John will leave a big gap

After more than 47 years of writing for the Bexhill Observer, John will be sorely missed by colleagues and readers alike.

He is the stuff of local legend and a very familiar face '“ often being stopped on the street by readers who want to share a story with him, tip him off or tell him about an up-and-coming event.

Over the last few days, the Observer's postbag and e-mail account have been bulging with letters and messages of support for John, expressing sorrow at his leaving, thanks for all his hard work and wishing him well.

Not only that, many of the paper's contacts have praised John's commitment to the Bexhill community, one commenting that no story was ever too small for him to cover.

But John is still involved in the workings of the town '“ maintaining links with the many organisations and good causes he has become involved with, including the Bexhill Talking Newspaper Association and the League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital.

John hanging up his notebook after so many years of sterling service naturally leaves the Observer with a huge gap in its soul.

Yet he's still not fully retired '“ he remains a force in the background, promising moral support, contributions and tip-offs to the paper's staff.

Given the issues faced by the newspaper industry today, John's background assistance will help smooth the Observer's transition from being in the hands of someone with impeccable local knowledge to a replacement who is learning as she goes.

The Bexhill Observer aims to maintain the standards John has set, and hopes to continue to serve the community in a positive and informative way.

John's boots might be an extremely big pair to fill, but the team is still here. Please keep sending in all contributions '“ views, letters, pictures, stories, events and club reports '“ anything you think might be of interest to us.

The challenge now is to keep the masthead flying - and everyone at the Bexhill Observer is willing to give that their best shot.