The opening family event will showcase various activities that regularly take place in the centre. There will also be a photographic history on show and information about how rooms can be booked for future events and activities. It is a wonderful facility at the heart of the Newtown community. Sign up for the free sessions on the day from 11am.
11.00 Newtown Roots Band
11.15 Welcome and Official Opening
11.30 Newtown Community Choir
12.00-3.00 FREE TASTER SESSIONS
(sign up from 11am if you would like to learn more about these regular activities)
12.00-3.00 Magic Carpet (Marquee)
12.00 Woodcraft Folk (Room 2, downstairs)
12.00 Spanish Conversation (Room 3, upstairs)
12.10 Newtown Roots Band Workshop (Main Room)
12.30 Jumping Beans (Room 2)
12.30 Qigong (Room 3)
1.00 Pilates (Room 2)
1.00 Meditation Group (Room 3)
1.10 Newtown Roots Band & The Bulgarian Society (Main Room)
1.30 Newtown Community Choir Workshop (Main Space)
2.00 Princess Ballerinas (Room 2)
2.00 Monkey Music (Room 3)
2.30 Capoeira Libertacao (Room 2)
2.30 Social Café (Main Room)
2.30 Park Parade
Here’s a little bit of information about the regular user groups participating in the opening event:-
Bulgarian Society
The Bulgarian Society in Devon was founded in March 2012 to popularize Bulgarian culture and provide a meeting place for Bulgarians who live in the South West. It organizes a Sunday school for children to learn to read and write in Bulgarian, traditional folk dancing and celebrations of Bulgarian national holidays and festivals. At the opening event we will present a traditional Bulgarian folk dance played by the Newtown Roots band. For further information contact Zhivko: bulgarian.society_devon@yahoo.co.uk
Capoeira
Capoeira Libertacao is a Newtown based group practising the Brazilian artform called Capoeira. The origins of Capoeira began in the early part of the slave trade (1600s) when Africans were forcibly removed from their homeland and a community of survival began between the different tribes, stories and cultures were shared and Afro-Brazilian culture began. Legend has it that Capoeira was a way of disguising fighting practise as a dance. In its current form, Capoeira is a fusion of music and song; movement and game-play; theatre and creativity; cultural respect and community. For further information contact James: 07765 830746, www.capoeiralibertacao.orgcapoeiralibertacaoexeter@gmail.com
Jumping Beans
Jumping Beans is a dance class for 2-5 year olds and their parents/carers. During a Jumping Beans session we go on adventures and use props to encourage your child’s imagination. We introduce and develop natural actions of the body such as walking, running, jumping, skipping, hopping and galloping. The classes are designed to help physical development, co-ordination, concentration, creativity and self-expression in a dance format. Clare is a qualified ISTD dancing teacher and has been teaching ballet, tap, modern and jazz for over 10 years, from 18 months up to adult.For further information contact Clare: 0771 4322883, Claresaunders11@gmail.com, http://www.jumpingbeansdevon.com/home-page
Magic Carpet(arts for health)
We run regular workshops in Exeter and East Devon to inspire personal growth, well-being and awareness through the power of creativity for people challenged by health or social circumstances. They are led by a dedicated team of talented artists running regular painting, ceramics, printing, drama and music activities for mental health groups, learning disability groups and community groups. For further information contact Robert Wynne: 01392 422938, info@magiccarpet-arts.co.uk,https://www.magiccarpet-arts.co.uk/about_us
Meditation Group
The group offers a calming meditation practise using breathing from the Buddhist tradition. There is no requirement to become a Buddhist. We do use some aspects of Buddhist teaching that help us to maintain meditation, such as the classic five hindrances to concentrating and settling. It is a learner’s class requiring no previous experience. We start with 20 minute’s breathing meditation, discuss our experience and then do another 15-minute meditation. Some use cushions, other chairs. We end with a social tea, biscuits and a chat. Payment is by voluntary donation. For further information contact Bill Vennells: 07482 191207, billvennells@hotmail.com
Monkey Music
Monkey Music is opening in Newtown, Exeter at the new community centre building in Belmont Park! As well as having an amazing time you will be nurturing your little one’s natural musicality and help in their development. The award winning Monkey Music curricula is a good fit for each age group from babies at 3 months up to 4 year olds, in four separate age specific classes. Their original music has been written with a sound understandingof how children learn best. Monkey Music has been a popular choice for the families in Exeter for over 12 years and is run by Daniele Coombe, a West End actress and mother of 2. For further information contact Daniele Coombe: 0845 0178766, exeter@monkeymusic.co.uk,www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/exeter
NCA Choir
It’s an exciting time at Newtown Community Choir as they move into the new building with a new musical director, Kathy Rufolo. Singing really is an accessible hobby with a huge range of social and health benefits. It doesn’t matter how you rate your singing ability (no auditions), if you can speak then you can sing, plus it’s a very friendly and fun group. Pop in one Tuesday evening for a free taster session and find out for yourself! For further information please contact Peter: 07946 637782, choir@newtowncommunity.org.uk
Pilates
A class designed to strengthen the core muscles that help stabilise and support the spine, toning the body aiding to improve posture and alignment as well as relieve stress and tension. Pilates is suitable for everybody, bringing mind and body together, its controlled approach helps to gain long lasting results, helping to ease back and joint pain. Doris is an experienced Pilates teacher (REPS member / VCTC UK qualified) and is public liability insured. Bring a mat if you would like to participate. For more information please contact Doris: 07769 687319, doris@toneup2fitness.com/ www.toneup2fitness.com
Princess Ballerinas
Beautiful imaginative ballet classes for your little ones! Does your child love to twirl, play make believe and dress-up? Then she will LOVE becoming a Princess Ballerina! Each week she’ll hop, skip and twirl through an imaginary adventure!Unique theme-based classes will keep your child enthralled week after week!By encouraging your child’s creativity and independence in a fun and supportive atmosphere you’ll see your child blossom before your eyes!Classes every Thursday at 4.15pm age 3 – 4 yearsand 5.00pm age 5 – 6 years. For further information contact Bernie Cavanagh: 01626 854435, princessballerinas@outlook.com/ www.facebook,com/princessballerinasdevon/
Qigong
Qigong is an ancient system of Chinese exercise similar to Tai Chi. It can relax the body, reduce stress, improve breathing, gently build strength and improve energy levels while enhancing coordination and balance. It is sometimes described as “Meditation in Movement”. No previous experience of Qigong is needed.The twice-weekly sessions are led by Joe Salmon who has twenty-five years experience teaching Tai Chi and Qigong at all levels. We follow each session with a short social café. The first taster session is free and £6 thereafter (plus 50p if you stay for a short caféafterwards). If you would like any more information do contact Joe Salmon: 07828 602665,www.taichination.com
Roots Band
Newtown Roots Band is an all ages, all abilities community folk band that make a big lush sound! We learn a variety of folk tunes by ear then play them with exciting arrangements, energy and fun. We’re a really friendly group who meet at 7.30 every Thursday in term time in Belmont hut. Come along and try us out – bring an acoustic instrument – you don’t need to read music. For further information please contact Ali Jones: 07759 386178, aljonesfiddle@gmail.com
Social Café
Run as an NCA event by local people, for local people, Social Café is a relaxed opportunity for people in and near Newtown to come to meet neighbours and others from the local community. Anyone is welcome to come along from 10:30-12 noon on the second Wednesday of the month (in 2020 it will move to the third Wednesday of the month). Around 10 to 25 regulars attend, we’re a friendly bunch and love to welcome newcomers. The cafe is free and there is sometimes a talk or activity for part of the session. We may ask for donations towards a charity if there is a talk. If you would like any more information do contact Su Aves: 01392 272793.
Spanish Conversation/ Habla Español
Courses available for those at beginner, intermediate or advanced level and 1 2 1 & group tuition. Classes can help preparation for GCSE, A level & IB examinations. Whether you are a beginner or at an advance/university level, or just wishing to brush up for a business or holiday trip these courses can really help. Doris is a qualified native and experienced teacher of Spanish with 30 years teaching Spanish as a foreign language and is DfES Registered. Bookings and more information: 07769 687319, info@exeterspanishschool.co.uk; http://exeterspanishschool.co.uk