Former Mayor of Newark passes away

A former Mayor of Newark has died aged 81.

Derek Green, of Norwell, held the role from 1992-1993 and remained a well-known character in the community until his death.

He died at home after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, September 26, being looked after by Beaumond House in his final days.

Derek was born in Liverpool and came to Newark after he joined the RAF as an engineer in the 1950s.

Despite leaving the profession almost ten years later, he remained involved with the RAF cadets.

“The thing he enjoyed most was he took the last post of the cadet training camp at Swinderby,” said Derek’s wife, Eileen.

Derek also had a long career in local politics, serving the community at district and county level.

While serving as Town Mayor, he observed the signing of Newark’s twinned town, St Cyr sur Loire in France, in 1992.

After leaving Newark Town Council, he joined Newark and Sherwood District Council and later became chairman of the social services committee at Nottinghamshire County Council.

Although work was a big part of his life, Derek remained committed to wife Eileen, who he was married to for 52 years.

“He was so kind and gentle with people. He couldn’t walk down the street without someone stopping and talking to him,” Eileen said.

“He was just a people person. I hope he’ll be remembered by the people of Newark, he tried to do his best by them.

“My whole life revolved around him.”

The pair moved to Norwell after Derek retired aged 66.

Despite his retirement, Derek didn’t slow down and continued working to fill his spare time.

He helped out at Age Concern in Newark, offering support to those in need.

Eileen said: “He was very pleased to finish off his career helping the elderly.”

When he wasn’t dedicating his time to the people of Newark, Derek enjoyed travelling with Eileen.

They explored many places together, including notable holidays in Egypt and New York.

Derek also enjoyed gardening, walking his dog and building things around the house.

“He was always building something,” Eileen said.

Derek will be remembered by his three sons and many friends and colleagues.

Gill Dawn, who served alongside Derek on Newark Town Council, said: “He was enormously respected by the community because he always put them first.

“He always took his roles tremendously seriously.”