We had some sad news last week with the death of John D Allen, one of Construction News’ longest serving editors.
John edited CN through more than three decades, finally hanging up his spurs in 1991, although he continued to write for the paper for many years after that. Personally I only met John once but I am reliably informed that he was much respected by his colleagues and the development he offered to young journalists in particular.
I gather that his family have asked that any donations be made to the North London Hospice, for its Hospice at Home service. I know from my own experience what a fantastic job this service does, and how poor the funding is for care of people who are dying. You can find out about making a donation at www.northlondonhospice.org.uk
on Mar 26th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
JDA was already a legend when I joined CN in 1989. He had transformed the paper from a plodding trade-rag into a news-led publication admired and respected not only by the industry but by the national press (CN regularly broke national stories). He encouraged investigative work and once famously told his news team that he wanted to see a solicitor’s letter on his desk every week. In those days the “Jackers Journal” was required reading for every site worker and JDA is rumoured to have foiled an organised campaign by extreme left-wing militants to infiltrate the CN editorial department and foment unrest among the industry’s workforce. In his latter years, JDA took a more hands-off, ambassadorial role but he retained the loyalty and respect of his editorial team. His retirement lunch at Rules restaurant in Covent Garden probably IS legendary among those who attended. I’m sure JDA enjoyed the afternoon, but he was probably glad he didn’t have to pick up the drinks tab. I still don’t remember how I got from Covent Garden to London Bridge.