Newton Stewart Initiative is a community organisation with charitable status, reformed in 2014 to regenerate our town, involved as many people and groups as possible. Newton Stewart Initiative aims to develop community facilities, support community led initiatives, businesses and regeneration projects, youthwork, arts and sports projects and any other project that benefits the community living, working or studying in and around Newton Stewart.
Newton Stewart, ‘Gateway to the Galloway Hills’, is a small market town situated on the banks of the River Cree, in the heart of Galloway. Like many rural communities in recent years, it has suffered from economic decline; job losses; cuts to funding for facilities & services; and a perceived lack of social initiative & investment. Newton Stewart Initiative are working to bring our small town back to being a wonderful community to live in and showcase the many opportunities available for improvement and revitalisation, both in the beautiful landscape that surrounds us, as well as the inspiring community spirit.
It is our vision that Newton Stewart Initiative will bring together the aspirations, enthusiasm, skills and experience of the people of Newton Stewart and Minnigaff to create the vehicle of change that will see our town revitalised and turned into a town that is growing in prosperity, economically as well as socially.
Newton Stewart Initiative is an accredited Real living Wage Employer who are committed to Fair Work First
Newsletters:
Our monthly newsletters are sent out to all members of NSI. It is free to join us, just drop us an email at info@newtonstewartinitiative.net for an application form
A Brief Summary of the Organisation:
Registered Charity
Scottish Registered Charity No. SC029869
Board of Trustees: Chair- David Inglis | Vice Chair – Dave Bleasdale | | Trustee – Chrissie Hill | Trustee – Ken Barlow | Trustee – Linda Woodfield | Trustee – Moyra Breckenridge | Trustee – Simon Wardell | Trustee – Lauren Keenan
Project Support Worker: Lindsay Banks
Admin Worker: Naomi Dunbar
Youth Work Coordinator: Matthew Robinson
Circa 296 Ordinary Members
Volunteer Operational Management:
Monthly Executive Meetings:
Core group – business/major decisions made
Work allocation
Sub Group Meetings:
Fundraising
Groups formed for specific projects/pieces of work EG Newton Stewart Centre, Douglas Park.
Meet regularly and as and when required
Involvement of other groups/members
Community Involvement:
Regular updates in local press
All members sent circular information whenever appropriate
Use of Social Media – Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter
Own web page and links to it from other websites
Public meetings
NSI attendance at other committee meetings
Public consultations
Members from other groups invited to join focused sub groups to take projects forward
Financial Management:
We have a number of pots of money to be used for different areas of work:
Ring-fenced funds available for:
Youth Work from The Holywood Trust
Fixed Assets: Newton Stewart Centre.
Core funding for general use
Meet our trustees:
What is a trustee?
Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee’s role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first.
They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.
An Overview of Being a Trustee with NSI by Dave Bleasdale
Being a trustee is about sound governance and a strong and
united vision, creating a team with mixed skills and backgrounds and pulling
together. At NSI we have a strong leader in our chair, David Inglis, Linda
Woodfield running and managing the shop, Dave Bleasdale leading on youth work
and developing a strong partnership with D&G Youth Work team, Ken
Barlow leading on developing initiatives
and links with older people, Chrissie Hill developing Vibe 75, Moyra
Breckenridge on office work and administration, Lauren Keenan bringing the
voice of youth to the table. Together we have developed Douglas Park, including a BMX track,
inclusive play park and Changing Places Toilet, doubled youth work provision in
the area, run several free family events, run a successful community shop which
helps fund some of what we do, started a reminiscence group and are helping to
regenerate the town centre with our involvement in the Grapes Hotel and Vibe
75.
We have established a solid and professional relationship
with funders who continue to invest in our ideas and vision. We work closely
and collaboratively with other organisations to deliver a Local Place Plan to
D&G Council and helped kickstart Galloway Hillbillies into becoming the
successful organisation they are now. NSI have supported other organisations
such as the Galloway Pageant and the Christmas Lights Group and also help
co-ordinate all events in our area through our regular events flyers.
Why would you want to become a trustee?
Being a trustee can be very rewarding. As a trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.
You may choose to get involved with a charity focused on a cause or an issue you are passionate about or because your life has been touched by the work of that voluntary organisation. It is also a great way to get involved in a community or find out more about the not-for-profit sector.
Being a trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.
As a trustee, you are part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role.
Personal Testimonial from Chair, David Inglis
I was invited to become a trustee of Newton Stewart Initiative in 2013. I had previously been involved with community organisations such as Round Table and Rotary, and thought it would be a natural progression for me to give something back to the community which has supported me and my business for over 50 years.
It very quickly became an important part of my life. Being involved in the regeneration of the town, along with numerous like minded people, has been hugely rewarding.
Community groups such as the Initiative are vital to the growth and regeneration of towns and villages like Newton Stewart.. Sowing the seed of an idea or project and seeing it come to fruition is tremendously satisfying and a real investment in the people and the place.
Society now relies heavily on volunteer groups and without them our communities would not be as colourful and vibrant as they are today. I dread to think how many hours I have spent on voluntary work through the Initiative. My primary motivation though is to build on what is already on offer in Newton Stewart and to deliver the best possible place for our children, our grandchildren and their friends to grow up in and be proud of.
If becoming a trustee is something you are interested in drop us an email info@newtonstewartintiative.net