Page 1 of 4

Retiring after 40 years with The Bath Chronicle, Brian Stevens talks to fellow photographer Matt Cardy about his career

He has been punched, kicked and stabbed. Yet, for the last 40 years, Brian Stevens has come to work with a smile on his face and, if he could work for another 40, he would do it all over again.

Since 1961, his by-lined pictures have stared out of the pages of The Bath Chronicle and have covered everything from fashion and flower shows to armed sieges, disasters and riots.

But, on Friday, Brian Stevens took his last picture as a newspaper staff photographer.

During his time with the paper, Brian has witnessed some monumental changes not just in media, but also in society, working patterns and technology. And he has taken alll of it in his stride.

He was there when press photography was revolutionised by the 35mm format, urging his editor to adopt the system as soon as possible. And he leaves as 35mm gives way to the new era of digital.

Not that any of that phases Brian.

Brian’s seemingly carefree persona, his ability to remain calm and reasoned whatever the situation and to always have a smile on his face, comes from a harrowing childhood experience.

“When I was 14, I was told I only had six weeks to live.

“I had been playing football and fell awkwardly and damaged my heart.

“It was the first week in August and I was not expected to see my 15th birthday in September.

“It made me very quickly concentrate my mind on what is important and what to appreciate life.

“I remember lying in bed watching the sun go down and then watching it come up. I was so happy to hear the dawn chorus and to be there at the start of another day.”

It was three years until Brian was eventually given the all-clear, but the experience clearly affected his philosophy on life.

“After the six weeks had gone by, I was just thankful for each extra day, each extra week and each extra month.

“When I was given the all-clear, I said to myself ‘now is the time for living’ and it’s something that has stayed with me all my life.

Next page…