When Im not pestering poor tortoises, I write about travel. 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. Simon is a freelance travel journalist living in Colombia. Meet our journalists: Senior Herald writer Simon Wilson He writes travel guides and destination articles to fund his addiction to wheat-based snacks and ice pops. His legacy in creating the Pride of Britain awards will be unmatched. Kind, funny, generous and extraordinarily talented. He was magnetic and when my Fleet Street days were over, I revisited those colourful times often in fond memory. He taught me the basics of editing back in the 90s. 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 and simonwillistravels,2014. I continue to use many of his journalism tips and techniques today. Mirror tribute calling him a man who never understood how loved he was. Peters love of old-school tabloid stunts was legendary. Switzerland Travel Guide | AFAR 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. 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. He talked me through how to write the story. M xxx @dullington pic.twitter.com/naibk0O8Dz, Martin Burgess-Moon ?? The snowman cometh: one mans fight to save skiing. We were showbiz rivals as boyreporters. https://t.co/to7JTxUByK, Heartbroken for his family. A lovely, kind and decent man who had time for people. So sweet and kind and generous to all. One of Peters craziest, most ingenious ideas was to stage the so-called Mirror Wedding in Piers Morgans expansive corner office. This byline is mine, but I want my name removed. We have lost a bright light. In the Alps, glitzy ski resorts exhibit fur boots and Ferraris, but there are also family destinations where children master their first snowplow. He has contributed to the Washington Post, Independent, Yorkshire Post, Colombia Reports and Argentina Independent, among other publications. 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. A great idea, but like all great ideas, very simple in its concept: lets celebrate and salute ordinary people for doing extraordinary things. https://t.co/Wew5zssAIn. Terribly sad news., Former colleague Trevor Dann said: Lovely bloke. Peters particular talent was to develop an idea from nothing and he certainly did that by creating Pride of Britain which will be his enduring media legacy. While urban pleasure-seekers succumb to the temptations of world-class cuisine and sophisticated living, others are beguiled by medieval towns and candlelit villages. Twenty years ago he was Brad Willis, a hard-charging NBC News reporter who covered major stories in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America. He enjoys telling stories of marine and land-based conservation, Indigenous stewardship, regenerative travel, and innovation in science and technology. It was allthe more hilarious as hed employ a plummy, high-pitched voice straight out of a pantomime. Their love for each other was plain for all to see and I have never seen two friends laugh together more than them. See more on our Privacy page. 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. 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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. Talented, kind, hilariously funny. (LogOut/ Spain and Switzerland take several top spots, but Resonances annual best-city rankings return to a familiar place for Europes best. 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. Simon Willis, Author at Matador Network Gavin Marshall (@gavinmarshall1) March 3, 2021, Thinking about Simon Willis. 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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. Feb 4, 2021, 07:30pm EST | Willis, played by Lance Henriksen, who has dementia, find a place to retire. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. Switzerlands 26 regions, or cantons, have their own customs, traditions, andin many caseslanguages. Beware this 'celebrity' bitcoin scam - Which? News Simon is a sports nut, and when he is not adventure-seeking he is following his beloved Barnsley Football Club. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. When he saw the light and moved to the Mirror, he establishedhimself very quickly as an executive dynamo. Paul Burrell arranged the flowers while Richard Branson donated a honeymoon in the Caribbean. Be warned, thoughflash thunderstorms are not uncommon. Award winning travel writer. The currency is the Swiss franc, though sometimes euros are accepted. It was something to behold.. The Sagitta II, a 12.5m yacht built and owned by experienced seaman Simon Willis. of BBC newsreaders and reporters Funny, incredibly talented and a kind man. This was the time when we went to a Chinese restaurant & I got confused and I ordered chicken feet. BBC trained video journalist / self-shooting AP & Producer. M x pic.twitter.com/oT0M766By3, Martin Burgess-Moon ?? He achieved so much as scoop finder extraordinaire and editor of three national titles in an incredibly varied career. 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. Willis Willis has worked as a freelance TV cameraman, photographer and media consultant. Among the most celebrated festivals is Swiss National Day on August 1; on this date seven centuries ago, the regions of the area took an oath of allegiance. The list of its authors can be seen in its historicaland/or the page Edithistory:Simon Willis. Fighting for quality news media in the digital age. Charlotte Tobitt is UK editor at Press Gazette, having joined the site in February 2018. Very sad news. Once youd engaged with him on any story, idea, campaign or investigation there was no escape. From then he became known to her as, not my boss, but that nice man from The Mirror. Elizabeths future father-in-law, George V, was furious about the breach in royal protocol. RIP Peter ? We woke to the news that our beloved Willy aka Simon Willis has left us & we are bereft. Simon Willison Data Journalism, The Importance of Side Projects Tonight I shall be raising a glass to Simon Willis who sadly passed away today. He was a fantasticDeputy Editor in my last years in the chair. Warm summer temperatures reliably lure locals out to bask on lakeshores, traipse through villages, and saunter along meadows and mountain paths. The reception was held at Marco Pierre Whites Criterion restaurant in Piccadilly Circus. Ill never forget his smile, charm and great chat. You dont me Jo. Sun editor Victoria Newton said: Peter is remembered at The Sun as a brilliant story-getter and a kind, much-loved colleague.