A weekly newspaper editor is leaving her job after her ex-journalist husband landed a new role at the European Parliament in Brussels.
Nicola Megson, left, is standing down as editor of the Derbyshire Times and group editor of a series of Johnston Press-owned sister titles in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
It follows her husband John Furbisher’s recent move to Brussels to become head of media for the Conservative Group of MEPs.
John was editor of the Sheffield Star until quitting the role in March.
Nicola became editor of the Derbyshire Times and group editor of JP subsidiaries Wilfred Edmunds Limited and North Notts Newspapers in September last year.
The appointment came just over two years after the sudden death of her son, Thomas, who died in his sleep aged 15 during a family holiday.
Said Nicola: “This was by no means an easy decision to make. The job has been fantastic, challenging, exhilarating…you name it….but I have to put my personal life first.
“Having barely had a moment to breathe since losing Thomas I plan to take some time for myself. I know all too well how important it is to enjoy today and let tomorrow take care of itself…so first plan, take time for me.”
She added: “I am certainly not closing the door on newspapers or Johnston Press. Indeed, it is my hope that one day I will return to the industry with a broader and fresher perspective, all the better skilled and refreshed for having left it for a while.
“I have relished every minute of my career in Johnston Press and am extremely grateful for the opportunities given to me. I am confident we will be staying in touch.”
Nicola took on her current role after seven years as deputy editor of the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Before that she had been chief reporter and news editor at the Yorkshire Post, where she was one of the team responsible for the award-winning ‘Donnygate’ investigation into council corruption in Doncaster.
At the YP she also ran the newsdesk during some of the biggest national and international events including 9/11 and the Bradford riots.
She began her newspaper career at her hometown paper, the Brighouse Echo, before moving on to the Courier in Halifax where she became crime reporter.
Nicola told staff of her decision on Friday and will be leaving in early December.
She added: “I will miss my team more than words can say – in just one year together we have worked together to transform the Derbyshire Times and I am immensely proud of them and of what we have achieved together.”
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Saw the Derbyshire Times recently for the first time in many years and thought it a cracking read – much sharper and more focused than I remember it. Didn’t have a clue about Nicola’s background or her personal tragedy. Shame for the paper she’s moving on but she’s right, there are more important things in life.
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Get on that EU gravy train and get as much of our taxes while you can!
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Who can blame her for leaving the drudgery of JP life and becoming an EU WAG? Good luck to you both.
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As a Derbyshire Times reader for many years, I’m sorry to hear that Nicola will be leaving so soon after taking on the role. In the past year she has turned an average weekly paper into one which is much more in touch with its community. Good luck in Brussells!
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There’s certainly a whole lot of shaking going on in the JP Midlands division. Think that must be about three editors who have departed in the last year.
And a two month strike in South Yorkshire too.
Interesting times.
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Sorry to learn about your tragic loss. Good luck, Nicola. Hope everything works out for you.
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Thankyou for your kind words all.
But EU Wag? Nah. You can keep your designer bling and fake tan (though it would be handy in the tropic of Brussels).
The beer and chips, on the other hand….
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