Founder member of Newark Sports Association steps down
One of the founder members of Newark Sports Association has stepped down.
Charles Lawrence, former chairman of the Charles Lawrence Group, has worked for seven years as a director with the organisation.
He said: “ I have invested a great deal of time and effort supporting the association’s aims and the objectives, attempting to achieve what we set out to do, which is to improve the provision of sport facilities within our town.
“During my time as director, the NSA has played a major role in the design of the sports village, utilising as it did, the experience and expertise of its board to draw up the plans.
“I believe, if the NSA had been encouraged and permitted to participate further, rather than the efforts made seemingly to stifle and hinder the society’s progress, that the development would have been improved.”
Mr Lawrence said the association had met with resistance from Newark and Sherwood District Council, which had limited its effectiveness.
He said: “Other directors and I have been frustrated by the negativity which has reduced our ability to make a positive contribution. As a consequence and for me personally, this situation has introduced unnecessary and unwanted stress into my life, it is therefore with some regret and heavy heart that I will be standing down as a director.”
Francis Towndrow, association chairman, said: “Naturally we are disappointed to lose Charles and he will be certainly missed, not only for his vast wealth of expertise, knowledge and insightfulness but also for the wit and sense of humour; a wonderful combination.
“Despite losing Charles, it is reassuring to hear that he still fully supports the aims and objectives of the association and that he wishes to continue as a member. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Charles for his years of service.’’
David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The council regularly engages with sports clubs throughout the district and we have been working particularly closely with the YMCA on its Community and Activity Village on Lord Hawke Way, which is a fantastic sports and leisure facility that features an athletics track, multiple games areas for basketball, tennis and netball, as well as two 3G pitches.”