More Than A Building
Chairman Simon Gabbitas welcomed business people and decision makers to the August meeting for Newark Business Club and started proceedings for the roving mic introductions.
Meeting Sponsor – YMCA Newark & Sherwood
This month’s meeting was sponsored by YMCA Newark & Sherwood Emma Holden and Declan Barker took to the stage to share an inspiring overview of their mission, facilities, and growing impact on the community.
With a remarkable history dating back 181 years to its founding in London, the YMCA is a truly global force for good, supporting 64 million people across 120 countries through 12,000 branches. Locally, the YMCA Newark and Sherwood site has been open for just three years, yet in that short time has become a vital and multi-functional community hub.
The Newark facility spans an impressive 43,000 square feet and offers far more than many people realise. The site includes a fully licensed conferencing and hospitality centre, meeting rooms for hire, a welcoming café serving fresh coffee and cake, business centre, gym, climbing wall, dance studios, FA-accredited football pitches, running track and even a BMX track, designed to support physical development and confidence
Despite this vast offering, the team noted that many in the local area are still unaware of the full range of services available — something the YMCA is actively working to change.
Camp Williams, one of YMCA’s flagship programmes, offers full-day childcare for children aged 4 to 15 years, from 8am to 6pm, grouped by age to ensure the right mix of fun, freedom, and challenge. Activities include sports, crafts, climbing, swimming, drama and more.
For younger children, the YMCA Nursery provides a nurturing, research-backed environment focused on play-based learning and development. Their ethos is simple: Where little minds grow big ideas.
The YMCA isn’t just for children — they also provide tailor-made options for businesses and organisations, including team building days, corporate campfires, day, week or month-based room hire and two complimentary taster days offered exclusively to Newark Business Club members.
YMCA Newark and Sherwood isn’t just a building — it’s a place to belong, contribute and thrive. Every activity is backed by a story of growth, inclusion and confidence. Their work is made possible not only through programme fees, but also through fundraising and volunteering. From silent discos to skydives, speed quizzes, Three Peaks challenges, and support from organisations like BNSO, there are countless ways for the community to get involved.
To learn more, arrange a visit, or get involved in any of the YMCA’s initiatives — whether business or personal — contact the team at YMCA Newark and Sherwood. You may just discover that they offer far more than you expected.
After the end of the talk, half the room took a tour around the YMCA facilities whilst the other half did their round table networking. After they swapped and returned to the room breakfast was served courtesy of the YMCA team.
Who Gives a Book?!
Two books were given away this month. Leaders Eat Last was won by Connor Pollard of Duke IT and Helen Wheatley was the lucky recipient of Traction.
Two Minute Talk
This month, the spotlight shone on Emma Easton of Business Bollox for a two minute talk to the club. The two minute talk is selected from everyone that books their ticket online and next month we will hear from Chris Breedon of Prospero Mediation and Training.
Announcements
Among the closing announcements were several events taking place in August.
Newark Wine Society’s next meeting took place on 3rd August and follow their Facebook page for future meetings.
Reuseabox celebrate their 10th birthday on Friday 15th August at their warehouse.
Looking further ahead, local teams will compete in the Dragon Boat Race at the Riverside Park on 14th September in support of the Children’s Bereavement Centre. If you would like to take part, register your team at www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk/dragon-boat-race
Member Spotlight – Peaceful Possums
Peaceful Possums Yoga is all about making yoga accessible, inclusive, and fun—for every body and every age. From toddlers to teens, from school halls to festival fields, and from care homes to sports teams, we’re passionate about sharing the benefits of yoga with the whole community.
We offer creative, engaging classes for children aged 18 months to 18 years, with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, resilience, and building a growth mindset. We’ve loved working with local nurseries and primary schools, and are always looking to connect with more schools looking to support their pupils’ mental health and social connection.
Our adult sessions are just as varied. We work closely with people living with dementia, learning disabilities, and physical challenges, offering gentle, accessible yoga that meets individuals exactly where they are. We also support local sports groups with yoga sessions that encourage body awareness, flexibility, injury prevention, and the mental focus that underpins a growth mindset.
This weekend we’re thrilled to be at Gloworm Festival (Saturday and Sunday), hosting joyful family sessions in our beautiful bell tent—a peaceful space to pause, play, and connect amid the festival buzz.
At Peaceful Possum Yoga, we believe yoga should be for everyone, and we’d love to bring our friendly, inclusive approach to more schools, nurseries, community centres, care settings, and events.
Get in touch to explore how yoga can support your community.
Next meeting
The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be on September 5th at the YMCA and doors open 6.45am.
By Roz Andrews, RA Writers for Hire Ltd and RA Book Editing
Thank you to Our Patrons & Sponsors
We are delighted to announce the following Patrons for 2025: Gusto Group|GXO in Partnership with Currys|Barcode Warehouse|Motorfinity|PeachyEvents|Radio Newark
Next Meeting – The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be on 5th September at the YMCA and doors open 6.45am.
The YMCA catering team offer a range of delicious breakfasts which are available to purchase.
Please Book your tickets online
YMCA Community and Activity Village
Lord Hawke Way
Newark
Nottinghamshire NG24 4FH
For sponsorship opportunities, contact chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk
