One of Lincolnshire's best-known and most respected journalists, Edward (Ted) Dodd died last year, aged 91. A Scunthonian, he attended Brigg Grammar School and quite literally wrote himself into the history books for one daring incident, famously recounted by Ernest Urry in Dr Henthorn's 1969 volume on BGS. Ted had taken some yellow phosphorus, wrapped it up and put it in his desk. 'When he inspected it during the lunch-break there was instant combustion and the whole school had to be evacuated until the fumes subsided', recalled Ernest. 'Mr Bryant (the Head) regarded a pair of severely-burnt hands as ample punishment but he did suggest that the time was opportune for Ted to make some practical use of his bent for chemistry, and helped him obtain a post in the laboratory at John Lysaght's steelworks.'
But Ted had an interest in writing and local affairs, and correspondence submitted to the local weekly paper in Scunthorpe, The Star, so impressed the Editor that Ted was taken onto the staff. And so, albeit a little later than most, Ted's career in journalism got under way. He soon gained a reputation for hard work and good, honest reporting that was to stay witb him throughout a very long and successful career. After war service on ground crew duties at RAF Elsham Wold he returned to journalism, eventually switching in the 1950s from The Star to the Lincolnshire Times - its rival weekly in Brigg. As well as turning in a huge range of features and news exclusives, many of which were picked up by national newspapers and agencies and fed to a wider audience, Ted also found time to train a string af rookie reporters who were to go on to top jobs in national and provincial newspapers, plus TV and radio. Years later he loved to meet up with them again at the annual Lincs Times reunion,
After retiring officially in his late 60s as head of the weekly's South Bank news-gathering team, he continued to work part-time for many more years, covering for holidays, staff away on courses and sickness. It was often said, half-jokingly, that Ted spent more time in the office at 57 Wrawby Street than any of the staff! He was also a respected author, his two thoroughly-researched books on Brigg being regarded today as major local history reference works. But despite toiling away for long hours on his typewriter, Ted had a variety of interests away from the office. He gave legion service to Brigg Chamber af Trade, Brigg Operatic Society and the Elsham Wold Association.
He also took a keen interest in the North Lincolnshire Music and Drama Festival which, through his efforts, received a great deal of merited publicity. Ted also did part-time public relations work for Albright and Wilson when the firm had a thriving plant in Barton. He served on Brigg Urban District Council, including a spell as chairman (the equivalent of Mayor). But many knew Ted best on the golf course at Elsham where, for decades, he was a keen and active member and club official, serving with distinction on and off the course. He also enjoyed taking part in the various Briggensians' golfing events. His shorthand speed and accuracy of note were second to none - even in his 80s when called upon, as he often was by the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph, to provide one of his stylish features for a special publication. Professionally, Ted set very high standards for himself and never, ever turned in copy that was less than perfect - in terms of facts, quotes and neatness.
North Lincolnshire journalism will not see his like again.