This week’s Newark Advertiser readers’ letters
Proud of athlete’s achievement on the world stage
I can’t begin to say how proud I am to see Amy Hunt win silver in the World Athletics Championships.
I can well remember the first time she picked up a baton on the Barnby Road playing fields. We couldn't offer her much in the way of sprinting prowess, but Amy represented us in football, netball, hockey, cricket and cross-country teams and of course the Newark Primary Schools Area Sports.
Always polite, full of smiles, a clever, unassuming and hardworking young girl. She was a joy to teach and coach as Mr Chamberlain, Mrs Kelly, Mr Barbuti and Mr Shephard will all attest.
She shone in an exceptional year group full of sporting successes.
Knowing Amy and her lovely family, I would not be surprised if her netball and sports day medals were kept and hung up, not too far from her myriad trophies and indeed that previous fantastic European gold.
There will be many more medals for this exceptional young woman.
She will surely soon become an Olympian ...but for me she will always be gliding down the old Magdalene field grass track while the lines were still wet, yards ahead of everyone else, practising for sports day and delighting in beating our boys.
I’m sure all at Barnby Road and her many friends in Newark (past and present) will join me in wishing her even greater success. I can't wait to see what comes next! — K. EVELEIGH (ex-Barnby Road headteacher)
Dreams of restoring pool
I am wondering how many people in Newark are remembering with great fondness the old outdoor swimming pool.
I’m also wondering how many councillors who are members of the climate change committee understand how important a pool would have been for the people of Newark — especially during this past summer, which was exceptionally hot.
The swimming pool has been sadly missed and they haven't forgotten friendships formed, and fun-filled summer days, not to forget the good health and exercise that was so beneficial to all.
Councillors have the option to apply for grant funding in various places to improve the mental health and well-being of Newark residents by supplying spaces for exercise and socialisation.
It's such a shame the swimming pool is no longer available for our younger generations to enjoy just as we did when we were children, and I think officers should seriously look in to bringing the swimming pool back to Newark.
I would like to know how many Newark residents would love to see the pool back. — GILL DAWN, Newark.
Taking people for a ride?
I read in The Times newspaper and article on taking time off work, mainly related to the striking train drivers because they are underpaid.
These train drivers receive a salary of £75,000 a year, that is £1,500 a week — can you actually believe these figures just for sitting down driving a train?
When I left school to go and work for British Rail was about the lowest target you could aim for.
How times have changed.
Rail staff work 35 hours a week. On top of this, plus 39 days holidays. Their wages have increased by more than 24% since 2020. As an hourly rate their salary is equivalent to that earned by the Prime Minister.
London Underground staff are contracted for 35 hours a week, but actual shifts may differ. Many are rostered for 37.5 hours per week with any extra hours being banked for leave.
On top of 39 days of holidays ‘banked’ leave can add as many as 15 days to staff members allowances, bringing the total to well over 15 days off just for that one year alone.
British Rail staff are entitled to free travel on the rail network and also a nominated partner of family member living at the same address. They also get a 75% discount on any season tickets from their home into London.
Yet these greedy people want even more TFL have offered a 3.4% increase on their actual pay, which was rejected by their union, who are demanding their members only work 32 hours instead of the current 35.
Their union wants a 75% discount on all mainline travel, regardless of where and when. I feel sorry for all the residents of Newark who have the misfortune to work in the capital, and I know there are quite a lot.
All facts quotes are from The Times newspaper dated Thursday September 11, so you can be sure of their validity. — C. HOBBY, Newark
Don’t dabble with the darkness
I would like to support A. Laverack regarding their comments about Halloween.
As a former teacher and a Christian, I too have seen the damage that dabbling with darkness can do to young minds.
As far as the Halloween paraphernalia in shops is concerned, it is purely a money- making exercise, designed to line the wallets of the owners.
My husband and I choose to walk in the light of Jesus Christ, along with our Christian brothers and sisters at Newark Evangelical Church.
We find a peace that only Jesus can give. — P. PIRIE, Newark.