I, like many others, was one of Margaret's "chicks". From the moment I walked through the door as a trainee in 1973 I was in awe of this remarkable woman who lovingly trained and groomed the juniors and taught us all the real arts of journalism, from door-knocking on a cold, wet Dewsbury street to dealing with the difficult and the pompous.
Margaret led by example, turning out immaculate copy which was always balanced and meticulously fair, while she also demonstrated her enormous compassion as she got involved with the people of the town, constantly helping those she wrote about and seeking to use The Reporter as an instrument for good.
When I became editor Margaret was my deputy, proving a real human dynamo and a fount of great ideas. All of us who have worked with her over the years have plenty of reasons to celebrate her huge capacity for good works, her boundless enthusiasm and energy and, most importantly, her ability to produce chocolate cakes at just the right time.
Dewsbury might have had more famous daughters, but none have been such a credit to the town or such a great ambassador. A lot of credit must go to her husband Trevor, too – I doubt that there's a couple anywhere who can claim to have given more than a century of such distinguished service to local newspapers.
Thanks to you both – you really are an inspiration.

JOHN WILSON
Editor-in-Chief 1999 to 2006