The Mayor of Basingstoke awarded the Gazette team for their dedication to local news reporting.
Cllr Putty thanked the Gazette team and said their passion was truly “astounding.” They met in his parlor, located in the Basingstoke council offices. The Gazette folks chatted with the mayor about their roles, stories, and general life matters.
Everyone enjoyed tea and biscuits while they had a chat with Cllr Putty. He shared stories from his time as a councillor for over thirty years, including his work as a youth court magistrate, and how he married his childhood sweetheart.
Cllr Putty told the team he invited them to give thanks for their dedication to local news reporting. He appreciates that they keep the community informed. He mentioned how news is very important, as people need to know about their borough.
The Gazette covers everything including sports, politics, and all kinds of events. He acknowledged that they sometimes work late hours. He added the Gazette started back in 1878, stating he cannot believe it still exists today.
He congratulated them for reporting local news and thinks their passion is wonderful. He gave the Gazette a Mayor’s Award, which Emily Roberts accepted for the team. Then, they all took a group photo together.
Kimberley Barber, the Gazette’s editor, said it was an honor to visit him and great to support him during his mayoral year.