THE founder of the Lakeland Echo, Andrew Wilson, has shared some of his memories of setting up this much-loved paper.
Although the paper is no longer being published this website will continue to bring you news and pictures from Cumbria.
Andrew, who retired to Morecambe from the Lakes nine years ago, said he was glad that the paper had passed its 30-year milesto
ne before it closed down.
He said: "I regard 30 years as an achievement for a local paper when hundreds of local papers around the country have come and gone in a much shorter time. In fact, on my Christmas cards, I was reminding some of the early workers with whom I am still in touch that the Echo chalked up its thirtieth anniversary this year and that was something worth celebrating, even if we did not have a party this time."
For the Echo's twenty-fifth Anniversary in July 2004, Andrew organised a celebratory party at a Windermere hotel which was attended by many of the early workers and supporters from as far away as Majorca; and also representatives of Morecambe Press, who spoke appreciatively of it.
"That showed the lasting affection and goodwill for the Echo that marked its founding and continued to characterise it throughout its life," he said.
Andrew named the paper the 'Lakeland Echo' after a paper which existed in Ambleside at the turn of the last century called the 'English Lakes Echo'.
"I thought it would give my paper an historic link which would give it some tradition and add to its authority," he explained.
The first edition of the Echo was published on July 19, 1979 – price 6p - and the launch of this new Lake District paper made national news. A launch party was held on that day at the Burnside Hotel, Bowness, attended by many local "movers and shakers".
Andrew edited the paper for the first few years. He had help with the advertising from Paul Shingler who ran a printing firm in Ambleside, but later took on others to get advertising.
He converted it to a free paper with the Christmas 1980 issue - mainly because of the continuing need for more advertising revenue – and 20,000 copies were then distributed per week. This kept it afloat. But in February 1982, with the Echo still needing more advertising and investment, an agreement was signed with Morecambe Press Ltd. for them to take-over the Lakeland Echo.
Andrew said: "I am very grateful that Morecambe Press came along at that time and felt that the Echo was something they could usefully add to their portfolio and make a success of. They ensured its survival for many more years, and I am most appreciative of that."
He said it was a privilege to have had the opportunity to start the Echo, and he would always be grateful to all those who helped his "baby" on its way then and since.
He added: "The Echo will always hold happy memories for me, and have a warm place in my heart – as I know it will for many others too."
