We must remember this

Posted: January 28th, 2014

NEWSFLASH: This May 13th (2014) will see many Lifers at The White Swan, Fetter Lane, London EC4 from 8pm (earlier if you like). Buffet provided, a whip on the night to pay for it. “It’s a lovely pub and we have our own section. Free parking normally available after 6.30pm. All welcome.”

The Sporting Life, racing’s greatest daily, was closed in 1988 and since then ex-staffers have gathered together twice a year, every year, to commemorate this legendary newspaper.

The Christmas 2013 reunion at the White Swan, in Fetter Lane, London EC4 was a corker. It turned into a family affair, too, with sons and grandsons of staff joining in.

In the picture, left to right: Back row – Bobby Betts (with thumbs up, greyhound editor) Geoff Lester (senior outside correspondent), Mick Connaughton (Man on the Spot), Chris Gundry (Man on the Spot), Bob Hearn (page production). Front row) Kevin Impey (deputy greyhound editor), Mike Roberts (Man on the Spot), John Clark (sub editor), Danny Garrett (sub and boxing correspondent), Malcolm Hanover (sub and boxing correspondent), John Benbow (greyhound desk), Alfie Richards (form supervisor), Dennis Tinker (IT manager), Dave Atkinson (sub), Paul Duffett (page production). Inset: latecomers Bryan Pugh (chief sub) and Jeremy Chapman (executive editor, golf correspondent). Also present but not pictured: John McGhee, Colin McKie.