Service honours Hercules Clay

Displays by local businesses filled Newark Parish Church for the Hercules Clay Commemoration Service today. (Sunday)

Ann et Vin, ALM Training, the Gusto Group and Newark and Sherwood Homes put up boards with information about what they do.

Every year a special service is held in honour of Hercules Clay, a Newark cloth merchant, churchwarden and a former Mayor of the town.

During the Civil War had a recurring dream that his house was on fire.

He became so worried he moved his family out, and after doing so a mortar shell fired from Beacon Hill fell on the roof of the house and set it alight.

He died in 1645 and left a legacy in his will to pay for an annual sermon that exhorted people to undertake good work, but also to remember those in need.

The service was conducted by the Rector of Newark, the Rev Vivian Enever and the sermon was given by the Diocesan Director of Partnerships and Mission, the Rev David McCoulough.

The chairman of Newark Business Club, Mr Dean Hyde, was among those who read lessons.

For the full story, see Friday's Advertiser.