Model of Newark Market Place showing hundreds ready to enrol for First World War unveiled

A model depicting the scene in Newark Market Place on August 10, 1914, when hundreds of men joined a rally to enrol for the first world war, has been unveiled.

The diorama shows men meeting in front of the Town Hall ahead of a 16-mile march to Radcliffe, watched by cheering crowds and accompanied by wagons and horses carrying provisions.

It is the latest part of a project to recreate the march on August 10 to mark the 100th anniversary.

It was made by Mr Marco Marneef, of Nijmegen, Holland, a model-builder and friend of the organiser of the march, Mr Walter Hurst, of Balderton.

Mr Hurst collected it from Holland and brought it back to Newark, where it was unveiled in the Town Hall on Monday.

Mr Hurst said: “It is a fantastic piece of work. He did it all from photographs, and when I saw it I could not believe it because it looked so real.

“All the figures were hand-painted using an airbrush and it took at least six months.

“It is poignant because 700 men marched away from Newark in 1914. Many were in high spirits, being waved off by family, thinking they would be back home soon and of course it did not happen like that.”

The unveiling was watched by the chairman of Newark and Sherwood District District, Mrs Rita Crowe, the Mayor of Newark, Mr Tom Bickley, and by members of the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association and Sherwood Foresters Association.

Mr Marneef could not make it but will attend the march in August.

He said: “I hope the people of Newark-on-Trent like it and forgive any small errors.”

It will be displayed from Saturday in a shop in Saracen’s Head Yard.

The Great March is part of events marking the centenary of the outbreak of the war.

Up to 200 people will walk from Newark to Radcliffe, completing either the full route or joining at Flintham. There will also be a stopping point at East Bridgford. Register at www.thegreatmarchnewark.co.uk