The Banstead Image Library
The editor takes his leave
Bernard Gee (centre, with his wife Daphne) was a stalwart of journalism in the days when local newspapers mattered and played an important part in community life.
For some 30 years between the 1940s and ‘60s, he was editor of the Banstead Herald and other titles covering Sutton, Cheam, Wallington and Carshalton. In 1960, he gave me my first job on leaving school – junior reporter on the Banstead Herald. For this 16-year-old, my first day in the office was a thrilling moment, and I never looked back.
Bernard Gee retired in 1970, and the senior management of Argus Press, by then owners of the Herald titles, gave him a celebration lunch at the Red Coach Restaurant in Nork, which is where this photograph was taken.
He died in 1987 at the age of 81. His successor as editor, Ron Styles, said at the time, ‘He was a man of immense charm and absolute integrity. He will be missed by many, many friends.’ All these years later, I can vouch for that.
Picture added on 22 October 2023 at 23:02
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Bernard Gee hired me as a trainee reporter just before my 17th birthday in 1964, working alongside Peter Denton. Ron Styles trained me as a young journalist, and over time I joined The Sunday Times as a staff reporter, then became a documentary film-maker for Yorkshire Television, before writing books including 'Wicked Beyond Belief', on which 'The Long Shadow', the ITV drama series about the Yorkshire Ripper case, is based. Peter is still a very great friend and he too worked as a journalist, a television producer and writer. We both owe Bernard Gee a great deal for his trust in us as young kids. In my case, none of that would have happened if he didn't have some faith in this young kid, who lived in Belmont.
Added by Michael Bilton on 23 October 2023
Nork
