Matthew Lewin

• WE were saddened by the death of Matthew Lewin and endorse the many fulsome tributes to him as a person, as an editor and as a distinguished writer.

We would like to add an accolade to his work as a trade unionist. He was for many years treasurer of the north London branch of the National Union of Journalists – a thankless task pre-direct debits given the parlous relationship between hacks and their money.

However his greatest union achievement was in helping transform the way matters involving race relations are covered.

I think he would agree with any who rightly think this still leaves much to be desired, but back in the grimmest days of the 1970s campaigning for change was a daunting task which Matthew committed himself to effectively and wholeheartedly.

HOWARD HANNAH, Chairman
PETER GRUNER, Secretary
North London NUJ branch
(1975-1980)