Anthony Galvin, a former editor of the Barnsley Chronicle, has died
aged 79. He spent more than 46 years with the paper and retired in
1987, about a year after becoming managing editor.
Anthony joined the Chronicle on leaving Holy Rood School, Barnsley, in October 1940 as a junior office boy.
From
May 1944 until October 1947 he was a Bevin Boy at a colliery near
Barnsley. He also served as a corporal in the Home Guard during World
War Two.
When he was 23 he became chief reporter and worked his
way up to the position of editor in 1969, and made a major contribution
to the Barnsley Chronicle becoming one of the country’s leading
paid-for weekly newspapers.
During his career he was associated with many newspaper industry organisations.
He
was a member of the British Guild of Newspaper Editors and president of
the NUJ’s Barnsley branch from 1951 to 1958. He was also a former union
treasurer and father of the chapel.
He served as president of the
Leeds Diocesan Catholic Young Men’s Society and was a founder member of
the Barnsley branch of The Samaritans. He was also a school governor in
Barnsley and president of the Barnsley Rotary Club from 1986 to 1987.
He became a justice of the peace in 1972.
During his retirement
he enjoyed walking and photography until he was forced to take life
easier following a heart attack 10 years ago.
His widow Monica
was formerly on the editorial staff of the Barnsley Chronicle and wrote
the paper’s children’s column for more than 25 years.
Sir
Nicholas Hewitt, chairman and managing director of the Barnsley
Chronicle, said: “He was editor at a time of major changes in
production methods. He had a long, distinguished career.”
He is survived by nine children and 13 grandchildren.
Ian Thompson, assistant editor, Barnsley Chronicle
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