Intrepid Weekly News photographer from Llandudno Junction dies

Dec 9 2010 by Eva Ketley, North Wales Weekly News

HE WAS a newspaper photographer who wouldn’t let anything get between him and a good picture.

Whether it was climbing up Moel Siabod in ice and snow, blagging his way into a royal occasion, or hanging out of an aircraft at 20,000ft, Glyn Davies always got his shot for the Weekly News.

Glyn, from Llandudno Junction, who sadly died last week aged 80, was staff photographer on the newspaper for around 25 years until his retirement, and held in affection and respect by all who knew him, both as a consummate professional and a man of integrity.

His daughter Cheryl Donnison recalled: “He went out on lifeboats, up in helicopters over forest fires, and covered all of the royal visits. He covered all the acts in the theatres and met them back stage, he met Margaret Thatcher and a multitude of other celebrities.

“He was always on duty where the Weekly News was concerned. At a moment’s notice he would be up and out and covering a serious incident, or climbing up Snowdon and Moel Siabod in blizzard conditions.”

But Glyn Davies only became a press photographer after following in his father’s footsteps as a farmer at Fferm in Craig-y-Don.

“Photography had always been a passion of dad’s and he decided to kickstart a career from his hobby.

“He would send photographs to the Weekly News and as a true testament to his grit and determination he never gave up,” recalled Cheryl.

In the late 1960s he became chief photographer on the Weekly News and soon made his mark.

“On July 1, 1969, he was told by the editor to get over to Caernarfon and get some pictures of the investiture of the Prince of Wales.

“Dad didn’t have a press pass. However, armed with a camera bag and lots of long lenses he strode with some purpose up to the castle entrance, held up his NUJ pass to the security guards and walked in.

“The photographs he got as a result are legendary,” she said.

And she remembers when her dad went up in an RAF Hercules with the Falcons freefall parachute display team.

“He edged up the ramp to the open loading doors to get a shot of them jumping, and leant out at an angle thinking he was safe because he was attached to a safety harness.

“But when he was back in the plane he realised he was only being held by a guy holding a rope and he wasn’t attached to anything!” she smiled.

Glyn was married for 61 years to his beloved wife Eileen, and in addition to Cheryl leaves a son Michael and grandsons Matthew and Lewis.

His funeral was yesterday (Wednesday).

judith.phillips