COLLEAGUES and friends have paid tribute to former Abergavenny Chronicle deputy editor, Bill Baldock who died on Saturday at his Blaenavon home following a long illness. A journalist for more than 40 years, Bill began his career with the Free Press of Monmouthshire before serving as chief reporter for the Western Mail after a long period heading the paper's Newport office. He moved to The Abergavenny Chronicle in 1982 working as chief reporter and deputy editor until his retirement in 2002. Former Chronicle editor Jeff Morris, who worked with Bill for almost 20 years paid tribute to his friend and colleague. "Bill was appointed chief reporter of the Chronicle just a couple of weeks after I became its editor in April 1982 and we worked together on the paper for the best part of the next 20 years. It was therefore with profound sadness that I heard of his passing after a courageous fight against his cancer," he said. 'Bill was the complete newspaperman and I could not have wished for a better number two during my time as editor of the Chronicle. He had a deep knowledge of local government in the area, but he could really turn his hand to any journalistic task required of him and of course he loved his sport, particularly his rugby and was responsible for producing the sports pages for the paper. "Bill's gentle manner and humour endeared him to all the staff on the Chronicle and to everyone who came in contact with him beyond the office. Those of us who worked with him over the years will miss a dear colleague and friend.' Chronicle editor Liz Davies shares fond memories of Bill. "When I first joined the Chronicle Bill was always on hand with help and advice and I always valued his opinion. "For more than ten years he was 'trapped' in a newsroom with just me and Pat Griffiths for company - which we always felt was enough to test the fortitude of any man - yet he never complained, although I'm sure he would say this was because we never let him get a word in!" "When Bill retired he spoke fondly of working as part of a team, with Jeff Morris, Pat Griffiths and myself and I know I speak for them when I say we were honoured to have worked with Bill. He was one of a kind." "Bill was a gentleman, a family man and a friend. Everyone at The Abergavenny Chronicle will miss him." Mayor of Abergavenny, Councillor Ray Hill was among those who paid tribute to Bill Baldock describing him as a 'excellent ambassador for the Abergavenny Chronicle'. " He was very outspoken and never minced his words. He was a journalist through and through - he reported things as he saw them and will be sadly missed.' "I got to know Bill well as he covered meetings of Abergavenny Town Council and also because he was chairman of Blaenavon Town Band. He was involved in so much I could never fault the man," said Councillor Hill. Councillor Alan Breeze of Monmouthshire County Council also paid tribute to Bill saying he was 'extremely sorry' to hear of his death. "I've known Bill for many years. He was a very skilled journalist and a master of his trade in that he had a very clear informative style. Also, just as important was that he was very fair and very impartial. " From a personal point of view I found him a great raconteur with a lovely sense of humour and a very down to earth attitude to life." He said that meeting Bill lately since his illness had been diagnosed he had been impressed with the way he had bourne his illness with characteristic courage and determination. "'It's not going to bloody get the better of me Alan' he said " said Councillor Breeze. "For me a very he was a very friendly, articulate and courageous gentleman," he said. Born in London in 1937, Bill moved to Pontypool with his family, at the age of three when his father James took up employment at ROF Glascoed. He attended Pontymoile Junior School and later West Mon Grammar School and Aberystwyth University where he studied modern languages. A keen sportsman, Bill captained the Welsh Universities' Water Polo team and also made his name as a rugby player. A passionate rugby fan he treasured memories of time watching the famous Pontypool teams of the 1970s and 1980s and during his retirement enjoyed memorable trips to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to watch Wales play. Bill was also a passionate supporter of the brass band movement and enjoyed a 30 year association with Blaenavon Town Band, serving as its chairman and secretary. He was also an elected representative of the South East Wales Brass Band Association. One of his proudest moments was seeing Blaenavon gain third place at the 1999 National Brass Band Championships in the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. Despite his many hobbies Bill was a true family man, devoted to his wife Joan, their two sons, Andrew, chief rugby correspondent for the Press Association, and Julian an occupational health nurse, daughters in law Louise and Liz and their five grandchildren, Robert, Gabrielle, Kate, Sean and Kirsty. Bill Baldock's funeral service takes place today (Thursday) at St Peter's Church, Church Road, Blaenavon and will be followed by burial at Varteg Road Cemetery, Blaenavon. A reception will be held at Blaenavon Rugby Football Club following the service.
