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Network Rural (NR) is a new not for profit organisation formed in 2005, with the aim of providing a programme of social, cultural, basic skills and personal development learning activities for the rural community in south east Leicestershire.
Network Rural provides a programme of courses and activities for all, particularly geared toward the rural community. Based in Owston, South Leicestershire, Network Rural organises and runs training courses and events in subjects as diverse as painting and photography, family history and birdwatching. It hosts exhibitions and events all year round.
All courses take place at the Rural Training Centre, Green Lane, Owston, Leicestershire, LE15 8DX.
The need to address problems of poor services in remote rural areas, particularly for socially and economically deprived groups, has been identified by the Countryside Agency: Planning tomorrow’s Countryside (2000), Leicestershire Rural Strategy (2002), The Rural White Paper (2002). In addition, emda’s key theme, Developing Sustainable Communities, identifies the need for learning and communication as part of sustainability.
The Rural Training Centre (RTC) at Owston has identified a very significant need from the response of a wide range of rural clients who are associated with the Centre. The RTC has responded by providing a limited number of pilot events and services. Activities include skills training, a book club, an exhibition of local artists’ work, and a show of local historical film footage. All these events have been successful and oversubscribed
Who will benefit from the activities of Network Rural?
Beneficiaries will be the whole rural community of the Harborough, Melton and Rutland local authority areas in Leicestershire. It has been identified that the rural population of these areas are excluded from certain public amenities and services, due to their remote locations. Beneficiaries will be encouraged to become NR members by payment of a nominal membership fee. Services will not, however, be limited to members.
The range of services and activities will be led by demand from clients, and regularly reviewed and updated. For 2006 the following events are planned:
Short courses on a range of topics, including:
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Photographing the rural landscape
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Painting the seasons
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Flowers for the home
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Natural history appreciation
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Environmental citizenship
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Conservation in the garden
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Yoga
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Food from the wild
Events:
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Storytelling evening
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Regular book group
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Art exhibition
Network Rural is a not-for-profit company set up to serve the needs of the community. There will be modest charges to clients for all courses. These charges will be at a level which ensures wide participation, and which is therefore below the true commercial rate. Other fundraising and revenue generation activities by Network Rural will serve to make up any shortfall in client receipts and hence ensure sustainability of the programmes.
In autumn 2006 Network Rural was successful in applying for lottery funding in the form of an 'Awards for All' Grant.
Who manages and directs Network Rural?
The Directors of Network Rural are members of the community with a range of backgrounds and interests. Staff at the Rural Training Centre manages day to day administration. A steering group will be appointed from members who can take an active role in deciding which programmes to offer.
For further information contact:
Andrew Pennill
Network Rural
C/o Rural Training Centre
Green Lane, Owston
Leicestershire
LE15 8DX
Telephone 01664 454507
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