An organ playing assistant editor who has spent 44 years with the same paper has hung up his pad and pen for good.

Current and former colleagues of John Chipperfield MBE gathered together at the Oxford Mail yesterday to bid a fond farewell to the 64-year-old newsman. The Mail also carried a two-page spread with pictures and tributes.

Editor Simon O’Neill said: “He made everything look easy. But underneath that calm exterior was a focused, passionate and driven journalist who cared deeply about every word that went into his papers, and they were his papers.

“Personally, I am privileged to have worked with John and thoroughly enjoyed it too.”

Other guests included Oxford Times editor Derek Holmes, former Oxford Mail editor Eddie Duller and former Oxford Mail assistant editor Peter Unsworth.

John started his journalism career submitting sports reports to the Mail aged just 16.

He later studied business at college but signed up for a shorthand course and, aged 20, was taken on as a full-time trainee reporter.

John took on a host of roles, including local government reporter and 22 years as news editor spanning five editors, before becoming assistant editor in 2001.

During his time as a reporter he covered one of the biggest stories of the last century when he was told to get to Leatherslade Farm where the Great Train Robbers had been hiding out.

He described it as one of his most exciting days as a reporter and managed to get a story into the final edition after the presses were held until 5pm.

His free time pursuits also saw him playing organ on Sunday mornings at Oxford Prison – often seeing in the chapel familiar faces from the local courts. In 1997 John received an MBE for his contribution to the prison.

Speaking of his career highlights, John said: “My spell as news editor – it was fascinating. It was always a challenge and there was always the next day’s edition to get out.

“Secondly, Memory Lane. I’m thrilled to say that people have taken Memory Lane to their hearts and searched their cupboards, attics, everywhere, for pictures and information, which has proved fascinating.

“And thirdly, the highlight of this job has been the chance to meet so many wonderful Oxfordshire people.

“Over the years I have talked to thousands of people and in doing so learned so much about their lives and the county which I come from.

“I can honestly say there hasn’t been a day when I haven’t wanted to come to work.”

John plans to spend his retirement playing the organ and piano and relaxing with his wife and two grand-daughters.

John says farewell to colleagues at the Oxford Mail yesterday

Comments

Nigel (22/10/2008 12:26:48)
As Simon O’Neill says, and as everyone in the know will agree, it was always a privilege to work for John Chipperfield – a true gentleman with genuine, quiet, integrity.

Vikki Owen (22/10/2008 20:05:18)
He has helped so many cub reporters in a calm and patient manner along the way. I only ever heard he shout once – and the hack at the other end knew he meant business! John will be sadly missed.