Newstead Village Community Trust (NVCT) is a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC684078) and is a Registered Charity (SC052042) 

Registered Office: The Bridge Community Resource Centre, 11 Exchange St, Jedburgh, TD8 6BH

NVCT was formed in 2021 when a group of Newstead residents got together to support one another during the Pandemic.

NVCT aims:

- Enhance the quality of life for those living in and visiting Newstead

- Nurture a connected, thriving, and resilient community

- Preserve and raise awareness of Newstead’s unique heritage and history

- Safeguard Newstead’s natural environment, wildlife and promote sustainable     development

- Advance community development and citizenship

- Develop a shared community vision delivered in partnership with our members and other stakeholders

- Improve recreational facilities and activities

- Ensure Newstead is an all-inclusive, equitable and welcoming village

- Raise, invest, and distribute funds to benefit the greatest number of residents

- Facilitate the acquisition and management of community land for the benefit of the village.

The aim of the Trust is to improve the quality of life for those living in the village, preserve its unique heritage and safeguard its natural environment. The organisation works in partnership with its members and other stakeholders to deliver a shared vision through a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable approach. 

Our Directors

Chair: Mark Lovatt. Mark is a headteacher and is passionate about education. Having retired he has been persuaded back into the classroom but continues to enjoy his volunteer role with NVCT.

Secretary: Andrew Kelly. Andrew moved to Newstead in 2017. He enjoys village life and making new friends. He works as an optometrist in Galashiels. This is his first role with a local community organisation. He is enjoying the challenges and lessons it brings. Andrew enjoys DIY, cycling and running in his spare time.

Treasurer: Jane Nyberg. Jane has a background in Social Work and has recently retired. Before moving to Newstead she was involved in launching a Residents Association in Gateshead, helping to develop a local Community Centre and hosting group activities.  Jane and Mark have been renovating their home in the village for the last five years.

Membership Secretary: Isobel King. Isobel is a Retired Director of a PLC and a retired University Lecturer. She has more than 60 years’ experience in the Third Sector in a voluntary capacity. Her voluntary work has involved her in a wide range of roles and organisations.

Isobel has had a home in Newstead since 1987.

Director: Lucy Morton. Lucy grew up in St Boswells, before going on to study Medicine at the University of St Andrews and then Aberdeen. After spending some time working in Edinburgh and Fife, moved back to the Borders for her GP training. Lucy now works as a GP and enjoys walking, wild swimming and tending to her chickens. 

Director: Jonathan Morton. Jonathan grew up in Melrose. He studied Chemistry and Physics at the University of St Andrews before taking a PhD in Physics at Heriot Watt University. After this he spent four years as a research scientist and now works as a high school Physics teacher. He enjoys taking the dog for a run up the hill. 

Director: Meri Taylor. Meri has been a Newstead resident on and off for 10 years. Meri is the third generation of Taylors to live at Cairnhill and shares her love for Newstead with her late grandmother Liz Taylor – a well-known resident and historical novelist – and her father, Adam. Meri is a qualified nurse working at the BGH. She is keen to help and be part of the community.