THE EXAMINER is at the forefront of fostering excellent community harmony in Huddersfield.

Community leader Kiran Bali says the newspaper plays a vital role in helping understanding between people of different faiths and cultures.

“I believe the Examiner is playing a pivotal role in building stronger communities and advancing community relations,’’ she said.

“It is, effectively, the glue that binds the whole community together, recognising our contributions and supporting integral causes that uplift the spirit of Huddersfield, making it a cohesive place that we can all be proud of.

She added: “The Examiner has inspired me over the many years to strive further and has really enthused me.

“The reporters are pleasant and approachable, ensuring in a family-like sentiment with plenty of trust.

“They are genuinely engaged in the community activities and their articles provide us with essential food for thought.

“The photographers capture the true essence of the occasion and truly connect with the moment.’’

Her comments came during Local Newspaper Week – and we asked people in high profile positions throughout the community what they thought of us.

It quickly emerged that many organisations would struggle without the Examiner’s support.

John Denham, vice chairman of Kirkwood Hospice, says the hospice would struggle to survive without the Examiner.

Mr Denham, 71 – who will become the chairman in August for three years – said: “We need to raise £4m every year in running costs and we could not do that without all the help and publicity the Examiner gives us.

“Without that support we would be struggling to raise anywhere near that amount of money. I’m sure that the kind people who raise money for us really appreciate the fact that they are featured in the paper. We rely on the Examiner an awful lot.’’

Mr Denham is also secretary and former president of Huddersfield Rotary Club – and the club recently presented Examiner Head Of News Neil Atkinson its Paul Harris Fellowship for the paper’s continued commitment to the local community – the first time this international award had been presented to an organisation in Huddersfield.

Mr Denham is also a former president of Huddersfield Choral Society.

He said: “Without all the free promotion the Examiner gives us before our events, there is no way we would be performing to full houses at Huddersfield Town Hall.

“The concerts also get reviewed – and although we may not always agree with what the critics have to say that’s also a vibrant and import part of local newspapers.’’

Here’s what other prominent people had to say.

The MP

Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman: “The Examiner is the lifeblood of our community. There are so many different groups in this area doing so many different things and I wouldn’t know what was going on without reading about them in the Examiner.

“I wish the circulation could double – I think more people should read it. If it was ever lost it would be a terrible blight on the Huddersfield community as it’s a wonderful institution.

“I’m saying that even though sometimes it can irritate me – I don’t always agree with everything printed – but that’s what being an independent newspaper is all about. It does a great job in promoting cultural events and we all depend so much for its support.

“Without all the arts coverage for places like the LBT and annual events such as the Mrs Sunderland, far less people would attend and there would not be viable.’’

The University Chief

Prof Bob Cryan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield: “My memories of the Examiner go back over 30 years to when I used to deliver it as a paperboy.

“I believe the local paper is vital for the town – in fact I have a copy of the Examiner delivered at home every morning and look forward to reading the local news. I also keep up-to-date with news from Huddersfield when I’m away by visiting the website.

“The work the Examiner does in reporting news from the university is crucial to helping us keep in touch with students, their families and those thinking about studying in higher education.

“Having a local paper which is published daily ensures that this news is up-to-date and reaches the community the university serves.

“Our staff and students are delighted to have such an active local paper – one that features their successes and supports their projects.

“I was deeply honoured to receive the Examiner’s Lifetime Achievement Award last year. It means a great deal to me that my local community newspaper judged me to be worthy of such recognition.”

JOHN Halstead, managing director for TV and electrical appliance specialist Broadbents on Swan Lane in Lockwood: “We deal specifically with Huddersfield and the Examiner is the only way we can get our message across to this community.

“Both Broadbents and the Examiner share the same strong community values – the after care we provide a vital part of our service. The advertising we do is very efficient for us and very important for the business.’’

The Letter Writer

AUSTIN Holroyd from Almondbury: “I know we all like to grumble at the Examiner, but without our local papers life would not quite be the same.

“Coming from the Holme Valley I was reared on Ted Collins' Holmfirth Express and as a pre-war teenager was encouraged to contribute the odd topical poem which sometimes even brought in as much as seven shillings and sixpence if Mr C was feeling generous. The Weekly Examiner too was a great favourite in the Valleys and provided reading for the whole of the following week for many of the older residents.

“The war years and service abroad put a temporary halt to my digestion of the local news, although even then relevant cuttings sometimes made their way to various far flung parts of the world. It was after demob in 1946 and I got my own family in my home that the Examiner became an essential part of my daily reading when it was delivered to the door six days a week.

“I’m not trying to claim any records, but I think I can honestly say that I haven’t missed an edition since.

“My very first reader’s letter in 1947 was prompted by an unsuccessful chase after a trolley bus left me behind signed ‘Intending Passenger’ – the one and only time I’ve ever used a nom-de-plume.

“Since then I’ve joined hundreds of other readers over the years who have been truly concerned over what they consider is the for the good of our town and have been moved to put pen to paper – items of great concern to Huddersfield but would not get a mention in any of the national dailies.

“I just wish more people would send their views to the Examiner. So what with the sport, hatches and dispatches, roadworks, theatres, letters – I could go on. There’s a lot we’d miss without our local paper. I feel it still belongs to us and the world would be a poorer place without it.’’

The Police Chief

WEST Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison: “West Yorkshire Police is committed to connecting with the public we serve.

“We recognise that the relationship with local newspapers like the Huddersfield Examiner is critical in getting messages across to the public to inform and influence their perceptions of the police.

“The local media offers a window into the work of the local police and the Huddersfield Daily Examiner is instrumental in providing news and information about what the police are up to which can do so much good in building trust and confidence in the initiatives and activities of West Yorkshire Police.

“The Conlon on Crime section every Friday is a great example of this. It is one of the only columns in the country where a local intelligence officer, on the ground, is able to speak directly to readers about what is happening and what the police are doing to help them.

“Likewise, the proliferation of web-based news has been an asset to the Examiner customer base. This has enabled members of the public to access video footage such as press conferences 24 hours a day and keeps them up-to-date with any breaking news. It is clear that without local newspapers like the Examiner the sense of community that is generated would be lost.”

The Hollywood Actor

PROF Patrick Stewart, OBE, Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield: “As a former journalist myself I really do appreciate the value of local newspapers. Their coverage of amateur and professional performances plays an important role in keeping everyone aware of the theatre and what it has to offer.

"In my role as Chancellor of the local university I know how important the local paper is – it provides the town with up-to-date information on the many successes of staff and students at its University and the impact they are having on Huddersfield, the region and beyond. Without a local paper it would be difficult to share that important information so effectively.

“I am extremely proud to have received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Examiner. I believe that holding such ceremonies is an important part of the newspaper’s role through which it helps its home town celebrate its successes. As a local man, receiving such an award was a very special moment for me.”

The Kirklees Council Chief

Kirklees Council Chief Executive Rob Vincent: “Good local government depends on well-informed local residents. I think the Examiner plays a very important role here in Kirklees.

“It gets the news across, it encourages debate, it challenges the council on controversial issues and it reports the positive work we do. I think it does an important job for us all.”

The Council Leader

Clr Mehboob Khan: “I am a big supporter of local newspapers and in particular the Examiner.

“The local press have a vital role in reflecting opinion, getting things done and proactively trying to make a difference within the communities they serve.

“Here at Kirklees Council we have a good relationship with the Examiner – we share a healthy respect and both have the interests of Huddersfield very much at heart.

“The paper has played an important role in promoting Huddersfield and many would-be investors are influenced by the pride that the Examiner has created in our town. The journalists work hard to create positive community relations and have been particularly effective at difficult times such as the Birkby fire tragedy.

“The Examiner is widely read across all our communities and that just shows how it is an integral part of Huddersfield life.’’

The Football Boss

Town manager Lee Clark: “I’ve read the Examiner ever since I came to Huddersfield, not just for the sport, but because I wanted to get to know the community and it’s a great way to do that.

“The journalists obviously know the town and speak with authority.

“It’s crucial that people both buy and read their local newspapers because it’s a case of not missing something until it’s gone.

“From a professional point of view I also appreciate being able to communicate with our supporters which is a central part of my management philosophy.’’

If you want your say then why not send us a letter or email it to letters@examiner.co.uk