IT IS with great regret that we report the death of one of our members, Tony Challis motoring writer for the Evening Leader.

Tony had been a valued member of the Group since its early days and his wit and wisdom were always eagerly anticipated features of Group activities.

Tony had been working from his home in Rhos, Wrexham since taking early retirement from his staff features writing job and his column was always a major and enjoyable part of the Leader motoring section.

Tony, aged 67 had bravely battled with a short illness and died at the home of his daughter in Ruabon on July 1 with his family around him.

The father of five he spent his early years in East Grinstead and spent some time in Canada and San Francisco before returning to Britain where he became a freelance journalist working for a number of national newspapers.

He joined North Wales Newspapers for the launch of the Evening Leader in 1973 and with his family lived for many years in Tainant near Penycae, Wrexham.

He was the Evening Leader's news editor for 14 years before turning his considerable writing skills to the features desk where he remained until 2007. In his career as a motoring writer, Tony covered many major car launches and carried out road tests on some of the most popular and sometimes exclusive cars of our time.

But motoring writing was only one part of Tony's considerable portfolio of abilities because he was also passionately interested in the theatre, writing many reviews, particularly at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, where his opinion was regarded in high esteem.

One of Tony's great loves in life was poetry, penning an impressive amount of work which his family hope to publish in due course.
His other interests included boxing in his younger days and martial arts.

Tony reported on many local campaigns and once delivered a petition to Number 10 Downing Street signed by thousands trying to save the future of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was there for the last tap at Brymbo steelworks and was a lifelong environmentalist.

He was also a proud recipient of a Reporter of the Year accolade from North Wales Newspapers.

Steve Rogers, who worked with Tony for more than 30 years, described him as an "uncompromising but compassionate journalist."

He said: "There was no better writer in the company than Tony Challis. He learned his trade in Fleet Street and was a no-nonsense journalist who was not afraid to ask difficult questions or fight his corner. He was uncompromising but always fair and compassionate as well as possessing a considerable wit. He was a loyal friend who will be greatly missed."

Ian Johnson who travelled many miles with Tony on car launches and became a close friend said. “Tony was one of the most intelligent, perceptive and compassionate people I have ever met. We had long and deep conversations about history, often enjoyed over after dinner drinks at car launches. Tony was always enthralled when I took him to see some hidden and little known historical sites in Shropshire and Cheshire. I will miss him deeply and his passing is a great loss to the Group.”

Tony's funeral took place at Pentrebychan Crematorium on Monday July 12 when family and friends celebrated his life. Two Group members, Steve Rogers and Ian Johnson were included in the pallbearers and among the readings was a rendering of Keats' “When I have fears that I may cease to be” by Ian Johnson.

On the order of service was printed one of Tony's last poems which was very appropriate.
It is entitled “Mr Challis is out today”
Mr Challis is out today,
Not out and about
But inside out
And if you should call
Don't knock down his wall
Or seek to change
What holds him in thrall
He's talking to people
Who live in his head
Some remote or close
Some living, some dead.
Mr Challis is out today.

One of the most successful dealers in Wales and the longest standing Renault dealer in the UK has been awarded the prestigious Tom Pryce Trophy.

David Gravell, of Gravells Motor Group, was presented with the award at the National Assembly bulding in Cardiff on November 28, and the business was later commended by Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Peter Hain PC MP, special guest of Welsh Motoring Writers (WMW) at the group's annual dinner.

Mr Gravell received the 2009 Tom Pryce Trophy at a ceremony in the National Assembly building hosted by Helen Mary Jones (Assembly Member Llanelli) and supported by Rhodri Glyn Thomas (Assembly Member Carmarthen East).

Founded in 1932 by Tom Gravell MBE, David’s father, Gravells is the longest-serving Renault dealership in the UK and this year celebrates 55 years with the company.

Commenting on the award, Mr Hain said: “Gravells are, so clearly, worthy winners of the coveted award. Such home-grown business success is a vital component in the Welsh recovery from the economic downturn.”

In presenting the award to guests of honour David Gravell and his two sons, Jonathan and Ian, who now run the business, WMW chairman Huw Thomas said: “Gravells has made an enormous contribution to the cultural, sporting and public life of Wales.

“This goes way beyond any usual sponsorship activity and is true to Tom Gravell’s philosophy that success in business life should be reflected by a real contribution to the community.”

Sponsored by Renault UK, its managing director, Roland Bouchara, said: “Gravells normally enjoy double Renault’s national market share and are at the top of our sales charts in Wales – a country where we currently lie second in the retail market. There is a simple reason for this achievement – Gravells care. They care about the job, their customers, their staff and their community.”

The Welsh Crystal Vase Trophy was inscribed, “CYFRANIAD HYNOD I’R GYMRU GYFOES” (A remarkable contribution to contemporary Wales).