Posted on 23rd May
The outgoing chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Coun Jean Hall, raised thousands of pounds for charities during her year in office.
Speaking at a full meeting of the council, she said: “During my time as chair, I have met so many amazing people doing so many amazing things. I think there is often too much focus on the bad when we should be highlighting all the good that the district council and its community do.
“I’ve made lifelong friends in my role as chair, and during my Chair’s Challenge, I tried to visit every parish we have. I wanted to promote travelling by bike and on foot, and to show how deeply connected our communities are.
“During my tenure, I raised £2,620 for Nottinghamshire Mind, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, and Newark Women’s Aid, which means the absolute world to me and I would like to thank everyone who donated.”
The Shed @ Collingham presented Jean with a plaque made from an oak tree that was more than 1,000 years old. The wood had previously been used as a church pew before being restored and crafted into a plaque.
Throughout the meeting, several councillors gave personal tributes and thanks to Jean, as well as congratulating and welcoming the new chair, Coun Linda Tift.
Linda, who was unanimously elected, said: “I am delighted to step into the role and I’m looking forward to the year ahead. I would like to thank Jean for all her hard work, including her incredible ability to ride a bike around the district to raise money for charity!
“This year, during my time as chair, I will be supporting, fundraising for, and raising awareness of two incredibly important charities — the Emmaus Trust and the Samaritans.
“I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their support and look forward to what the next year will bring.”
Coun Roger Jackson, of the Dover Beck Ward, who was unanimously elected as vice-chair, is pictured with new chair Linda.
