New initiative to promote local cultural events

A New initiative by Newton Abbot Town Council to promote grass roots arts and cultural projects has got off to a flying start according to the organiser.

Kate Green, Community Outreach Worker with Newton Abbot Museum, set up her stall in Courtenay Street on Wednesday [April 17] to share information about local events and organisations.

Dubbed ‘Creative Newton Abbot – What’s Happening?’, the pop-up gazebo attracted plenty of interest from people ranging from aspiring authors to film-makers and those simply looking for something to do other than stay at home watching television.

Kate’s arrival was announced by Town Crier Nigel Kenneison whose sonorous tones soon had passers by stopping to find out more.

‘Creative Newton Abbot – What’s Happening?’ really started out as an idea that the museum should have a presence in the town centre on market days which is why I’ve brought some items from the collection with me,’ she said.

‘I talk to so many people who say they didn’t realise what events were taking place in the town or that they’re lost for something to do in the evenings or at the weekend, so this is a brand new initiative to fill that gap.

‘We’ll be in Courtenay Street every Wednesday between 11am – 1pm with information about workshops, exhibitions and any other creative or cultural opportunities people tell us about.

‘For example, today we’ve got loads of information about Teign U3A who have 60 different interest groups, Irish ceilidh dancing at The Jolly Farmer, the next performance at the Alexander Theatre, a new local film about cycling, plus leaflets about the museum as amazingly some people still don’t realise we have one in town.

‘Hopefully on future stalls we’ll be joined by members of the arts community who can tell the public all about their projects and in time this will be known as the go-to place for knowing what’s on, all the more important now we have no tourist information office.

‘Already on the first day I’ve talked with lots of people which is great start and I look forward to meeting many more.’

Anyone wanting to join Kate or have information on display at the weekly stall can leave leaflets at the museum or call 01626 201121.

Alternatively email kate.green@newtonsplace.org.

Newton Abbot Museum and its outreach programme are funded by Newton Abbot Town Council, both located at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.