Arnie Woods, business editor of the Halifax Evening Courier who was
killed in a road accident four years ago, was this week remembered by
his former colleagues. His widow, Maggie Woods, deputy editor of the
Brighouse Echo, presented an award in his name to the group’s trainee
journalist of the year, Ben Holt, 28.
Maggie Woods set up the
trophy in her late husband’s name to honour junior reporters. All
trainee journalists at the Courier or its sister weekly titles the
Hebden Bridge Times, Todmorden News and the Echo were invited to enter
their best work for the award. She said Arnie was always proud to be a
journalist, describing himself as a “humble hack” who was always
enthusiastic about newspaper journalism. He always took junior
reporters under his wing and was ready with any advice he could give to
those starting off in the profession. Ben Holt said: “It is really nice
for your work to be recognised. And, even though I never met Arnie, I
really hope he would have been pleased with the decision. I’ll do my
best to live up to his memory.” His winning stories included an account
of a relief mission by members of Halifax’s Pakistani community to
earthquake-stricken Kashmir.
He received a trophy, £200 and a bottle of champagne.
Picture: Maggie Woods, Ben Holt and Halifax Courier editor John Furbisher
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