Final Edition

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.