2025 New Year messages for Newark Advertiser readers from politicians and community leaders, including; Newark MP Robert Jenrick, Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh, Mayor of Newark, chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, and chairman of Southwell Town Council
The Advertiser has asked political and community figures across the area to give their reflections on 2024 and their hopes for the year ahead.
Newark MP, Robert Jenrick, said: “As 2024 comes to a close, and as we embrace the festive season and New Year period, I am excited to see Newark beautifully adorned with Christmas lights and decorations.
“On a personal note, this year saw both a general election and a Conservative leadership contest. I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me once again to represent you here in Newark.
“I know how hard life continues to be for many families in Newark, with ongoing cost-of-living pressures and other challenges. Please know I will always work tirelessly to improve your lives and opportunities.
“There is much to be proud of in Newark this year, but there is also important work ahead. I will continue to fight for the reinstatement of the 24/7 Urgent Treatment Centre at Newark Hospital—an essential service for our community. I am determined to protect the A46 bypass project from Labour’s funding threats, ensuring it gets the investment it needs to ease congestion in and around Newark. I will also oppose large solar farm developments that risk damaging our countryside and will keep supporting our high street and small businesses, which are the backbone of our local communities.
“Representing Newark in Parliament is an honour, and I am committed to advocating for your interests in the year ahead. If I can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office.
“As we celebrate, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the dedication of those working over Christmas—our NHS staff, police, and other public service workers who give so much to keep us safe and cared for.
“Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with health and happiness.”
Sherwood Forest MP, Michelle Welsh, said: “As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a whirlwind six months since I had the honour of being elected as your Member of Parliament for Sherwood Forest.
“I am constantly inspired by the warmth, resilience, and ambition of the people I represent.
“It’s been an incredibly busy start to my time in Parliament, but I’m fortunate to have a fantastic staff team who have been instrumental in helping residents with a wide range of issues. Whether it’s assisting with housing, healthcare, or education, we are making a positive difference.
“Sherwood Forest has so much to offer, and I’m excited for what lies ahead in 2025. One exciting initiative I’m collaborating on for 2025 is a National Sherwood Forest Day, a celebration of our heritage and a chance to put our area on the map.
“Meeting with children from schools across the constituency has been a highlight of my year.
“Their enthusiasm and curiosity give me great hope for the future, and I look forward to visiting more schools in the coming year.
“Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year.”
Mayor of Newark, Diane Ledger, said: “Being elected as your mayor this year was a great honour and privilege.
“The role is quite varied, one minute you're honouring the servicemen and women who gave their lives for our country, and the next you're visiting local community groups and learning about the support they give to those less fortunate than you.
“I have been humbled by the work of the volunteers in Newark and how many of them give up their free time to help others. It has been an eye-opening experience to see how many small community groups Newark has.
“Highlights from this year include the trip to Emmendingen, our twin town in Germany, where longstanding friendships were strengthened.
“Having a Mayor's Cadet assigned from Newark Sea Cadets and attending their annual awards ceremony; watching the growth of the young people from last year is remarkable; and welcoming the Steampunk group is always an amazing time. There are too many too mention, but I have enjoyed every engagement I have attended.
“During 2025, visitors from Emmendingen will be arriving to attend the annual Last Night of the Proms event, and I will be holding an event for International Women's Day on March 8 to raise funds for my chosen charities, Newark Food Bank and Newark Women's Aid. This event will coincide with a hiking challenge my best friend Kathryn Mays is doing to also raise funds for the charities.
“I hope 2025 is a good year for you all, and I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.”
Chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Jean Hall, said: “I was delighted to have been elected chairman of the District Council in May, and 2024 has been quite a remarkable year to have held the honour of this responsibility.
“My fellow councillors and officers have accomplished so much, from the introduction of Kerbside Glass Recycling — increasing the glass recycled in the district by 62.8% — to the National Civil War Centre being recognised with the national Family Friendly Museum Award for Best Small Museum.
“We’ve refurbished fitness suites, installed solar panels at our parks and leisure centres, and been ranked as the best place in Nottinghamshire for tackling fly-tipping.
“The hard work of our teams and partners has led to a 12% decrease in Anti-Social Behaviour and we have retained Green Flag status for five parks while Sconce and Devon also achieved an outstanding rating from the Royal Horticultural Society.
“We opened the doors of the Air and Space Institute, Boughton Community Hub, and Alexander Lodge. And the Palace Theatre has entertained our communities with a record-breaking annual pantomime and the national tour of Blood Brothers!
“To speak on a more personal note, I wanted to say that I know the festive period can be a difficult time for some. I’d like to reassure residents that there are many wonderful community groups here in Newark and Sherwood so please do get in touch with us if you need support.
“There are many challenges ahead with the increasing issue of Climate Change and the high cost of living, but I look forward to tackling them together in another year of serving people and improving lives in 2025.”
Chairman of Southwell Town Council, Peter Harris, said: “May I, on behalf of the whole of Southwell Town Council, wish you the best wishes for 2025.
“The council's staff have worked hard this year to maintain our town — including looking after our mature trees and planting new saplings across the town.
“The new skate park has been well received and I thank all of you who have helped deliver this great new facility.
“The staff also spend time preparing for the community events - such as the Community Garden Party and the Christmas Market as well as lots of other events during the year. We look forward to inviting you to our events throughout 2025.
“We are very fortunate in having a vibrant 'high street' whose independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs bring life to our town.
“Do come and enjoy Southwell’s vibrant heart — a warm welcome awaits you. My best wishes for a happy, successful and fulfilled 2025.”
Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Richard Butler, said: “It is an honour and privilege to be this year’s Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council.
“Nottinghamshire, my home county is a very special place, and here we are in the centre of the country. We have so much to see and do, places to visit for sport, exercise, entertainment, relaxation and wonderful countryside to walk in and explore. All on our doorsteps.
“Very often, we take where we live for granted, and in a large county like Nottinghamshire, it is possible that there are some areas that you don’t know about or rarely visit.
“One thing that I have found, especially this year as I visit individuals, businesses, communities and groups across the county, is that there is nearly always a new discovery.
“Christmas, of course, is a time when we think of our family and friends, near and far, and remember those who we are no longer able to see, whether that is for sad reasons, or simply that they might be a long way away.
“Christmas is also a time to take time to reflect – think back and look ahead to the future.
“Whatever your plans for Christmas, I, on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, all of its services and staff, wish you a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
Chairman of Newark Busness Club, Simon Gabbitas, said: “As 2024 draws to a close, and on behalf of the wider Newark Business Club Executive Committee, I would like to extend our warmest Christmas wishes to you and your loved ones.
“This is a time to celebrate our successes, reflect on the challenges, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Together, we’ve achieved significant milestones, strengthened connections, and supported the growth of our local business community in and around the Newark area.
“Newark Business Club’s mission is to cultivate stronger partnerships, empower local businesses, and champion initiatives and events that enrich Newark as a thriving hub for the community.
“Looking ahead to 2025, we are filled with optimism and ambition. Our focus will remain on fostering innovation, expanding opportunities, and ensuring Newark remains a thriving centre for business.
“Through collaboration and determination, I’m confident we will meet the challenges of the year ahead and seize every opportunity to build on our successes.
“On behalf of Newark Business Club, I wish you a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May this festive season bring you peace, happiness, and cherished moments with loved ones.
“We look forward to seeing existing members and new visitors at our first business breakfast meeting of 2025 on Friday, January 10, at the YMCA Activity Village in Newark from 7am.”
