A former local press journalist and film critic who became one of the foremost authorities on Welsh cinema has died aged 66.

Dave Berry, who passed away in a Cardiff hospital after battling a long illness, worked for the city’s South Wales Echo for 15 years during the 70s and 80s as education correspondent and rugby league columnist.

He penned the book ‘Wales and Cinema – The First Hundred Years’ which is considered the bible of the country’s film history as well as being heavily involved in the industry, encouraging young directors and working as a research officer.

Born in Lancashire, he moved to South Wales in 1974 when he joined the Echo and in 2002 he won an Anthony Hopkins award for his contribution to the Welsh film industry.

Mr Berry’s former news editor Stuart Minton said: “Dave was an investigative reporter and he loved being part of that scene.

“He always wanted to check and recheck that he had got everything right. He was diligent and meticulous. He was a first-class news man.”

Western Mail columnist and friend Steve Groves added: “A moment in Dave’s company was something to treasure.

“He was one of the great practitioners of journalism in Wales as well as one of its great characters.”

Comments

Jean Kingdon (03/02/2010 12:30:32)
I knew Dave well in the 1970s. I was with the Western Mail but would seehim in various pubs in Roath.
He was a fine journalist and a lovely man. He is a great loss to journalism in Wales and to his many friends.

Jeff Sims (04/02/2010 13:49:12)
Dave was one of the senior reporters at the Echo when I joined as a trainee in 1979. He set a fine example to younger staff and I remember his film reviews were first rate.