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Editor leaves hometown paper after half a century of service

Neil DickinsonAn editor has left his hometown newspaper after almost half a century of service – including 32 years in the top job.

Neil Dickinson has said farewell to the Tenby Observer, which he had edited since 1989 making him one of the most continuously long-serving editors in the industry.

Neil, pictured, joined the Observer as a junior reporter going to to become chief reporter in 1978.

He later became the paper’s assistant editor before being appointed editor on the retirement of Arthur Ormond.

Speaking to HTFP, Neil said: As Pembrokeshire’s oldest newspaper and a ‘pioneer of press freedom’, the Tenby Observer has a long and unique history in the newspaper industry. It has therefore been a great honour and privilege to have been a small part of that for the past 49 years.

“In bidding farewell, I would like to thank Tindle Newspapers for the opportunities the job has afforded me. Indeed, it would be true to say that life on the Observer has been nothing if not ‘interesting’, with many highs and lows, laughs and tears along the way.

“Not surprisingly, I have witnessed many changes over the years – printing processes, premises, staff, news gathering methods – but one thing that has remained constant in all that time is the important role the Observer plays in the local community – something Sir Ray [Tindle] recognised when he saved the paper from extinction in 1978.

“Long may that continue – and I have no doubt that it will, in the very capable hands of my successor Liz Davies and her dedicated team.”

New editor Liz added: “I am acutely aware in taking over from Neil, that I have incredibly big shoes to fill.

“It only takes a look at the amazing tributes which have been paid to him in the paper this week to know that he absolutely epitomises everything that the editor of a local newspaper should be.

“I remember first meeting Neil a very long time ago at meeting at my former paper in Abergavenny and commenting to a colleague afterwards, that he probably had the best job in local newspapers – little did I know at that time that I would one day be moving into his office.”

“I’m not from Tenby – and I know that my home town of Abergavenny is a sworn rival when it comes to floral displays – but I’m looking forward to putting gardening competition aside and meeting the groups and individuals which make this such a vibrant community… and maybe finding even a few hours to allow Neil to thoroughly humiliate me on the golf course.”