A weekly newspaper has lost 90 years of journalism experience with the retirement of its chief reporter and editor.

Carol Frost actually retired in December 2003 from the Ashbourne News Telegraph but decided to return shortly afterwards to work for the paper part-time for another five years.

Meanwhile, her boss Alan Harris has also left the Iliffe-owned title after 37 years – two decades of which have been spent in the editor’s chair.

Alan was based at the company’s head office in Burton-on-Trent and told the News Telegraph he was “enjoying life” after retiring a couple of weeks ago.

Carol started her career with the then Ashbourne News in 1955 which merged a couple of years later with the Ashbourne Telegraph and adopted its current moniker.

She became the title’s chief reporter in the 1970s – a role she held onto until her first retirement in 2003.

Carol said: “After so many years I had foolishly thought that I would always be a part of the News Telegraph, until that final ‘dead-line’ carried me away.

“Others though have determined it is time for me to go, so go I must.

“The paper has been a great part of my life for over 53 years and so often did it take precedence over everything else that I looked upon reporting as much a hobby as a job.

“I have truly loved writing for, and about, Ashbourne and will miss it dreadfully.

Carol receives flowers and farewells from colleagues in Ashbourne

“They have been enthralling, exciting and satisfying years and I have met generations of kind and helpful people.

“I have been fortunate too in colleagues who have shared the office, many learning their craft on our paper before going on to bigger things, hopefully taking with them the ethic of hard work and accuracy.

“It has been my pleasure and privilege to help provide a service to the town’s newspaper and having ‘retired’ five years ago to take on part-time duties this time, sadly, I’m afraid it has to be for good.”

Acting editor of the Ashbourne News Telegraph Andy Parker said: “Carol’s dedication to Ashbourne, her local knowledge and her unflagging enthusiasm have made the term ‘legendary’ perfectly applicable in her case.

“I sure that everyone in those communities would unhesitatingly join me in wishing Carol a long and happy retirement, and she leaves with our grateful thanks and very best wishes.

“Alan Harris is another stalwart of this newspaper company who has given long and loyal service to the Ashbourne News Telegraph, always maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

“I consider myself fortunate indeed to have worked with two such remarkable, irreplaceable colleagues.”

Comments

MarionHaste (25/02/2009 15:07:31)
How old are these people? Come on – this is basic stuff.