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March 9, 2006updated 22 Nov 2022 6:27pm

Jack Brennen

By Press Gazette

Editor, Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News

Jack Brennen former editor of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News, has died aged 71.

Brennen, of Leigh Park Road, Bradford on Avon became editor in 1981 on the retirement of Michael Lansdown, whose family founded the paper in 1854. He was editor for 12 years.

He worked for Westminster Press, who bought the paper from the Lansdown family, for nearly 30 years, eventually holding the position of editor and general manager.

Norman Hathaway, who was a chief sub-editor under Brennen’s leadership at the Wiltshire Times said: "Jack’s commitment to truth and accuracy was second to none and he vigorously spearheaded local community campaigns. He was encouraging, humorous and compassionate. I have much to thank him for."

Keith Gale, the current deputy editor of the Wiltshire Times, and who worked with Brennen, said: "Jack was a true gentleman. He was a man of tremendous integrity and a good editor to work with and I owe him a lot."

A proud Scot, Brennan started in journalism on the Kilmarnock Herald, but his career was interrupted by National Service.

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He saw active service in Germany with the 1st Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).

On his return to journalism, he discovered the Kilmarnock Herald had gone out of business and he joined the Scottish Farmer in Glasgow, and then became a senior reporter with the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald Services.

He moved to the Wiltshire Times as chief sub-editor before transferring to the Bath Evening Chronicle in 1969.

He leaves his wife Jean, a former deputy head teacher at Shaw Primary School, near Melksham, two daughters Linda and Judith and four grandchildren.

Jean Brennen said: "Jack was privileged to work with so many good people. He valued them as colleagues and regarded them as his friends. He was really happy to have worked in Wiltshire. He loved it, and always regarded it as his home."

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