YOU are reading the 800th issue of the White Horse News!
The paper – one of only a handful of independent family-owned newspapers left in the country – was established in 1991 and is delivered free to over 10,000 households in Westbury and surrounding villages each fortnight.
The 800th issue milestone comes following increasing challenges facing the local news sector including the effects of the pandemic on the reduction of advertising income and significant increases to print costs.
Speaking about the milestone, Westbury Mayor, cllr Mike Sutton said, “Westbury Town Council congratulates White Horse News on their 800th edition and hope there will be many more. Although there is increasing use of social media, the printed word is still much valued and residents still look forward to reading a local paper.
“Many issues important to our town have been covered by the paper including, of course, the battle against the incinerator and whilst always maintaining a neutral stance, we have been able to bring issues to the public. Our town council newsletter highlighting local issues would not be as easy to circulate without the wide reach of the White Horse News. We look forward to the next 800!”
The White Horse News has been run by Ian and Susan Drew since 1991 and was the second paper to be owned by the couple, having launched the Melksham Independent News in 1981, with a third title, Frome Times, being added in 1999 – all under their company name of Wiltshire Publications Ltd. The couple continue to run the papers today along with their daughter, Kate Drew, and her partner, Joe McCann.
Ian Drew, who also edits the paper said, “We are proud to have printed the 800th edition of your local newspaper, White Horse News. The newspapers that we publish would not be possible without the support of local people and businesses who advertise, providing revenue to cover our costs. We are always appreciative of all the support we receive, but especially so in the last few years as we have all faced the difficulties of a global pandemic and rising costs.
“We would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to the papers in some way, our hardworking staff team and the youngsters – and some not so young people, who deliver the newspapers in all weathers.
“It has been a pleasure to promote Westbury and tell local people what is happening in their town – and we hope that continues for years to come!”
