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The Mayor of Newark calls time of a long career of helping people in Newark and Sherwood




The Mayor of Newark will officially call time on long career in politics when he hands over the reins this weekend.

Loved by many and described as a dedicated servant of the people by fellow councillors, Laurence Goff has been a councillor in Newark since 2004.

Growing up in South-East London, Laurence first moved to Newark 26 years ago and first stood for the Town Council in 2003, losing out by just 34 votes.

NANA Laurence Goff_Laurence Goff leaving time as MayorMayor of Newark Laurence Goff
NANA Laurence Goff_Laurence Goff leaving time as MayorMayor of Newark Laurence Goff

He eventually gained a place on the council in 2004 when he won a by-election in Welbeck Ward, now Sleaford Ward. He has also represented Bridge Ward and Devon Ward.

“After 19 years in local politics I made a promise to my wife that if I ever became Mayor I’d retire so that we’d have time to do other things.” he said.

“People always asked me if I’d ever become Mayor, but it was always up to the other councillors to decide. Two years ago I had the honour of becoming deputy Mayor.

“I always had the dream that one day I’d get it, so this really has been a dream come true.

“It’s been a wonderful experience and honour to have been chosen to become the town’s Mayor.”

Laurence Goff in attendance at Newark Remembrance Sunday 2022.
Laurence Goff in attendance at Newark Remembrance Sunday 2022.
Laurence Goff signing a book of condolance at Newark Parish Church following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
Laurence Goff signing a book of condolance at Newark Parish Church following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

It turned out to be quite a busy year for Laurence as he presided over several historically significant event for not only the town, but the country.

Within his first month as Mayor the nation came together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and three months later sadly mourned her passing with memorial services across the district, followed by the proclamation of accession of King Charles III.

Laurence also represented Newark as part of a delegation British dignatories when the bodies of three Polish presidents, who had been looked after in Newark Cemetary for decades, were repatriated to Poland where they were entombed within the Temple of Divine Providence.

Newark town mayor Laurence Goff with Sandomierz town mayor Martin Marzec at Sandomierz Cathedral, Poland.
Newark town mayor Laurence Goff with Sandomierz town mayor Martin Marzec at Sandomierz Cathedral, Poland.
Mayor of Newark, Laurence Goff was presented with the pennant of the Polish President as a symbol of enduring friendship
Mayor of Newark, Laurence Goff was presented with the pennant of the Polish President as a symbol of enduring friendship

He was also presented with the Medal of the Minister of Culture, National Heritage and Sport “Guardian of National Memorial Sites” by the Polish ambassador to the UK — which will be passed on to future mayors to wear with pride alongside a Polish eagle made especially for the Newark mayor’s chain.

Laurence said: “I’ve had a lot of first times as Mayor, from the introduction of the beach in the Market Place and the Newark Town Cycle Race, which brought a lot of people into the town, to celebrating the Platinum Jubilee for the Queen.

“Despite the robes and the chain, people don’t realise that it is a non political role and we try help in different ways.

“I was homeless at the age of 16 and I know what it is like not to have a home to go to. So to support the Newark Emmaus Trust as one of my nominated charities and the young homeless and rough sleepers of this town, when a lot of them struggling at the moment, is very special to me.

“I’ve helped people get rehoused when they’ve lost their homes and getting repairs done. Helping people with every day problems is important to me.

“Unfortunately the one area I’ve had no luck is with getting the potholes fixed.” he said jokingly.

Laurence Goff at the Newark on Sea urban Beach in Newark Market Place.
Laurence Goff at the Newark on Sea urban Beach in Newark Market Place.
Laurence at the 2023 Ransome and Marles remembrance service in Newark Cemetary.
Laurence at the 2023 Ransome and Marles remembrance service in Newark Cemetary.

Moving from London to Newark, Laurence admits he’d never even heard the name before but credits his years in local politics for helping him learn about the town, its history and its people.

There are many organisations and groups close to Laurence’s heart including Friends of Newark Cemetary since its inception, which helps to maintain the grounds, plant flowers, improve facilities and catalogue and locate graves.

“In 2011 I met a lady during the Ransome and Marles tributes. I had pictures of all the tombstones in the market and a lady came up and said ‘that’s my dad’.

“She did not know her dad was buried in the cemetary for 70 odd years, so I showed her when he was buried.”

Working closely between the group and Newark Town Council, Laurence also helped to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the cemetary opening in 2006.

Laurence is also well known for his love of cycling, arriving at all of his meeting on his bike and promoting it as a healthy and green alternative to cars.

Laurence at the Newark Town Cycle Race.
Laurence at the Newark Town Cycle Race.
Laurence Goff at the 2022 Newark town Christmas lights switch on event.
Laurence Goff at the 2022 Newark town Christmas lights switch on event.

He has also been a volunteer first aider since 2008 and can be regularly seen at events around the town looking out for people in case they need help.

“I think now is the time to give another generation a chance to come forward and I’ve done as much I can for the town and achieved everything I wanted to,” he said.

“Now it is time for me to spend more time with my wife, take holidays, travel together and enjoy life. I’m free to go anywhere without looking in my diary anymore.

“I’ll still come to the meetings, I’ll still show up and give my point of view.

Mayor of Newark Laurence Goff and Deputy Mayor Tracy Mathias, who have both stepped down from Newark Town Council.
Mayor of Newark Laurence Goff and Deputy Mayor Tracy Mathias, who have both stepped down from Newark Town Council.

“I think it’s important for councillors to be involved. It’s about putting something back, showing you want to contribute and listen to the point of view of everyone.

“You don’t need to have PHD to be a councillor, anybody from all walks of life can become one. You just have to try and do your best.”

The Mayor Making ceremony will take place this Sunday, May 14, where Laurence will officially handover the title to his successor.



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