Horwich Advertiser Issue 639

September 2026 Page 13 AD SALES 01204 478812 Celebration: Stewart Leece; mayoress of Blackrod, Janet Milward; mayor of Blackrod, Michael Hollick; Steve Crawshaw and mayoress of Westhoughton, LindaWinrow-Baker at the 500th party Looking back: Steve Crawshaw, proud founder, with the January ‘81 issue STEWART Leece, managing direc- tor of Self Select Distributing, said: “Steve was without doubt one of the first free local newspaper pub- lishers in theUK. “His entrepreneurial spirit along with his professionalism and his communication skills and sales ability made him the successful publisher and businessman hewas. “To launch, run and maintain the Advertiser for all those years is a testament to the man’s commit- ment and ability and he will always be remembered and respected by myself, his friends, colleagues and the customers he looked after so well for over 40 years. “He was to be seen with his cam- era and notepad at every public and special event across Horwich, Westhoughton, Blackrod and Adlington. A superman who I’m sure broke speed records to gather as much local news and photos as he did.” Headded:“When finally seekinga well-deserved retirement Steve put the continuation of the Advertiser and looking after his clients first. “Successfully brokering a merger with myself at Self Select Distribution, joining our Investors in Publishing family of newspapers based inHorwich, hewas a pleasure to deal with and a true gentleman which is a rare commodity in the business world today. If there is a newspaper in heaven you can bet Stevewill be there. Hewill bemissed but not forgotten.” Mike Hulme, a former editor of the Advertiser, said: “When I first joined as editor, Steve’s help and professionalismproved invaluable. “A font of local knowledge, Steve could always be relied on to come up with some nugget of use- ful information. “I relied on him considerably in those early days and will always be grateful that I knew I could always turn to him for help and advice. Horwich will be lesser place with his passing.” Local business owners also paid tribute to Steve and his unwa- vering support for traders in the Advertiser area. C&J Plumbing said: “So very, very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Our deepest condolences toSteve’s fam- ily. A special friend formany years.” Steven Evans, owner of the Golden Days garden centres, said: “Our heartfelt sympathy to the fam- ily. Steve was a friend and always very supportive of our project at Appley Bridge. He claimed his wife spent toomuch there!” In a message to the Advertiser, Horwich Appliance Centre said: “Steve was always there for us from the beginning 25 years ago, he sup- portedmany small businesses in the area with lots of support he would call in most weeks to see how we were doing, so very sad to hear of Steve’s passing.” Jan and Barrie Nash, of Nash Jewellers in Westhoughton, said: “Steve looked after our advertising for many years; our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.” And a message to the Advertiser from the teamat Sleepy HollowBed Centre in Chorley added:“We are so very sad to hear of Steve’s passing. Our condolences to all his family.” Steve with JohnWilliams, his friend of over 40 years, playing golf in Montecastillo, Spain Family man: Steve with his wife Marie and daughters Kay and Victoria An entrepreneur with commitment and ability