Death of former newspaper editor Derek Hunt

FORMER well-known newspaper editor Derek Hunt has died at the age of 74.
A journalist through and through, and knowing he had not long to live, he wrote his own obituary – although he remained positive and cheerful to the end.
Derek Hunt lived in Warrington all his life. He was born in Winwick Road before moving to Peacock Avenue after marrying Jean in 1965 and later moving to their present home in Mapplewell Crescent, Great Sankey. Derek and Jean have one son, Paul, and one grandson, Ethan.
After leaving St Anne’s Primary and Junior Schools, Derek went to Bewsey Secondary Modern School and it was while helping to produce a school newspaper that he decided he wanted to become a journalist, previously thinking that he wanted to be a vicar.
He attended Miss Knowles’s Secretarial School on Orford Green where he was the only boy in a class of 20 learning to touch type and acquiring a shorthand speed of 150 words per minute.
His first job was as a trainee reporter with the Cadishead and Irlam Guardian but after 18 months he was transferred to the Warrington Guardian, remaining there for just over three years and becoming deputy chief reporter before joining the Lancashire Evening Post in Wigan as a reporter. He subsequently took charge of offices in Warrington, St Helens and Leigh before returning to Wigan as News Editor. He was later appointed Assistant Editor.
Although offered employment on several national newspapers after supplying them with stories over the years he preferred to work and live locally with involvement and commitment to the local community.
After 13 years with the Evening Post Derek was asked to return to the Warrington Guardian Series to help with the launch of a new title. Following this he was appointed editor of the Cadishead and Irlam Guardian, followed by editorships of the Newton and Golborne News, Runcorn Guardian and the Northwich Guardian. He was later made Group Editor for the Guardian’s Mid-Cheshire editions including Northwich, Winsford, Middlewich and Knutsford – a role which was later expanded to take overall control of these titles plus the Altrincham, Sale, Crewe, Nantwich and Congleton Guardians.
One of Derek’s specialities was writing about live entertainment and he interviewed many stars.
After 36 years in the newspaper industry Derek started his own public relations consultancy and one client obtained was Vale Royal Borough Council. After three months the Council created and offered him the role of Press and Public Relations Officer, a post he held until he retired in 2002.
Derek was a prominent Freemason in Warrington and throughout the Masonic Province of Wast Lancashire. He was editor of the province’s magazines and website and was the press and communications officer for several years. He was appointed and invested as a Past Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies by HRH the Duke of Kent.
He was also involved with many organisations including being a director of the Cheshire Board of the Prince’s Trust