election.jpg?id=59866092&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=97%2C0%2C98%2C0"/><br/><br/><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/canada-election" target="_blank">Canada's federal election</a> is set for Monday, April 28, 2025, and if you live in Montreal, it's officially time to get your voting plan in order. Whether you're a seasoned voter or it's your first time stepping into a booth, chances are you've got a few questions — Am I registered? Where do I vote? What do I need to bring?</p><p>With that in mind, we've put together a no-stress, straight-to-the-point guide to how to vote in Montreal — from checking your registration to finding your riding, sorting out your ID, and figuring out what to do if your voter card is still MIA.</p><p>As for who to vote for? That's on you.</p><h3>When is Canada's federal election</h3><br/><p><span style="">Election day is April 28 for all Canadians</span>, and polls in Quebec are open from <span style="">9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.</span></p><p>If you don't want to wait in line on a Monday, you've got options.</p><h3>Who's allowed to vote in a federal election?</h3><br/><p>To vote in a federal election in Canada, you must be:</p> <ul> <li> A Canadian citizen</li> <li> At least 18 years old on election day (April 28, 2025)</li> <li> Registered on the voters list</li> </ul> <p>You don't need to be born in Canada. If you've been granted citizenship and meet the age requirement, you're good to go.</p><p>And if you're scheduled to work on election day, don't worry — <a href="https://www.elections.ca/content2.aspx?document=faqtimo&lang=e§ion=faq&utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">federal law</a> says you're entitled to three consecutive hours off to vote. That means if your shift overlaps with polling hours (9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Quebec), your employer has to give you enough time to get to the polls. They get to choose when during your shift, but they can't dock your pay for it. </p><h3>Which Montreal riding am I in?</h3><br/><p>Montreal is divided into several federal ridings — like <span style="">Outremont</span>, <span style="">Papineau</span>, <span style="">Hochelaga</span>, <span style="">Ville-Marie–Le Sud-Ouest–Île-des-Sœurs</span>, and <span style="">Pierrefonds–Dollard</span>, just to name a few.</p><p>To find your exact riding, you can use the tool at <a href="https://www.elections.ca/" style="" target="_blank">elections.ca</a> and plug in your <span style="">home address or postal code</span>.</p><h3>Where can I vote in Montreal?</h3><br/><p>Your voter card will list your exact polling station. If you don't have it yet, go to <a target="_blank">elections.ca</a>, enter your postal code, and it'll give you your location.</p><p>Polling places in Montreal are usually <span style="">local schools, community centres, or churches. While</span> most are accessible, it's best to check beforehand if you have specific mobility needs.</p><h3>How do I know if I'm registered to vote?</h3><br/><p>Visit <a href="https://www.elections.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">elections.ca</a> to check your registration. It takes two minutes, and you'll find out if you're already on the list or need to update something (like a new address).</p><h3>What if I haven't received my voter card?</h3><br/><p>If you haven't gotten it yet, your voter information card should be arriving in the mail any day now. It tells you where, when, and how to vote — and helps speed things up at the polls.</p><p>If you don't have your card by April 11, or notice any mistakes on it, Elections Canada says to double-check or update your info by April 22 at 6 p.m. You can do that online or by calling them.</p><p>But even if your card doesn't show up, you can still vote — you'll just need to register in person at your polling station during advance voting (April 18 to 21) or on election day. Just bring ID with your name and address, and expect things to take a little longer.</p><p>To check or update your info, head to <a href="https://www.elections.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">elections.ca</a>.</p><h3>Which pieces of ID do I need to bring?</h3><br/><p>You must prove both your identity and your Montreal address. The easiest way is with <span style="">one government-issued ID</span> (like a Quebec driver's license or health card).</p><p>If you don't have one, bring <span style="">two pieces of ID</span> — one with your name, one with your address. Utility bills, student cards, and even lease agreements can work. </p><p>There's a <a href="https://www.elections.ca/content2.aspx?section=id&document=index&lang=e" target="_blank">full list</a> on Elections Canada's website.</p><h3>What if I don't speak French?</h3><br/><p>Not a problem. Montreal polling stations offer <span style="">bilingual service</span>, and you can <span style="">request interpretation</span> in advance if you need support in another language. That info is on your voter card, or you can call your local Elections Canada office to ask.</p><h3>Can I vote early?</h3><br/><p><br/></p><p>Yes, you can vote early in Montreal. Advance voting days are from April 18 to 21. Your assigned polling station and its hours will be listed on your voter information card or can be found at <a href="https://www.elections.ca" target="_blank">elections.ca</a>. Advance polls are typically less crowded, making it a convenient option.</p><p>You can also vote by mail. However, you'll need to apply for a special ballot through Elections Canada by Tuesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. Once approved, you'll get a voting kit in the mail with everything you need. Just make sure to fill it out and return it on time — your ballot has to arrive before the deadline to count.</p><p>You can apply online <a href="http://elections.ca/voting-by-mail" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><h3>What happens if I forget to register?</h3><br><p>You can <span style="">register at the polls</span> — even on election day. Just bring your ID and show up with enough time to fill out the form before casting your ballot.</p></br><p><br/></p><p><em>Love this? 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