Newark Business Club’s latest meeting on Friday 6th July was a bit of a multi-media special, with event sponsors, Radio Newark and East Midlands Digital Radio taking to the stage as well as an introduction to the new owners of the Newark Advertiser, Iliffe Media.
Radio Newark presenters Matt & Vicky drew the business cards, with the new attendee being Dan Soanes-Brown while the Double Tree Hilton were drawn as the established attendee.
Located on the bustling Brayford Marina in central Lincoln, the DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln is the city’s only 4 star hotel, conference and events venue – find out more at www.lincoln.doubletree.com or call the team on 01522 565197 for more details.
A new era for Newark Advertiser
Joanna Parlby, whose family have been running Newark Advertiser through four generations took to the stage to introduce the club to the newspaper’s new owners, Iliffe Media. Joanna said: “It’s been a privilege to be involved with the newspaper for so many years”.
Joanna introduced Richard Parkinson, the Midlands MD of Iliffe Media to the stage. Richard led a round of applause for Joanna as he thanked her and the team for leaving the newspaper in such good shape. He accepted that in some ways, the sale of Newark Advertiser signalled the end of an era, but he said that Iliffe Media sees a bright future ahead for the paper:
“Iliffe Media is not a big corporation laden with debt, it is not operating in the interest of shareholders. It is a family business with a history that’s similar to Joanna’s”, he said.
Richard showed the club the original front page of Newark Advertiser from 16th June 1854 and explained that the original mission statement for the paper is almost identical to that of Iliffe Media, providing trusted, informative, relevant and engaging local news at the heart of the community. Richard explained that Iliffe will be investing in the newspaper’s print, mobile and online product and launching a new mobile app later this year.
You CAN do sport
The next business to take to the stage was You Can Do Sport: Newark’s only sports academy. Kate Lilley and Natalia Postlethwaite explained that there is currently a “black hole” of sports academies around Newark, with young people having to travel to Nottingham, Leicester or Lincoln to learn sport which means talented young people are drawn away from the town or forced to give up their sporting potential.
With some top-level coaches including footballers who played for Nottingham Forest, Ireland’s international team and a former England team member, the club hopes to provide great opportunities for 16-18 year old while also giving them solid education through a partnership with Magnus Academy.
Cleaner, Safer, Greener
The new Leader of Newark & Sherwood District Council, David Lloyd shared his vision for the town, placing an emphasis on frontline services and preserving pride in the community. He said the council will act as an “enabler” for the community to get involved in improving the town.
Cllr Lloyd announced the launch of a new campaign named, Cleaner, Safer, Greener with activity taking place every week for the next year which will, as he put it, “polish the gem that is Newark”.
An intensified “litter hit squad” is to be organised as well as a series of action days in coordination with Newark & Sherwood Homes, Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire County Council to “hit the area” to tackle a range of issues in one go. The councillor also announced they’ll be seeking to toughen by-laws to prevent dog fouling, so you’d better make sure you’ve got a poop bag with you when you’re out!
On the green front, Cllr Lloyd says the 46% of waste that’s recycled or composted is “not enough”, and he said the council will also be investing in parks and gardens.
It’s beginning to look a lot like…
Lastly, while the sun was beating down outside, the Every Champions Centre was filled with the sound of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” as Rachel Wilson from the Advertiser Media Group appeared wearing a Christmas jumper.
Yes, the C-word has been mentioned.
Rachel and Vicky from Radio Newark were appealing for sponsors and volunteers to support Newark’s Newest Santa’s Grotto. Last year, the volunteer-run grotto helped 500 children meet Father Christmas while raising money for local charities.
Their ambition is to help local parents share a magical moment with their children while giving them another reason to stay and shop in Newark, rather than going to see Santa elsewhere. The duo are looking for Father Christmas himself to take part and they’re on the hunt for some elves to join him. If you can help, please contact r.wilson@newarkadvertiser.co.uk
A very festive way to end the July meeting!
