Tributes pour in for Bury journalist and author Neil Brandwood

Thursday, 25 September 2025 09:18

By David Murphy

Tributes have been paid to Bury journalist Neil Brandwood following his sudden death at the age of 56.

A familiar name in local journalism, Neil Brandwood passed away on 5 September, leaving colleagues and friends across Greater Manchester devastated.

Known for his sharp writing and warm character, Neil worked at both the Bury Times and Bolton News, and returned to local reporting earlier this year after time in teaching and PR.

He was also a published author, with titles on comedy legend Victoria Wood and the film Whistle Down the Wind, which featured contributions from star Hayley Mills.

Bury Times editor Richard Duggan described him as “a talented and energetic reporter” whose presence in the newsroom brought “humour, kindness and genuine passion for storytelling”.

Former editor Ian Savage added: “Neil had a gift for making people feel at ease. He captured everyday lives with insight and empathy – and journalism has lost one of its best.”

Neil began his career in 1993 and covered education, housing and cinema for the Bury Times. He had also travelled widely, writing from places as far apart as the Arctic Circle and the southern US.

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