Newarks of the World reunion rejected by Newark Town Council

An invitation to the Mayor of Newark to a Newarks of the World reunion in the US next autumn has been declined by the town council.

Mr David Lloyd said the reunion was planned for September 2015 by which time a new town council would be in place following elections in May.

He said he did not feel it was right for them to bind the next council and the next mayor to a decision they took now.

The invitation came from the Mayor of Newark, California, Mr Alan Nagy. It was agreed to tell him the town council could not accept it at this time but to wish them every success.

Mr Tony Roberts said he could not disagree with Mr Lloyd over making a decision that would bind a future council. But he felt Newark people should know about the invitation to the event in Newark, California, in case they wanted to take part.

“They should be aware that if they want to go over next year they would receive a very good welcome,” he said.

“People should be given the choice and if they to visit at their own expense they can do.”

Mr Dennis Jones said it was important that contacts and friends were made in other parts of the world and the invitation should not be dismissed out of hand.

Mrs Gill Dawn said at a previous reunion they spoke about taking part in video meetings, business meetings and exchanging booklets and letters but nothing had ever happened.

Mrs Marika Tribe said she feared they were being parochial and perhaps they should be more involved in the wider world.

“I hope the next administration will have a more positive attitude to Newarks of the World,” she said.

Mr Paul Baggaley said the council should be more positive in its efforts to build relationships across the world.

“I would like to think we should be setting an example to others,” he said.

The reunions started in 1987 in California to give communities in Newarks across the world the chance to get together.

Newark, England, hosted one in 1995 and the last one was held in 2007 in Missouri.

Next year’s event will be held from September 17 to 20 and will include a carnival, parade, stage shows and a car show.

Anyone interested in knowing more should contact Mr Alan Mellor at Newark Town Hall.