Farewell to Tiser’s Judy

Popular newspaper circulation manager Judy McHale has retired and plans to spend more time with her horses and travelling.

Judy (67), of Rawmarsh, said her years with the paper had been full of challenges but also a lot of fun.

Judy was given a send-off by colleagues at the Advertiser’s Upper Millgate HQ last Wednesday.

She has become a well-known face to newsagents as she delivered papers and was often seen at the Rotherham Show handing out goodie bags.

Judy, who has been married to husband Mick for 47 years and has a daughter, Lisa-Marie, who lives in Palma, admitted that she will miss her work.

She said: “I have loved my job, whether it be meeting people, doing promotions, trying to get our sales up or interacting with newsagents.

“I’m a people person. I love people and I have been passionate about my job.

“I have always put work first before my family so now I am going to spend quality family time.”

A particular wrench has been giving up her “little Mini” — one of the distinctive Advertiser vehicles, which have become a familiar feature on the area’s roads.

She added: “I have loved working here. I am going to miss the people.

“I just want us all to get back to normal and get the paper selling again.”

As well as selling the Tiser, Judy featured in it several times — the last being topless on horseback for a charity calendar!

She started with the company in October 1989 as the Weekender’s office manager in Wath before it moved to Mexborough High Street.

After a stint as counter manager at the Advertiser’s former Wellgate base, she became counter manager for both papers before becoming newspaper sales manager in 2011. Two years later she took charge of events and circulation responsibilities.

Advertiser editor Andrew Mosley said Judy had been a popular member of staff. He added: “I have always been impressed be her energy, enthusiasm and professionalism.

“Nothing was ever too much trouble, whether it was working all weekend at Rotherham Show, persuading companies to hand over prizes for competitions or topping up newsagents with copies of the Advertiser at all hours, whatever the day of the week.

“She will be missed by everyone here and by the many newsagents who have got to know her through the years.”

Advertiser operations director Jamie Ollivent added: “Judy brought to the business boundless energy and enthusiasm, with an extremely professional attitude, and has been a vital cog in our business for so many years.”