Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. BBC Newcastle presenter Wendy Gibson has split from her broadcaster husband, Simon Willis. WebSimon Willis is a British journalist, who worked for BBC Look North (North East and Cumbria) from 1983 until 1999 as a reporter and presenter before moving to BBC Scotland as a reporter and presenter on Newsnight Scotland until 2009.Willis was previously married to former BBC Look North presenter Wendy Gibson. Peter Willis was a great man. Forbes Simon Willis - Scotland, United Kingdom, cameraman, camera Mirror executive editor and founder of the newspapers Pride of Britain Awards Peter Willis died suddenly on Friday, he was 54. Award winning coaching films. He championed me when I was a young reporter shifting on 3am and later when I returned he always made time to chat & reminisce about his own Showbiz days. My husband Steve & Willy. RIP https://t.co/wPZjAzL5gW, Claudia Connell (@Claudiacc) June 28, 2021. Switzerland flourishes as a country of innovation and diversity while putting an emphasis on protecting its pristine nature, timeworn architecture, and unique traditions. Jo Whiley said Simon was the third person in her marriage to her husband Steve: We woke to the news that we have lost our beloved Willy aka Simon Willis and today our family is bereft. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. His highest profile story was reporting on the Holyrood Inquiry, after which he presented the BBC documentary Holyrood - What Went Wrong? Zoe Ball inundated with support If he bumped into members of the RoyalFamily or celebrities anywhere, in any context, his opening gambit was always: I hope well be seeing you at Pride of Britain this year? The sensible ones knew But of course, Peter was the only acceptable response. A big part of the 90s re-shaping at R1.. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. WebFormer BBC Correspondent and TV presenter The Sunday Times travel writer and winner of the Travelex Award Author of 2 travel books Journalism Four first-ascents of Alaskan He leaves two young children, Bevan and Honor. Simon is the creator of Datasette, a new tool for publishing structured data as a web API. He was their champion. This glorious event in our national calendar won the hearts of millions with its brilliant story-telling thanks to Peters dedication, flair and genius. He was such a gifted communicator and could effortlessly chat to anyone with wonderful warmth and kindness. The funniest man you could ever meet and anyone who knew him will have their own favourite story to tell about What Willy did, Godammit Willy what are we going to do without you??. What a shame. Zoe explained that she and Simon had worked together when she was a host on BBC's Radio 1. This was the time when we went to a Chinese restaurant & I got confused and I ordered chicken feet. We went on location trips to Spain and covered the Montreux TV Festival together, working like demons and laughing loud and long into the night. Steve and Willy were like Morecambe and Wise except I was never sure which was which. Morgans former colleague on Good Morning Britain Susanna Reid, a Pride of Britain judge, said: Great sadness at the loss of such a lovely, kind man. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Simon had been ill for the last few years fighting cancer. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Previously she spent four years at the Surrey Advertiser and has won prizes including Trainee Journalist of the Year at the NCTJ Awards of Excellence. He taught me the basics of editing back in the 90s. His brain tumour diagnosis came after a year of symptoms including fatigue and confusion. With his infectious enthusiasm for newspapers, he was always on hand to help those around him. The list of its authors can be seen in its historicaland/or the page Edithistory:Simon Willis. Simon is a freelance travel journalist living in Colombia. We woke to the news that our beloved Willy aka Simon Willis has left us & we are bereft. Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Kent coach Simon Willis to the post of high performance manager. WebCameraman in Scotland, United Kingdom. That may sound a bit weak but at his end of The Street it was a rare quality. This article "Simon Willis" is from Wikipedia. Simon Willis Many memories. before becoming group executive editor and director of the Pride of Britain Awards, which he founded, last year. Friends and ex-colleagues of former BBC Radio 1 producer, Simon Willis, have been paying tribute to him, following news he passed away this week, following a TV's Wendy in split from husband | The Northern Echo I have known Simon Willis since I was 14 (along with Lynne M). The event featured the 3am girls as bridesmaids and Carroll as matron of honour. Reach has offered grief counselling and support for staff and said it will make a meeting room in its Canary Wharf headquarters available for anyone who wants to meet and talk about the news in person. Above all, my heart goes out to Nicky and the family. See more on our Privacy page. This foundation of modern-day Switzerland is celebrated vehemently every year, and each region marks the occasion in its own manner, usually with fireworks, bonfires, lavish parades, floats, and music. Simon is a sports nut, and when he is not adventure-seeking he is following his beloved Barnsley Football Club. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. WebSimon Willis named SL high performance manager. He passed away three years later due to complications after surgery. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Change). He was my Doctor Who husband, we both loved musical theatre with a passion and together we were complete radio geeks. Showreel & work examples SimonWillis.TV. Simon Willis | Travel Writer and Journalist Its truly devastating. What a shame. This article includes a television- and people-related list of lists. An exceptional journalist and editor, Peter Willis was also warm and kind. List of former BBC newsreaders and journalists. The positive impact of telling their stories will be a significant part of his legacy. Reach editor-in-chief Lloyd Embley broke the news to staff on Monday afternoon, paying tribute to the enormous contribution to the company his longstanding colleague has made. He was someone to laugh with and cry with, and all the bits in between. For some reason the folks at TravelWriting2 wanted to interview meme! Bravo! The currency is the Swiss franc, though sometimes euros are accepted. RIP pic.twitter.com/2LuPVK8Ay0, Michael Greenwood (@greenwood100) June 28, 2021. First came the return-to-office policies. Articles by Simon Williss Profile | AFAR Journalist | Muck Rack WebSimon Willis Cameraman in Scotland, United Kingdom. https://t.co/pXl27LlZR9, Lisa Marks ???? Every evening he was driven to make the edition as good as it possibly could be as we went to press. Without a doubt, the ski facilities are the main draw in winterthough ice skating, ice climbing, and Christmas shopping are great side shows. I wont be able to watch a true crime show voiced by Fred Dinenage (his favourite) without thinking of him. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Peter had unbridled enthusiasm for every story he assigned and would give writers full, exacting briefs. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. War reporter finds peace, recovery He was my Dr Who husband, Ernie Wise to Steves Eric Morecambe, THE Godfather to our kids ? This page was last edited on 17 August 2020, at 08:18. Article(s) of the same category(ies), https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=Simon_Willis&oldid=961327. 5 Reasons Why Switzerland Is the Ultimate Winter Escape for Every Traveler, Christmas Markets in Europe to Get You in the Holiday Spirit, The Family Getaway of Your Dreams Awaits in the Valais Region of Switzerland, Why The Top of Europe is the Stylish Adventure You Need, The Best Skiing (and Spas) in Valais, Switzerland, The Most Romantic Experiences in Switzerland, The Best Walks, Rides, and Drives in Switzerland, The Most Luxurious Experiences in Switzerland. The news was covered by both The Sun and the Mirror on Monday, with a Mirror tribute calling him a man who never understood how loved he was. Meet our journalists: Senior Herald writer Simon Wilson Find me on The Willis has worked as a freelance TV cameraman, photographer and media consultant. 23-May-2016 Andrew Fidel Fernando. Hard to believe hes gone. For adrenaline junkies, the dramatic geography means off-piste skiing, ice climbing, and one of the most renowned ski tours on Earth. M xxx @dullington pic.twitter.com/naibk0O8Dz, Martin Burgess-Moon ?? One of his favourite stories was the time in January 1923 when the aristocratic Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, newly engaged to The Duke of York, naively gave an interview to an audacious Mirror hack whoknocked on the door of her London residence with a photographer in tow. Switzerland (and neighboring Lichtenstein) use a J plug; travelers from the U.S. and Canada will need either a SEV 1011 or Earplug converter and an adapter for 240 V electricity. In 2006 he made two documentaries for BBC Radio 4 investigating the complexities of dismantling the Dounraey nuclear facility in northern Scotland. Peters particular talent was to develop an idea from nothing and he certainly did that by creating Pride of Britain which will be his enduring media legacy. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry. Following. I shall always remember Peter editing the paper during the London riots in 2011 until late into the night on the backbench. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Hed even dictate the precise questions he wanted you to ask interviewees which usually guaranteed a fresh new angle and arresting headline. What struck me about Peter more than anything was the interest he always took in the lives of his journalists outside the newsroom. Also a special mention to the Society of American Travel Writers for accepting my membership application. Willy was a one-off. Simon Willis - definition - Encyclo In winter, many mountain passes are closed, so those traveling by car should contact Automobile Club der Schweiz before making a journey or better yet, catch the train. Peter was a brilliant, creative and dedicated journalist who warmly welcomed me into the Daily Mirror newsroom 11 years ago. A journalist reflected on interviewing Bruce Willis in 1996, calling it "a nightmare." Feb 4, 2021, 07:30pm EST | Willis, played by Lance Henriksen, who has dementia, find a place to retire. RIP Peter., Kathy Evans, who shared a house in Clapham with Willis in the early 1990s when they both worked for News International, said: He was a bag of contradictions; the epitome of sartorial elegance with the messiest of bedrooms; funny, entertaining, approachable but mysterious. Solo yachtie's miracle survival tale. The call ended with him regaling me about how he had booked an Elvis impersonator for the Christmas party. He will be much missed by me and everyone who worked with him. (@BurgessMoon) March 3, 2021, Your spirit was everything Simon Willis thank you https://t.co/dRsAuq3sYS, Hayley Redmond (@HayleyFudge) March 3, 2021, Simon Willis was the guy who got me into Radio 1 over 20 years ago when he rang me; a nervous but keen student. When Im not pestering poor tortoises, I write about travel. At the forefront is the Montreux Jazz Festival, which pulls in diverse artists from around the world. He achieved so much as scoop finder extraordinaire and editor of three national titles in an incredibly varied career. Peter was the Alcatraz of journalism. The whole thing was bonkers but typical of Peters cleverness and sense of fun. Many towns play host to a plethora of summer festivals. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. And it was the perfect recipe. It was thefirst and last time she ever spoke to the press in all heryears as a royal. WebSimon Willis | Travel Writer and Journalist About Me Im Simon (the one in the hat). Supporting the communities and people of those regions is as easy as using a local guide, staying at a locally owned and sustainable hotel, or buying goods made in the region. He was magnetic and when my Fleet Street days were over, I revisited those colourful times often in fond memory. WebJ ake Wallis Simons is an award-winning British journalist and novelist. Awful., Feature writer and editor Clare Goldwin said: Unbelievably sad. A genuinely good bloke who threw his heart and soul into his baby the Pride of Britain Awards. And it was the perfect recipe. And on top of all that he created Pride of Britain. All my love to his family. He has contributed to the Washington Post, Independent, Yorkshire Post, My thoughts are with his family, friends and the many, many work colleagues (past and present) whose lives he touched. That was Peter all over. Swiss resorts are rated among the finest in Europe and attract visitors from around the world. People quickly began to share tributes to Willis, a well-known Fleet Street figure, on Twitter and via email to Press Gazette. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He was a force of nature, full of life and a genius ideas man, even if many were totally bonkers. As Peters former deputy editor I saw, each day, the kindness, compassion and drive that ran through everything Peter did in life. Talented, kind, hilariously funny. A kind and hilarious man who kick started a lot of careers. Simon Willis is a British journalist, and former BBC TV newsreader and reporter. Hire me. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Kind, funny, generous and extraordinarily talented. International airports in the cities of Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are serviced by multiple airlines, including Swiss. Simon Willis Newsprint in his DNA. Even before smartphones I took lots of pics. Thinking of family, friends and my old colleagues at this terrible time., Peter was the heart and soul of the Mirror. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter. This is a terrible loss for all those who knew him and a great loss too for the newspaper industry in which he was a giant. I never did met anyone who knew Nik Kershaws back catalogue like Willy. WebSimon Willis is a British journalist, and former BBC TV newsreader and reporter He worked for BBC Look North (North East and Cumbria) from 1983 until 1999 before It was allthe more hilarious as hed employ a plummy, high-pitched voice straight out of a pantomime. Always passionate about stories, always interested in your opinion, always kind. Strong self-shooter on Canon XF 305. Swiss wine, though seldom exported, is excellentand often affordable. For the English cricketer, see Simon Willis (cricketer). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. pic.twitter.com/7pBWfllLdH, Simon produced my Radio 1 morning show for many years. Travel Journalist covering Latin America and Switzerland. This byline is mine, but I want my name removed. Terribly sad news., Former colleague Trevor Dann said: Lovely bloke. Mirror tribute calling him a man who never understood how loved he was. He cared deeply about them and their families. Peter frequently had everyone in stitches with his impression of the future queens awkward conversation with the reporter. In pic 1 hes in his flat on Grand Parade with a Radio Times. To share your tributes and memories of Willis please email pged@pressgazette.co.uk. Paul Vickers (@VickersRichmond) June 28, 2021, Remembering Peter at our WIJ parties always happily chatting away to students and aspiring journalists- full of advice and charm @MirrorAlison https://t.co/K11VN0cpbW, Women in Journalism (@WIJ_UK) June 29, 2021, Genuinely saddened to hear about the passing of Peter Willis, my editor on the Mirror TV mag some 20 years ago now. https://t.co/to7JTxUByK, Heartbroken for his family. Switzerland is home to a plethora of mountain restaurants with jaw-dropping views. He enjoys telling stories of marine and land-based conservation, Indigenous stewardship, regenerative travel, and innovation in science and technology. I knew Peter for more than 30 years. We have lost a bright light. Once teased in conference about not being fit he ran the London marathon the year after to prove them all wrong., Lesley Somervillesaid: I am so shocked brilliant, kind, warm journalist. Above everything, Peter was immensely likeable, charming and witty. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Switzerlands 26 regions, or cantons, have their own customs, traditions, andin many caseslanguages. A true gentle giant. Join over a million of the worlds best travelers. (@BurgessMoon) March 4, 2021. M x pic.twitter.com/oT0M766By3, Martin Burgess-Moon ?? His legacy in creating the Pride of Britain awards will be unmatched. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Photo / Doug Sherring Name: Simon Wilson Age: 60-something Job: Senior writer Location: Herald newsroom, Auckland. Pair fine pinot noirs, chasselas, and quintessential Swiss mountain landscapes with a traditional fondue or raclette. https://t.co/o7x7ngQxeu, Victoria Kennedy (@vixkennedy) June 28, 2021, Truly the most awful news. WebSimon Willis is a travel writer and freelance journalist flirting with both South America and Europe. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Switzerland offers much to do year-round, though summer and winter are the most popular seasons to visit. Then, in the morning he would call me to say how we could have made it even better. Contact Simon, search articles and Tweets, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place. So much of that was due to Pete. Then he broke his back. Peter was one of the first people working in Fleet Street I dealt with as a young provincial reporter. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Zurichs bike-rental facilities are conveniently located at three locations throughout the city, including the main train stationsimply show your passport, leave a deposit, and borrow a bike for free. Devastating. I will remember some happy times but for now, Im just so sad hes gone. We will of course provide all possible support to the family and colleagues now and moving forward.. A man whose warmth and gentle nature were a rarity. Unsurprisingly, Peter became known in celebrity and latterly royal circles as the man you couldnt say No to. When getting around by vehicle, drivers must purchase a tax disc (vignette), costing 40 Swiss francs (US$45). Ill never forget his smile, charm and great chat. NZME journalist Simon Wilson. Set on the waterfront of Lake Geneva, this monthlong festival burgeons every year thanks to its delightful ambience, variety of music, and free entry to all but a few concerts. https://t.co/Wew5zssAIn. His stories remain on the BBC Scotland News website. Always kind, always considerate and a whirlwind of activity. List of current BBC newsreaders and reporters. Warm summer temperatures reliably lure locals out to bask on lakeshores, traipse through villages, and saunter along meadows and mountain paths. BBC trained video journalist / self-shooting AP & Producer. When Im not pestering poor tortoises, I write about travel. WebCo-founder Simon Willis, head of content for Wise Buddah, talksabout the proposed new Internet radio station dedicated to musicaltheatre called Stage Door and about the crowd The snowman cometh: one mans fight to save skiing. of BBC newsreaders and reporters In his message to staff, seen by Press Gazette, Embley said: His contribution to the Mirror and the wider group was enormous but his crowning achievement was to conceive, launch and establish the Pride of Britain Awards. One of Peters craziest, most ingenious ideas was to stage the so-called Mirror Wedding in Piers Morgans expansive corner office. Also a boss who took the Christmas party so seriously he once gave us time off to go to a fancy dress shop so our costumes would look fab., Amanda Cable said: Peter was one of the best-loved journos in the business. I write for the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Afar, Guardian Bradt and Delta simonwillistravels.wordpress.com. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Twenty years ago he was Brad Willis, a hard-charging NBC News reporter who covered major stories in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Simon I was lucky enough to work with him more than twenty years ago when we were both showbiz reporters, Peter on The Sun and me on Today. Peters love of old-school tabloid stunts was legendary. He truly was the heart and soul of the Mirror office and his loss will be sorely felt by everyone lucky enough to have worked with him. (LogOut/ Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. In the Alps, glitzy ski resorts exhibit fur boots and Ferraris, but there are also family destinations where children master their first snowplow. WebSimon Willis. Rules had changed and marriage ceremonies had been sanctioned at venues other than churches and register offices. Cookies are also used for Google Ads personalisation. https://t.co/OfLuVfjryf, Trevor Dann (@TrevorDann) March 3, 2021, Not a great deal of sleep. Please contact me swillis_1@hotmail.co.uk and follow me @simonwillis11. A big part of the 90s re-shaping at R1. A sublime talent taken far too young. He always knew what was needed to add that extra bit of magic and sparkle to the event every year and he never gave up in his pursuit of perfection. My favourite memory of him was calling him from South Africa where I had spent the morning with a baby dying from Aids. He was a fantasticDeputy Editor in my last years in the chair. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of The Daily Mirror. (LogOut/ He was a truly nice man. Thank you for everything, Pete. And, a talented journalist. His passion, drive and commitment was proof that perpetual motion is indeed possible. We are deeply saddened by the news that well-known radio presenter and producer, Simon Willis, has died from a brain tumour, aged 51. Mirror executive editor and founder of the newspapers Pride of Britain Awards Peter Willis died suddenly on Friday, he was 54. I was part of a formidable features department he led at the Mirror. Looking through old pics. Friends and former colleagues of Simon Willis have been paying tribute to him following news of his passing. Heres Simon Willis in Plymouth in the early 90s. Simon Willis - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki Me. After all, the beauty of this country is best seen by taking it slow on foot or bike and staring out the train window with a camera in hand. I get moaned at for taking lots of pics. As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work. Friends and former colleagues of Simon Willis have been paying tribute to him following news of his passing. Terribly sad news. Rest in peace, Peter., Michael Greenwood, head of Reachs newswire, said: An exceptional journalist and editor, Peter Willis was also warm and kind. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Willy was The Godfather to all our children and they completely and utterly adored him. My husband Steve and Willy. Peter coordinated the whole shebang. God, Ill miss him. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Plan routes throughout the country on electric trains powered by renewable energy, hybrid-electric buses, and boats using the SBB Mobile transit app. Ill forever be indebted to these publications for keeping me off the streets:The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Boston Globe, Afar, Bradt Travel Guides, TravelMag, Adventure Cyclist Magazine, Delta Sky Magazine and Matador Network. RIP Peter and thank you for that sunny afternoon on the Common. Switzerlands business ethic is offset every summer by a range of festivals. Jo Whiley pulls out of radio show after colleague Simon Willis dies He agonised over its content and cajoled the great and the good to attend though such was the shows popularity that even A list celebrities would plead for tickets. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Simon Willis Cameraman in Scotland, United Kingdom Hire me. Jonny Bierman, who provided additional reporting, is a Vancouver-based sustainable travel journalist and photographer. He never shied away from telling the difficult stories of young people who had struggled with drugs, homelessness, imprisonment or mental health issues and managed to turn their lives around.