A lot of things happened in 1969: The Beatles made their last live appearance — on a rooftop; They also released their 11th studio album — Abbey Road; Brian Jones quit the Rolling Stones and less than a month later was found dead in his swimming pool; Michael Caine starred in the British film TheContinue reading “1969 – a year of great happenings”
Category Archives: journalism
Changing places — changing faces
There was more in changing my place of work to Rhyl from Holywell than just being able to have a lie-in or go home for lunch. Obviously I was working with new people and they were ones I could learn a lot from. I was also meeting new people and old friends when it cameContinue reading “Changing places — changing faces”
Better watch out if Rupert’s about
When I was working in Australia in the late 70s early 80s there was a joke doing the rounds about Rupert Murdoch – a joke which had an undertone of reality. “Rupert Murdoch arrived in (insert town or city name) and booked into a hotel. The following morning he sent his secretary out to buyContinue reading “Better watch out if Rupert’s about”
Finding my place within the pack
There are hierarchies within journalism and the cub reporter, like the wolf cub, is at the bottom of the pack. Above this you get a junior reporter, then a senior, then a chief reporter. Sometimes the chief reporter might also be the deputy editor – then you get the head honcho, the editor. Somewhere inContinue reading “Finding my place within the pack”
Back at work and the pressure’s on
Working alone at the Holywell office of the Flintshire Leader had its good points and its bad points. In many ways I have always had an independent streak. I prefer to control my own life. Take transport, for instance. I hate going anywhere by train or bus because it makes me reliant on other people:Continue reading “Back at work and the pressure’s on”
Advice to the Grub Street Verse-writers
by Jonathan Swift Ye poets ragged and forlorn, Down from your garret haste; Ye rhymers, dead as soon as born, Not yet consign’d to paste; I know a trick to make you thrive; O, ’tis a quaint device; Your still-born poems shall revive, And scorn to wrap up spice. Get all your verses printed fair,Continue reading “Advice to the Grub Street Verse-writers”
Newspaper bosses kept it in the family
After my first trip to the print works Peter began to take me there on a regular basis and I got to know not just the printers and journalists but also the directors. What had begun in the 19th century, as a publishing company, Woodall, Minshall and Thomas, at Caxton Press in Oswestry, and laterContinue reading “Newspaper bosses kept it in the family”
Stereotype – it’s such a cliché
Printing presses were not foremost in my mind when I decided on my future as a reporter. I knew about the principles of printing having once had a John Bull printing outfit. Not, of course, that this childish toy was ever designed to introduce people to the real joys of printing. To learn more thanContinue reading “Stereotype – it’s such a cliché”
Timely lesson about trust
My mix of shadowing David Nicholas and spending time under my own command at the Holywell office certainly strengthened my nature when it came to coping for myself in later years. David taught me what to watch for when out and about as a good story could come from the smallest reference. He said youContinue reading “Timely lesson about trust”
Getting to grips with politicians
The weeks continued with the one-day training at Mold and the rest on my own at the Holywell office. It appeared David Nicholas had become my mentor. On the second Wednesday I shadowed him as he did regular diary jobs and worked on off-diary stories. The following week he took me to a meeting ofContinue reading “Getting to grips with politicians”
Robin's Nest 