Thinking of family, friends and my old colleagues at this terrible time., Peter was the heart and soul of the Mirror. He was a truly nice man. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. Switzerland Travel Guide | AFAR Simon Willis | Travel Writer and Journalist We all stood to attention holding rolled up copies of The Mirror like swords at a military wedding. See more on our Privacy page. Great journalist.We had some larks back in the day. 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. https://t.co/OfLuVfjryf, Trevor Dann (@TrevorDann) March 3, 2021, Not a great deal of sleep. He achieved so much as scoop finder extraordinaire and editor of three national titles in an incredibly varied career. Me. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Showreel & work examples SimonWillis.TV. His legacy in creating the Pride of Britain awards will be unmatched. Im in bits. 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 The snow-free roads open up many climbing opportunities, and intrepid visitors don ice boots on mountain trams. His stories remain on the BBC Scotland News website. Simon, a former BBC producer who worked with the likes of Zoe Ball, Jo Whiley, Simon Mayo and the late Terry Wogan, was a bubbly, larger-than-life character Newsprint in his DNA. Celebrity tributes pour in for former Radio 1 producer Peter was the Alcatraz of journalism. Tonight I shall be raising a glass to Simon Willis who sadly passed away today. My deepest and heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends.. The fact that so many of us are still friends today, twenty years on, (and reeling about his death) says a lot about his ability to build, and inspire, a team. All my love to his family. Peter had unbridled enthusiasm for every story he assigned and would give writers full, exacting briefs. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Simon Willisand simonwillistravelswith appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Willis He will be missed by so many people. He cared deeply about them and their families. For the English cricketer, see Simon Willis (cricketer). Without a doubt, the ski facilities are the main draw in winterthough ice skating, ice climbing, and Christmas shopping are great side shows. It does not store any personal data. M x pic.twitter.com/oT0M766By3, Martin Burgess-Moon ?? before becoming group executive editor and director of the Pride of Britain Awards, which he founded, last year. Simon is the creator of Datasette, a new tool for publishing structured data as a web API. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour three years ago. A sublime talent taken far too young. My love to his family, friends and colleagues., Daily Mirror editor Alison Phillips said Willis was warm, kind, funny and an incredible journalist and Sunday People and Mirror editor Gemma Aldridge said: I still cant quite believe it. But perhaps the simplest way to be a responsible traveler in Switzerland is to walk, bike, and take public transit. When Im not pestering poor tortoises, I write about travel. So talented and one of the good guys. Switzerland flourishes as a country of innovation and diversity while putting an emphasis on protecting its pristine nature, timeworn architecture, and unique traditions. Forbes His sudden death is not just a terrible loss to journalism but also an immeasurable loss to his wife Nicky and their two sons Theo and Henry whose progress he loved to talk about. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Simon had been ill for the last few years fighting cancer. Simon And, he would start that day with just as much vigour and determination to make the Mirror brilliant again. Of course, his greatest legacy will be Pride of Britain. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry. News diary 1-7 May: King Charles III crowned, local elections, BBC England strikes, Hugh Grant accuses Sun publisher of unlawful acts including burglaries to order, Vice News to streamline with painful but necessary job cuts, How publishers can address three key online ad revenue challenges, Advertising technology for publishers: Opti Digital increases revenue, Newstech Q&A with Norkon: Live-blogging will move to freemium model. List of current BBC newsreaders and reporters. Terribly sad news. Jo Whiley pulls out of radio show after colleague Simon Willis dies of BBC newsreaders and reporters Find me on The Elizabeths future father-in-law, George V, was furious about the breach in royal protocol. Seen here + @Kevin_Maguire + Richard Wallace putting the 4am 2010 general election paper to bed. It was something to behold.. Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Kent coach Simon Willis to the post of high performance manager. So many people are hurting today, including Im sure yourself and your husband. WebTools. Solo yachtie's miracle survival tale. Meet our journalists: Senior Herald writer Simon Wilson Lucernes Blue Balls Festival draws legends of rock and pop. 23-May-2016 Andrew Fidel Fernando. He worked for BBC Look North (North East and Cumbria) from 1983 until 1999 before moving to BBC Scotland as a correspondent and presenter on Newsnight Scotland until 2009. Fleet Street has lost one of its greats. Peters loss has been felt by so very many of us who are devastated he is no longer with us. Unsurprisingly, Peter became known in celebrity and latterly royal circles as the man you couldnt say No to. Husband and father-of-two Willis spent 23 years at the Mirror, first joining the newspaper as launch editor of Saturday supplement The Look in 1997 after working at the Manchester Evening News and The Sun. Peter was forever striving for perfection and often achieved it. Can the Winter Olympics survive on a warming planet? Many memories. (LogOut/ A big part of the 90s re-shaping at R1.. Datasette is based on Simons experiences working as a data journalist at This byline is mine, but I want my name removed. What a shame. Articles by Simon Williss Profile | AFAR Journalist | Muck Rack 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. Simon Willis It was allthe more hilarious as hed employ a plummy, high-pitched voice straight out of a pantomime. I shall always remember Peter editing the paper during the London riots in 2011 until late into the night on the backbench. Pair fine pinot noirs, chasselas, and quintessential Swiss mountain landscapes with a traditional fondue or raclette. The former BBC Radio 1 Producer, who was also At the forefront is the Montreux Jazz Festival, which pulls in diverse artists from around the world. RIP Peter ? Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. WebSimon Willis A former BBC radio producer who worked with the likes of Zoe Ball, Jo Whiley, Simon Mayo and the late Terry Wogan, Simon was a larger-than-life character and devote father. Im an interviewer at the Daily Mail now, but, like so many, I wouldnt have my career without Pete. Ill never forget his smile, charm and great chat. Join over a million of the worlds best travelers. Sun executive showbiz editor Simon Boyle said: In a tough industry he was unwaveringly a good guy I know everyone says that when tragedy strikes, but its true here. Rest easy mate.. Now comes the discipline: How companies are punishing work-from-home holdouts, Return to office: How companies are punishing holdouts, This 'Lost City' In Cambodia Is As Mesmerising As Angkor Wat, This 'Lost City' in Cambodia Is As Mesmerizing As Angkor Wat, With None of the Crowds, Rivian's post-IPO year from hell: How R.J. Scaringe's electric truckmaker stumbled, These Delicious Gins Distill the Essence of Singapore Into a Glass, Stealth remote workers are logging in from Bali-but keeping it secret, EPA Proposes to Designate Two PFAS Chemicals as Hazardous Substances Under CERCLA: Quick Answers to Top Questions | JD Supra, Responsible investment is the right response to news distrust, The Next Great Wave Of Craft Gin Has Arrived - In Singapore, The Next Great Wave of Craft Gin Has Arrived - in Singapore, This Writer Discovers The Secrets Of The Macquarie Islands On A Cruise, Indonesia's new capital city of Nusantara isn't living up to its symbolism, UK ceramist fired up for Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, Single-photoelectron collection efficiency in 4D ultrafast electron microscopy, Companies leaving Hong Kong are eyeing Singapore, How bone-dry Beijing created snow for the games with Finnish expert Mikko Martikainen. We are deeply saddened by the news that well-known radio presenter and producer, Simon Willis, has died from a brain tumour, aged 51. He enjoys telling stories of marine and land-based conservation, Indigenous stewardship, regenerative travel, and innovation in science and technology. And get celebrities to take a back seat for a change and do the saluting. Peter Willis was a great man. Simon Willis This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Peter will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.. Simon Willis is a British journalist, and former BBC TV newsreader and reporter. Switzerland offers much to do year-round, though summer and winter are the most popular seasons to visit. And on top of all that he created Pride of Britain. WebSimon Willis named SL high performance manager. That may sound a bit weak but at his end of The Street it was a rare quality. 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. Mail on Sunday showbiz editor Katie Hind described Willis as the loveliest, most thoughtful, wonderful man and the most brilliant journalist while former Daily Mirror head of features Carole Watson said he was a kind, loyal and super-talented friend and colleague. This byline is for a different person with the same name. I never did met anyone who knew Nik Kershaws back catalogue like Willy. 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. If you did, hed just keep calling & emailing until you relented. The Swiss Travel Pass offers discounts on many of the nations gondolas and trams. Looking through old pics. TV's Wendy in split from husband | The Northern Echo and here it is. Thoughts following the first anniversary of the loss of BBC radio A journalist reflected on interviewing Bruce Willis in 1996, calling it "a nightmare." However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Simon Willison Data Journalism, The Importance of Side Projects The list of its authors can be seen in its historicaland/or the page Edithistory:Simon Willis. He talked me through how to write the story. Most of the younger generation speak English. Simon Willis - Scotland, United Kingdom, cameraman, camera https://t.co/t7b2SmPFLe, Kelly Allen (@KellyAllen01) June 28, 2021. He was a fabulous, charismatic, extravagant producer. 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. Mirror tribute calling him a man who never understood how loved he was. Peters love of old-school tabloid stunts was legendary. Simon Willis - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia I wont be able to watch a true crime show voiced by Fred Dinenage (his favourite) without thinking of him. There was always room to improvea headline or tighten up an intro & he was forever coming up with idea after idea often late into the night! Vice News to 'streamline' with 'painful but necessary' job cuts, David Aaronovitch on Substack launch, Times exit and freedom to write about Murdoch, Podcast 44: Life after The Times for David Aaronovitch: Going solo on Substack, Three journalists locked up for covering M25 protest: Herts Police personally apologises, MacKenzie, Murdoch and the hunt for tabloid gold in the digital era, Charging journalists for Twitter would be bad business and a blow to press freedom, Podcast 43: How to build a podcast from scratch with Andrew Harrison of Podmasters, Podcast 42: The future of music journalism with NME Networks Holly Bishop, Editorial standards/Complaints and Corrections, Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent. WebJ ake Wallis Simons is an award-winning British journalist and novelist. Then, in the morning he would call me to say how we could have made it even better. Deeply saddened to hear about #PeterWillis . Peter was a brilliant, creative and dedicated journalist who warmly welcomed me into the Daily Mirror newsroom 11 years ago. WebSimon Wilson Senior Writer Senior Writer, NZ Herald Ive been with the Herald since the start of 2018. I write for the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Afar, Guardian Bradt and Delta simonwillistravels.wordpress.com. International airports in the cities of Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are serviced by multiple airlines, including Swiss. 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. Simon Willis - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki iHeartRadio's new original podcast, "Haileywood," tells the story of how Willis moved into the small town of Hailey, Idaho, in the '90s, bought and developed property, and then seemingly abandoned the town, as The Independent reported.. On the first episode, WebSimon Willis is a travel writer and freelance journalist flirting with both South America and Europe. He also covered Mark & Lard, the Official Top 40 and was a member of the Radio 1 Playlist Committee. Simon Willis Friends and former colleagues of Simon Willis have been paying tribute to him following news of his passing. Warm summer temperatures reliably lure locals out to bask on lakeshores, traipse through villages, and saunter along meadows and mountain paths. Follow his adventures on Instagram at @ecoescape.travel, AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media. We were showbiz rivals as boyreporters. I owe him a lot. 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. Zoe Ball inundated with support 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. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Above all, my heart goes out to Nicky and the family. You couldnt help but be swept along by Peters unlimited enthusiasm for the job with an intensity and attention to detail worthy of Oxford Universitys debating society. Mirror executive editor and founder of the newspapers Pride of Britain Awards Peter Willis died suddenly on Friday, he was 54. Rules had changed and marriage ceremonies had been sanctioned at venues other than churches and register offices. Can winter sports survive on a warming planet? We were blessed to have spent many many precious moments with him throughout our lives together and in the recent months and weeks when he was poorly. It became a remarkable phenomenon from day one, but only thanks to Peters extraordinary energy & determination. Rest in peace, Peter., Michael Greenwood, head of Reachs newswire, said: An exceptional journalist and editor, Peter Willis was also warm and kind. And for one day every August, Zurich is transformed into a musical heaven during its famous annual street parade. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. No visitor restrictions apply for stays of up to three months, after which a visa is required. 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 currency is the Swiss franc, though sometimes euros are accepted. The Sagitta II, a 12.5m yacht built and owned by experienced seaman Simon Willis. I have known Simon Willis since I was 14 (along with Lynne M). It was thefirst and last time she ever spoke to the press in all heryears as a royal. A great idea, but like all great ideas, very simple in its concept: lets celebrate and salute ordinary people for doing extraordinary things. I continue to use many of his journalism tips and techniques today. 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 Terribly sad news., Former colleague Trevor Dann said: Lovely bloke. He simply never stopped. The TV couple, who used to work together on the regional news Award winning travel writer. 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. Awful., Feature writer and editor Clare Goldwin said: Unbelievably sad. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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??. This article includes a television- and people-related list of lists. In December 2021, he was appointed Editor of the Jewish Chronicle, where he has become known for He taught me the basics of editing back in the 90s. 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. My husband Steve & Willy. Hed even dictate the precise questions he wanted you to ask interviewees which usually guaranteed a fresh new angle and arresting headline. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The call ended with him regaling me about how he had booked an Elvis impersonator for the Christmas party. What struck me about Peter more than anything was the interest he always took in the lives of his journalists outside the newsroom. 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. A mentor to myself and many others, his death leaves a huge void. He dined at the top table of showbiz but never forgot his old pals pic.twitter.com/kbGX1pOgtD, Chris Dinnis (@MrChrisDinnis) March 3, 2021, Lovely bloke. We woke to the news that our beloved Willy aka Simon Willis has left us & we are bereft. He has contributed to the Washington Post, Independent, Yorkshire Post, Colombia Reports and Argentina Independent, among other publications. He gave me the work experience with @simonmayo that started me in radio. Reach chief executive Jim Mullen said: I am deeply saddened by the loss of Peter and my sympathies go out to his family and friends. Beware this 'celebrity' bitcoin scam - Which? News My favourite memory of him was calling him from South Africa where I had spent the morning with a baby dying from Aids. 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. pic.twitter.com/7pBWfllLdH, Simon produced my Radio 1 morning show for many years. Gavin Marshall (@gavinmarshall1) March 3, 2021, Thinking about Simon Willis. BBC Newcastle presenter Wendy Gibson has split from her broadcaster husband, Simon Willis. It is one time you might see the Swiss really letting loose. People quickly began to share tributes to Willis, a well-known Fleet Street figure, on Twitter and via email to Press Gazette. Me. War reporter finds peace, recovery Willy was The Godfather to all our children and they completely and utterly adored him. Simons brother, Mark, shared the sad news via social media: Mark Goodier wrote: Simon was head of content at Wisebuddah for 5 years. Condolences to his family ,friends and colleagues. Celebrities used in these fake advertorials include Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones from Dragon's Den, Ant McPartlin of presenting duo Ant and Dec, billionaire businessmen Lord Sugar, Sir Philip Green and Sir James Dyson, presenters Simon Cowell and Holly Willoughby, and former Love Island contestant Charlie Brake. Simon Williss Profile | AFAR Journalist | Muck Rack WebJournalist Name Simon Willis Country based in Colombia Website https://simonwillistravels.wordpress.com/ Profile Im a travel journalist specializing in He writes travel guides and destination articles to fund his addiction to wheat-based snacks and ice pops. And it was the perfect recipe. He celebrated his 30th/40th and 50th birthday at our home and we had a ridiculous amount of fun. Piers Morgan, who worked with Willis on the Bizarre column at The Sun, described him as a brilliant journalist, a loving husband and father, and a loyal, decent, kind and caring friend of mine for 30 years. Steve and Willy were like Morecambe and Wise except I was never sure which was which. Ive received a face full of spit during an ancestral healing in Quito and played with wolves in Quebec. An exceptional journalist and editor, Peter Willis was also warm and kind. The event featured the 3am girls as bridesmaids and Carroll as matron of honour. 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. What a shame. I suspect they were both Eric. He has contributed to the Washington Post, Independent, Yorkshire Post, Feb 4, 2021, 07:30pm EST | Willis, played by Lance Henriksen, who has dementia, find a place to retire. He was my Doctor Who husband, we both loved musical theatre with a passion and together we were complete radio geeks. Always Another Adventure | videos & podcasts Funny, incredibly talented and a kind man. https://t.co/to7JTxUByK, Heartbroken for his family. Be it as Santa for the @DailyMirror kids Christmas party or overseeing a page 1 scoop he was brilliant. (@lisamarks) June 29, 2021, My days working on the Bizarre desk at The Sun were some of the best days of my life. In pic 1 hes in his flat on Grand Parade with a Radio Times. I knew Peter for more than 30 years. 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. RIP Peter and thank you for that sunny afternoon on the Common. He was my Dr Who husband, Ernie Wise to Steves Eric Morecambe, THE Godfather to our kids ? Their love for each other was plain for all to see and I have never seen two friends laugh together more than them. 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 My husband Steve and Willy. RIP legend. Always kind, always considerate and a whirlwind of activity. WebCameraman in Scotland, United Kingdom. He was a fantasticDeputy Editor in my last years in the chair. Before moving to London to work at Radio 1, Simon was Programme Controller and Breakfast Presenter at Plymouth Sound in the early 1990s and attended the University of Plymouth. A combination of three vastly different food cultures has kept the Swiss at the forefront of celebrated gastronomy. 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. He passed away three years later due to complications after surgery. Then he broke his back. Simon Willis Cameraman in Scotland, United Kingdom Hire me. There were 3 of us in our marriage. He was a fabulous, charismatic, extravagant producer. Sent at around 10am UK time. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. https://t.co/Wew5zssAIn. Heres Simon Willis in Plymouth in the early 90s. And it was the perfect recipe. The positive impact of telling their stories will be a significant part of his legacy. (@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. The reception was held at Marco Pierre Whites Criterion restaurant in Piccadilly Circus. I get moaned at for taking lots of pics. List of former BBC newsreaders and journalists. Fighting for quality news media in the digital age. Sun editor Victoria Newton said: Peter is remembered at The Sun as a brilliant story-getter and a kind, much-loved colleague. He leaves two young children, Bevan and Honor. Simon is a producer (TV & Digital) and film & entertainment journalist. I know that Peter was a much-loved colleague and achieved so much during his career, in particular as the driving force behind the Pride of Britain Awards that have become a national event. Mirror executive editor and founder of the newspapers Pride of Britain Awards Peter Willis died suddenly on Friday, he was 54. Switzerlands business ethic is offset every summer by a range of festivals. He edited the Daily Mirror and then the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People before becoming group executive editor and director of the Pride of Britain Awards, which he founded, last year.