Regular readers may know that writer and editor of New Boston Eye,
Malcolm Swire, died on Sunday 12 December 2021. Malcolm was proud to be
called an old-fashioned hack, and he began blogging about 14 years ago,
dismayed that local media had lost the ability to nip at the heels of
the borough council leadership when it was not working in the best
interests of the electorate. His views were forthright and often
irreverently expressed . Detractors claimed that he was interested only
in disparaging Boston, but this was not the case. He strongly believed
that local government needed to be called to account for actions and
decisions detrimental to the town and the lives of the people who, like
him, called it home. Many of his readers - including a number of
councillors - agreed with those views. Interestingly, even those who
denied reading Boston Eye were surprisingly well informed of the
content!
Latterly the frequency of the blog was reduced by Malcolm’s
deteriorating health, but even when he was receiving regular
chemotherapy and blood transfusions, he continued to ‘stick his oar in’
via postings on Twitter and Facebook. If, at the very least, his
contributions managed to prick the consciences of those who failed to
deliver on promises made to the voters who put them into positions of
responsibility, then he considered his efforts to have been worthwhile.
Malcolm would insist that the final posting on his blog acknowledge
the contribution made over the years by his ‘silent partner’, son
Matthew, who regularly tackled technical troubles and fine-tuned
graphics. The result was a slick, entertaining and informative read.
Hopefully, it played some small part in working towards a better
Boston.
Malcolm Swire’s life will be celebrated at Boston Crematorium at
11.30am on Tuesday 11 January 2022. Attendance is welcomed, subject to
possible Covid restrictions. No flowers, but if desired, donations in
Malcolm’s memory can be made on the day or to:
www.gofundme.com/f/4v8v3-williams-fund.
Thank you.
Jennifer Swire.
