Editor of the Echo steps down
THE long-serving and much-respected editor of the Loughborough Echo has decided to step down from the role.
Andy Rush has worked for the newspaper for 27 years and was editor for 16 of those.
A number of community leaders have thanked him for his efforts and wished him well for the future.
Mike Jones, Hon Freeman, said: “Andy’s contribution to the local community during his period as editor cannot be overstated, and went much further than just being at the helm of the local newspaper.”
And Bishop Russell Ford said: “Andy has been the editor for many years and in that time we have observed his guiding hand in making the newspaper not only informative but truly representative of our local community. This has been so because Andy has demonstrated the very best of local journalism.
“We want to thank him for his genuine interest in all aspects of the life of the town and all parts of the community; for being approachable and fair; for being personable and professional.
“We wish Andy the very best for the future. “
Andy said: “It’s been a privilege to work for the Echo for the last 27 years and an honour to be its editor for 16 of those.
“I have met and worked with the most wonderful people during my time here. Many thanks to all those who have helped me through the years.”
I WAS very sad to hear that former Editor Andy Rush has left the Loughborough Echo and wish him every success in his future endeavours.
Andy’s contribution to the local community during his period as Editor cannot be overstated, and went much further than just being at the helm of the local newspaper.
As a very active editor, knowing the area extremely well, he worked with so many local organisations and became involved in so many local campaigns that it would be impossible to list them all. May I, however, list just three?
Firstly, he actively led the campaign to relaunch Loughborough in Bloom 10 years ago and has publicised it widely through the Echo for the last 10 years, chairing the Bloom Board for many of those.
Loughborough’s success in winning national and regional Bloom awards is in no small part due to the part that he played, which was recognised by a personal national bloom award.
Secondly, his support for faith and spiritual diversity has been much appreciated by the Loughborough Council of Faiths and individual faith groups. Over Andy’s period as Editor there have been many positive articles on matters of faith, some of which, at times of national unrest, have contributed greatly to local community understanding and harmony.
Thirdly, his recognition of the interest that local people have in the recent history of the Loughborough area, fuelled by his own personal interest and local knowledge, has given birth to a Looking Back section, which is widely appreciated by the Echo’s readers.
There are many, many other instances of Andy’s personal support for local community organisations and events, showing that, with the right leadership, a local weekly newspaper can both campaign and be the beating heart of the area.
I can only hope that whatever arrangements are put in place to fill Andy’s shoes, these will encompass as much as possible of the ethos that he represented for so long, in order that what has been gained is not lost with his departure.
Once again, I am sure that I speak for many when I say, well done, Andy, your efforts will long be appreciated.
Mike Jones, Hon Freeman