THERE are those who relish the prospect of a quiet retirement, pottering around the garden, taking up bowls, maybe writing angry letters to the newspapers.
That was never going to be an option for Peter Mitchell.
The Press and Journal’s long-time sub-editor, latter-day diarist and bon viveur has spent the past five years tirelessly working the north-east social circuit on the hunt for snippets for his daily column. And, having taken to his role as man-about-town with relish, it is going to take more than a bus pass to stop him in his tracks.
Instead, Peter is celebrating his 65th birthday with a move into… semi-retirement, meaning he will continue to chronicle the funny, touching and often downright bizarre, but this time in a new weekly diary – every Friday.
Meanwhile, his photo diary will continue to be a highlight of the Saturday paper.
Peter embarked on his journalism career in 1968 when he joined Highland Printers, publishers of the Caithness Courier, in January 1968. He rose to become editor, before moving to the Press and Journal as a graduate trainee in August 1972. He moved to the subs desk in 1976, was promoted to deputy chief sub in 1984, moved on to night news editor in 1986 and transferred to night production editor three years later.
His column has been on the go for six years.
Says Press and Journal editor, Derek Tucker: “I am delighted that Peter will continue to write his diary every Friday and submit his photo diary every Saturday, as well as continuing to represent the Press and Journal at functions – normally until 3am, with two women on each arm.”
