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Popular chief sub and trainer retires after 40 years

An editorial training manager and former chief sub-editor has retired after 40 years at the same publishing group.

Crispin Clark was given a send-off by colleagues at the Express & Star, Wolverhampton, on Wednesday with the help of a series of digital scfreenshots looking back over his career.

Crispin joined the top-selling regional daily in 1974 after completing a five-day NCTJ subbing course, which he would go on to tutor himself in later years in his role as editorial training manager for the title’s owner, the Midland News Association.

Express & Star editor Keith Harrison paid tribute to Crispin for his work with many generations of trainee reporters and echoed added he would be missed by all who worked with him.

Crispin Clark

Crispin, pictured above, told how he arrived in Wolverhampton from Kent intending to stay for a couple of years but never left.

He received rapturous applause for his speech and announced he would be continuing as training manager on a part-time basis looking after apprentices and trainee reporters.

Express & Star deputy editor Diane Davies said: “Crispin has been a hugely popular member of the newsroom for many years.

“Many colleagues from other departments joined the newsroom send-off, showing the contribution which Crispin has made over the past 40 years.”

8 comments

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  • January 16, 2015 at 11:56 am
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    I worked with Crispin on the Beckenham Journal and I believe I took over the Penge patch from him when he left for Wolverhampton. He was a good bloke and very tolerant of a cocky pre-entry student who thought he knew all the answers. Enjoy your retirement.

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  • January 16, 2015 at 1:17 pm
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    A true gentleman and professional who has given lifetime’s work to the E&S and who will be sadly missed. All the best and it was a true pleasure to have worked with you all those years.
    Tony Reynolds

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  • January 16, 2015 at 2:51 pm
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    Pick up a paint brush, dust off the drill, clean the sander – welcome to the retirement club, Crispin. I’m sure you’re going to love it.
    I’ve still got fond memories of the days when we were East Subs and I’ve always thought you were a class act and a true professional – to work with and to work for.
    All you need now for for Wolves to get a play-off spot!
    Cheers,
    John Crossland.

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  • January 16, 2015 at 5:32 pm
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    Best wishes for your retirement. You’ve earned it so enjoy it!

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  • January 16, 2015 at 8:05 pm
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    So many young journalists owe so much to Crispin. It was a privilege working alongside him as part of one of the industry’s best in house training schemes which provided a great service for novice and experienced journalists alike. What a shame that the scheme was dismantled. The consequences are obvious to those of us still reading the E&S and Shropshire Star. All the best in your retirement.

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  • January 17, 2015 at 8:56 am
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    Endlessly patient, endlessly good-humoured and one of the best. It was always a privilege to work with Crispin.

    Peter Rhodes

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  • January 17, 2015 at 3:44 pm
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    Age? Married?Hobbies? Trainer required! Sounds too good to let go. Good luck.

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  • January 29, 2015 at 7:10 pm
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    Simply the best editor the Express & Star never had. An honour to work for him, Crispin was an inspirational chief sub and all round top newsroom player. He’ll be missed and speedily forgotten by some, but the journalistic ring craft he invested into his trainees and those privileged to know his will no doubt stand the test of time.

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