LOYALTY is the word that comes to mind when you think of our County Gazette colleague Phil Hill.

Kind, supportive, leader and wise are just a few more words I would use to describe Phil, but loyal most definitely sums him up.

Last week marked the end of his 35 years of service at our newspaper as he retires from his post as Chief Reporter and Head of News.

I wonder, if you asked Phil back in 1989 would he be working for the County Gazette in 2024, would he have said yes?

One thing I know for certain though, if you ask Phil has he enjoyed his 35 years covering news and events for the people of Somerset, he would say yes, for certain.

He started at the paper back in 1989, initially in the advertising department but converted to editorial soon afterwards and undertook a two-year in-house training course to qualify as fully fledged senior reporter.

Since then, he has been promoted to chief reporter and later head of news and has not only helped shape the paper as it is today but has trained and guided a very long list of reporters. Truly his impact cannot be understated.

“Having been born in Bishops Lydeard before moving to Wiveliscombe, attending Wellington School and living in Taunton nowadays, I’ve always been interested in local news,” Phil said.

“To have been entrusted with the responsibility of informing people of what’s been going on locally has been a great honour.”

This career path was always something that interested Phil, even when he was a youngster in Wiveliscombe. 

He said: “I’d always wanted to be a newspaper reporter and wrote mainly sports reports for the Gazette and two other local newspapers from the age of 15, when I played rugby and cricket at Wellington School and for Wiveliscombe.”

So maybe the 35 years was always part of the plan, who knows?

What we do know is that in that period, Phil has become well known in the area as a voice of trusted local news.

This has seen him meet and build relationships with a wide range of people in Taunton and further across Somerset – something he said has been a real joy.

“I’ve had the privilege of meeting some fantastic people, many of whom I have come to consider as friends,” he said.

“I’ve been amazed by the strength of people who have experienced tragedy, the selflessness of so many unsung heroes, the good humour of many, the great work of our emergency services, the NHS and teachers, and the hard work of our politicians who represent us locally and nationally.”

Finally, Phil paid homage to the County Gazette and the editors and reporters he has worked with in his time and wished the best for the future.

“I’m indebted to the various owners of the County Gazette for giving me the opportunity to work on the area’s top local newspaper and sticking with me for so long,” he said.

“I can assure everyone that the Gazette and its sister papers are in safe hands with some talented reporters under the guidance of Tim Lethaby, our highly respected editor.”

To you Phil, from myself, the rest of the staff and all our readers – thank you, you will be missed.

Pen and pad down now, enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Phil. We wish you all the best sir.