The town of Houghton Regis was about to experience change. For over a decade, one man had dedicated himself to informing locals of the news and goings-on. But now, Alan Winter felt it was time to pass the torch.
In a message to his social media followers, Alan shared that his time living in Houghton Regis had come to an end four years prior. The house on Parkside that had been his home was now home to a new family. His reasons for leaving were ones of care and compassion - he had moved to be with his parents in their declining health. Tragically, cancer had claimed his father's life in 2019. Though his mother recovered from her heart attack, mobility issues remained.
Even from afar, Alan's connection to the community had continued through the news page. It provided a window into the town for him and a service to residents. Upholding it had become a welcome pastime in those difficult years. Yet as his retirement beckoned and ties to the area loosened, he knew the time was ripe for change.
Alan reflected on how limited local information had been when he began the page. A smattering of Facebook groups left much unknown. Now a bounty of pages flourished, sharing the minutiae of small town life. Still, a central hub played a role in circulating these community conversations. Alan hoped his creation could live on through a successor.
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| 'retired' |
With his house sold and retirement officially underway, Alan felt the season had come to hand over responsibility. Alas, despite his calls, no one stepped forward to shepherd his project into the future. And so, with gratitude for over a decade of service, Alan bid Houghton Regis farewell and closed the final chapter of his news page at the end of 2022.
HRND - February 2010 to December 2022.
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