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  Regional press news - this story published 12 November 2008

Stalwart Midlands press reporter dies aged 52

by holdthefrontpage staff

An "accurate and conscientious" regional press reporter who spent 20 years with the Express and Star has died.

Andy Donkersley joined the Wolverhampton title in 1985 after working for the Blackpool Gazette.

After a brief spell with the Derby Evening Telegraph, Andy rejoined the Express and Star where he worked for two decades, covering the city's busy crown court.

He later joined the Express and Star's sister weekly Wolverhampton Chronicle before leaving the company in January 2006.

Andy, from Huddersfield, was found dead at his home in Shifnal, Shropshire, last week aged 52.

Chronicle group editor Sue Attwater said: "He was a very accurate and conscientious journalist who was very well liked and respected by his Chronicle colleagues as well as a thoroughly nice person too."

Ron Warrilow, a freelance journalist and a long-time friend, said: "Andy loved his Yorkshire roots but he also grew to love Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas."

Andy is survived by his sister Barbara, who lives with her husband and two children just outside New York. Funeral details have yet to be announced.

  • A full and moving tribute has been written about Andy by a former Express and Star colleague on his blog. You can also add your own memories of Andy at Lasting Tribute.

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    Paul Linford (12/11/2008 10:00)
    I worked with Andy during his "brief spell" at the Derby Evening Telegraph in the 80s. While he was certainly a bit of a rough diamond, he was without doubt one of the sharpest reporters I have ever worked with.


    Adam Postans (12/11/2008 11:39)
    I'm privileged to have known you during the better times when I was a cub reporter in Wolverhampton. You were truly one of a kind. RIP, mate.


    Martin McGlown (12/11/2008 12:12)
    Very sad to hear of Andy's demise. I worked with him for about three years on the Express & Star in the mid-90s and have very fond memories of extended lunch breaks in the Feline & Firkin! He was one of life's gentle warriors. RIP Andy. Hope to see you in another life. Martin McGlown


    Aidan Goldstraw (12/11/2008 16:53)
    Andy was one of the "old school" reporters, real characters who are becoming increasingly rare these days, with an instinctive nose for a good story, paired with a generous measure of humanity and kindness. He was even polite to us subs! Rest in peace, mate.


    Helen Barklam (12/11/2008 17:20)
    Like Adam and Martin, I have very fond memories of Mr Donkersley and most of them were in the pub. He was a genuinely lovely bloke and I am gutted to hear this awful news. I hope they serve a good pint up there for you. I will join you for one some day. Lots of love. Helen


    dave welford (13/11/2008 11:49)
    I also worked with Andy at Derby while he was waiting to return to his spiritual newspaper home, the Express and Star. I'm afraid I have absolutely no recollection of his reporting genius. What I do recall are legendary lunchtime and post-work sessions in the Brunswick and the Smithfield - happy days with Andy, Tony O'Toole, Bob Walker, Neil Brookes and Gareth Twose. There were also a number of trips to the fire club in Wolverhampton and to the boozers in Shifnal (Shifnal shuffle anyone?). I have no recollection of ever seeing Andy eat anything apart from a full English - once - at a greasy spoon somewhere between Wolves and Derby. He seemed to exist on booze alone. I hadn't seen him since Tony's funeral in 96 but have fantastic memories of a top bloke.


    Phil (16/11/2008 18:54)
    The funeral is at 2:30pm at Telford crem 2:30 pm on Friday 21st November followed by a drink at Jaspers in Shifnal.


    Claudine Weeks (17/11/2008 22:08)
    Sorry I didn't get to say goodbye, bless you Andy, love always x


    Malcolm Cinnamond (18/11/2008 09:54)
    There's an empty seat at "New Leeds Road". So long matey.


    Anne-Laure Domenichini (18/11/2008 14:48)
    That's my early years as cub news reporter at the Express & Star (along with Claudine, Martin, Sara, Arthur, Simon, Bob, Wyn and all) gone with him. Andy taught me everything there was to know about news reporting, particularly at Mags and Crown Court.Thinking of you. Annie x


    derek weekes (18/11/2008 21:19)
    Andy was one of life's good guys. Sorry I can't be at his funeral; but it won't be short of friends.


    PICKARD (19/11/2008 16:22)
    A gentle man with a precise mind, kind heart and wicked humour. So long Donk


    Denis Kilcommons (22/11/2008 10:05)
    Andy became close friends with my wife Maria and I when he joined the Huddersfield Daily Examiner. It was his first job in journalism and I was an old-stager of 35. He admired my record collection (even though it contained no Dylan) and my long denim overcoat, which eventually became his. He took us out to dinner to celebrate his 21st (just the three of us) and actually wore a tie. He spent our 10th wedding anniversary with us (just the three of us) and we played records all night. After our 41st wedding anniversary this month, Maria recalled that night and talked of Andy. We found the photographs; Andy with his long hair and straggly beard and long scarf. We should get in touch. Then Phil Farmer got in touch instead and we learned Andy had died. I went to Andy's funeral and caught up with him at last. It was wonderful to see so many there and to hear of the impact and lasting friendships he had made. In those early days, he was funny, loyal, warm and so honest it hurt. It was good to know he hadn't changed. He was genuinely one of the good guys.


    dave nowell (22/11/2008 15:41)
    Andy was a good mate and one of the best reporters i have ever worked with - if not THE best. We had some great laughs - and drinks - in Blackpool and Wolverhampton over the years. He was in many ways a man of mystery but a true and loyal friend once he let you in. We lost touch in recent years but I regularly think back and laugh about our escapades as hacks and as mates. Good bless, Andy


    Richard Thackray (25/11/2008 22:48)
    I was at school with Andy and we remained friends always. I have recorded some memories here; http://richtblag.blogspot.com/


    T (08/12/2008 15:47)
    I worked briefly with Andy in Wolverhampton and the guy was a legend. The amount of comments under this story says it all really!


    Linda Jones (10/12/2009 16:13)
    Really so very sorry to find this news. I remember very well Andy's kindness and wit and lots of laughs shared when he taught me the ropes at court as an Express & Star trainee. Much love to you Andy. xx

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