A man who was instrumental in preserving the Wainwright legacy for generations of fell walkers has died.
Andrew Nichol was born in Durham in 1932 and embarked on a pivotal career when he joined The Westmorland Gazette newspaper in 1969 as the overseer in the composing room.
By 1972, Andrew’s leadership skills earned him a promotion, putting him in charge of the entire newspaper department. His ascent continued, and in 1982, he succeeded Harry Firth as the general printing and book publishing manager.
At that time, Westminster Press, the owners of The Westmorland Gazette, prioritised the newspaper over other ventures, allowing the book publishing department to operate only if it turned a profit.
In 1982, the department had suffered losses for two consecutive years. Faced with a critical situation where a third year of losses would necessitate the department’s closure and result in many lay-offs – including discontinuing the cherished Wainwright books – Andrew knew decisive action was needed.
In a bold move after consulting with Westminster Press directors, Andrew offered Wainwright £40,000 for the copyright of his books, provided he agreed to publicity. This strategy paid off handsomely; the book publishing department quickly reversed its fortunes, generating a profit exceeding £100,000.
This turnaround not only saved more than 30 jobs at the Gazette but also preserved the Wainwright legacy for future generations of fell walkers. In addition, Wainwright now had enough money for his own headquarters for Animal Rescue Cumbria.
Andrew was well-known in the Keswick area. When the Gazette printed the millionth book in 1985, Wainwright signed it on the back, and Andrew deposited it at Chaplin’s of Keswick in 1986.
Whether it was a ride out or a business trip, Andrew and Wainwright regularly visited Keswick for fish and chips.
After Wainwright’s appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Sue Lawley visited Andrew to possibly do a programme about Wainwright. Andrew drove Sue and Alfred Wainwright around the lakes for possible filming locations and Keswick was one of them. Unfortunately, the programme never came about due to AW’s health.
Author Chris Butterfield worked closely with Andrew for seven years and became close friends with him.
“He was a true gentleman and a devoted family man, always modest about his crucial role in saving the Wainwright books,” said Chris. “Throughout our time together, it became clear that he was the ‘unsung hero’ of the Wainwright story. I made it my mission to acknowledge his significant contributions to a broader audience.
“Andrew often shared his one regret with me: he had never paid his respects to Wainwright at Innominate Tarn on Haystacks, where the author’s ashes were scattered in 1991.
“Determined to fulfil his final wish, with help from my wife and Sheila Richardson, who knew Wainwright, we co-ordinated with the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, who graciously facilitated Andrew’s climb to the tarn in late October 2023. Helping Andrew achieve his final wish to pay his respects to Wainwright at Innominate Tarn was my thank you to him for everything he had done for me.
“I cannot thank the team enough for what they did for Andrew, and I am forever in their debt. This journey, a profound act of gratitude and closure for Andrew, was captured in a short documentary titled A Promise Kept: A Fellwalk for a Friend.”
The film is set to premiere at a special public Wainwright event at Penrith’s Rheged Centre on May 11, with proceeds benefiting the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team.
