JOHN Giles, a former member of the Echo Newspapers editorial team and a key figure in Southend’s theatrical life over several decades, has died at the age of 83.

Born in Westcliff in 1932, John attended Hamlet Court School and Southend High School.

He joined the staff of the old Southend Standard as a school-leaver, aged 16.

He was associated with the Standard, and its successors, the Standard Recorder and the Echo, for the rest of his working life.

After working as a skilled compositor, he moved on to feature writing and theatre reviewing. Among those he interviewed were Paul McCartney and Frankie Howerd.

Dick Davies, a fellow reviewer and long term friend, said: “His extensive knowledge of the theatre was apparent in everything he said and wrote, and he was very much a fixture of Southend theatrical life, barely ever missing a first night.”

John’s love of the theatre developed at an early stage. His son and only child Stephen Giles said: “John’s parents had a season ticket to the Palace Theatre in Westcliff, and John used to go with them regularly.”

John was also actively involved in amateur dramatics, making his mark primarily as a director. Down the years, he staged productions for the now defunct Borough Players, for Southend Shakespeare Society, and for East Essex Players. His wife Jean, was a keen actress, and he directed her a number of times.

In another capacity, John was a keen amateur photographer who exhibited regularly as a member of the Leigh Camera Club.

John played competitive tennis, only ceasing when he was in his mid 70s, and was a supporter of Essex County Cricket Club.

John spent the final months of his life at the Palmerston Rest Home. He died on January 19, exactly eleven years to the day since the death of his wife Jean in 2005.

His funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity, Southchurch, on February 9, at 2pm, followed by the cremation, for immediate family only. A wake will be held at the Exchange pub in Southchurch. Flowers from family only, others are invited to make donations to either Dementia UK, or the Actors' Benevolent Fund.