Tributes paid to former Argus photographer, Peter Dash

Former colleagues were saddened to hear of the death of a man who until recently was still taking photographs and contacting the newsdesk with tip-offs of stories from his beloved Blackwood.

Mr Dash, who lived in the town with his wife Christine, spent a lifetime working in newspapers, the majority of it for the South Wales Argus, and he also gained a national reputation as a trainer.

His back catalogue illustrates the breadth of his work, from lighthearted stories to petitions, murder, protests, and the long months of the miners' strike.

But he also helped those in their community fighting against injustice and was a positive influence in the newsroom, full of stories and laughter.

The 68-year-old was also a friend to many.

Peter's picture of Joe Cazlaghe at Wembley.

Argus editor Kevin Ward said: “Peter was the picture editor when I joined the Argus as a down table sub-editor in 1989. He was always happy to provide advice and pass on his knowledge which, for a young journalist like me working on a daily newspaper for the first time, was invaluable.

“He was a great news photographer with a love of the job and had a wonderful rapport with people. What he didn’t know about the local area wasn’t worth knowing.

“Peter was also a great trainer who helped generations of photographers through his work with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

“He will be much missed, and our thoughts are with Christine and family, and his mum Peggy.”

Argus deputy editor Nicole Garnon, who worked alongside Mr Dash for many years, said: "Peter lived and breathed the job. He loved the fact that he was very much a part of the community and that he was able to help tell their stories.

"He was a great influence in the newsroom, full of good advice but also full of stories and laughter."

Throughout his working life, Mr Dash was committed to supporting the next generation of photographers and he was heavily involved in the NCTJ for many years.

A spokeswoman said: “We were so sorry and sad to hear of Pete’s death. He was a fantastic supporter and friend of the NCTJ.

"He inspired hundreds of young press photographers to achieve their best and as a long-serving chairman and chief examiner of our photography examinations board, he personally managed the industry’s training scheme and ensured it set and tested the highest standards of photography and photo journalism.”

Peter's picture of Michael Foot

Current chief examiner for press photography, Steve Phillips added: “I was privileged to work with Peter at the South Wales Argus and on the NCTJ's photography board, where Peter worked tirelessly for many years as chairman to maintain high quality training for young press photographers.

"He was simply Mr South Wales Argus. Everyone in his locality knew and trusted him.

"He had a gift for quickly getting to know where anyone was from and who their family was. He will be sorely missed within the press and press photography community.”

Here are some of the photographs taken by Peter during his time at the Argus;

Blackwood Carnival

Joe Calzaghe

Balloon Festival

Newport V Ebbw Vale

Firefighters picket line in 2002

Christian Malcolm after winning the 60m

Blackwood cenotaph