Lifelong union loyalist
MIKE Hawley, one of the best-known faces on the Aldershot News for more than 40 years and a keen union member, has died after a short illness.
Mike started work as a photographer for his hometown paper in Chatham, Kent and worked for papers in Mansfield and Stevenage and a Doncaster agency before moving to Aldershot in 1963.
He covered a wide range of stories over the next 43 years — including visits with the Army to Northern Ireland and the Falklands.
Former News journalist Sandra Marshall said: “His friendliness and cheerfulness made even the shyest subject relax in front of his camera.”
After retiring in 2006 Mike continued his interest in the NUJ. He tracked down the funds of the defunct local NUJ branch and got hundreds of pounds transferred back to head office.