Editor bows outafter 33 years in the Harrogate Advertiser hotseat
The long-serving editor of the Harrogate Advertiser has announced she is to step down, after 41 years on local journalism.
Jean MacQuarrie was appointed the Advertiser editor in 1988 and has latterly been editor-in-chief of JPIMedia’s Yorkshire weeklies.
Jean said: “I am proud to have been able to play an important part of bringing trusted news to our communities over the years.
“It has also been important to me as a local editor to be a part of the community as well, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with individuals and organisations to promote and support the town and district.”
Jean’s involvement in local life has included work with the crime prevention panel, the Army Foundation College Independent Advisory Board, the Harrogate Business Luncheon Club, Harrogate BID, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Harrogate Festivals and the Harrogate Theatre Appeal.
Jean also launched the Harrogate Business Awards, which she hosted for many years, and also arranged local hustings in each general election for the area.
Jean said: “Career highlights were the Harrogate Advertiser being named, on various occasions, Regional Independent Media, Johnston Press and JPIMedia Weekly Newspaper of the Year, helping to support the aspirations of so many talented young journalists, having tea with the Queen, and showing Princess Diana around our newsroom.
“Above all, I hope I have to make people’s voices heard, and tried to make a difference.”
