There’s an adage that says when you stay in one place for a certain length of time, you become that place.
Carol Farnalls has been at the Barrhead Leader for 33 years, and as she sets out to begin a new chapter in her life, she can’t help but feel a certain sadness.
“I’ve worked with so many great people over the years,” recalls the Leader’s publisher, who retires at the end of the month. “We’ve had a lot of fun in this office and we’re like a family. I am going to miss this job. There’s just so many memories.”
Farnalls fondly remembers the staff Christmas parties, the collegiate atmosphere at the newspaper association conventions, and some of the fun promotions the Leader hosted over the years. “I particularly remember Bonanza Days with the treasure chest. People were lined up around the block, hoping they held the winning key that would open it. Jerry Urlacher (former Leader sales representative) was great with that promotion.”
Farnalls added she’s particularly proud of the way the Leader has covered the Barrhead community. “I’m proud of the awards we’ve garnered over the years, and we’ve won the best newspaper in Canada category.”
Farnalls is confident the Leader will continue its devotion to community journalism as she passes the torch onto Lynda Leng, who will assume overall responsibility for the paper as its general manager. Leng too has been at the Leader for over three decades, working alongside Farnalls over that period in various capacities, including sales and accounting.
“I think Lynda will do great,” says Farnalls. “Lynda is well-known in the community and well-liked by her fellow staff members. She is a hard worker and really cares about the Leader and that makes me feel better, knowing that she will be looking after the paper.”
