David Bowyer (Grove 1950)
11th December 2025
David died, aged 93, in December 2025 after a long illness.David attended Leighton Park from 1945 to 1949. A particular highlight of his time at LP was his membership of the famous unbeaten 1948/9 1st XV rugby team. He was a prop who could keep the ball in the scrum with his outside foot, and generally known to be an excellent all round forward.He started his career in journalism as an office boy at the Reading Newspaper Company. Following two years of service in the RAF, he moved to the Reading Chronicle, where he was promoted through the ranks of reporter, sub-editor, deputy editor, and finally editor. He retired in 1997.He was a very highly regarded professional who successfully led the process of adaptation to modern technology in the production of newspapers. He was renowned for his integrity and his kindness towards his colleagues.Kimble Earl, chairman of the paper at the time, said: "David represented a breed of journalist which has all but disappeared, one who devoted his career to the county of Berkshire and Reading in particular, and was trusted and respected for getting the facts right and ensuring balance."David’s devotion to Reading and Berkshire was not limited to his job: he was on the Board of Visitors at Reading Prison, he was on the Council of Reading Chamber of Commerce and Trade, and he was trustee of several charities. He was also President of Reading Rugby Club.