Newark Town Council

08/09/2026

The towns close links to the RAF are re-affirmed this coming Sunday, 13th September, when the Band of the RAF College will join with Newark Town Council to commemorate the 86th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Unfortunately, due to operational pressures for RAF Cranwell, there will be no marching contingency from the Station. However, the Band of the RAF College will lead cadets from 1260 ATC Squadron and veterans into the Market Place to await a flypast by a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight scheduled for 1108 hours (weather dependent). Any veteran wishing to join the parade should be on Baldertongate no later than 10.30 am.

A civic procession, led by the Town Mayor of Newark, Councillor Lynn Roulstone, will leave the Town Hall at 10.15 am for wreath-laying at the War Memorial. Wreath laying will be led by Air Chief Marshal, Sir Andrew Pulford GCB CBE DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. RAF Cranwell Station Commander, Wing Commander Matt Thornton MA BA (Hons) RAF, will also be in attendance. Following the laying of the final wreath, there will be Last Post and the silence. Wreath layers will then return to the Market Place to await the parade.

A service will be held in St Mary Magdalene Church commencing at 11.15am. Following the service, the parade will re-form for a march past and salute from the dais.

Citizens of Newark are invited to join the commemorations.

08/09/2026

🌿 QUIET CORNERS: NATURE IN NEWARK 🎨
Discover the beauty of Newark through the eyes of local artist Vanessa Stone in this colourful and expressive new exhibition at the Spotlight Gallery, Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery.

Opening Saturday 26 September, Quiet Corners: Nature in Newark explores how landscape is more than what we see — it’s about how it makes us feel. Vanessa’s vibrant collage paintings are created using specially painted, super-thin tissue paper, carefully layered to create wonderful colour, shape and texture.

Inspired by the big skies, wide fields and hidden corners of the English landscape, Vanessa’s work captures that feeling of being immersed in nature — from an open landscape to a quiet, secret garden. 🌳✨
The exhibition features eight brand-new pieces, created especially for the exhibition and inspired by tucked-away spaces in Newark.

📍 Spotlight Gallery, Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery
🎟️ Free entry
📅 26 September – 7 November
🕥 Wednesday–Saturday, 10.30am–3.30pm

🎨 Meet the Artist
Saturday 26 September | 11am–1pm
Come along and meet Vanessa, discover how she creates her unique artwork and hear what inspires her. No booking required — just drop in!

✏️ Free Drawing Workshop
Saturday 10 October | 11am–1pm
Join Vanessa for a creative drawing workshop and explore your own artistic response to the landscape.
Places are strictly limited to 12. To book, email [email protected].

As Rebecca Fawcett, Senior Collections and Exhibitions Officer, says: “Her use of colour is pure joy.” 💛

Come and experience these uplifting works for yourself — and discover some of Newark’s quiet corners along the way.

31/08/2026

30/08/2026

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

Regrettably, we have been contacted by a number of concerned residents regarding irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to foul graves in the London Road Cemetery. Clearly, this is completely unacceptable.

Regrettably, when irresponsible dog owners have been approached by concerned members of the public and council staff, they have been met with hostility.

Under a Public Space Protection Order issued on the 17th of September 2024, dog owners caught allowing their dogs to foul in the Cemetery may be issued with a fine of up to £100.00. Failure to pay can lead to court proceedings, which may result in a fine of up to £1000.

Furthermore, the order requires that Dogs in the Cemetery must be kept on leads of no more than 2m in length.

We may seek to amend the order to ban dogs completely from the Cemetery if this issue continues and dog owners continue to be unable to comply with the Public Space Protection Order.

A copy of the Public Space Protection Order can be found here.

25/08/2026

Sadly, our award winning cemetery is currently encountering disrespectful behaviour from some dog walkers.

Dogs are being let off the lead, and owners are not cleaning up behind them.

Newark Town Council welcomes dog walking in all our public places; however we ask that people are responsible and respectful to their surroundings.

15/08/2026

Newark Town Council Mayor’s Special Award

As part of celebrations marking the 400th Anniversary of the Mayoralty of Newark, the Town Mayor of Newark, Councillor Lynn Roulstone, is proud to announce a special Mayor’s Award. The award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and significant contribution to the town of Newark and the local community.

This special commemorative award forms part of the historic celebrations honouring four centuries of civic leadership in Newark and provides an opportunity to celebrate the people whose efforts help make Newark a special place to live, work and visit. The award highlights the importance of community spirit by recognising those whose actions have enriched the lives of others and contributed to the town.

Please nominate here: https://www.newark.gov.uk/town-mayor/

11/08/2026

🗳🗳🗳🗳🗳Don’t forget to Vote 🗳🗳🗳🗳

Historian David Olusoga launches search for the East Midlands’s hidden heritage gems

Three historic sites in the East Midlands shortlisted for public vote in ‘Everyday History Heroes’ competition to uncover places that celebrate the everyday people who shaped the nation
Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga OBE has today launched a major new public award inviting the nation to vote for their favourite hidden heritage gems across the country – with the East Midlands boasting three of the shortlisters selected for the public vote.

Created by a partnership between Heritage Open Days and UK family history website, Findmypast, the ‘Everyday History Heroes’ award celebrates the historic and cultural sites that champion the stories of ordinary people - from nurses and miners to teachers, soldiers and changemakers. The award centres on the grassroots histories that often go untold: the communities who powered industries, stood up for their beliefs, and built modern Britain

Celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, Newark Town Hall is a beloved local landmark. Visitors to the Town Hall can visit the Museum and Art Gallery and the magnificent John Carr designed ballroom. The museum's volunteers make an enormous effort to research the everyday stories of apprentices, teachers, prisoners and tradespeople whose lives shaped the Nottinghamshire town across generations. Special events bring Newark's residents vividly back to life, including their ‘Open Cells’ experiences and Heritage Open Days events.

Barbara Kramer lead researcher for the Friends of Newark Town Hall and Art Gallery, said: 'We’re delighted to be shortlisted for Everyday History Heroes and to see Newark’s rich everyday history recognised in this way. Through our events, exhibitions and volunteer research, we aim to bring the stories of the town’s ordinary residents to life and help people connect with the generations who shaped Newark’s past.’

Historian David Olusoga is encouraging people to get involved and explore these sites as local gems:

‘History isn’t just about the famous names we learn in school - it’s about millions of ordinary people whose actions shaped the world we live in today. We want to celebrate the amazingly diverse heritage and cultural sites that help us connect with people of the past, and understand how families and communities like our own lived, worked, and made their mark. I encourage everyone to explore the shortlist, discover a hidden gem near you, and cast your vote.’

A total of 24 sites and teams have been shortlisted across England. The shortlisters feature a diverse mix of hidden gems and each represents a unique or unexpected interpretation of everyday history, rooted in local communities and heritage.

The public is now invited to vote for their favourite site, helping to crown England’s first-ever Everyday History Heroes. Voting is open until 31 August, with a national winner and seven regional winners to be announced on 10 September. Winners will receive a donation to help fund their community initiatives.

To show your support, please do vote for us on
https://www.findmypast.co.uk/.../everyday-history-heroes...

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/c/everyday-history-heroes-east-midlands

04/08/2026

We can finally tell you our incredible secret!

Newark Town Hall and Spotlight Gallery

We're thrilled to have been shortlisted for Everyday History Heroes 2026, a national celebration of the organisations, places and people keeping local history alive.

The award has been kindly sponsored by Findmypast and Heritage Open Days

Public voting is now open and we'd love your support.

To show your support, please do vote for us on
https://www.findmypast.co.uk/c/everyday-history-heroes-east-midlands