Welcome to Newark!

Glynis Fox learns how the town’s heritage and location make it an ideal place to both visit and live, with easy commuting by road or rail.

Location-wise Newark has a lot going for it – thanks to its position on the eastern banks of the River Trent and the fact that it is also conveniently close to the busy A1.

It’s a destination that attracts shoppers, river users and history buffs, as well as providing educational and employment opportunities. The town’s position also makes it an ideal place to live, whilst also enjoying easy commuting by road or rail.

Newark’s history can be traced back to the Roman era. However, more people recognise it for the significant role it played in the English Civil War and, on arrival in the town, you can’t fail to miss the imposing Newark Castle – a monument which stands as testament to its interesting past.

Nearby is the Town Lock, which showcases Newark’s medieval roots and reminds everyone that the river provided a critical trade route.

The busy marketplace, with its high-flying summertime decorations strung several feet above the stalls, sells everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to bread, gifts, books, antiques and more.

The market itself, which has operated since the 12th century, is overlooked by Georgian architecture, giving another nod to its past.

BUSINESS GROWTH
Newark’s economy is further boosted by a mix of traditional industries and modern enterprises. Once famed for its brewing and malting activities, today you will find a diverse industrial landscape occupied by significant employers operating in sectors including manufacturing, engineering and logistics.

The Newark Beacon Innovation Centre also highlights the town’s commitment to fostering business growth and innovation by providing support and facilities for start-ups and established companies alike.

On the shopping front, the current trading climate has seen a raft of comings and goings, but you will still find many firm favourites. If you’re looking for an eye-catching picture or a piece of modern sculpture to create a talking point in your home, check out Trent Galleries.

Ladies searching for special occasion wear for a family celebration or ball will be tempted to enjoy a leisurely browse of the latest cool fashions in Jane Young. Both these retailers can be found in Chain Lane.

Middle Gate is home to a real mix of independent boutiques and branches of national retailers – including White Stuff, Roman and Shirt Sleeves – and there are service businesses too.

Feeling hungry? Why not try the Tambo Lounge and also explore the exciting goods in Iguazu, both of which front The Buttermarket Shopping Centre in Middle Gate.

Andrew Michael’s Jewellers, in Stodman Street, is irresistible if you have a passion for collecting exciting limited edition watches. For more than two decades this business has provided coveted top brand watches to the military, Navy, aviation and security services and has proudly commissioned more than 100 projects for groups worldwide.

Such stylish timepieces don’t come cheap, but the good news is that shoppers and collectors can, alternatively, peruse a fantastic selection of secondhand watches.

Part of Stodman Street, which boasts other independent enterprises and places to eat, is also the focus of fresh investment. Redevelopment of the former Marks & Spencer is underway to create 29 new homes and retail units.

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
There is a raft of places of interest to visit, including the National Civil War Centre, which uses immersive displays to bring 17th-century Newark to life and reveals the town’s pivotal role in the conflict through exhibits and artefacts.

Let your passion for aviation history take flight by visiting the Newark Air Museum, which you will find on the former site of RAF Winthorpe, just outside of the town. The museum’s collections include a display of more than 70 aircraft.

You could also visit Newark Town Hall Museum & Art Gallery – off the Market Square – which has attracted some positive reviews from other people who have taken time to discover the building and its contents.

The Grade I-listed town hall was designed in 1776 by John Carr of York and remains a working town hall today. However it also houses a museum, art gallery and temporary exhibition. People can also see the elegant 18th-century Assembly Room, the Council Chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour.

If your family loves being outside, why not spend some time in Sconce and Devon Park, which features large green spaces, historical earthworks and scenic walking trails. The park also hosts a variety of community events.

Keen to watch a film or see a play? Don’t forget to check out what’s on at the town’s cinema or Newark’s Palace Theatre.

SECRET TO BUSINESS GROWTH
Coaches who are working with a wide range of businesses in the Newark area say they have seen a rise in demand for their services.

However, ActionCOACH – which is also working with other enterprises in Lincoln and Nottingham – says this is not necessarily due to the knock-on effects of Covid, the cost-of-living crisis or the trend of hybrid working.

ActionCOACH managing director, Richard Esau said: “I’m not sure those specific factors have made much difference to the demand for coaching services, but what is certainly true, is that more businesses are searching out coaching support.”

Mr Esau said coaching has “been the norm” for senior people in large businesses for a long time, but now that approach is starting to trickle down to small-to-medium enterprises who are ambitious to expand.

“Whenever you speak to really successful business owners, you always find out that they have had a mentor or coach at some time.”

Mr Esau said that much of ActionCOACH’S own success is being driven by existing successful small business owners who need help to take their ventures to the next level. New clients may be referred by existing clients or discover more about coaching services at networking meetings, where conversations can lead to an ongoing relationship.

He said the “amazing results” ActionCOACH is seeing is the prime factor pushing its own success story.

“Over the last three months our clients in Newark, Lincoln and Nottingham have grown their profits by 143 per cent versus the same period last year. Not only that, but they have also been working on structuring their businesses for further growth in the future,” he added.

CHARTING HIGH-FLYING CAREERS
Ambitious students with exciting career aspirations are now taking advantage of the fantastic facilities offered at an impressive £15.4 million aerospace training facility in Newark.

They are the first to experience the high-tech training being delivered by the Air & Space Institute (ASI) which is helping 16-to-18 year old students to train for roles as pilots, engineers and ground crew with airlines, the military, airports and logistics companies at home and abroad.

Today’s students switched from an interim facility, Newark College, in April. The group included first and second year pilot, engineer and space and engineering pathway students.

Travel and tourism students (currently taught at Lincoln College) and new students will also study at the Institute from next month (September). New learning pathways, including Software Engineering and A Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Maths, are also being launched.

The three-storey building next to Newark & Sherwood District Council’s offices was built for Newark College, which is part of the Lincoln College Group.

The ASI’s high-tech training facilities feature a full-sized Airbus A318, offering students hands-on teaching experience. There is also a double-height entrance hall, large open space hangar, flight simulators, teaching zones, engineering workshops and lecture and seminar areas.

The project – procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works – was completed by G F Tomlinson.

The company’s managing director, Adrian Grocock said: “It’s been an honour to turn Lincoln College Group’s vision into a reality, providing a world-class training facility for young people going into the aerospace industry.”

The ASI has joined forces with international defence company Babcock International Group, in a strategic partnership designed to boost what ASI students are learning, by providing practical experience and insights into the aviation industry.

The Babcock partnership has been added to an extensive list of internationally recognised partners, including East Midlands Airport, Flight Director Ltd and the Royal Air Force.

DENTAL TREATMENTS PUT A SPARKLE IN YOUR SMILE
If you’re looking for expert dental treatments to help you make the most of your oral hygiene, the friendly and highly trained team at Collingham Dental Practice are now accepting new patients.

Situated on the High Street in Collingham, this highly skilled, dedicated team of professionals includes excellent and caring dentists, together with hygienists, nurses and receptionists, who all strive to offer the most up-to-date techniques and materials for the whole family.

In providing the highest standard dentistry treatments, these include teeth whitening, tooth coloured fillings, teeth straightening (often in as little as six months), veneers (to help hide discolouration and close unsightly gaps), as well as dental implants (as permanent natural replacements for missing teeth) and cosmetic crowns and bridges using advanced ceramic technology.

The practice also offers a full range of denture options to help achieve the most natural results.

“We offer a range of affordable treatments to private patients,” explains practice manager Richard Bourn.

“A new patient can join us and have a thorough examination. We can then discuss treatment options and provide written confirmation of a treatment plan and costings. We want our patients to make informed decisions about their dental health where they are assured of the highest quality care.

“Remember, it’s important to visit our hygienist regularly to monitor and maintain good oral health and anticipate problems which may arise.

“We will professionally clean your teeth (scale and polish) and offer a programme of oral care which is appropriate to your needs and lifestyle. We also offer the latest air polishing treatment for more stubborn stain removal.”

For more information contact 01636 893477 or visit www.collinghamdental.co.uk

CASUALLY STYLISH
Shirt Sleeves is a family-run independent women’s fashion boutique in the beautiful market town of Newark-on-Trent.

The small and close-knit team have a passion for customer service, taking pride in making every customer feel comfortable and welcome. Working together they select exciting new collections from across the globe to showcase both in-store and online, creating a unique mix of styles and colours to suit everyone.

A large area of the boutique is dedicated to the beautiful and individual Oui collections, in luxurious fabrics and stunning colours. Time and love is poured into showcasing their hand-picked brands, from Masai, Marble, Olsen and their newest collection from Marc Aurel, to name just a few.

Mixed into every section of the carefully arranged boutique are amazing accessories and beautiful jewellery pieces to really finish off your look.

Whether you are searching for the perfect outfit for a special occasion, hoping to find that unique piece to update your look, or wanting to create a capsule wardrobe for your holidays, the team at Shirt Sleeves will be on hand with style tips and advice on how to mix brands and shapes to create an effortless style.

Call in-store, browse online or, for that true VIP experience, make an appointment with a member of the team for personal and free style advice.

Open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, from 9.30am to 5pm. Shirt Sleeves love to hear from their customers, so please feel free to give them a call if you have any queries on 01636 605880 or email info@shirtsleeves.net 

Find Shirt Sleeves on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! Keep up with the latest news, collections and offers at www.ShirtSleeves.net

AWARD-WINNING ENERGY SOLUTIONS
“At DCR, we have over 20 years’ experience in the renewable energy industry, consulting, designing, installing, servicing and providing aftercare for high performance systems. We provide solar photovoltaic panels, battery storage, hot water modules, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points that integrate for optimum efficiency.

“Our priority is finding the best solution for you and your property or business. We can offer remote desktop surveys and site surveys to explain the benefits of our renewable energy product and costs associated with an array of brands and products that work together.

“DCR has an in-house team providing Government Grant Legislation and funding support. We are MSC accredited and therefore able to undertake BUS (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) projects. We also support DNO Solar applications and registrations along with planning applications where necessary.

“Visit us at this year’s Flintham Show (26th September) Collingham Show (21st September) and Southwell Ploughing Match (28th September) where we will be showcasing all our products and services.”

For more information visit www.dcr.co.uk

HEAT HAUS OFFERS TRUSTED FIVE-STAR SERVICE
With 45 years of professional service, Heat Haus has become a trusted brand helping customers across Newark, Lincoln, Grantham, Sleaford and Mansfield with their plumbing and heating needs.

As responsive, accredited and competitive plumbers and heating engineers, the dedicated team of experts at Heat Haus work with domestic, light commercial and public sector clients, offering a competitively priced first class service.

“We’re experts in providing everything from plumbing solutions to boiler installations, servicing, repairs, and much more. Whether it’s gas, oil, or LPG heating systems, we’ve got you covered.

“Our goal is simple: to keep you warm, safe, and satisfied. No matter the job, big or small, our team is here to help quickly and efficiently.”

Established in 1972, over the years Heat Haus has earned a reputation as a highly rated and dependable specialist company led by a team of skilled engineers and mechanical consultants.

“Count on us to handle all your plumbing and heating needs with professionalism and care. Stay warm, safe and legal – choose Heat Haus for quality service you can trust.” 

Based at Brunel Business Park in Newark, Heat Haus is open from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Tel: 01636 676325. For more information visit www.heathaus.com

A DIGNIFIED FAREWELL FOR YOUR PET
Losing a much-loved pet is a type of grief only a family can understand.

Folly Fields Pet Crematorium at Folly Farm in Newark is a family-run establishment, founded by Keith and Rachel Bellaby, son Oliver and his wife Agnieszka.

The family works to provide a safe and loving passage for your much-loved friend offering individual cremations, so your pet’s final journey is completed in both peace and dignity.

“At Folly Fields, we aim to give you a peaceful space to say goodbye to your beloved pet. We have a specially created farewell room which provides a calming environment to say your goodbyes.

“We offer support and guidance, acknowledging your need to honour your pet in a very meaningful and individual way.”

For more information visit www.follyfieldspetcrematorium.co.uk

COFFEE, CAKE AND MORE
Opened in 2019, The Coffee Chain is an independent and friendly family-run coffee shop offering great cakes, scones and snacks, plus superb coffee from Nottinghamshire roasters 200 Degrees. Situated in the historic Warwick Brewery with a covered veranda, customers can watch the world go by through the stone arches whatever the weather, making the most of peaceful, attractive surroundings.

Owned and run by husband and wife team Amanda and Jody Bett, who share more than 40 years of hospitality experience, this is the ideal place to take a break with reasonably priced quality refreshments, plus easy, free parking.

In the past year, the couple have also launched two further independent coffee shops, The Boat House at Hazelwood Lakes, Thorpe on the Hill and Torksey Lock Coffee House, which offers picturesque views of the Fossdyke Canal.

Open seven days a week, from 10am to 4pm. www.facebook.com/thecoffeechainnewark

Photographs: Mick Fox

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