The Keswick Reminder celebrates its 125th anniversary this week — and readers will receive a free gift to mark the occasion.
The community newspaper for Keswick and the North Lakes was first published on February 26, 1896 and it has been an integral part of local life ever since, with more than 6,000 weekly editions published.
Inside tomorrow’s copy will be a special 16-page souvenir supplement spanning the last 125 years and featuring all the major stories and events reported.
As well as two world wars, it covers everything from royal visits to Keswick’s infamous scooter riot, along with disasters like foot and mouth, flooding and coronavirus.
The social, political and economic history of the area is broken down into five 25-year sections of news, sport and features.
And there is a special section on the only six people to have been editor of the Keswick Reminder, starting with George Watson McKane, who was in charge for nearly half a century, from the first day right through to 1940.
His great-granddaughter Jane Grave was editor from 2006 until last year when the family-owned business was taken over by Barrnon Media Ltd.
Jane, who has edited the 125th anniversary supplement, said: “It has been fascinating — and great fun — to look back over the history of the Keswick Reminder and the community it serves.
“I think our readers are going to really enjoy going through the supplement. There are lots of surprises and some incredible memories.”
Her mother Pat Branthwaite had been editor from 1970-2006 and was one of five people from the same family to have filled the role.
The Reminder was free when it was first published. It continued without a cover price up to the Second World War when, because of paper shortages, the owners had to register it as a newspaper for the first time — and introduce a charge of 1d.
- We’d love you to get involved with our celebrations. Were you featured in the Keswick Reminder? Share your stories, photographs and memories with us. Email us here.
