Tribute to Norman Lewis
There is a fine tribute to the late Norman Lewis, the celebrated journalist from Burry Port, in the South Wales Evening Post today.
Here is the unedited version of what I had to say about him -
Former Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star editor Robert Lloyd said: “Norman Lewis was universally admired and respected in the media world and in the wider community.
“He was very much a man for all seasons.
“I was honoured to work alongside him at the South Wales Evening Post, where he would take time to nurture younger and less talented journalists.
“He later moved into management as managing director of the Carmarthen Journal, but he never forgot his roots as a journalist of the old school who could craft wonderful sentences in the face of the strictest deadline.
“The words ‘multi-talented’ fitted Norman like a glove. He could act on the stage with his beloved Phoenix Theatre company; he could hold an audience spellbound with an after-dinner speech; he could host events, ranging from Burry Port rugby club quizzes to operatic extravaganzas - and he found time for many voluntary duties, including acting as a senior judge for the Brin Isaac Memorial sporting awards in Llanelli.
“As a Rotarian, he firmly believed in the organisation’s motto – service above self- and he was a distinguished past president of the Cefn Sidan Club.”
Mr Lloyd, who is also chairman of the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind service, said that Norman’s presence would also be greatly missed in the recording studio.
“News of his death came just as the latest issue was being prepared in the studio. Norman was known for the rich timbre of his voice and for many members of the blind and partially-sighted community in South West Wales he was THE voice of the talking newspaper service.
“It was an emotional moment in the talking newspaper studio when we paid tribute to Norman Lewis – journalist, author, family man, actor and a true gentleman. The recording on Friday was dedicated to Norman Lewis, a great friend and former senior editor of the Llanelli Talking Newspaper who was universally respected and admired.”
Huw Morgan, manager of The Ashburnham Golf Club, said:"Norman Lewis was a much-respected figure here at The Ashburnham and members were very upset to learn about his death.
"He loved golf and the links course here at 'The Ash'. He was greatly admired for being a journalist of the highest integrity and his knowledge of sporting matters was unrivalled.
"In addition, he found time to write a book to mark the club's centenary.
"The Ash, a centenary celebration of the Ashburnham golf club 1894-1994, was a finely crafted piece of work and was an integral part of our centenary celebrations.
"Norman will be greatly missed by everyone in the clubhouse and our deepest condolences go to members of his family."
Here is the unedited version of what I had to say about him -
Former Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star editor Robert Lloyd said: “Norman Lewis was universally admired and respected in the media world and in the wider community.
“He was very much a man for all seasons.
“I was honoured to work alongside him at the South Wales Evening Post, where he would take time to nurture younger and less talented journalists.
“He later moved into management as managing director of the Carmarthen Journal, but he never forgot his roots as a journalist of the old school who could craft wonderful sentences in the face of the strictest deadline.
“The words ‘multi-talented’ fitted Norman like a glove. He could act on the stage with his beloved Phoenix Theatre company; he could hold an audience spellbound with an after-dinner speech; he could host events, ranging from Burry Port rugby club quizzes to operatic extravaganzas - and he found time for many voluntary duties, including acting as a senior judge for the Brin Isaac Memorial sporting awards in Llanelli.
“As a Rotarian, he firmly believed in the organisation’s motto – service above self- and he was a distinguished past president of the Cefn Sidan Club.”
Mr Lloyd, who is also chairman of the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind service, said that Norman’s presence would also be greatly missed in the recording studio.
“News of his death came just as the latest issue was being prepared in the studio. Norman was known for the rich timbre of his voice and for many members of the blind and partially-sighted community in South West Wales he was THE voice of the talking newspaper service.
“It was an emotional moment in the talking newspaper studio when we paid tribute to Norman Lewis – journalist, author, family man, actor and a true gentleman. The recording on Friday was dedicated to Norman Lewis, a great friend and former senior editor of the Llanelli Talking Newspaper who was universally respected and admired.”
Huw Morgan, manager of The Ashburnham Golf Club, said:"Norman Lewis was a much-respected figure here at The Ashburnham and members were very upset to learn about his death.
"He loved golf and the links course here at 'The Ash'. He was greatly admired for being a journalist of the highest integrity and his knowledge of sporting matters was unrivalled.
"In addition, he found time to write a book to mark the club's centenary.
"The Ash, a centenary celebration of the Ashburnham golf club 1894-1994, was a finely crafted piece of work and was an integral part of our centenary celebrations.
"Norman will be greatly missed by everyone in the clubhouse and our deepest condolences go to members of his family."
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