A tribute to Flintshire’s finest journalist – the great Alan Davies

It was fitting that I shared the proudest moment of my journalism career with Alan Davies.

Back in November 2007, I won the Newspaper Society UK Weeklies Sports Reporter of the Year title at a ceremony in Leeds.

Accompanying me on that memorable evening was my editor – Mr Alan Davies.

There were lots of high-profile newspapers UK-wide vying for the various titles on offer so it was quite a thing for Dave Jones of the Rhyl and Prestatyn Visitor to be basically named, in sporting terms, the British champion in my category.

Alan had nominated me, the only boss who had ever entered me for anything, and it all came up trumps.

There is no-one I’d rather have shared that unforgettable occasion with than my chief of the time as quite simply, Alan was the joint-best editor I’d ever worked for.

He will always be right up there with Robin Vyrnwy-Pierce, who took a chance on me as a very raw young cub reporter when he employed me for the Denbigh-based Vale Advertiser in 1988.

Robin and I are still in touch and I often tell him I am forever in his debt for giving me my first proper break 37 years ago.

His faith in me began a career writing and editing for local and regional newspapers for more than 30 years.

Alan Davies and Robin Vyrnwy-Pierce – the two best bosses I’ve ever had.

No-one else I have worked under is even worth a mention.

I was deeply saddened this week when I learned Alan had passed away at the age of 75.

I believe he had not been well for some time. We were not in regular touch, the last time we conversed being when I phoned him requesting a tribute for another colleague who had just passed, but we remained friends.

The years I spent working for Alan were very enjoyable.

I was told before I met him, that if you work hard he will treat you well. If you cut corners and don’t put in the hours, he’ll be down on you like a ton of bricks.

Putting long shifts in to get the work done was never a problem for me. My abilities as a writer and chief reporter may be open to opinion, but no-one could ever accuse me of shirking.

Alan and I got on extremely well. He was funny, supportive and always had your back.

When you did wrong, he would tell you so in no uncertain terms, but there were no grudges – draw a line under things quickly and move on.

Alan taught me good habits and worked hard to get me a fair wage at a time others in the same position who were certainly not more prolific were being better rewarded.

After years of struggle, being under-paid like many of my colleagues, he won a battle to get me a decent salary and life got a lot better. I will never forget that.

He would always be fair if I had a sulk over something work-related I was told to do but didn’t agree with. He’d listen, and we’d always come to a mutual understanding.

Alan was a stickler for correct detail and leaving no stone unturned when chasing a big story. 

I worked in news and sport under his leadership. He would issue firm guidance about news stories, but with sport he left it to me.

In 2009, things changed drastically at our company.

There was a takeover by the regional newspaper, the weeklies became of considerably less importance and Alan’s time with the company was over.

I remember him calling a conference to tell us he was leaving. He was quite tearful, and he was not the only one.

I was very emotional when we parted after a reporters and sub-editors farewell do for Alan. On the train home along the coast, I got off at Rhyl, leaving Alan as the last passenger of our group bound for Flint.

I thanked him for everything and have no shame in admitting I was very upset.

It was the end of an era and a great one too. A true ‘old-school’ journalist had left the building and a legacy which would never be forgotten.

That was not the end for Alan in newspapers, though. He went on to serve a few more years with the Leader/Newsquest group, winning new friends and admirers for his professionalism.

I lasted a few more years too before making the best decision of my life – leave a crumbling industry and set up on my own.

I’ve never been happier workwise, but nor will I forget the good times of the past and a special chapter in a life story I may never publish – working for a wonderful man called Alan Davies.

Ardent Chester FC fan and the consummate professional.

You will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace dear friend.