The ethos behind the group is:

• To offer suggestions to Newark Town Council on ways to improve the service and facilities of the Cemetery.
  
• To provide input in the Cemetery Regulations
  
• To help identify problems with vandalism and other activities detrimental to the well-being of the Cemetery: and to work with the council to seek solutions to these problems.
  
• To play an active part in assisting the Town Council with practical tasks such as litter collection, painting seats, benches, organising open days etc.
  
• To provide a welcoming presence and a source of help and information at the Cemetery during opening hours and to act as guides to visitors to the Cemetery.
  

FONC instigated and organised the 150th Anniversary of the Cemetery. The event took place on the 7th October 2006 and was opened by the Mayor of Newark. There were displays from Bereavement Groups and the War Graves Commission. There were historical trails and wildlife displays. FONC hope to hold a yearly Open Day to include both Historical and Wildlife Trails.

Over the past 2 years, FoNC have planted over 2000 Spring bulbs around the Chapel, cleaned memorials and benches and have organised nature and historical tours of the Cemetery.

FoNC are currently running 3 initiatives:

On each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon throughout the year, from 2-4pm, a service is offered to those mourning loved ones and to other visitors to the Cemetery.  Services include bereavement support, help with family history, grave location, history of the Cemetery etc.  If you would like to take advantage of these services or if you would like to help provide these services, please contact the Town Council or Cemetery.

A Comfort Book is being produced, containing poems, quotations and scriptural passages, designed to provide comfort and support to bereaving families.  Members of the public have been asked to submit any poems they would like to be included and it is hoped to have the book ready by the end of the year.  Any financial contributions towards the cost of printing would be appreciated. 

On 28th April 2007, Richard Todd OBE, officially unveiled the Memorial to the Fallen in Newark Cemetery on London Road.  FoNC has decided to see that the memorial has a display of fresh flowers throughout the year.  This is planned to start in November; other local organisations, associated with the armed forces, have pledged their support to this initiative.

Anyone is welcome to become a Friend of Newark Cemetery; please contact the Environmental Services Team on 01636 680342 for Membership details.