AddThis SmartLayers

Midlands journalist to follow editor into retirement

A feature writer on a Midlands daily newspaper has announced he is to retire after 44 years.

Andy Smart, a features writer at the Nottingham Post, will retire on 1 June after 15 years of working on the paper’s nostalgia section.

He started with the company in 1966 as a junior reporter on the Notts Free Press  at Sutton-in Ashfield before moving to the Post three years later.

He left in 1972 but returned a year later. By June, he will have completed 39 years’ continuous service, and 44 years in total, for the Post and its portfolio.

Said Andy: “It is has been a very enjoyable career with more high points than low, but especially it has been the people I have worked with and met who have made it what it has been.”

Post editor Malcolm Pheby, who announced last week that he also retiring in June, called him an ‘exceptional writer.’

Said Malcolm: “Andy will be much missed by his readers and colleagues alike. He is a true gentleman and professional, whose work has been greatly admired – both in the Post and the books he has published.

“The good news is that he’ll still be involved in the Post, helping with Bygones and other freelance projects.”

Andy was assistant editor at the Free Press from 1973-1980 and variously edited the Nottingham, West Notts and Mansfield Recorders, the Long Eaton Advertiser and the Stapleford and Sandiacre News.

When he returned to the Post in 1991 he served as assistant news editor, deputy news editor, community news editor and, finally, Bygones editor.

In his retirement Andy intends to play more golf, travel and develop a couple of book projects.

 

 

4 comments

You can follow all replies to this entry through the comments feed.
  • February 8, 2012 at 9:15 am
    Permalink

    Andy gave me my first break as a trainee reporter on the Long Eaton Advertiser in 1989 and was a great editor, he taught me well and was an inspiration.
    I hope you enjoy your well-earned retirement!

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(0)
  • February 8, 2012 at 11:17 am
    Permalink

    A great writer who, in my opinion, never really got the recognition he deserved, like his colleague David Lowe. Younger journalists there could learn a lot from them both. Ask readers, they would tell you.

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(0)
  • February 8, 2012 at 3:29 pm
    Permalink

    All good wishes to Andy following a great career. The Long Eaton Advertiser was a great training ground and it was sad to see its demise.

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(0)
  • February 8, 2012 at 3:30 pm
    Permalink

    A great pro and, just as importantly, a great bloke. A sad loss to the industry but knowing Andy he’ll keep plenty busy.
    Good luck mate

    Jon

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(0)