When Audrey met Jack
From Mrs Audrey Whiting-Nener Sir: Stephen Glover (Media studies, 7 September) apologised for describing Hugh Cudlipp as editor of the Daily Mirror when he was editorial director in the 1950s. The editor at that time, the man who, first as night editor, sent Mirror sales soaring, was the tough, demanding Welshman Jack Nener.
I first got to know him when he came to Paris in 1952 when I was Paris correspondent. A day after his arrival, I was tipped off by the British embassy that a French national strike was imminent and that Nener should leave Paris at once. I passed on the message and Nener's answer was short: 'Bullshit'. So for three strike days I had to drive Nener around the Loire valley, translating as we went from one chateau and museum to another. It was tough. When, with relief, I eventually saw him off at Paris airport and he was about to board the plane, he said, Will you marry me?' Stunned, I said, 'No, thank you.' After intense pressure I gave in three months later. He was one of the great Fleet Street editors. I would not like him to be forgotten.
Audrey Whiting-Nener
London NW3
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