Due to ill health and recent diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease, Syd Howarth, age 81, Honorary Editor of the Newton News, has had to give up his duties and transfer them to his son Paul and the team at Newton Press.
Syd set up Newton Press in 1963 as the new town was starting to grow. Newton Press has grown with the town and provided and continues to provide a local print service to residents and businesses in the town.
The paper, Newton News, started off over 50 years ago as a black and white monthly broadsheet and is now a 16 page full colour weekly tabloid. The initial circulation was approximately 5000 which has grown over the last 50 years to roughly 15500, with a weekly readership of over 60,000 (including online readership via website and social media outlets).
The area covered includes the main town of Newton Aycliffe as well as the surrounding villages and the business park.
The Newton News claims to be the first ever free newspaper circulated to every household with advertising covering the print and delivery costs. It is a true community newspaper involving all organisations, schools, industry, churches, charities and individuals who wish to express an opinion without fear or favour. We have no political bias and therefore give everyone a voice (providing it does not come under liable laws).
Newton News is a ‘good’ news newspaper, we do not report on court cases or chase ambulances or report scandalous behaviour unless in the interest of the community.
Syd would like to express his sincere thanks to everyone who has supported the Newton News over its existence and is confident the service will continue under the editorship of his son, Paul.
Many people have responded to personal appeals by Syd over the last 55 years and he wishes to thank them, in particular, for their solid support and friendship over this time.
For editorial contributions please email Paul direct at paul@newtonnews.co.uk
Editor: Stuart, Christopher and I would like to record our thanks and gratitude to a wonderful father and mentor; for the years of service to the local community; his dedication to the family and the love he has shown and given over the years.
Dad’s presence will be sorely missed in the Newton Press offices and by the many visitors who walk through our doors. As a family run business, we hope that we can fill these incredibly large boots and continue the same passion he had for the town of Newton Aycliffe.
Paul Howarth
