Be it as Santa for the Daily Mirror kids Christmas party or overseeing a page 1 scoop he was brilliant., An exceptional journalist and editor, Peter Willis was also warm and kind. There were 3 of us in our marriage. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. SImon Willis Explore cities and towns on foot or by bicycle. 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. Join over a million of the worlds best travelers. He was a force of nature, full of life and a genius ideas man, even if many were totally bonkers. Above everything, Peter was immensely likeable, charming and witty. (@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. 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. German, French, and Italian influences infuse different regions, and within these, nature-based gastronomy blends sustainable elements of food through locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients. Then he broke his back. Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers said: Peter Willis was not only a giant of the industry, he was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. And, a talented journalist. This byline is for a different person with the same name. We are deeply saddened by the news that well-known radio presenter and producer, Simon Willis, has died from a brain tumour, aged 51. Talented, kind, hilariously funny. While urban pleasure-seekers succumb to the temptations of world-class cuisine and sophisticated living, others are beguiled by medieval towns and candlelit villages. Prince Charles, who knew Willis through his work with Pride of Britain, said: As The Pride of Britain became an established event, celebrating the great people of this country, Peter always insisted one of my Trusts young people was included. All my love to his family. The Swiss Travel Pass offers discounts on many of the nations gondolas and trams. Simon Willis is a travel writer and freelance journalist flirting with both South America and Europe. When he saw the light and moved to the Mirror, he establishedhimself very quickly as an executive dynamo. Awful., Feature writer and editor Clare Goldwin said: Unbelievably sad. Plan routes throughout the country on electric trains powered by renewable energy, hybrid-electric buses, and boats using the SBB Mobile transit app. He was their champion. Willy was The Godfather to all our children and they completely and utterly adored him. You could say there were three of us in our marriage. He leaves two young children, Bevan and Honor. Im in bits. Simon Willis - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia Peter Willis was at the heart of Pride of Britain and presided over each judging day, and the night itself, with positive energy, thoughtfulness and consideration. 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. Then, in the morning he would call me to say how we could have made it even better. He taught me the basics of editing back in the 90s. He also covered Mark & Lard, the Official Top 40 and was a member of the Radio 1 Playlist Committee. Spain and Switzerland take several top spots, but Resonances annual best-city rankings return to a familiar place for Europes best. Vineyards offering overnight stays, cycling tours, and walking trails scatter the land in many regions. A true gentle giant. Peter was a brilliant, creative and dedicated journalist who warmly welcomed me into the Daily Mirror newsroom 11 years ago. My husband Steve & Willy. In December 2021, he was appointed Editor of the Jewish Chronicle, where he has become known for Centuries-old traditions and modern-day nuances are abundant in Switzerlands architecture, people, cities, villages, nature, and festivals and events. How he got half the celebrities to turn up for Pride of Britain was always a source of light-hearted speculation but as Peter could charm the skin off a snake, I put it down to that! His brain tumour diagnosis came after a year of symptoms including fatigue and confusion. Simon Willis - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki Rest easy mate.. Kind, funny, generous and extraordinarily talented. Me. He talked me through how to write the story. Peter coordinated the whole shebang. Rest easy mate., A wonderful and fitting tribute to Pride of Britain founder Peter Willis by @realbritainros and friends https://t.co/Vt5Gw42XfC pic.twitter.com/hk9HwFPYE2, Stewart Morris,a former producer then executive producer of the Pride of Britain Awards who worked closely with Willis, said: The utmost professional, he held his ITV partners to the highest standards which, in turn, made us better at our jobs. 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. Showreel & work examples SimonWillis.TV. https://t.co/Wew5zssAIn. of BBC newsreaders and reporters Simon is a producer (TV & Digital) and film & entertainment journalist. It was something to behold.. Switzerland Travel Guide | AFAR Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. Friends and former colleagues of Simon Willis have been paying tribute to him following news of his passing. A sublime talent taken far too young. Warm summer temperatures reliably lure locals out to bask on lakeshores, traipse through villages, and saunter along meadows and mountain paths. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. There are some very sore hearts in our industry today. RIP pic.twitter.com/2LuPVK8Ay0, Michael Greenwood (@greenwood100) June 28, 2021. This glorious event in our national calendar won the hearts of millions with its brilliant story-telling thanks to Peters dedication, flair and genius. Looking through old pics. Simon Williss Profile | AFAR Journalist | Muck Rack Ace operator on the road. You dont me Jo. So many people are hurting today, including Im sure yourself and your husband. 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. The list of its authors can be seen in its historicaland/or the page Edithistory:Simon Willis. Deeply saddened to hear about #PeterWillis . Always kind, always considerate and a whirlwind of activity. and here it is. Can winter sports survive on a warming planet? I have known Simon Willis since I was 14 (along with Lynne M). (LogOut/ His legacy in creating the Pride of Britain awards will be unmatched. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Jonny Bierman, who provided additional reporting, is a Vancouver-based sustainable travel journalist and photographer. before becoming group executive editor and director of the Pride of Britain Awards, which he founded, last year. So talented and one of the good guys. Without a doubt, the ski facilities are the main draw in winterthough ice skating, ice climbing, and Christmas shopping are great side shows. Solo yachtie's miracle survival tale. Many towns play host to a plethora of summer festivals. 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. I wont be able to watch a true crime show voiced by Fred Dinenage (his favourite) without thinking of him. As Peters former deputy editor I saw, each day, the kindness, compassion and drive that ran through everything Peter did in life. Simon is a freelance travel journalist living in Colombia. RIP Peter ? So sweet and kind and generous to all. 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. The event featured the 3am girls as bridesmaids and Carroll as matron of honour. Simon Willis and simonwillistravels,2014. 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. Feb 4, 2021, 07:30pm EST | Willis, played by Lance Henriksen, who has dementia, find a place to retire. Be it as Santa for the @DailyMirror kids Christmas party or overseeing a page 1 scoop he was brilliant. Willis For some reason the folks at TravelWriting2 wanted to interview meme! Many memories. In pic 1 hes in his flat on Grand Parade with a Radio Times. Simon Willis - definition - Encyclo Works with leading outdoor brands. Simon is the creator of Datasette, a new tool for publishing structured data as a web API. 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. 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! https://t.co/pXl27LlZR9, Lisa Marks ???? Once youd engaged with him on any story, idea, campaign or investigation there was no escape. Celebrity tributes pour in for former Radio 1 producer He was a fabulous, charismatic, extravagant producer. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. For the English cricketer, see Simon Willis (cricketer). 23-May-2016 Andrew Fidel Fernando. The most bizarre moment was Peter somehow persuading bemused onlookers in the newsroom to form a human arch which the newlyweds had to walk under. 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. Simon Willis | Travel Writer and Journalist 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. I owe him a lot. 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. I knew Peter for more than 30 years. 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At the forefront is the Montreux Jazz Festival, which pulls in diverse artists from around the world. And, he would start that day with just as much vigour and determination to make the Mirror brilliant again. 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. We launched a massive reader competition in search of a prospective bride and groom totie the knot on Valentines Day 2003. Jake Wallis Simons | Journalist Sun editor Victoria Newton said: Peter is remembered at The Sun as a brilliant story-getter and a kind, much-loved colleague. Can the Winter Olympics survive on a warming planet? WebSimon Willis named SL high performance manager. His legacy in creating the Pride of Britain awards will be unmatched. Most trains have dedicated spaces for luggage, skis, and snowboards, and many ski hills have trams and gondolas that run straight from train station terminals. He will be missed by so many people. Fighting for quality news media in the digital age. 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. Photo / Doug Sherring Name: Simon Wilson Age: 60-something Job: Senior writer Location: Herald newsroom, Auckland. Their love for each other was plain for all to see and I have never seen two friends laugh together more than them. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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He was my Doctor Who husband, we both loved musical theatre with a passion and together we were complete radio geeks. Lucernes Blue Balls Festival draws legends of rock and pop. Tributes to Simon Willis after former Radio 1 producer loses Beware this 'celebrity' bitcoin scam - Which? News He gave me the work experience with @simonmayo that started me in radio. We will of course provide all possible support to the family and colleagues now and moving forward.. See more on our Privacy page. 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. I write for the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Afar, Guardian Bradt and Delta simonwillistravels.wordpress.com. Bravo! He was a fantasticDeputy Editor in my last years in the chair. Simon Willison Data Journalism, The Importance of Side Projects 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, He has contributed to the Washington Post, Independent, Yorkshire Post, And it was the perfect recipe. https://t.co/KT9URtnUV7, Heartbroken to learn of the passing of the wonderfully charismatic Simon Willis. Tributes paid to former Radio 1 Producer Simon Willis Datasette is based on Simons experiences working as a data journalist at This is devastating news. 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. 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. I shall always remember Peter editing the paper during the London riots in 2011 until late into the night on the backbench. A former travel writer for The Sunday Times and TGO - The Great Outdoors, he is a past winner of the Travelex Award for travel writing. 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. Peter was forever striving for perfection and often achieved it. Simon Willis Cameraman in Scotland, United Kingdom Hire me. But perhaps the simplest way to be a responsible traveler in Switzerland is to walk, bike, and take public transit. Peter frequently had everyone in stitches with his impression of the future queens awkward conversation with the reporter. Hire me. He was such a gifted communicator and could effortlessly chat to anyone with wonderful warmth and kindness. The currency is the Swiss franc, though sometimes euros are accepted. This byline is mine, but I want my name removed. The snow-free roads open up many climbing opportunities, and intrepid visitors don ice boots on mountain trams. With his infectious enthusiasm for newspapers, he was always on hand to help those around him. 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. Im an interviewer at the Daily Mail now, but, like so many, I wouldnt have my career without Pete. Rest in peace, Peter., Michael Greenwood, head of Reachs newswire, said: An exceptional journalist and editor, Peter Willis was also warm and kind. (@lisamarks) June 29, 2021, My days working on the Bizarre desk at The Sun were some of the best days of my life. That may sound a bit weak but at his end of The Street it was a rare quality. High-speed trains offer routes to and from surrounding countries, and an extensive road system enables visiting drivers to reach even remote destinations. Copyright 2023 New Statesman Media Group Ltd. Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. 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. Hard to believe hes gone. 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. 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. What a shame. 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. This article "Simon Willis" is from Wikipedia. Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Kent coach Simon Willis to the post of high performance manager. He will be much missed by me and everyone who worked with him. Steve and Willy were like Morecambe and Wise except I was never sure which was which. 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. And on top of all that he created Pride of Britain. In the countryside, its not uncommon to see local farmers selling cheese on the honor system at the end of a drivewaya sign of how fresh and local food is in this country. This was the time when we went to a Chinese restaurant & I got confused and I ordered chicken feet. TV's Wendy in split from husband | The Northern Echo WebTools. Always Another Adventure | videos & podcasts Swiss wine, though seldom exported, is excellentand often affordable. Our hearts reach out to his wife Nicky and sons Theo and Henry. 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. It does not store any personal data. Columnist Sue Carroll picked a young couple from Exeter who had written in with a touching love story. It was allthe more hilarious as hed employ a plummy, high-pitched voice straight out of a pantomime. WebCameraman in Scotland, United Kingdom. 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. Lovely man. Profile - Simon Willis This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. https://t.co/OfLuVfjryf, Trevor Dann (@TrevorDann) March 3, 2021, Not a great deal of sleep. Mirror tribute calling him a man who never understood how loved he was. 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. WebSimon Willis. Articles by Simon Williss Profile | AFAR Journalist | Muck Rack 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. 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. Simon Willis A great idea, but like all great ideas, very simple in its concept: lets celebrate and salute ordinary people for doing extraordinary things. It is one time you might see the Swiss really letting loose. The whole thing was bonkers but typical of Peters cleverness and sense of fun. Freelance journalist Steve Clark said: This is such incredibly sad news. The positive impact of telling their stories will be a significant part of his legacy. Thank you for everything, Pete. Elizabeths future father-in-law, George V, was furious about the breach in royal protocol. Of course, his greatest legacy will be Pride of Britain. Due to its central location, Switzerland is easily accessible from nearly anywhere in Europe. Ill never forget his smile, charm and great chat. Hed even dictate the precise questions he wanted you to ask interviewees which usually guaranteed a fresh new angle and arresting headline. Switzerland has pioneered one of the most efficient and sustainable transit systems in the worldand rather than buying individual journeys, travelers can access it all using the Swiss Travel Pass. Willy was a one-off. The call ended with him regaling me about how he had booked an Elvis impersonator for the Christmas party. What a lovely bloke who is gone far too soon. M x pic.twitter.com/oT0M766By3, Martin Burgess-Moon ?? Peter was one of the first people working in Fleet Street I dealt with as a young provincial reporter. Switzerland flourishes as a country of innovation and diversity while putting an emphasis on protecting its pristine nature, timeworn architecture, and unique traditions. Zoe Ball inundated with support This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Be it as Santa for the Daily Mirror, kids Christmas party or overseeing a page 1 scoop he was brilliant., was not only a giant of the industry, he was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. https://t.co/T4wRbWHQDr, Dan Wootton (@danwootton) June 28, 2021. He WAS the heart of the Mirror and, I believe, exemplified everything that is good about tabloid journalism. Thoughts with his family and friends. Travel Journalist covering Latin America and Switzerland. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". https://t.co/o7x7ngQxeu, Victoria Kennedy (@vixkennedy) June 28, 2021, Truly the most awful news. It became a remarkable phenomenon from day one, but only thanks to Peters extraordinary energy & determination. The Sagitta II, a 12.5m yacht built and owned by experienced seaman Simon Willis. My husband Steve and Willy. People quickly began to share tributes to Willis, a well-known Fleet Street figure, on Twitter and via email to Press Gazette. Its truly devastating. He celebrated his 30th/40th and 50th birthday at our home and we had a ridiculous amount of fun. 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 kind, supportive and brought real energy to everything he did and obviously made a huge success of The Pride of Britain Awards.. An exceptional journalist and editor, Peter Willis was also warm and kind. Be warned, thoughflash thunderstorms are not uncommon. Always passionate about stories, always interested in your opinion, always kind. What struck me about Peter more than anything was the interest he always took in the lives of his journalists outside the newsroom. Friends and former colleagues of Simon Willis have been paying tribute to him following news of his passing. Im Simon (the one in the hat). Simon Willis Even before smartphones I took lots of pics. Meet our journalists: Senior Herald writer Simon Wilson My thoughts are with his family, friends and the many, many work colleagues (past and present) whose lives he touched. He has contributed to the Washington Post, Independent, Yorkshire Post, Colombia Reports and Argentina Independent, among other publications. Ive explored drug lords ranches for the Washington Post and snapchatted for Matador Network about eating a Swiss cheese sandwich. 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. 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 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