TRIBUTES have been paid to the co-founder and editor of New Valley News, David Parker, following his death.

Mr Parker, 84, sadly passed away on the morning of August 8 following a night where he struggled to breathe.

This comes after Mr Parker spent four of his last five weeks in hospital. He died in a comfortable position in his bed.

The newspaper stalwart first created Wilton World in 2004 alongside co-founder Karl Plaskett.

The publication later evolved with his long-established village magazines for Barford, Baverstock, Dinton, and Teffont into the Valley News magazine covering south Wiltshire and north Dorset.

A New Valley News spokesperson said Mr Parker will be “fondly remembered” by many, and “he always gave 100% despite suffering from a long-term blood disorder.”

“His energy and passion for the local community were there for everyone to see. Even if you didn’t know him, you sensed it when you read his articles,” they said.

“In the last 20 years he accomplished many achievements, to mention a few here: he founded the Wilton Business Chamber in 2009, which was disbanded in 2016; he was re-elected as an independent district councillor in 2009; he raised thousands for local causes with several popular 1960s live music events held at Dinton Village Hall; he regularly attended monthly Wilton Town Team meetings until 2019, and he did all this whilst also writing, editing and laying out the Valley News, which was regularly 80 pages pre-2020.”

Revd of Wilton Mark Wood recalls his memories of David.

“David has been a lively and encouraging presence in the town during the 17 years that I’ve been here. He was a constant and supportive friend to all of us at the parish church,” he said.

“He could be a very effective ‘critical friend’, too, when he sensed that any part of the community was being neglected, or treated unjustly.

“And his comprehensive understanding of the local area was matched by a genuine interest in, and concern for the welfare of, the people who make our communities.

“He was a determined champion of our young people and, following the huge reduction in funding for County Youth Services in 2024, David took a keen interest in the work of our local educational charities and Seeds4Success in preserving Wilton’s ‘Youth Club.’

“During the years that we both met as part of Wilton’s ‘Town Team’, I saw firsthand David’s incredible energy and determination to see progress and accountability, and occasionally just a glimpse of a wicked sense of humour!

“I will miss David’s cheerful enthusiasm and dedication, which have been a blessing to us all.

Salisbury City Council remembered David’s extraordinary contributions and shared their sentiments upon hearing the news.

“David Parker’s unwavering commitment to our region’s stories helped shape not only a newspaper, but a bridge among community voices.

“Through Wilton World and the New Valley News, he championed local identity and empowered countless voices. He leaves behind a legacy etched in the fabric of our civic life.”

Karl Plaskett said: “Even though David’s health has been in decline for many years, he still kept working when he could, laying out and editing pages as efficiently as ever!

“And he managed to have a book called All or Nothing published in June this year, which he wrote the script for in the 1960s. His presence will be missed, but his legacy will live on for many years to come.”

New Valley News is creating a special tribute to Mr Parker’s life in their October issue. Anyone wishing to add to this or share memories of him is asked to send a letter to New Valley News, 9 West Street, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0HJ or email editorial@newvalleynews.co.uk

RIP David Owen Parker 1941-2025