Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 1st June 2026

Florist takes the leap to open first bricks and mortar store in Northampton after almost two decades in the industry

A florist has taken the leap to open her first bricks and mortar store in Northampton after almost two decades in the industry. Claire Hall has been working in floristry on and off for the past 18 years, having completed her first course in 2008.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 1st June 2026

Michael Thompson: Court heard final messages between alleged murder victim and new partner ended ‘miss you’

The court heard that the final messages exchanged between Kimberley Thompson and her new partner ended “miss you” in the hours before her alleged murder. Kimberley’s ex-partner Michael Thompson, aged 55, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of the 43-year-old – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 1st June 2026

Michael Thompson: Alleged murder victim’s school friend says Kim went from ‘full of life’ to ‘skinny and frail’

A school friend said alleged murder victim Kimberley Thompson went from “full of life” to “very skinny and frail-looking”, the jury were told. Fifty-five-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th May 2026

Here’s what this historic former military depot in Northamptonshire has to offer for all the family

This historic former military depot in Northamptonshire is an up-and-coming destination, with something to do for all members of the family. Volunteer Doreen Addicott is the visitor centre manager at Weedon Depot, and she is a familiar face having been in the role since the day it opened in 2018.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th May 2026

We Mean Business: ‘This isn’t as lucrative as it was and I’m thinking of pivoting back into the corporate world’

The founder of a family-run and award-winning dessert business has revealed it is not as lucrative as it was, which is making him consider pivoting back into the corporate world. Launched in February, the Chronicle & Echo’s latest campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026 across the town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 29th May 2026

Michael Thompson: Sister of alleged murder victim recalls defendant telling her to ‘have a good day’ before finding out

The older sister of the 43-year-old woman allegedly killed by her ex-partner has recalled that the defendant told her to “have a good day” during a call on the day of the incident, before finding out her sibling had passed away. Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th May 2026

Towcester Racecourse has high hopes for putting itself ‘on the map’ as destination venue after 2025 takeover

Towcester Racecourse has high hopes for putting itself back “on the map” as a destination venue following a takeover in late 2025. Sales and events executive Joseph Emsden and marketing manager Courtney Franich spoke to the Chronicle & Echo about what many people do not know is available on their doorsteps.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th May 2026

We Mean Business: ‘It’s a whirlwind of feelings – but there’s always a shadow of doubt that hovers over me’

The founder of a luxury and cruelty-free candle company has revealed the “whirlwind of feelings” that come with running a business, including a continuous “shadow of doubt”. Launched in February, the Chronicle & Echo’s latest campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026 across the town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 28th May 2026

IN PICTURES: All smiles as seven-year-old budding reviewer hosts Bank Holiday street food event

It was all smiles on Bank Holiday Monday when a seven-year-old budding food reviewer hosted her second successful street food event at a hidden gem outdoor venue. Woo, who has accumulated more than 800 followers on her Instagram page @woo_reviews, was approached by the team at T’s to host her own event last May.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th May 2026

Michael Thompson: Court hears defendant hysterically crying and being sick while making 999 call

The court heard the 999 call when a murder-accused defendant told the emergency services he had discovered his ex-partner’s body, when he could be heard hysterically crying and being sick. Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th May 2026

Michael Thompson: 55-year-old murder accused treated like ‘bereaved spouse’ after ‘fooling’ police with ‘fakery’

A 55-year-old Northampton man accused of the rape and murder of his former partner was treated like a “bereaved spouse” after fooling police with “fakery” that made it appear like a suicide or a tragic accident, say the prosecution. Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson on August 9, 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 27th May 2026

Michael Thompson: 55-year-old ‘tracked’, ‘abused’ and ‘brutalised’ ex-partner for decade before alleged rape and murder

A 55-year-old Northampton man “tracked”, “abused” and “brutalised” his former partner for more than a decade before he allegedly raped and murdered her, a jury heard as the prosecution opened the trial. Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, Northampton, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead on August 9, 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd May 2026

Home security specialist from Northampton shares burglary prevention advice ahead of summer holiday season

A home security specialist and business owner from Northampton has shared his burglary prevention advice ahead of the summer holiday season. Shaun Miller says many homes are unfortunately left vulnerable to opportunistic break-ins, which cause financial loss and a long-lasting emotional impact that can leave families feeling unsafe.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd May 2026

Brothers behind Northants countryside retreat set to launch co-working space blending work and wellbeing

The brothers behind a Northamptonshire countryside retreat are launching a new co-working space which blends work and wellbeing this summer. George and Josh Taylor have reimagined their family’s former dairy farm into The Shire, designed for authentic connection, relaxation and escapism.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd May 2026

Family-run Northants visitor attraction welcomes community to celebrate ‘heritage, charm and character’

A popular family-run visitor attraction in Northamptonshire recently welcomed the community to celebrate its “heritage, charm and character”. Jeyes of Earls Barton, located on The Square, hosted its first ‘Events Inspiration’ networking event earlier in the month, which brought businesses and event professionals together to showcase its offering.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 21st May 2026

Michael Thompson: Jury sworn in as 55-year-old Northampton man stands trial for alleged rape and murder of former partner

A jury has been sworn in today (Thursday May 21) as the trial begins for a 55-year-old Northampton man accused of the rape and murder of his former partner. Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley Thompson – who was found dead at a home in Pinewood Road on August 9, 2025.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 21st May 2026

Tidy Our Town: Major supermarket apologises after complaints of around 20 trolleys in park water gulley

A major supermarket has issued an apology following complaints of around 20 trolleys in a gulley of water that runs through a Northampton country park. Volunteers from the Northants Litter Wombles and JAM - Helping Out raised concerns about the issue at Hunsbury Hill Country Park, which is nearby to Tesco Extra in Clannell Road.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 21st May 2026

Knife crime in Northampton: ‘Parents are frightened to let their kids out and don’t know who to turn to’

A 63-year-old Northampton man is hosting an event with the aim of bringing families and communities together who have been impacted by knife and gun crime across the UK. Talking to the Chronicle & Echo, Peter Paraskevas says he has seen firsthand that parents are frightened to let their kids out and do not know who to turn to as a result of the level of knife crime in Northampton.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 21st May 2026

Owner of two quirky gift shops grateful to even be shortlisted for ‘independent gift retailer of the year’

The owner of two quirky gift shops across Northamptonshire is grateful to have even been shortlisted for ‘independent gift retailer of the year’ across the Midlands and Wales, despite not taking the crown. Lindsey Scott-Walker established Feather Robins Gifts in St Crispin Retail Village in September 2022, in the hope of becoming a one stop shop for all customers’ gifting needs.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 20th May 2026

CEO shares ‘great sense of pride’ as invaluable Northants hospice celebrates 50 years of unwavering care

A CEO has shared her “great sense of pride” as this invaluable Northamptonshire hospice is celebrating 50 years of unwavering care in the community. Maya Joseph-Hussain joined the Cynthia Spencer Hospice team in June last year, having been a resident in the county for nearly 14 years and the former director of another hospice.