‘We will all miss the bright light that was Laurence, but know that a little piece of his soul will forever fly high above Lincolnshire in a sculpture he loved’
Laurence Goff at the site(Image: Laycie Beck)
A trust has paid tribute to a “very special” volunteer who helped raise over £20,000 for the Lancaster Bomber sculpture off the A46.
Councillor Laurence Goff was the former mayor of Newark, and over the years had dedicated himself to the local area and a number of projects, including the sculpture completed last year by The Bomber County Gateway Trust.
The Newark Town councillor died on Tuesday, January 13, at the age of 75.
A spokesperson for the trust said: “It was with enormous sadness that the BCGT team learnt of the passing of Laurence Goff.
“Laurence was a very special person whose passion and enthusiasm for fundraising made a huge difference to many projects. ‘On Freedom’s Wings’ and the BCGT have been incredibly grateful to be a recipient of such fundraising drive and energy.
“After meeting the BCGT team at Newark Cock Pit Fest, in 2023 Laurence mentioned that he would raise funds to help get On Freedoms Wings in the air.”
It continued: “Over the last three years, Laurence has given enormous amounts of time, his flags flying brightly on his stall in Newark Market Place, with the framed print of On Freedoms Wings proudly taking centre stage.
“Laurence was hugely dedicated towards the project and in true style took to the skies, raising over £1,600, jumping out of a plane in a tandem skydive.
“Laurence had been responsible for raising an incredible over £22,000 for the trust, a truly remarkable feat by one man.”
In September 2025, the On Freedom’s Wings sculpture was lifted into the air after almost eight years, and Laurence was there to lend his support.
The trust added: “We will all miss the bright light that was Laurence, but know that a little piece of his soul will forever fly high above Lincolnshire in a sculpture he loved.”
Newark Town Council has also shared a statement paying tribute to Laurence.
It said: “If you had to sum up Laurence in one word, it would be ‘passionate’. He was passionate about all things Newark: the people, the places, the history.
“He was also passionate about democracy and fairness to all, and as such, he gave his time willingly to help people, whether by volunteering for Newark Community First Aid, supporting the Friends of Newark Cemetery group, or fundraising for the Lancaster Bomber statue at Norton Disney.”
It continued: “Most of all, he used his position as a councillor to stand up for what he held dear.
“Newark has lost one of a kind. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Newark and Sherwood District Council’s leader, Councillor Paul Peacock, has also paid tribute to Laurence, who served as a district councillor for four years as well as a town councillor.
He said: “It is with much sadness that I learned of the passing of Councillor Laurence Goff.
“Laurence was a devoted member of his community and was incredibly dedicated to serving the people he represented, especially those in Newark.
“His tireless efforts to improve health facilities and support rough sleepers reflected his deep compassion and commitment to those most in need. My sincere condolences go out to Laurence’s family at this difficult time.”
The MP for Newark, Robert Jenrick, has described Laurence as a “kind and gentle man” who will be missed.
He said: “I was very sad to hear that a Newark legend, Laurence Goff, had passed away.
“I can hardly recall an event in Newark at which Laurence hasn’t been present over the years.
“He was always there, helping out, with Newark Community First Aid, raising money for the Bomber Command memorial, organising events like those at the cemetery, you name it.”
He continued: “You could hardly go shopping in the town centre and not bump into him.
“He’d come bounding over to chat about this or that and raise issues he’d spotted on his travels. He was everywhere. Newark was his life.”