The NEWTON & NOSS NETWORK is an initiative to strengthen the community by providing informal learning opportunities locally.

What is Newton and Noss Network?

Newton and Noss Network is an initiative to extend learning opportunities in the local community using the 2004 Parish Plan (based on a questionnaire circulated to all parishioners)

What is its status?

The Network is independent with its own Constitution, run by a committee of volunteers.

What has been achieved?

1. Tutored Courses- the whole community benefits –

The Courses provide informal and local learning opportunities . The programme is organised by volunteers , the tutors are paid and these costs and venue charges are covered by course fees. Approx. 150 participants per annum.

2. U3A - the retired benefit –started 2006

The Newton & Noss Network has been instrumental in setting up a U3A (University of the Third Age). The success is evident with over 150 members and 15 interest groups meeting to share expertise and knowledge on a self-help basis. This runs as an independent organisation (part of the national U3A).

3. The young are most important, what is for them?

(a) Active Tots - Pre-School children – started 2006

Activity sessions for pre-school children in the primary school– classes run by a local PE teacher (volunteer) providing activities of exercise, play, music and story telling. The benefits are multiple – for the children the start of a healthy lifestyle and an introduction to the school. The parents/carers enjoy the opportunity to meet socially and discuss ideas and problems.

(b) New Noss Adventurers {9 to 15 yrs }– started 2009

The activities are chosen by the committee of young members. Quote from one of the members ‘Our Adventure club has a range of general interests and provides a variety of activities . The club also provides an opportunity for those attending different schools to mix, making a more cohesive society.” The youth leader has gained life skills from his involvement with the club.

(c) Yealm Community Sailing –{ 7 - 12 yrs} – started 2009

The courses give all children the opportunity to learn to sail whether they can afford a boat or not and even if their parents cannot sail. Money has been raised for a fleet of new sailing dinghies for the primary school to extend their sailing programme and money for training of local instructors. An additional programme to the primary school training has been developed open to all 7 to 12 year olds in the area. The 2010 programme has been most successful. We have contributed to the training of some YYC cadets to be instructors giving teenagers a confidence building life skill.

New Noss Adventurers

A wide ranging programme of activities eg. Surfing, food from the wild, circus skills, ‘Ray Mears’ type outdoor survival skills - full details on secure website www.newnossadventurers.org (password needed for full access)

Contact: Fiona Nicholson tel. 873255

Yealm Community Sailing

A programme of courses for beginners will be publicised in Spring 2011 – additional volunteers are needed to help to adminster the programme

Contact: Andrew Crawford tel. 872206