‘Like losing an arm’: Writer says farewell to column on Northamptonshire’s history

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
David Saint has written more than 1,000 versions of his column, County Tales, for Chronicle & Echo over the past 21 years

A Northampton Chronicle & Echo columnist is retiring from writing County Tales, after 1,000 articles written over 21 years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

David Saint, 78, found joy in writing about Northamptonshire’s rich history - which evolved from initially discussing the county’s oddities.

He said: “Stopping the column is like losing an arm - I have absolutely loved it.

David Saint, 78, found joy in writing about Northamptonshire’s rich history - which evolved from initially discussing the county’s oddities.David Saint, 78, found joy in writing about Northamptonshire’s rich history - which evolved from initially discussing the county’s oddities.
David Saint, 78, found joy in writing about Northamptonshire’s rich history - which evolved from initially discussing the county’s oddities.

“Over a thousand stories is a colossal amount, and I can hand on heart say I have only ever repeated three stories, as there has always been something new for me to cover.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

David previously worked for BBC Radio Northampton since it opened in 1982, where he conducted interviews all over the county. When the opportunity to write the column at the Chronicle & Echo came up, he thought ‘why not?’.

Read More
‘We’re incredibly proud’ say staff as BBC Radio Northampton celebrates 40 years ...

It began as a 500-word column talking about the odd things the county had to offer, like the most expensive shoes in the world and the biggest factory in the county, but it evolved to focus on local heritage.

In his retirement, David hopes to write a book about Northamptonshire's links to early America, and a memoir of his life - sharing the interviews he has conducted with "fantastic people" during his travels.In his retirement, David hopes to write a book about Northamptonshire's links to early America, and a memoir of his life - sharing the interviews he has conducted with "fantastic people" during his travels.
In his retirement, David hopes to write a book about Northamptonshire's links to early America, and a memoir of his life - sharing the interviews he has conducted with "fantastic people" during his travels.

He has particularly enjoyed exploring Northamptonshire’s links to early America, and hopes to write a book about this now he has stopped the column.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m happy if I have done what I aimed to do,” said David. “And that is informing people about their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more and care about the county’s rich heritage.”

He also hopes to write a memoir of his life, sharing the interviews he has conducted with “fantastic people” across the county and during his time travelling the world.

News you can trust since 1931
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice