Ray Massey oversees journalism ‘Oscars’
There was a distinctly motoring edge to this year’s prestigious London Press Club Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of UK journalism which were held at Stationers’ Hall near St Paul’s Cathedral in late October.
Guild member and Daily Mail motoring editor Ray Massey and The London Standard royal editor Robert Jobson – both deputy chairs of the Club of which His Majesty King Charles III has been an Honorary Life Member since 1978 – were asked to do the ‘heavy lifting’ organising this year’s event as chairman Doug Wills began his year as Master of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, the livery company representing journalists, media and the communications industries.
As headline sponsor for the event, Ray brought on board expanding dealership chain Vertu Motors whose chief executive Robert Forrester made headlines himself when he spoke to around 200 guests – including editors, senior correspondents and leading broadcasters. He warned that the Government was imposing “crazy” motoring tax plans and “tax-raising gimmicks” on the industry – including a speculated ‘Blue Badge Tax’ on Motability vehicles for disabled users.
“Instead of tackling the real problem of who qualifies for the subsidised cars for disabled people, we are hearing about an extraordinary policy to levy VAT on the vehicles – a Blue Badge tax which could increase what the car costs by an average of £6,500,” Forrester said.
Legendary photojournalist Sir Don McCullin, now 90, was awarded the honour of Londoner of the Year as well as an honorary Journalist Laureate.
Sky News presenter Anna Botting received a special award for services to journalism and charity and, like Sir Don, was chauffeured to the event courtesy of another automotive sponsor, Genesis Motors.
Anna also tried out a £48,000 1,103cc 216hp Ducati Panigale V4 Tricolore motorbike on static display outside the venue courtesy of Vertu Motors and Ducati UK managing director Fabrizio Cazzoli, who also attended.
Ray said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be asked to help organise this year’s London Press Club Awards. Anyone who manages awards and events – including those of the Guild – knows just what a challenge it is, though an enjoyable one.”
In December Ray will celebrate his 12th year as chairman of the London Press Club Ball which, over that period, has raised around £250,000 for good causes and charities linked to journalism, including a £5,000 donation to The Guild of Motoring Writers’ Benevolent Fund.
The Ball too may have an automotive surprise, Ray teased…
