Reporter Chrissy Symmons uses her first blog to say thank you to a man who is well known by many within Telford.
When Gary Davies rang to say he had a “really good story” for me I was excited. The Wellington town and borough councillor always knew the fun, exciting and important local news.
But two minutes later and I wished he hadn’t phoned. Cllr Davies was leaving the county for good.
I’ve only been working on the Journal for seven months but I already know how much this man will be missed.
Gary is well known by both past and present journalists as a great man and he has saved many of us from news story droughts.
As one colleague said “if you can’t find a story - call Gary.”
We delighted in his emotive or thought-provoking quotes which helped give the paper lively and interesting copy.
When I arrived at the Journal he took me under his wing and I enjoyed our conversations.
He instantly instilled within me an interest for Wellington as he took time to explain the history, quirks and human angles of the town.
Of course I love all the parishes on my patch but Gary welcomed me into the town instantly.
Mr Davies became a councillor in 1988 and was Mayor of Wellington three times. In this role he raised around £18,000 for charity.
In 1971 he was elected secretary for Wellington Chamber of Commerce, a position held for 21 “wonderful years,” where he arranged the Old Tyme Market and other events.
He was also chairman of the Multiple District Lions Clubs International, Great Britain and Ireland, president of Wellington YMCA, Wellington Amateurs FC and formed the Wellington Twinning association. Councillor Davies also introduced Wellington Literary Festival, raised money for the town millennium clock and brought a steam engine into the square for the railway station’s 150th anniversary.
He has a heart for charity work but keeps that closely to his chest and I only find about his wide range of work through colleagues and friends.
When he told me of his departure he was more concerned with me writing about the work his wife had done for the town than for himself.
Whenever I met Gary for news articles I could see the genuine care he had for the people involved. I could also see he had a genuine love for his ward and the town.
He believed in standing up for people and helping them when they needed it – me included!
He is a great character within Wellington and I have no doubt that he will be missed by all.