Retiring editor makes the news

RETIRING Chronicle editor, Jim Williams

CHRONICLE editor Jim Williams made the news as councillors paid tribute at his last meeting before his retirement.

Mayor Councillor Jim McArdle said Mr Williams joined the paper in 1965 as a sports reporter before working his way up to editor in 2000.

“For 45 years, Jim has dedicated his career to informing and entertaining the people of Oldham,” he said.

He added that his council sketches had added greatly to the richness of public life.

Councillor Brian Lord said Oldham was lucky to have a daily newspaper, adding: “He will leave a lasting impression on Oldham and its people.”

Councillor Abdul Jabbar said it was good to see someone working for one organisation for 45 years, which takes a lot of dedication and hard work.

He said it was to his credit that he attended council meetings religiously and pointed out that Mr Williams had gone out to all communities after the 2001 race riots to understand the cause and help create a better and more cohesive society and had helped set up an Education Trust and get support from businesses.

Councillor John Hudson said: “It’s difficult to find a proper journalist whose dedicated to one area. We all appreciate the contributions he has made not just as the editor of the Chronicle but for supporting things in the borough and campaigning for fairness.”



JIM’s final light-hearted council meeting survey: see reviews section