The Newark Advertiser's New Year messages
2020 was certainly an eventful year with unprecedented times for everyone, writes Newark and Bingham MP Robert Jenrick.
In 2021 we, the government, will ramp up vaccinations across the country and over time, as the virus recedes, I hope we will be able to return to where we can all meet one another safely and enjoy the things we love.
I would like to thank everyone for their hard work in such a challenging year.
I would especially like to thank those on the front line, from those working in the NHS, carers working in the community and care homes to those in local government, who have all helped deliver such vital services in the time of need for our country.
It has been a huge privilege to represent Newark and Nottinghamshire and I hope everyone will have a more positive 2021.
THE MP for Sherwood, Mark Spencer, writes: As we go into 2021, I have no doubt that each and every one of us are hoping for a better year than 2020!
My hope as Sherwood’s Member of Parliament is that, as a newly-fully fledged, independent nation, Britain is able to build and to strengthen our relations with countries across the globe, to finally defeat the coronavirus.
With this, I hope we can give the next generation the opportunity to build their careers, buy their own homes and to work towards a prosperous and progressive future for themselves and our country.
I must end this year by thanking, not just as an MP but also as a fellow Briton, our exceptional, world-class National Health Service.
They, supported by our wider emergency services and our Armed Forces, have leapt to the challenge of the coronavirus, and for this, each and everyone of us is exceptionally grateful.
I wish each and every one of you a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year.
THE year has certainly been a momentous year for everyone. Who, at the start of year, would have predicted the coronavirus and the impact that this has had on our everyday lives, writes the Mayor of Newark, Irene Brown.
Individuals and organisations have faced many new challenges over the last year. I have been very impressed with how the community of Newark has stepped up to deal with these issues.
I am aware that there are many heart-warming stories and examples of good deeds and support for neighbours and the most vulnerable members of our community.
I have been proud of the hard work that has gone in to ensuring that Newark market has remained open throughout the year.
I am aware that many people have been extremely grateful that they can obtain essential food supplies from the market in the open air.
I am also aware that many charities have been hit very hard as their normal fundraising activities have not been able to continue.
There are many amazing charities and community groups in Newark that provide valuable help to the community, often at times of distress and hardship in peoples’ lives.
These organisations and individuals represent a cornerstone of a healthy and vibrant community. We should applaud what they do and, on your behalf, I would like to send them thanks for their hard work and dedication and give them our best wishes in the hope that they can survive and maintain their support to the community in the future.
Finally, I would like to wish all the townsfolk of Newark a happy and safe new year and let’s hope that the vaccines will enable us to return to a more normal life in 2021.
WHAT to say about 2020? For some, it’s been a year of tragedy with the loss of loved ones and livelihoods. For most of us, it’s been challenging to say the least, writes Sally Reynolds, chairman of Southwell Town Council.
People of Southwell showed their true colours, with hundreds of volunteers stepping up to help neighbours and fellow residents.
This has created a momentum to continue with projects to support and enrich our community and the environment.
A positive outcome amid the troubles.
While businesses and retailers were quick to adapt to an ever-changing situation, it’s vital we all continue to shop local and support Southwell businesses throughout 2021.
Christmas and new year can’t be the usual party-fest and we need to take care of vulnerable family members, especially with the vaccine so tantalisingly close.
Take care, stay safe and best wishes for an improved 2021.
CHAIRMAN of Nottinghamshire County Council Stuart Wallace writes: This has been a year like no other in living memory.
My role as chairman has been curtailed somewhat but that hasn’t diminished how honoured and privileged I feel to have been offered the role, and how proud I am to serve the county I have called home for the last 19 years.
I look back on what we have faced over the last eight months with a sense of pride.
We are all obviously grateful to the men and women in the NHS who have worked round the clock battling coronavirus. I’m equally proud of the front line workers across this county — carers, social workers, teachers, youth workers and many more — who have gone above and beyond to keep our elderly safe and to make sure our children get an education in what has been the most challenging of times.
I have also been trying to raise much-needed funds for my chosen charity, My Sight Notts.
If you would like to support such a wonderful charity, donate via my Just Giving page. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ncc-chairman?
I would like to wish you and all your families a happy new year and let us hope for better times ahead in 2021.
LITTLE did we know, when I did this message last year, what we would be facing in the months ahead, writes Rob Crowe, chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council.
This year has been a struggle for everyone and I am so enormously proud of every person in our district. Every individual who has adhered to the restrictions, every business, every organisation, every charity, every community group, the list is in fact almost endless.
Everyone has gone above and beyond this year and I feel immensely proud to be the chairman of such a fantastic community.
Our community spirit has become stronger and we all owe, in particular, a huge gratitude to not only our key workers but to everyone who has played their part during these past months.
The hard work and spirit of the many volunteers and community organisations that have stepped forward to help the most vulnerable in our community has overwhelmed me.
The team at Newark and Sherwood District Council have worked incredibly hard continuously during this pandemic and have remained committed to helping our businesses and our residents.
To everyone, I thank you wholeheartedly.
I do hope that you have been able to enjoy Christmas with your families, especially as now we can look forward to the year ahead in anticipation that our lives will have more normality where we can once again socialise and go on holiday.
Stay safe.
IN 2020, we were tested as businesses, families and a community, writes Kerri McGarrigle, chairman of Newark Business Club.
We have worked together tirelessly to try and overcome a number of obstacles that have threatened our health, wealth and mental health.
My hope for 2021 is that we continue to foster this community spirit.
THE past 12 months has been a very difficult and challenging time for everyone... in so many different and challenging circumstances... 2020 will be a year we will all remember, writes, Sir John Peace, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.
My sincere condolences to those who have lost dear and loved ones to covid 19.
A huge thank you to all those working for the many brilliant voluntary and community organisations that are providing invaluable and vital support throughout the city and county — you are greatly valued.
A very big thank you also to our young people and their teachers, whose lives have been so disrupted by school closures, home working, and lockdown restrictions preventing you from spending time with friends and family.
And I would particularly like to thank all the amazing people in the NHS, in our care homes, in the emergency services, our Armed Forces and local government workers who have done so much for the people of Nottinghamshire throughout the past months as we’ve all strived to deal with this awful pandemic.
Looking forward to 2021, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel with the arrival of vaccines. Nonetheless, for the foreseeable future, we must continue to observe the new tiers and lockdown rules to stay safe until the national vaccination programme and mass testing starts to significantly reduce infections.
But I have no doubt that by coming together as we have throughout these past months we will beat this pandemic and build back better, stronger and greener.
We have effectively condensed ten years of evolutionary change in many parts of our society and economy into ten months. Life has changed massively for those in sectors like retail, aviation, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, etc, while other sectors have never been stronger.
In many ways the best is yet to come.
On behalf of the Nottinghamshire Lieutenancy, I would like to wish you all a much nicer and prosperous new year.
