Tributes paid to former CN Group chief Robin Burgess

That is how Robin Burgess will be remembered in years ahead, say his friends, former colleagues, and community leaders.

The former High Sheriff of Cumbria, who led Carlisle-based media business CN Group, which published the News & Star, for more than 30 years, died from cancer on Friday, surrounded by his family. He was 68.

As tributes poured in for him, it was clear that running, and latterly chairing, the board of his family’s business - which he did until its sale to Newsquest last year- was for him more than a job: it was a duty to his community.

Robin Burgess believed in and helped create a vibrant local press, underpinned by quality journalism that was fearless, fair, and balanced. He believed also in caring for and respecting his colleagues, whatever their role.

As news of Robin’s death spread, tributes poured in, many reflecting how this gentle giant of a man was a thoroughly decent person - a family man, determined to serve his community through both his work and his voluntary roles.

Former CN Group chairman Lord Richard Inglewood was a good friend. “He was a great Cumbrian, who contributed a lot to our county, both through his work with CN Group and more widely, through organisations such as the Calvert Trust and during his period as High Sheriff,” he said.

“Robin felt very strongly about this corner of England.

“CN Group wasn’t just his family’s business. He recognised the huge importance of the press and with newspapers such as ours how important it was to be even-handed. He was very clear about the need for independence in the press, and would not buckle if somebody wanted an apology that he felt was not appropriate. “He wanted to carry on the best traditions of fair journalism, but was also very respected in the national media world.”

As the digital age put intense pressure on local newspapers, Robin remained committed to quality journalism. Lord Inglewood added: “He was a very decent person and a great family man too.”

Keith Sutton is a former Editor of both The Mail in Barrow, and the News & Star and The Cumberland News in Carlisle.

“Robin was a true newspaper man,” said Keith. “He was brought up in that tradition, and he lived it, through and through.”

Keith recalled how Robin - who before joining the business had served three years with the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment - felt a fraternity with his staff, regarding them as both a platoon and a family.

“He knew what was going on in a lot of people’s lives in CN, at all levels in the company. We took our lead from him. He cared about journalism - and he wasn’t frightened to take on the powers that be. ”

Carlisle City Council Leader Colin Glover also recognised Robin’s “passion” for journalism.

“What always shone through with Robin was how proud he was of Cumbria - and how much he cared about local journalism,” said Colin.

“We talked about CN Group and how it was an ambassador for Cumbria, being a window on the world regionally, nationally, and potentially internationally. I was struck that even though we could have different points of view, Robin was always prepared to listen.

“He was a real gentleman

.”

During his 23 years as Carlisle’s MP, Labour’s Eric Martlew got to know Robin. They shared a commitment to supporting Cumbria Deaf Association, for whom Robin was president.

“He did a lot of good work,” said Mr Martlew. “I feel we’ll never see the like of Robin again: a local owner of a local newspaper. He was always fair.

“I appreciated his honesty; you knew where you stood with Robin. He cared for the community, and he wanted his newspapers to serve the community.”

Having experienced partial hearing loss himself, Robin had a personal understanding of the importance of the deaf association’s work, which was appreciated by the charity.

“His commitment and local knowledge was invaluable,” said chief executive John Brennan. “He was a marvellous chairman - not only supportive, but always welcoming.

“On a personal level, he was really super; and as somebody who had experienced hearing loss himself he was very empathetic.”.

For 14 years, Robin was chairman of the Lake District Calvert Trust, whose mission is to challenge disability through outdoor adventure.

“He was very active in that role,” said the charity’s centre director Sean Day. “Robin was such a gentle person, and hugely respected. I don’t think I ever saw him being forceful but when he spoke you listened.

“He was just such a lovely person, so knowledgeable, and incredibly caring. He epitomised the work of the trust; and really enjoyed seeing our disabled visitors participate.”

Among the hugely successful trust initiatives during Robin’ chairmanship was the Extending Equal Chance Appeal, which raised £3.8m. “Robin played a massive part in that,” said Sean.

He also supported the Cumbria Community Foundation.

CN Group became the charity’s first corporate donor, handing over £100,000.

Chief executive Andy Beeforth said: “Robin cared deeply about Cumbria; and he recognised that local newspapers are a hugely important part of community life.

“He knew that journalism, done properly, is one of the most important things that glues society and democracy together.”

During Robin’s time in charge, the company’s journalists covered many major stories including major floods, the Derrick Bird shootings and the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic.

Jonathan Lee, who worked with Robin and is now managing director of Newsquest Cumbria, said: “Robin was a true gentleman, highly respected across the industry and across the community. He was passionate about making sure the media served its community, always taking a keen interest in everyone he met.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. All our thoughts are with Alex and the family.”

A private funeral will be held in Robin’ home village of Scaleby on Friday. A memorial service will take place in Carlisle at a later date.

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These are just some of the dozens of warm tributes to Robin Burgess posted on the News & Star Facebook page:

Leah Tickner: “Robin was a lovely and very humble man, who on his last day in charge of CN, personally went round and spoke to each member of staff individually - you could tell he cared for his employees.”

Craig Johnston, RMT union official: “I always found Robin to be a friendly, decent man. We would disagree on many things (not least politics!) but he cared deeply for Cumbria and would never hesitate to promote our county. He would never pass you in the street without engaging in a conversation on the topical issues of the day - politics, trades unions and particularly economic development issues. During my term of office as Mayor of Carlisle he was incredibly supportive. I’ll miss Robin.”

Anne Pickles, former associate editor of the News & Star and The Cumberland News: “Robin was a thoroughly decent man - a good man, who hid many of the acts of kindness he offered generously to his staff and his community. An old-school newspaperman to his core. I struggle to identify his like now.”

Elaine Fairhurst: “Robin was such a gentleman. He was a pleasure to work for.”

Lyndsay Aspin: “Greatly respected, and held in high esteem, he was a pleasure to know, and a pleasure to work for.”

Ann Horton; “I was at CN for 21 years and always found Robin to be a fair man who I believe cared about newspapers and his staff. On my last day he rang me to wish me well. Always felt he was a decent bloke.”

Catherine Smith: “Robin was a true gentleman who genuinely cared for all his employees. I still have the handwritten letter of condolence Robin wrote when my mother passed away

Caroline Gunning “A true gentleman, whose wisdom, strength of character and overwhelming compassion for the wider community knew no bounds. I had the pleasure of working alongside him, in his role as trustee at Lake District Calvert Trust.”

Wendy Lee: “A lovely man.” When my dad died ( he had worked for Whitehaven News then CN print Lillyhall) he wrote my mam a lovely letter and I spoke to him at a function and said who my dad was & when he had worked there he remembered him & sent his good wishes to him. RIP a genuine gentleman not many of them left.”

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Robin Burgess took a pride in his business that was both personal and professional.

The fourth generation of his family to work in the business, he oversaw the transformation of CN Group from a firm that published only newspapers into a modern multi-media business, producing newspapers and magazines, and operating websites and radio stations.

A few months before his retirement as chief executive, Robin was honoured for services to the industry.

Commenting on the Journalists’ Charity Award, Society of Editors board member Sue Ryan described Robin as a “valuable prop” in the ongoing battle for media freedom.

She said: “His editors talk mostly of his passionate support for his newspapers, his magazines, his journalists and his beloved Cumbria.

“He is a real newspaper man – who loves the big stories and investigations and loves it even more if they have an impact on local people.”

Robin joined the family firm in the mid-1970s after a three-year stint as a second lieutenant in the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment, and three years working for a newspaper business in East Anglia.

He moved to Carlisle to become assistant general manager, then advertisement director, before taking the top job in 1985. He was in charge for 31 years, seeing the company’s newspapers win numerous accolades.

The newspaper dynasty was born in 1867 when John Burgess began working as a reporter for The Patriot. His son, Robert Nelson Burgess, created The Cumberland News. Robin’s father, Sir John Burgess, created Border Television - but his heart was in newspapers.

The same was true for Robin.

“My father didn’t push me into it,” said Robin when he retired. “Clearly ‘the family business’ was always there...I suppose newspapers were in my blood.”

Former Times & Star editor Terry Kirton underlined this in his tribute, saying: “He cared about his newspapers, his staff and the whole of the county - including the west. Thank you Robin for letting editors edit and journalists report without fear or favour.”

Robin leaves his wife Alex, their three daughters and a son.