Confessions of a Norfolk Newshound

Overview

The sequel to Skipper’s best-selling Confessions of a country boy, this is a hugely entertaining account of his early career in journalism from 1961 to 1979

Journalism in the 60s and 70s was still a world of epic lunch hours, carbon paper, hot metal and eccentric bosses – and one of camaraderie, dedication and endless hours spent in pursuit of good quarry and copy. Keith Skipper recalls those pre-computer days with sly humour and a sharp ear for rich dialogue.

As he says, “time may have spiced up one or two paragraphs – or even erased a few left mouldering in the office wastepaper basket – but they are for the most part honest pages from a souvenir edition printed with affection and gratitude. … stirring stories carved out of a golden age held together by typewriter ribbons, paste pot brushes, reverse charge calls from rural red phone boxes and the sort of camaraderie worthy of constant front-page billing.”

Reviews

‘… gleefully painting a frank and forthright landscape of a time when journalism was considerably more eccentric than it is today, packed with larger-than-life characters and experiences … relating his experiences with a sharp wit and a keen memory.’

Norfolk Journal

‘He delights our days and does so much for Norfolk.’

Malcolm Bradbury

‘A real Norfolk dumpling who knows where to pour the gravy of common sense.’

Derek Jameson, Eastern Evening News

‘I admire the way he writes and talks and feels about Norfolk.’

Arnold Wesker

‘...a colourful defender of the Norfolk faith.’

Daily Telegraph

‘There is a serious intent behind the customary cloak of banter and good humour.’

Steve Snelling, Eastern Daily Press

‘irresistible purveyor of earthy Norfolk culture.’

Great Yarmouth Mercury

‘He ought to start a School of Creative Talking.’

Malcolm Bradbury

The author

Keith Skipper is a well-known broadcaster, writer and journalist, and the author of many best-selling books including:

• Skipper’s byways
• Rustic revels
• Hev yew gotta loight, boy?