The Word Magician: How a Legendary Editor Launched Countless Journalism Careers in Peterborough

Remembering a Journalism Legend

Tributes have been paid to Alex Gordon, the former editor of The Peterborough Evening Telegraph, who was described as a 'magician with words' and helped launch the careers of countless young journalists.

With his broad Scottish accent, Alex Gordon was a popular face in the Peterborough newsroom for decades, editing the paper and sprinkling his magic on the pages. Sadly, the great grandfather passed away this week aged 84.

He leaves behind wife Pat, sons Christopher and Stuart, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Former Peterborough Evening Telegraph editor Alex Gordon

He still lived in Peterborough and was behind the popular books and DVD pages in the paper every week until November.

Alex's wife of more than 60 years, Pat, said: "He was fairly easy going. He loved his family, his Formula One – just about the only sport he did like. He liked his books and films, and carried on writing his column in the Peterborough Telegraph. But he loved his job. It was his passion and even after he retired – he couldn't stop."

"He would watch TV or read the news, and say 'why are they asking that?' or 'why haven't they said that?' There have been lots of reporters who have been in touch to talk about the impact Alex had on their careers. He wanted to help young reporters."

Alex Gordon with some of the reporters and photographers he worked with at The Peterborough Telegraph

"His special talent was with words. He was quite simply a magician"

Following the news, numerous former reporters who worked with Alex have been in touch, sharing their memories of him – and the impact that he had on their work.

Mark Edwards, former editor of The Peterborough Telegraph, said: "Alex was 'old school' in the best possible sense of the phrase. A stickler for accuracy and detail. He was always ready to listen to anyone in the newsroom when there were decisions to think about or advice needed - whether that was me, a trainee reporter or occasionally the MD, everyone valued his advice."

"Always calm and thoughtful he was also a pillar of strength and his no-nonsense, Scottish directness was also used to good effect when the occasion demanded. But his special talent was with words. He was quite simply a magician. There was no better journalist at teaching reporters to write, what questions to ask and how to really get the best out of any interview."

"He was a fantastic journalist, friend and colleague to all of us at the PT and we will all also remember him as one of the best mentors any of us could have wished for."

Rosie Sandall, who worked as a reporter when Alex edited the paper said: "I worked with Alex for many years. When I was a young reporter, and he was the editor of The Evening Telegraph, I remember how much he encouraged me. Alex was a very good journalist and he was always keen to support young reporters. He taught me a lot in my early days on the ET, and we remained friends for more than 50 years."

"He helped to shape more young reporters' careers than I could count"

Brad Barnes, Leisure and Entertainment Editor at The Peterborough Telegraph, said: "I worked with Alex from 1999, when I arrived as assistant editor (production). He was assistant editor (news) and I sat alongside him on the news desk bench in the old Priestgate office for years."

"He helped to shape more young reporters' careers than I could count. It was a highlight of the day - and looking back, a privilege - when he would summon one to pull up a chair and talk them through the process of rewriting an article that had potential but wasn't quite there."

"That was his skill - and no one would ever do it as well as he did. He had an unbelievable ability to really make a story speak to the readers."

"I have also had the honour of editing his books and DVD reviews page since his retirement and we have continued to put the world to rights on a weekly basis by email. Many messages would start with 'have you booked any holidays?' He didn't like the thought of someone else he couldn't trust handling his page and would send in two weeks' worth if I was going to be away. I take some comfort in that after his sad passing."

Photographer David Lowndes, who worked with Alex for more than 40 years, said: "I remember he sounded like a brush Scotsman, but he was a caring, kind man. He was a very nice editor to work with. The amount of help he gave to trainee reporters and photographers was incredible. He helped start the careers of a lot of good young people."

Stephen Briggs, content editor at The Peterborough Telegraph said: "Alex was the first person who interviewed me for a job as a junior report at the Evening Telegraph, and he shaped my early career. In the 'old days,' when we had a daily morning deadline, Alex would sit with young reporters like myself, and write the front page – sprinkling his own magic on the pages. We learnt more in those half hours than we did on any college or university course."

"I'll also remember our regular long chats about Formula One – no doubt boring all of our colleagues. The excitement of the Brawn GP season in 2009 is something I will always remember."