Q&A
What made you become a journalist?
Easy! I witnessed the impact of a BBC journalist’s report on a local NHS trust. It exposed dangerous patient safety issues and shortfalls in care on a secure psychiatric ward. The article brought about substantial and immediate change when patients’, relatives’ and staff reports had been ignored.
What other job might you have done/have you done? I first qualified as a registered mental health nurse, then completed 30 years’ service with the police. I grabbed my pension and returned as an NHS community psychiatric nurse. On retirement from the NHS, I took up journalism. I should have done it years ago.
When did you join the NUJ and why? Michele Paduano (Paddy) was the reporter who ran the story that had piqued my interest. He encouraged me to embark on a career in journalism and pushed me to join the NUJ. He was pushing at an open door – I had always embraced union membership. I knew the NUJ didn’t just offer support but was also a powerful collective voice. I wanted to contribute something.
Are many of your friends in the union? I have been a journalist for only a couple of years so most of my friends are from before. I was recently elected as branch vice- chair, so have made contact with
NUJ & me
Andrew Crooke became a journalist after careers in the police and nursing
colleagues I would not otherwise have met.
What’s been the best moment in your career? This was outside journalism. I received a bravery award for detaining a man who seriously assaulted me during his arrest. He was convicted of a horrific torture/ murder. Seeing him sentenced to life imprisonment gave me the sense of a job well done. He went on to murder again while serving his sentence so will never experience freedom. The world is a safer place without him being free.
What has been the most frustrating moment? Two public services have gone out of their way to evade and block every information request.
And the best? My home office. I feel content with my family downstairs and a bit of noise from the garden. I’m working
for a small newsgathering service and am not under pressure.
What advice would you give someone starting out? Be brave. Always be honest. Try to be kind. Build bridges.
Who is your biggest hero? President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and all the heroes of Ukraine. Zelenskyy embodies honour, true bravery, dignity and leadership.
And villain? Putin (and any other dictator posturing as a world leader).
Which six people would you invite to a dinner party? Volodymyr Zelenskyy, my greatest hero who has gone from actor to world leader. Winston Churchill – I am in awe of his greatness. The late Queen Elizabeth, who represented stability throughout my life. The present Dalai Lama, whose love and sense of humour makes me
happy and King Solomon, one of the wisest people who ever lived. Finally, Rose Crooke, my late mother, who would be wonderfully entertaining and be so proud to have met these people.
What was your earliest political thought? The miners’ strike and all it brought with it. The conflict between the state and industrious and honest workers was avoidable and brought shame on the government. The scene in the film Billy Elliott when the piano was smashed up for firewood moved me to tears.
What are your hopes for journalism? I hope that the importance of an honest, free but responsible press will be appreciated by every country across the globe.
And fears? Apathy. The rise of AI churning out news concerns me. I still buy a paper but I worry this pleasure may disappear in my lifetime.
How would you like to be remembered? As a kind, quirky bloke who did his best. I want my grandchildren to smile when they remember me. My daughter and my grandchildren will be my monument.
theJournalist | 13
PICTURES NOW/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, PICTORIAL PRESS LTD/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
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