New Mayor of Newark, Barbara Corrigan, speaks of town’s “generosity of spirit” following appointment by Newark Town Council
A councillor who made Newark her home after moving to the UK from Australia has been appointed as the new town mayor.
Newark’s annual mayor making ceremony was held yesterday (Sunday, May 11), in the grand surroundings of the Town Hall ballroom.
Amongst the pomp and ceremony of the occasion, Barbara Corrigan was elected the Mayor of Newark, and will serve the town in her position for the next 12 months.
She was nominated for the role by leader of the council, Dawn Campbell, who praised Barbara for her work during her time as Deputy Mayor.
The council leader also credited her for ensuring the council was “on the right track” through her role as chairman of the finance and general purposes committee, and said she would bring “the same care and attention” to the her role as Mayor.
On accepting the Mayorship, Barbara Corrigan, said: “I am truly honoured to stand before you as the newly elected Mayor of our wonderful town.
“To be entrusted with this responsibility is a privilege I do not take lightly.”
“I fully understand the significance of this role and I am committed to giving it my utmost dedication.”
She added: “As Mayor, I aim to foster a sense of care, community and support which extends to every corner of Newark.
“We are a town that looks after one another, where every resident has a chance to thrive.”
Barbara grew up in Australia, but moved to Newark after meeting her husband Ben, and the pair were married in Newark Register Office
“To be elected as Mayor of the town which has welcomed me so warmly is both humbling and and incredible honour,” she said.
“What stands out to me most is the openness and generosity of spirit which defines Newark.
“It is testament to the character of this town and its resident that everyone I have met, regardless of where they have come from, has felt embraced and valued.
“There is a unique sense of belonging here and a shared understanding that no matter where you are from, once you arrive, Newark becomes your home.”
“This is a place where people are not just welcomed, but are made to feel as though they always belonged.”
Tributes were then paid to the outgoing Mayor, Diane Ledger, who thanked those closest to her and fellow councillors for their support during her year as Mayor.
She also announced that around £5,700 had been raised for her chosen charities, Newark Women’s Aid and Newark Food Bank.
Lynn Roulstone has been selected as the new Deputy Mayor of Newark, after receiving a nomination from Lisa Geary.
Originally from London, Lynn spent several years in the East Midlands in her youth, and vowed to return one day.
She moved to Newark in 2021 and immediately immersed herself into community groups and activities, before eventually being elected to Newark Town Council a year later.
Upon taking up her new position as Deputy Mayor, Lynn said: “I am an adopted member of Newark, but I have always loved the East Midlands and I am so happy to call Newark my home.
“I am so proud to be able to represent the people in the coming year as your Deputy Town Mayor.”
The High Sheriff of Nottingham rose to be the first to congratulate the madam Mayor and Deputy Mayor on their appointments.
Barbara Corrigan announced that her chosen Mayor’s charities for the coming year will be Newark Food Bank, The Bomber County Gateway Trust, and Mansfield Cat Rescue.
