After the Second World War, a young Ray Tindle joined his local newspaper in Croydon as what he himself described as ‘general dogsbody’. Little did they know that while serving in the War with the Devonshire Regiment, he had already completed his apprenticeship by launching his first title on a troop ship. A print strike in 1950 presented an opportunity for Ray to widen his experience prior to buying his first paper, the struggling Tooting & Balham Gazette, paid for by his £250 post-war demob payment. Turning its fortunes around, he continued to take on more so-called ‘unsaveable’ titles, as well as starting up new ones - and so he built the empire that is Tindle Newspapers, based in Farnham, Surrey.

The business has grown to include more than 225 printed titles and several radio stations, with a combined turnover of over £66m. Sir Ray Tindle was awarded his Knighthood for services to the newspaper industry in 1994. According to a recent newspaper article, Sir Ray has no intention of retiring, even though it is now over 60 years since his first involvement with a newspaper.

His contribution to local communities and education has been invaluable. He was founder of Tindle Enterprise Centres for the Unemployed, is a strong supporter of Frimley Hospital and also set up the Sir Ray Tindle Journalism Scholarships.

Sir Ray’s involvement with the University of Surrey during the 1960s and 70s was both significant and selfless. He was heavily involved with Surrey during its formative years, serving on the University’s Council and chairing the Project Planning Sub-Committee, that oversaw the University’s establishment in Guildford.