New Year messages for Newark Advertiser readers from politicians and community leaders including Newark MP Robert Jenrick, Sherwood MP Mark Spencer, 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 2023 and their hopes for the year ahead.

“As we embrace the festive season, I am excited to see Newark adorned with festive lights and decorations,” writes Newark MP Robert Jenrick.

“I am happy to highlight some of the numerous local successes from 2023:

“In Lowdham, we haveve commenced the £26 million Lowdham Flood Alleviation Scheme, a crucial step to safeguard homes and businesses from the devastating impact of flooding.

“Simultaneously, progress is underway on the £100 million Southern Link Road at Middlebeck. The Middlebeck Way promises enhanced connectivity, reduced congestion, and serves as a catalyst for economic growth in our constituency.

“We secured an additional £20 million investment for Newark from the Towns Fund, complementing the £25 million already allocated to Newark. These funds are being spent on key revitalisation projects, including the Air and Space Institute and the redevelopment of the former Marks and Spencer store site.

“Recently, I hosted the first-ever Newark Crime and Anti-social Behaviour summit with the Police and local Councils, in which we highlighted the work we are all doing to make Newark a safer and better place to live.

“I will be organising more summits in the future to help foster a safer Newark, fighting crime and the mindless anti-social behaviour that destroys our quality of life and drags our area needlessly down.

“I successfully campaigned for the opening of the new £6 million state-of-the-art operating theatre at Newark Hospital, which translates to an extra 2,500 operations and procedures taking place at Newark Hospital each year.

“This year I also welcomed thousands of residents to Westminster on regular bus trips, making Parliament more accessible to you. If you would like to be part of the next trip, please contact my office.

“While celebrating achievements, it’s essential to acknowledge ongoing challenges in the area. Issues like large solar farm applications in and around the constituency demand sustained attention. I am committed to advocating for your interests in the coming year and addressing your concerns as best as I can.

“Representing the constituency of Newark in Parliament is a privilege. If I can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office.

“I hope the spirit of Christmas brings joy to your families. Let’s also remember and appreciate the dedication of our NHS, police, and public service workers, who will be working throughout the winter season to keep us safe.

“Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with health and happiness.”

Sherwood MP, Mark Spencer said: “It is safe to say that this year has been a tough one for households across the country.

“However, I am proud to say that, despite this year of uncertainty, the spirits of communities across Sherwood have proved indestructible.

“Over the last twelve months, I have travelled to each and every corner of our constituency and have met some truly inspiring people.

“Whether it be home calls to constituents struggling through hard times, surgeries to bring together communities and tackle local issues, or visits to organisations working hard to provide for the community, the people of Sherwood never cease to amaze me with the warmth of their welcome.

“We are so incredibly lucky to live in a part of the country that is so rich in history and natural beauty, where people from across the globe cite our hospitality as our main strength.

“These days, in the face of hardship, it is so rare to find any need to pull together. However, I am enormously proud to represent an area where its communities continue to care and look after one another.

“So, from my family to yours, I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year.”

The Mayor of Newark, Pamela Ball, writes: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind few months.

“The role of mayor is an extremely varied and busy one.

“One minute you can be greeting foreign dignitaries, as in the Polish Minister for Defence, who visited in the summer and the next judging a scarecrow competition in a local village.

“As well as being invited to places further afield, such as Sandomierz, Poland, as part of Newark's twinning connection, I also really value those invitations closer to home, as in when I visited Edna at Bowbridge Court for her 102nd birthday celebration.

“I've also enjoyed visiting local schools, where I have been warmly welcomed by pupils and staff.

“Part of my role as mayor, it to raise funds for charity. I'm proud to be associated with Beaumond House Hospice, Newark Mencap and Nottingham Wildlife Trust.

“So far this year I have taken part in a long distance trek across Sicily, held a wine tasting event and will soon be hosting a Christmas Italian tenor evening in the ballroom on 14 December.

“Wherever I go, I'm always conscious that I am representing Newark and the people who live here. Something I feel privileged and extremely proud to do.

“We have such a rich and varied heritage. The people are friendly and caring, with a strong community spirit.

“This is something we need to nurture, particularly in these difficult times.

“A small act of kindness goes a long way.

“I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.”

The chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Celia Brook, writes: “It was a great honour to be appointed chairman in May and I have enjoyed meeting many of you at civic events and in my role as councillor for Edwinstowe and Clipstone too.

“2023 has been a year of considerable change for us at the council and out across the district.

“Working with our passionate and dedicated officers, we’ve improved ten play parks, opened the new Queen Elizabeth Memorial Garden next to Newark Library, collaborated with partners to crack down on anti-social behaviour and started to launch our new glass recycling service.

“We’ve broken pantomime sales records at the Palace Theatre, have introduced free entry for residents to the National Civil War Centre and have successfully earned National Portfolio Organisation status from Arts Council England for our heritage and culture offer too.

“While we’ve done so much in 2023, we know there is so much more to be done to improve the lives of Newark and Sherwood residents.

“My colleagues and I will continue our efforts into the new year and I wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy one.”

Chairman of Southwell Town Council, Martin Stott, writes: “Work began in December on a new skatepark. After extensive public consultation it has been designed with help from the Friends of Southwell Parks, students from the Minster School and Skate-Nottingham representatives.

“It is being built on the site of the now demolished old skatepark next to Southwell Leisure Centre by specialist contractor Betongpark who have vast experience all around the country and in Europe.

“Grants have been made available from the Town Council and a Crowdfunding opportunity is being launched to raise extra money to add special features.

“Later in 2024, the revised Neighbourhood Plan will be published but before then, how about taking a New Year walk around the historic Georgian Town to see its iconic architecture, parks, open spaces, independent shops, cafes, and pubs?

“Make the most of your visits by attending a candlelight concert at Southwell Minster, a trip around the Workhouse, or our busy Saturday, Thursday, and specialist market days.

“Visitors to Southwell can look forward to many events in Southwell in 2024.“

Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, John Ogle, said: “As 2024 approaches we think about what we have done this year and our hopes for the year ahead.

“For me, being chairman has made this year extra special.

“I have met hundreds of inspiring people from across Nottinghamshire and I’ve been fortunate to attend some truly great events.

“My chosen charity during my year in office is the NSPCC. Every penny raised will go to the Nottinghamshire branch, ultimately helping children across the county who need support and guidance.

“I’ve seen first hand how they can help young people rebuild their lives. One of the things that’s stood out for me is the huge contribution made by volunteers.

“We owe a debt of gratitude for their selflessness — I’m in no doubt our county would be a much poorer place without them.

“I’ve also had the privilege of welcoming scores of people to the county at Citizenship Ceremonies.

“To see people embrace British culture and values and the pride they take in becoming British citizens is a real privilege.

“At this time of year, we think about those for whom Christmas isn’t a particularly happy season; people who are facing particular difficulties or challenges, for all manner of reasons.

“So, I’d like to say a big thank you to all the community groups, local organisations, charities and individuals who work tirelessly to make sure that support is available.

“As I look forward to the New Year, my hope is that we continue the spirit of caring and sharing, making life better for others. Great acts of generosity and small acts of kindness do have a real impact.

“Wishing you all the very warmest wishes for 2024.”