The Daily Echo Revives Christchurch Times

The Daily Echo in Bournemouth has revived a weekly sister newspaper which has not been published for almost 35 years.

The Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Trish Jamieson helped Echo editor Andy Martin and Newsquest Hampshire, Dorset and Cornwal managing director Vincent Boni with the launch.

The Times, which is being distributed on a part paid-for and part-free basis, has its own dedicated reporting team as well as contributions from Echo staff writers.

It will be available from retailers at 40p, though there will also be some bulk distribution and door-to-door delivery.

Andy Martin, editor and head of news at the Echo, Advertiser Series and the Times, said: “This is a very special project for us. Christchurch is a great town and a wonderful place to live.

“The newspaper will have a particular feel about it, covering the issues, profiling the different communities across the borough and providing lots of news and information.”

He added: “It is very rare for newspaper publishers to launch new print editions so we are delighted and proud to be doing that in Christchurch.

“Everyone knows there is a big debate going on about the future of historic Christchurch and so now it’s a great time to launch a heritage title. You could say it’s back to the future.”

The first issue features a masthead first used by the Advertiser 100 years ago in 1917, as well as local news, nostalgia, sport, and its traditional back page vox pop.