reunion


A trip back in time C


New stories and some ‘with cobwebs’ aired in Manchester “A germ of an idea quickly grew as


olleagues from the now-defunct Salford City Reporter took an emotional trip down memory lane when


they got together for a reunion. Most had not seen each other since the mid-1980s but got back in touch via social media and finally met up again in a city centre pub in Manchester. Some proved impossible to track down


but the eight attending included Martin Banks, who travelled from his home in Brussels, and John Turner, who worked at the paper from 1977 to 1983, rejoining briefly in 1985 as sports editor. Now 67, he is retired and lives in Blackpool. “I must admit I almost shed a tear


when I saw so many of us back together again after all these years,” said Turner. “Hopefully, we can turn it into an annual event and, perhaps, track down even more former colleagues.” Also present was Trevor Baxter, who


left the paper in 1984 and was former athletics correspondent at the Manchester Evening News. Semi- retired and living in Saddleworth, the 65-year-old was recently awarded life membership of the NUJ. He said: “Martin’s contact to arrange a reunion came out of the blue. A couple of the lads I had seen in the intervening years but, with most others, there had been no contact for 40 years.


people warmed to the idea. The outcome was a lovely night of nostalgia – stories retold that had cobwebs on them. “We have vowed to do it again,. But, as


we can’t wait another 40 years, ex- Reporter staff: watch this space for a further reunion invitation.” They were joined by David Lea, former Daily Mirror assistant chief sub who worked at the City Reporter from July 1984 to November 1985. He said: “It was a fabulous evening full of reminiscing, laughter and not a small amount of alcohol (of course). It was lovely to discover what folk had been up to since we worked together. And to meet for the first time those who preceded me, including Martin who I replaced and had heard a lot about.” Also present was Howard Wheatcroft, a former sports editor at the Daily Express: He said: “It was an absolute joy to see everybody, some for the first time in nearly 40 years. Always good to give the old stories an airing, and even better to hear some new ones. Great to reminisce about an era that unfortunately has gone forever.” Tom Knight, ex-athletics correspondent at the Telegraph, travelled from his Cotswolds home. He said “You never quite know what to expect with reunions, especially ones with people you worked with more


“


Raring to go in the 1980s: Martin Banks enters the Salford City Reporter office


22 | theJournalist


Out on the tiles: Trevor Baxter, John Turner and Martin Banks


It was lovely to recall how we encouraged each other – at a time when local papers could make a difference


than 40 years ago, yet it quickly felt as if we were having a drink after work back in 1982. “It was lovely to recall how


enthusiastic we were, how daft and how ambitious, and how we encouraged each other to be good journalists – at a time when journalism and local papers like the Salford City Reporter mattered and could make a difference.” Former deputy editor Sue Chalmers,


who became publicity manager at the University of Salford, noted: “It was great to meet up with all the old gang and to hear of everyone’s success. All thanks to Martin and Trevor for tracking us down. Without their social media know-how, I doubt I would ever have seen my former colleagues again. I will definitely be keeping in touch now.” The paper’s editor, Tony Jackson,


delighted all by joining his former staff at the reunion. The much-loved paper, which dated


back to the 1870s, folded early in 1987 when The Advertiser Group took over.. Most of the former colleagues had


kept highly treasured old photos, albeit yellowing, of the years they spent together. After viewing one, Turner joked: “We all looked like boy band members back then.” Banks, who worked at the Reporter, his first paper, over 1980-84, spoke for all when he said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up on old times and swap stories and anecdotes from a bygone era for local journalism.”


Together again after 40 years: front: David Lea; around table: Howard Wheatcroft, John Turner, Tom Knight, Martin Banks, Tony Jackson, Sue Chalmers, Trevor Baxter


MARTIN BANKS


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