Re: retirement of BFP columnist Arthur Church, a former editor of this paper

SHAME you couldn't have persuaded Arthur Church to do a 'Queen Mother' by continuing his official duties until he reached his century.

His weekly column has provided a much-needed link in your newspaper between old Wycombe and the new.

His retirement at the early age of 88 will leave quite a gap.

I have to declare an interest though. Arthur was the man who gave me my first chance in journalism 40 years ago.

Having written to over 100 editors seeking advice on how to break into newspapers, he was one of the very few to reply with words of encouragement.

A few months later, he actually offered me a job as assistant to Sid Pacey on the sports desk.

Like many others who passed through his gentle but firm hands, I was set on the path to a wonderful life in journalism that has taken me across the world and to all the major sporting events of the past 35 years.

Under Arthur, his able deputy Ken Burrows and jovial sidekick Johnny Howe, I and countless others were taught the principles of good journalism that have stood us all in good stead whether moving on like myself to national newspapers, BBC then ITV or staying in the provincial newspaper field like many others decided.

Sadly ironic that in the week when another Arthur Church protg and my successor as BFP Sports Editor - Roger Duckworth - should die aged only 60, Arthur should decide to put down his pen.

Your readers and his many trainees all owe Arthur a great debt. I look forward to toasting him when we meet up next watching his beloved Wycombe Wanderers.

And knowing him, I wouldn't be surprised to see him make a writing comeback once he's caught his breath and enjoyed his half-time orange. Or should that be whiskey?

John D Taylor

Downley Rd,

Naphill