Bourne historian and columnist Rex Needle dies aged 90

Bourne historian and columnist Rex Needle has died at the age of 90.

Mr Needle died on Monday (March 22), following a short illness, with his wife of 58 years Elke and son Justin by his side. He also leaves a grandson Anton and two elder brothers.

A former Fleet Street journalist, Rex and his family moved to Bourne in the mid-1980s.

He wrote columns for the Bourne Local for more that 20 years with his first column published on August 8, 1999. By the time he wrote his final article in late 2019, he had written nearly 600 articles.

Mr Needle was hugely interested in the town and ran a website covering the history of Bourne for many years. He had penned many books about its history, which were sold at Baldock's Mill, and also created the 'Portrait of Bourne CD Rom'. He held a huge archive about the town and had taken many photographs.

As a result of his knowledge, Mr Needle was made an honorary member of Bourne Civic Society.

Brenda Jones, the chairman of the civic society, and her husband Jim were also neighbours of Mr and Mrs Needle.

Brenda said: "Most people who met Rex liked him. He was a kind and generous man and he gave a lot of his time to us at Baldock's Mill and the civic society.

"He will be hugely missed in Bourne."

In a Facebook post, Bourne History Group said: "Rex, you are a legend and an inspiration. You will be dearly missed. Thank you for all your efforts and contributions to our town of Bourne."

Kerry Coupe, editor of the Bourne Local and its sister title the Rutland & Stamford Mercury, owned by Iliffe Media, said: "It was an enormous shock to learn of Rex's passing and the thoughts of everyone at Iliffe Media are with his family.

"His contributions to the Bourne Local were hugely appreciated over many years and since Rex told me he wanted to stop writing them, I know they have been missed by our readers.

"On a personal level, Rex was also hugely supportive of me and always willing to help out with any questions I had about the town which I also now call home."

If you knew Mr Needle and would like to pay tribute, email: kerry.coupe@iliffepublishing.co.uk