This article is an editor's note, from outgoing Macclesfield Nub News Editor Alexander Greensmith (March 2021 - November 2024).

Three-and-a-half years ago, I was unemployed after being made redundant due to COVID cost cutting.

I could not believe my luck when I saw a vacancy in Macclesfield, where I could work from home as a journalist for the town, despite the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

And I am pleased to say, that three-and-a-half years later, I am a changed person, for the better.

In my tenure, Macclesfield Nub News has gone from 2000 followers on Facebook to 10,000. Thank YOU!

It has been a pleasure to serve Macclesfield as the Editor for their free-online newspaper. And I am emotional to not be serving it for another three-and-a-half more.

To have been given the opportunity to become the editor, at such a young age, and hone my editorial judgement skills, is something I will be forever grateful for.

My first-ever news story was not anything to write home about, but the first story that made me realise the power of Nub News was in April, with Matt Rigby PT.

I did not realise how well Matt was known around the town, until I posted the article. Seeing the positive reception to the story, and having fun while doing it, made Matt a contributor I would work with time and time again throughout the job.

Covering the 180th anniversary celebrations at St. Paul's Church, Macclesfield. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

As COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, I too was able to get on the streets of Macclesfield for some proper news. My first story in-person, was with Yas Bean, who moved from a coffee van, to a shop, to a second shop, and national success in my tenure at Nub News. It has been great to profile their (delicious) rise (pun intended).

The second in-person story, was behind the electricity substation mural on Churchill Way, which took a year to complete.

My most viewed articles over the years, ranged from breaking the exclusive news of KFC coming to Macclesfield, and of course the 2024 UK General Election coverage.

My favourite articles I penned, include the internet suddenly going crazy for a lost video game made in Macclesfield ten years ago (which was even cited in NME), or profiling the international success of Macclesfield business Crag Spring Water.

Covering a story at The Crag Inn, Wildboarclough, during Euro 2024. Pictured with Doran Binder of Crag Spring Water (left). (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

And it was not just stories in Macclesfield I loved doing too. Bollington is a lovely place, with lovely people, with so many to name. From Bake Off hero Dan Hunter, to generous, altruistic fundraisers. Wincle too, is a place where I could see myself settling, and feels like what life would be like in the 1960s (or indeed, my 60s, if I retire there!) I will miss them as much as I will miss Macclesfield too.

And most recently, I was delighted to expand Macclesfield Nub News into the world of video, to reach new audiences on Facebook.

I could continue to list prime ministers, and famous people I've had the pleasure of meeting within this job. But what will really stick with me, is the kindness, and character, of this town's great residents.

Every month, I looked forward to meeting the Treacle Market organisers, and meeting new businesses that make this town a truly special, creative, and independent business-minded place.

Nub News Editor Alexander Greensmith (March 2024 - November 2024) at Bollington Fire Station, when covering a fundraiser. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

And just because I am leaving Nub News, that does not mean Nub News will stop covering, and championing our town's independent, spirited, high street, as well as the top residents that live there.

I wish my successor all the best, and thank my employers for believing in my and for their support over the years. But most importantly, thank you to YOU - the reader.

I try to never look back, but it is astounding millions of page views and thousands of new Facebook followers later, I leave Macclesfield Nub News in a stronger place, and as a stronger person.

A massive thank you to the kind-hearted, open-minded and passionate people of this town. Thanks to your support, candour, and openness, the task for your next Nub News editor will be made easier. So give yourselves a pat on the back Macclesfield.

I have covered countless stories with Bollington United FC. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Thank YOU.

If you want to keep following what I do, after Nub News, you can follow me on Instagram @alexandergreensmith.

Or you can connect with me on LinkedIn. My last day with Nub News will be on Friday, November 1.

Macclesfield Nub News remains committed to providing hyperlocal, clickbait-free news to the people of Macclesfield. Nub News is actively recruiting for a new editor, and any prospective applicants can get in touch by emailing James Smith at [email protected]. 

Departing Macclesfield Nub News Editor Alexander Greensmith at Happy Valley Honey, near Kerridge, Bollington. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

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