Tributes to well-known Derbyshire photographer who captured life in the county for 30 years

George Eyre spent almost three decades covering the area’s carnivals, fetes and major news stories as a staff photographer with the Ripley and Heanor News.

He was also a keen runner who completed the London Marathon after his retirement and was a popular tour guide at Codnor Castle until the age of 95.

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Born in Codnor in May 1924, Geoge earned a place in the local grammar school before the Second World War but was called up in 1942 to serve in the Royal Navy.

He took part in the Arctic convoys, including the battle of North Cape, and also saw service in Malta, Italy and the Far East.

After returning to civilian life in 1946 he married Diane McKenzie who he met while training in Aberdeen as a telegraphist in 1943.

After being demobbed from the Navy he retrained as a bricklayer, which came in useful when he built his own home, which he was to live in until he passed away.

George then swapped the building site for the newsroom when he became a press photographer for the Ripley and Heanor News.

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George’s son Brian, who followed in his dad’s footsteps by becoming a press photographer and photographic manager at the Ripley and Heanor News and Derbyshire Times, said: “During his time working as a press photographer dad covered events from carnivals and fetes to big news stories of the time and much more besides over his 29 years working as a photographer.”

Some of the highlights included George’s photographic coverage of blizzards hitting Derbyshire during the winter of 1979, singer Frankie Vaughan opening Heanor’s Victorian market and Royal occasions like the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to Alfreton Baths in 1964.

"After retiring in 1989 he kept himself busy with running, including taking part in the London Marathon,” Brian added.

“His hobbies included local history and the history of Codnor Castle, leading walks around the castle with a talk on its history. He was still doing this at 95 years of age.”

George leaves sons and daughters Brian, Colin, Brenda and Jane and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

See some of George’s photos from his years covering the county here – From Roger Moore to the Duke of Edinburgh: Retro pictures from Derbyshire photographer's three decades covering the county

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