River Yealm & District Association

(Registered Charity Number 262929)

The River Yealm and District Association is known locally as the RYDA.

The RYDA was founded in the mid 1950’s and is both a Residents’ Association and a Conservation Group. Membership is open to all who live in Newton Ferrers, Noss Mayo and around the tidal waters of the River Yealm. Membership is by household. There are currently some 400 households who belong to the Association.

The Associations core aims, as expressed in its constitution, are as follows:-

The Association, by a policy of representation to Councils, other Authorities, Land Owners and Developers seeks to preserve the natural beauty of the tidal waters of the River Yealm, the surrounding countryside and villages and to protect the character of its architecture and points of historic interest.

In its time the RYDA has played a prominent role in the life of the two villages. The Association led the fight against proposals to have a Borstal Institution and subsequently an Airport at Collaton Cross. It championed the creation of the River Yealm Harbour Authority (RYHA), now an institution with its own brand new offices and effective control over the Yealm Estuary. It also monitored the introduction of the new television mast and, through its examination of all new local Planning Applications, aims to ensure that new building and alterations to existing structures are in keeping with the character of the two villages.

The RYDA organises the annual River Clean-Up. This takes place in the early Spring when the tides are right and before the holiday season opens. This is a major operation during which up to 100 RYDA Volunteers gather up from the estuary every sort of rubbish. In 2007, two tonnes of such rubbish was collected!

The RYDA supports Boatwatch, a volunteer group of people with boats who patrol the estuary after nightfall to discourage and deter theft and vandalism on the river. The level of such crime on the estuary here is minuscule compared with the other local estuaries.

Noss Mayo is fortunate in having an excellent example of properly tended woodland close to the heart of the village. The RYDA is the Head Lessee of Brookings Down Wood, recently acquired by public subscription and of great benefit to the two villages and all who come here. In addition to maintaining and developing the flora and fauna of the wood, there are annual scientific studies of the birds, moths and mammals that have come into the wood as a result of its careful management.

We aim to support the Newton and Noss Parish Council but remain an independent body within the two villages. The RYDA is currently leading a major briefing for its members on Affordable Housing, a critical problem throughout the country but particularly so here in the South Hams.

The day-to-day business of the Association is conducted by a Committee elected each year at the Annual General Meeting held in April. Its Members are as follows:-

Chairman: Robin Hogg, Anchor House, Noss Mayo - 872366

Secretary: Currently vacant.

Treasurer: Alan Lomax, Suncroft, Noss Mayo - 872444

Member: Christopher, Bradley Shore Steps House, Noss Mayo - 872035

Member: Rod Carter, Church Cottage, Newton Ferrers - 872212

Member: Eric Rodmell, Rodmells, Newton Ferrers - 872525

Member: Janet Martin, Colston Gate, Newton Ferrers - 872816

Member: William Taylor, Firslea, 85 Yealm Road, Newton Ferrers.

This committee publishes, roughly every three years, a local Telephone Directory (The Blue Book). This is generally considered to be indispensable to life in the village by all who live here. The most recent edition was launched in May 2007 - and largely funded by Marchand Petit. Monthly amendments are only published in the Parish Magazine. The Blue Book is a privatety printed Community Directory, obtainable on joining the RYDA or from the two village outlets listed below. Contributors should be aware of this should they have any privacy concerns.

This Directory is available free to all members. For non members a charge of £5 is made. This Directory can also be obtained at Tubbs the Chemist and The Post Office.

In general, it can be said that the main aim of the RYDA is look out for and work towards the best interests of the two villages. We contribute wherever possible, not so much through cash injections but through volunteer commitment by the members. Good examples being the Annual Harbour Cleanup and Boatwatch, but also in working to keep the membership, and by definition, the local population of the two villages, briefed on those issues of concern to everyone.

* Click Here to see the RYDA Rules of Association.

* Click Here to see the RYDA Membership application form

* Click Here to see the March 2006 RYDA Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the April 2006 RYDA AGM Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the Letter to NNPC.

* Click Here to see the July 2006 RYDA Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the September 2006 RYDA Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the November 2006 RYDA Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the draft letter on affordable housing.

* Click Here to see the April 2007 RYDA AGM Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the June 2007 RYDA Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the September 2007 RYDA Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the November 2007 RYDA Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the January 2008 RYDA Committee Minutes.

* Click Here to see the Boundary Committee RYDA Letter of 30th March 2008.

* Click Here to see the Calling Notice for 2008 AGM.

* Click Here to see the RYDA AGM Newsletter 2008.

* Click Here to see the April 2008 RYDA AGM Committee Minutes.