TWENTY-FIVE years gone in the blink of an eye since the launch of Warrington Worldwide in print and yet huge changes in Warrington and the media world!
Warrington Worldwide magazine actually came AFTER the launch of our daily online newspaper, which was the first independent online newspaper in the country when it launched in April 1999.
The magazine followed to help promote the website – and businesses locally still finding their feet to advertise online.
Little did I know 25 years on the print edition would still be going strong despite the onset of the digital revolution with nearly everyone now getting their news fix from their mobile phones. We launched in print during a recession in September 1999 following a sudden downturn in our core business of selling news and pictures to other publications and have managed to survive various recessions, a pandemic and an ongoing cost-of living crisis, publishing every single month apart from a 12 week spell during lockdown.
We have survived in the main due to our passion for Warrington, our loyal readers and our very loyal advertisers in the local community who have stuck with us through thick and thin – especially those who continued to support us during the COVID pandemic.
It has been a remarkable journey for a family business and while we have no intentions of disappearing any time soon, it will be interesting to see the landscape in another 25 years.
I’ll have to put in the same working shift as my Freeman of Warrington father David if I’m still going to be at the helm!!
Meanwhile, we will continue banging the drum for Warrington and local community as best we can.
The world of media has changed considerably since I started on a Victorian typewriter in 1979, especially with the internet revolution and the onset of mobile phones.
But there is still something special about print – especially when it’s glossy and colourful – I hope you enjoy the special edition you can pick uop for free int he local community and if you are wondering what the cover represents – it harks back to our very first issue – and the young town crier, AJ Powell, is now adorning the front page like his grandad Peter did when we first launched in 1999 – keeping up a family tradition.
Once again thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years – we couldn’t have done it without you!
Messages of Congratulations
“It doesn’t seem 25 minutes let alone 25 years since Gary and I sat in Bank Park to discuss the demise of newsprint/newspapers and the proposal to establish what then seemed a ‘space age’ project, an internet based publication – Warrington Worldwide.
Prof. Steven Broomhead
Since then Warrington Worldwide has proved a valuable communication tool and has provided an excellent channel for communities, businesses, charities and individuals.
Gary you have always been fair and have always put our great town first and you have made an immense contribution to our progress and development. Many thanks. On to the next 25 years”
Professor Steven Broomhead MBE, Chief Executive Warrington Borough Council
“I have been a councillor since Warrington Worldwide was first published so have seen it grow from strength to strength.
Cllr.Ian Marks
I don’t always see the printed version but I read the on-line version every day. Warrington Worldwide always gives us an up-to-date version of what is going on.
I am impressed by Gary’s determination to publish all points of view although I do enjoy his occasional editorials which are always grounded in common sense.
Roll on the next 25 years.”
Cllr Ian Marks, Chair Warrington Liberal Democrats
“Congratulations from all of us at Warrington Conservative Federation, Warrington Worldwide has been an important source of news and a first class community resource for 25 years. Congratulations to Gary, David, Hannah and the team and here’s to the next 25 years.”
Warrington Conservative Federation
“I’d like to congratulate Warrington Worldwide and Gary on reaching the quarter century milestone.
For 25 years it has been essential reading for anyone who cares about our town and Gary has been an asset to our civic life. I wish it and him all the best for many years to come!”Charlotte Nichols MP
Charlotte Nichols, MP Warrington North
“Congratulations to Gary and the Warrington Worldwide team for reaching their 25-year anniversary. It’s a huge achievement and testament to their hard work.
“Local community news sources like Warrington Worldwide are incredibly important. And, when you consider the changing news landscape over the past 25 years sustaining their leading role for quarter of a century is no easy feat.
“Gary and the team have worked tirelessly to become an integral part of the fabric of our town, going from strength to strength as a trusted and valued source of news.
“This milestone is a superb achievement, long may their success continue.”Sarah Hall
Sarah Hall, MP Warrington South
“Congratulations to Warrington Worldwide – 25 years and still going strong.
“We continue to value your fair and balanced coverage, and always appreciate the efforts of the Warrington Worldwide team in helping to shine a light on the important local talking points.
“25 years of celebrating community events and initiatives, 25 years of putting local businesses on the map, 25 years of celebrating Warrington’s culture and heritage – long may it continue.”Labour leader Cllr Hans Mundry
Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Borough Council
“Congratulations to Gary and the wider Warrington Worldwide team as you celebrate your 25th anniversary!
Nicola Meredith
For a quarter of a century, the publication has kept residents entertained and informed about their local community and has provided an effective promotional tool for local businesses. No one captures Warrington’s great community spirit quite like Gary and his team. Congratulations on reaching such a significant milestone.”
Nicola Meredith, Director Marketing & Admissions
Warrington & Vale Royal College
