Historic Hercules Clay commemoration service to take place in Newark this Saturday, March

An annual event to commemorate the life of a 17th century Newark philanthropist will take place this weekend.

This Saturday, March 8, a ceremony will be held in Newark to commemorate the life of Hercules Clay, a former Newark businessman and Mayor during the English Civil War.

The commemoration will begin at 11.45am at Newark Town Hall, where the Mayor of Newark, Diane Ledger, will meet reinactors from Colonel Robert Overton’s Regiment of Foote in the Market Place.

The current Mayor will lay a rose in honour of the Hercules Clay, who lived in the house next door to the Town Hall, before making a speech.

In tradition with a request in his will to give loaves of bread to the town’s poor, at 12.15pm the regiment will escort the Mayoral Party to Newark Foodbank where a food donation will be made, highlighting the community’s ongoing commitment to supporting those in need.

The event is being supported by Newark Business Club, who are encouraging as many members of the public as possible to join them in making a contribution to the foodbank.

Recommended donations of essential items include; uht/long life milk, long life fruit juice, tinned meat, instant mashed potato, laundry pods, and toilet roll.

Following the donation, the Mayoral Party will return to the Town Hall where refreshments will be served in the council chamber from 12.45pm.

Chairman of Newark Business Club, Simon Gabbitas, said: “Last year’s event was a wonderful opportunity for our members to not only take part in an important local tradition but also to involve their children and families.

“It’s great to see the community coming together, supporting Newark Foodbank, and passing on the story of Hercules Clay to the next generation.

“We hope even more members will join us on the March 8.”