After five decades in journalism, veteran columnist Tom Utley has revealed the two unexpected moments that defined his career as he prepares to retire on his 72nd birthday.
The Unlikely Office Triumph
One of Utley's proudest moments occurred in 2002 while working for the Daily Telegraph. After writing a column dismissing curling as ridiculous, comparing it to "scrunching up pieces of paper and throwing them into the bin," he made a bold claim about his own paper-throwing abilities.
Utley declared he could land a ball of paper in a wastepaper basket from 30 feet with unerring accuracy. Moments after sending his column to sub-editors, one truth-seeking sub-editor approached his desk with a challenge.
The sub-editor physically placed a bin ten yards away in their Canary Wharf office and demanded proof. With about 20 colleagues watching, Utley faced potential humiliation.
"I can still see the flight of that ball of paper as if I'm watching a slow-motion replay," Utley recalls. The paper ball sailed in a perfect arc and landed directly in the centre of the bin without touching the sides, transforming scepticism into astonished applause.
The Political Briefing That Changed Everything
Utley's second career highlight dates precisely to December 9, 1980 - the day John Lennon was shot dead in New York. Then a rookie lobby correspondent for the Liverpool Echo, Utley recognised the story's significance to Lennon's hometown.
After gathering reactions from Merseyside MPs including former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Utley attended the daily lobby briefing at 10 Downing Street. While other journalists asked about trade union laws and cabinet conflicts, Utley posed an unexpected question to Margaret Thatcher's press secretary Bernard Ingham.
"Will Mrs Thatcher be sending condolences to Yoko Ono?" Utley asked, prompting mocking laughter from seasoned political journalists.
Ingham silenced the room and delivered what Utley describes as his career's greatest compliment: "I don't know what you lot are laughing at. Lennon's death will be the only story in tomorrow's papers. Tom is the only proper journalist in the room!"
A Fond Farewell to Readers
As he concludes his final weekly column before retirement, Utley expresses gratitude for his 50-year career and the overwhelming goodwill from readers since announcing his retirement.
The journalist comes from four generations of hacks and has worked under 19 editors across ten local and national newspapers. Despite early financial struggles, he's managed to save enough for a comfortable retirement.
Most touching has been the outpouring of cards, letters and emails from readers who appreciated his weekly columns. "It's the highest praise I've ever wished for and all I've ever wanted to achieve," Utley writes.
He signs off with a fond farewell, joined by his wife in wishing readers a merry Christmas and all the peace and happiness they hope for themselves in the time remaining.
