A well-known former contributor and supporter to the Newton News, has died at the age of 81.
Brian Edwards, of Newton Aycliffe, contributed articles for our paper in his spare time in the late 1960’s. He was a journalist by profession, working on The Northern Echo and Evening Gazette as a sub-editor before his retirement in 1995.
Brian was a member at St. Mary’s Church, and a much liked and respected regular at the RAFA Club. His son, Cliff, said: “Dad was a passionate, campaigning journalist in his day and a good, loyal friend to many both at work and in the community. If he could possibly help anyone, he would.
“He chose the North East for the family to settle in because he felt it had a sense of community. And he chose Newton Aycliffe because he felt it was a great place to bring up children. He contributed articles for the Newton News because he admired the people here and he got on well with Newton News founder, Syd Howarth.”
Syd Howarth said: “Brian encouraged the work of Newton News and at one point helped in the design and editing of the newspaper. He was talented, quiet and unassuming man – a perfect gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him.”
Brian died peacefully, surrounded by his family in Darlington Memorial Hospital on Saturday. He had contracted a chest complaint associated with his Parkinson’s Disease, from which he had suffered without complaint for many years.
He leaves a wife Heather, daughter Tania, sons Chris, Cliff and David and nine grandchildren. His funeral will be held next Friday, April 25th at St Mary’s before interment at West Cemetery.
