Hi.  I’m Clare Dobb standing for Newlands Ward.  I am a working mum, with two children, a born and bred Mansfield woman raised in the Newlands Ward. I attended Garibaldi Comprehensive, and I was the first member of my family to attend University. Being a keen middle-distance athlete in my youth, I am proud to have represented my Country, region and county on many occasions and was known as the “Forest Town Flyer” in the local press!

I come from a strong Labour supporting family, where my grandparents were very active within Clipstone community. My father, grandfather, uncles and husband all worked at local pits, and I am proud to say I am a miner’s daughter and wife!

I have been heavily involved with coaching sport for most of my life. During the last 5 years promoting and working with girls in Rugby; starting from 5 players to developing a strong, prominent girls’ section at a local rugby club. Giving youngsters an opportunity to have a positive experience within sport, the chance to be part of a team and develop life skills is important to me. I have been a school governor at my children’s school and I work with a few local community sports clubs as Treasurer.

I am passionate about community improvement, and Newlands is a ward very close to my heart. Having grown up in the area, it’s my time to put something back into a community that my family, friends and I are part of. I have been bought up on strong working-class values and I have seen the town and communities decline over the years.  Mansfield has a lack of council housing, a homelessness problem, lack investment in industry in our town, local services have been cut – youth and adult. I will make it my priority to represent you within the Council and campaign hard on local issues that affect Newlands Ward, and fight for a better deal.  I have a track record of being dedicated and hardworking and I would be your Community Champion and your voice within the Council.