New year messages for Newark Advertiser readers from politicians and community leaders
The Advertiser has asked political and community figures across the area to give their reflections on 2022 and their hopes for the year ahead.
This is what they said:
As 2022 ends, we look with hope to 2023, writes Newark MP Robert Jenrick.
The last year has finally seen the opening up of our communities free of covid restrictions and while covid is still with us, it is good to see a sense of normality taking place with our shops and restaurants fully open once more.
On the big projects I’ve been working on, the A46 scheme is progressing well and will bring investment and better quality of life to the area, and the ASTI college is starting to take shape which will provide education and training for the next generation of engineers.
I was pleased to see the new carpark at the Newark Hospital announced this month, making visits easier for patients, after many years of campaigning.
With the war in Ukraine still raging, I am extremely grateful to those of you who have opened up your homes and supported families in need.
Thank you to all those working over the Christmas period, including at Newark Hospital, in the NHS, care homes, police and fire service and the numerous shop and hospitality workers.
I wish you and your family, a prosperous and successful New Year.
Sherwood MP Mark Spencer writes: “It is safe to say that 2022 has been a turbulent year in the Westminster bubble.
Since the landslide 2019 election, we have seen uncertainty in our politics — the UK’s departure from the European Union, a global pandemic that shut down countries worldwide and now a brutal war in Ukraine at the hands of Vladimir Putin.
It wouldn’t be right of me to deny the fact that while we continue to fight the growing threat of climate change, improve our education system and deliver on the levelling up agenda, families back home in Nottinghamshire are undoubtedly feeling the squeeze in these current economic times.
I have always believed that in times like these, difficult decisions need to be made that are not always popular.
It is unfortunate that the investment of taxpayer money to meet these challenges comes at a time when households nationwide are feeling the pinch on our own budgets.
However, I want to assure my constituents back home in Sherwood that this Government is up to the task. We will work hard in 2023 and beyond to protect our environment and lower our carbon emissions, all whilst fighting this cost-of-living battle.
I know that we have been through tougher times as a nation before and have always sprung back stronger.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish my constituents a happy new year — here’s to 2023.
The Mayor of Newark, Laurence Goff, writes: 2022 has been another difficult year and we all know that people are struggling.
The worst of covid-19 may have gone, but it and its effects are still with us, and the rise in the cost of living affects us all. I try to do as much shopping in our wonderful market as possible as there are some bargains there every week.
This time of year can be difficult for many people and I know from experience what it is like to be isolated. As a young person in a special school, I had no visitors for month after month and I was homeless on leaving it.
My memories of that lonely time are why I picked the Newark Emmaus Trust and the Sconce Hills Pre-school Playgroup to benefit from my Mayor’s Charity Appeal.
Both do important work with young people and children to help them have the best start in life, and they are great examples of how people can look after each other. I would like to say thank you to them and everyone else who I have met trying to improve lives in Newark.
I am humbled to be in the middle of my year as your Town Mayor.
Events like the platinum jubilee, the death of Her Majesty the Queen, and the return of the three Polish Presidents-in-Exile have meant it has been a busier year than anyone expected, and it has been a privilege to represent this historic town as new history has been made.
I would like to thank everyone who has given me such a warm welcome as I have attended events around town.
I came to Newark 25 years ago. I never thought I would become mayor.
If I have a message to everyone for 2023 it is this: your dreams can become true. Mine has, and I hope that yours do too.
The chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Sue Saddington, writes: I was formally elected as the district council’s chairman in May and have thoroughly enjoyed representing Newark and Sherwood District Council at many events.
In September, the country entered a period of mourning for the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who had been a constant presence in most of our lives.
As chairman, it was a great honour to read the Proclamation of King Charles III for Newark and Sherwood.
Sadly this year, Russia began a war against Ukraine. Many district residents have supported those who have had to flee. Newark and Sherwood is a place of tremendous community spirit and kindness, this I have witnessed.
The current cost of living crisis is difficult for everyone. As a reminder, if you are struggling, please reach out for help.
The district council can provide support, advice or help signpost individuals towards vital help.
Finally, I wish you a happy and healthy new year.
The Christmas events in Southwell were a fitting end to a successful 2022, writes the chairman of Southwell Town Council, Mr Martin Stott.
The late-night shopping was the busiest ever with juggling stilt walkers, primary school choirs, and an oom-pah band adding to the festive atmosphere.
The toy-run, lantern walk, and young farmers’ tractor parade involved hundreds of participants and spectators.
One of the biggest projects for 2023 is the building of a new skatepark. The funding bid has been submitted and we are hopeful to hear that it will be granted in March.
Plans are well advanced to install the zip-line and other new play equipment at Norwood Gardens as well as many other projects aimed at improving our town environment.
Our Saturday and Thursday markets are still growing and the town’s traders welcome residents and visitors into the variety of local shops and amenities.
Over the coming months, we welcome finalising our Neighbourhood Plan and we’ll be planning our activities for the coronation in May with our partners in Southwell.
The town councillors and staff wish everyone a happy and peaceful 2023.
It's been seven months since my term of office began and reflecting over that time many memories spring to mind, writes the chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Roger Jackson.
This year has been one where life has pretty much returned to normal as we continue the journey out of the covid-19 pandemic.
But it’s also been one tinged with sadness as well as the unspeakable horror which has unfolded in Ukraine, where the desperate struggle for freedom continues.
Throughout my tenure, my chosen good cause is the Nottingham branch of the Association for Ukrainians in Great Britain.
With the generosity of Nottinghamshire people, donations now total £12,500 and I thank you for your kindness.
The summer brought the platinum jubilee and Nottinghamshire celebrated in style, with street parties, bunting and events across the county.
Cyclists from the Tour of Britain raced on our streets once more. Seeing the thousands of people who turned out to support the teams was a spectacle to behold and one that I enjoyed immensely.
Finally, I will always remember Queen Elizabeth II and the poignant remembrance service I attended at Southwell Minster moved me very much.
To see the outpouring of emotion, yet a celebration of a monarch’s life, and to meet so many well-wishers on that day will live long in my memory.
As 2022 draws to a close again it feels like the end of another tough year for many businesses, writes Kevin Guthrie, chairman of Newark Business Club.
For most people there will be a reason we made the choice to run our own businesses and not work for someone else.
Running a business can be tough, running a business right now is super tough. Yet in the middle of all the strife there will still be some joy and happiness.
Your original reason for starting the business will still be there, your drive and motivation will be in that original reason.
Dig deep and keep that reason like a shining beacon as we go through 2023 and know that things will get easier.
As the chairman of Newark business club, I love the role of leading a club that can be part of that guiding light for so many.
I affectionately describe the club as a potting shed for businesses, a place to cultivate and grow. A place to be around other like-minded people. A place of support and encouragement. If you haven’t yet visited us please do.
Or first meeting of 2023 is Friday, January 6, in our new home of the YMCA.
From my self and the committee, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a 2023 filled with the things you choose.
