Tony Read was Chair of WGGB in 1981-82 and was for many years a member of our Executive Council, TV Committee and Pension Scheme Trustees. Tony had an amazing career as a TV drama writer, creating The Troubleshooters – a gritty, realistic drama based on the oil industry. It was the prototype for high-end recurring drama series in the UK for many years.

Tony went on to write for Z-Cars and The Professionals before becoming one of the gurus of Doctor Who in its original 1970s heyday. Many other quality TV scripts followed, but later in life he created a second career as a noted military historian, publishing several learned books about the Second World War.

In the Writers’ Guild Tony was loved for his calm and gentle nature, although this concealed a steely and forensic ability to analyse problems and find solutions. He had the rare ability to resolve differences between WGGB factions without rancour and while retaining everyone’s trust. He believed that all “the good names” in writing should join the WGGB as a “badge of honour”.

Tony had the unique email address of ‘readwrites’ and he also held the unusual distinction of never claiming any expenses for his hundreds of attendances at WGGB meetings and events.

There will be a cremation attended by family only, followed by a memorial event at St Nicholas Church, Taplow, at 12.30pm on Friday 11 December. After that lunch will be served in the Taplow Village Hall. The best way to get to Taplow is via Junction 7 of the M4 or by train to Maidenhead, taking a taxi from the station. Don’t get off the train at Taplow itself, as there are no taxis there.

Photo: WGGB/Simon Denton