Newark and Sherwood District Council has formally selected its preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation.

Following independent analysis, District Council members supported the submission of a final proposal to form a new unitary authority alongside Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Gedling, and Mansfield.

The next stage will involve the development of final proposals for submission to Government by 28 November 2025. It is likely that our preferred option will not be the only one that is submitted.

We’re excited to share that the Newark Castle Gatehouse Project is officially underway. This transformative project is expected to bring in around 17,000 additional visitors from outside of the district, with exciting galleries, interactive displays, and a tower-top viewing platform overlooking views of Trent Valley. The grounds and gardens will also be enhanced with new lighting and improved public access, ensuring that Newark Castle will be accessible for all for generations to come.

As part of our commitment to community engagement, we’re inviting members of the public to attend a series of drop-in sessions over the coming weeks.

The first session will take place on Tuesday 29 July at 1.30pm – 4.30pm in the Castle grounds. It’s a great opportunity to view the plans, ask questions and meet the team.

The next sessions will take place on Wednesday 13 August at 4pm – 7.30pm, and Saturday 6 September, 11am – 3pm.

If you own land in Newark and Sherwood, now’s your chance to suggest how it could be used for including:

✅ Employment or business development
✅ Community facilities or services
✅ Green spaces or recreational and residential use

Submissions for land you do not own or have no authority over will not be considered.

🗓️ Submissions are open until Tuesday 16 September 2025.

While not every site will be taken forward, each submission will be carefully assessed to see how it could help meet the needs of our communities.

Rebel Rangers is a free, family-friendly trail across Newark and Sherwood, packed with local legends, challenges and amazing prizes.

Complete mini challenges at seven different local attractions, earning badges as you go. You’ll learn all about important local ‘rebels’ from throughout history, from Robin Hood and Maid Marian to King John and Emily Blagg, alongside others. There’s no app to download or bookings needed, just visit the website or scan the QR code at each location, play and explore at your own pace.

And the best bit? There’s a £1,000 Center Parcs voucher to be won, along with loads of other prizes!

⏲️When: From 1^st August – 7^th September

📍Where: National Civil War Centre, Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Southwell Minster, Newark Market Place, King John’s Palace, Sconce and Devon Park, Newark Castle

From 2 to 15 August, Newark will be buzzing with flavour as the Festival of Food serves up two weeks of free, family-friendly fun!

Here’s what to look forward to:

👨‍🍳 Live cooking demos from local chefs
🧀 Free tasters and food samples
🌱 ‘Meat-Free Monday’ and healthy eating tips
🧺 ‘Make Your Own Picnic’ day
🎨 Kids’ activities and hands-on fun
💡 Budget-friendly meal ideas and inspiration

It’s a celebration of local talent, healthy living, and the joy of food - right in the heart of Newark!

Come hungry, leave inspired!

Today marks the start of Love Parks Week 2025, running from 25 July to 3 August! It’s the perfect time to enjoy the fantastic green spaces across Newark and Sherwood.

We’re proud to announce that six of our parks have earned Green Flag Awards, the international mark of excellence for parks and green spaces. New for 2025, Sherwood Avenue Park joins the list of award-winning sites!

Green Flag parks in the district include:

💚 Sherwood Heath
💚 Vicar Water Country Park
💚 Newark Castle Gardens
💚 Sconce and Devon Park
💚 Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens
💚 Sherwood Avenue Park
💚 Newark Cemetery (Town Council)

Why not enjoy a stroll in the fresh air, let the kids run wild on a play park, or get active on a fitness trail during Love Parks Week?

We're excited to share a new opportunity, organised by Your CVS in partnership with the Council, for women across our organisation and in the community to connect, reflect and support one another.

Sip & Support is a welcoming monthly coffee afternoon focused on women’s health and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to share experiences, listen to others, or simply enjoy a cuppa in good company, this group is for you.

📆When? 
Every 3rd Thursday of the month 1pm - 2.30pm

Upcoming dates: 17 July | 21 August | 18 September | 16 October | 20 November | 18 December

📍Where?
Tom Mann Pavilion, Valley Prospect, Newark, NG24 4QN

🫂What to expect?

• Open, supportive conversations about women's health and wellbeing
• Hear from guest speakers and local organisations who can help
• A relaxed space to connect and share

This group is open to women of all ages and backgrounds. Come as you are, enjoy a coffee (or your favourite drink!) and join the conversation.

For any other information, contact Your CVS on 01636 679539 | info@yourcvsnotts.org

Join us for a day at the beach unlike any other in this FREE high energy, outdoor circus theatre show!

Perfect for the whole family, Everywhere’s a Beach by Hikapee is a charmingly ridiculous performance taking place on a giant revolving beach parasol!

This dynamic, dizzying and downright daft show will leave you dancing with delight!

⏲️When: Sunday 17^th August at 12pm and 2pm, as part of Newark on Sea

📍Where: Newark Market Place

You’ll be swept away as this show embraces everything we love about the beach. Our spinning parasol creates the perfect setting for our eccentric beach loving characters.⛱️

This Newark Creates event has been supported by Newark Heart through the Newark Towns Fund as well as UK Arts Council.

Boost your creativity and wellbeing this summer with a free guided walk around Newark and the surrounding areas.

Led by walking artist Amelia Daiz, these weekly wanders are an opportunity to:

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 meet new people
🎨 experiment with creative activities such as poetry, photography, and sketching
🌳 engage with your surroundings in new and interesting ways.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner looking to try something new, these walks are suitable for all ages (but children must be accompanied by an adult).

⏲️When? 5:00pm to 6:30pm, every Tuesday until 30 September.

📍Meeting point: Outside the National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark-on-Trent, NG24 1JY.

The Yorke Drive estate in Newark has been given a Summer Spruce Up, making the area cleaner for the community.

On Wednesday 23 July, our teams helped with a variety of tasks including:

🌿 Void property garden maintenance and clearance
🌱 General grass cutting
🌾 Alleyway maintenance (including strimming and spraying)
🧹 Road sweeping

Colleagues, Councillors and local residents also worked together to take part in a community litter pick around the estate – the results we’re amazing!

It’s hoped more Summer Spruce Up’s can be organised in different locations in the future!

We also helped out at North Muskham Primary School helping students to learn more about planting. Our teams helped to source, plant, and educate students focused on the importance of how caring for and nurturing plants can install positive life values 😊🪴

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