A FORMER Westmorland Gazette employee who helped to publish Wainwright’s remarkable work has died aged 91.

Andrew Nichol was born in Durham in 1932 and embarked on a pivotal career when he joined the Westmorland Gazette 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 layoffs—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.

The Westmorland Gazette: Alfred and Andrew in Langdale. Alfred and Andrew in Langdale. (Image: Ken Shepherd)The book publishing department quickly reversed its fortunes, generating a profit exceeding £100,000. This turnaround not only saved over 30 jobs at the Gazette but also preserved the Wainwright legacy for future generations of fellwalkers. In addition, Wainwright now had enough money for his own headquarters for Animal Rescue Cumbria.

Chris Butterfield, a Wainwright archivist, worked closely with him for seven years and he and his wife became 'close friends' with Mr Nichol.

He said: "He was a true gentleman and a devoted family man, always modest about his crucial role in saving the Wainwright books.

"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."

Last year, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team helped the 91-year-old man to Innominate Tarn to pay respects to his friend Alfred Wainwright.

The Westmorland Gazette: Andrew accompanied by members of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team.Andrew accompanied by members of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team. (Image: Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team)17 members of the team volunteered to help and used their vehicles and expertise to help Andrew get to his destination to honour his friend.

Chris, who helped organise the day, added: "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.

"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."

This journey was captured in a short documentary titled A Promise Kept: A Fellwalk for a Friend.

The film is set to premiere at a special Wainwright event at Penrith's Rheged Centre on May 11 with proceeds benefiting the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team. 

"I cannot thank the team enough for what they did for Andrew, and I am forever in their debt," concluded Chris.