Alan Slingsby: A Life of Journalistic Service and Philanthropy
Alan Slingsby, a revered journalist-philanthropist who passed away at the age of 76, was widely admired for his unwavering commitment to leveraging his media expertise for the benefit of the community. Beyond his professional endeavors, he generously offered his skills pro bono to friends, community organizations, and causes close to his heart, including his recent involvement with the Palestine News.
Early Career and Union Contributions
Slingsby's journalistic journey began in the 1970s with training on the sub-editors' desk at the Morning Star. He quickly established himself as a prolific producer of publications for trade unions, local groups, and numerous individuals. One union journalist aptly dubbed him the "designer to the labour movement," a title that reflected his extensive work with unions representing students, teachers, firefighters, and civil servants. From 1991 to 2009, he served as the freelance production designer for the Journalist magazine, the publication of the National Union of Journalists, while also contributing to the TUC and the Fire Brigades Union's paper, the Firefighter.
Educational Background and Editorial Roles
Born in Perivale, west London, Slingsby was the son of Doreen (nee Robinson) and Charles Slingsby, an investment manager, and had two sisters, Janet and Angela. He attended Hampton grammar school and graduated in American studies from Manchester University in 1970, where he edited the student newspaper, then known as the Independent. His career path led him directly to the Morning Star, and he concurrently volunteered part-time for the independent leftwing magazine the Leveller in the mid-70s. Over the years, he held editorial positions at several public service and trade union publications, including the Society of Civil and Public Servants' Opinion (1980-84), the Teacher for the National Union of Teachers (now NEU) until 1987, and the weekly Ilea News for the Inner London Education Authority.
Personal Life and Community Engagement
In 2006, Slingsby married Linda Quinn. Together, in 2015, they took over the Brixton Blog and Bugle, a news blog and free monthly newspaper in south London, where he had lived and worked for over four decades. There, he trained young people in community journalism, though financial constraints made it challenging to retain them as they pursued higher education or employment. Known for his distinctive style, Slingsby had a penchant for the colour orange in his wardrobe and, in his younger years, sported red hair. A leader of a pub quiz team, he was exceptionally well-informed, with deep knowledge in politics, literature, history, jazz, and flamenco music.
Legacy of Unpaid Work and Final Projects
Slingsby's generosity extended to countless friends and acquaintances, for whom he would produce publicity materials, such as for a gallery showcasing exiled artists or a promising playwright, and even compile books of poems—always refusing payment. Last year, as a lifelong supporter of the Palestinian people, he was invited to join the new publication, the Palestine News. Tragically, he participated in an online meeting with the team just hours before his sudden death at home. Linda predeceased him in 2021, and he is survived by his sisters, Janet and Angela.
