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Newspaper 'legend' bows out after 48 years

An editorial page designer described as a “newspaper legend” by colleagues has retired after nearly half a century with one company.

Brian Webber, left, known to his friends as Bryn or Brynnie, has worked for Ipswich’s Evening Star and its sister paper, the East Anglian Daily Times, for more than 48 years.

Starting in August 1961 as a 14-year-old apprentice, he went on to a range of positions within what is now Archant, including working as a “stone hand” and page designer for both newspapers.

At a presentation ceremony held last week, the Star’s head of news Russell Cook described the 63-year-old as a “legend of our time.”

Recalled Bryn: “I’ve had various jobs here at the Star and the Anglian, from when the papers were based in Carr Street to the current site.

“I worked as an apprentice for six years and then moved on to becoming a stone hand, which is what the people used to be called when all the pages were made manually.”

“I’ll miss the company, but I think out of everything I will miss the banter between the staff the most.

“I think my most popular times were in the 70s and 80s, when we had the old social club open on site. Some good times were definitely had there.”

Star editor Nigel Pickover said “Brynnie has been one of our company’s great assets over almost half a century and we will miss him greatly.

“He goes into a well-deserved retirement with our heartfelt thanks and a track record that is second-to none.”