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:
A Brief Summary of the Organisation:
Registered Charity
Scottish Registered Charity No. SC029869
Board of Trustees: Chair- David Inglis | Vice Chair – Dave Bleasdale | Treasurer – Allan Marshall | Trustee – Chrissie Hill | Trustee – Ken Barlow | Trustee – Linda Woodfield | Trustee – Gavin McHallum | Trustee – Joe Logan | Trustee – Lauren Keenan
Project Support Worker: Lindsay Banks
Youth Workers: Erin Thomson, Finlay Anderson, Naomi Dunbar
Circa 273 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:
Douglas Park Inclusive Play Park Development from Gannochy Trust
Community Centre Development from Kilgallioch Community Fund and Investing in Ideas
Youth Work from The Holywood Trust
Website Development from Scotland Loves Local
Group Support from Machars Area Partnership
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.
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.
If becoming a trustee is something you are interested in drop us an email info@newtonstewartintiative.net