Tributes paid to Martin Lawson following his sudden passing

Martin Lawson, born in Workington in 1954, was a founding partner of the Carlisle News Agency in the late 1970s but also co-founded Carlisle's prominent nightclub, the Front Page Club, in 1984, alongside his friend Bob Mungall. 

Sadly, Mr Lawson passed away at the age of 68 on Friday, September 23 in the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.

His career included significant periods at the BBC, TV-am, Sky and AP.

John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: "Martin was a formidable journalist playing a big part in building Sky News’ reputation for accurate journalism.

"He was wonderfully direct – and a warm, funny, kind individual who helped steer so many people’s careers in broadcasting.”

The Lawson family moved to Threlkeld in 1960 to take on The Salutation Inn.

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Martin attended Threlkeld school. In 1970-72 he completed his A-levels at Carlisle College and, having an ambition to be a journalist, joined Border Press in Lonsdale Street as a trainee, learning a great deal about reporting and running a news agency.

And whilst Martin lived in London, he often visited his cottage in Keswick for which he had a great affection.

Away from a prominent journalism career, he was a huge champion of music in the north.

As owner of the Front Page nightclub, he was instrumental in enticing music legends like Ronnie Scott, Jack Bruce, Steve Marriott and Bert Jansch to the city, as well as championing countless young bands.

In 2020 he published a well-received history of the club, Live at The Front Page.

History of the Carlisle club, Live at The Front Page. (Image: Sue Gibson)

He set up Paint It Red magazine in Newcastle and a sister record company, signing up fledgling talent and promoting them throughout the region.

A dear friend to Martin, Jay Williams said: “He was great company and had a fantastically dry sense of humour. He was also a great lover of music – from folk and jazz to rock – and a true champion of music in the north.

"As many young musicians as cub reporters owe him a debt of gratitude.”

Barry Maxwell, a friend of Martin’s and chair of the Rambler’s Association, said he knew Martin for 51 years since 1971.

He spoke of his achievements in journalism: “He managed to obtain the Carlisle United Press Box at Brunton Park which was quite lucrative; so much so that Michael Knighton tried and tried to take it away from him.

“Another string to his growing bow was to buy and own the Mick 2’s nightclub in Fisher Street, Carlisle, from Mick Potts of the Gateway Jazz Band.

“This he formed into the immensely popular Front Page Club with his very good friend and now new business partner Bob Mungall.

“He has also recently, in 2020, finished a well-received and highly complimented book called ‘Live at the Front Page’ gaining plaudits from far and wide.

“This he uses to deliver a comprehensive history and music scene of Carlisle and the North.

“He told me that he had other ideas for another book; this time concerning journalism and the news media - in which he was an expert.”

He is survived by his wife Barbara Gibbon, former director of production and operations at Sky Creative and by his two sisters, Susan and Helen.

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