United Grand Lodge
of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons
of England
Province of
South Wales
Eastern Division
Feature
This article was written before Hugh's sad death on 27 June 2007
HUGH JOHNS: still working hard -
for the love of it - in his eightiesHugh Johns:
a consummate and tireless professionalby Martyn Daley, Prov.G.Reg.
Provincial Information Officer"Some people are on the pitch ..... they think it's all over...... It is now!"
Those were the so-often quoted words of BBC Commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme as Geoff Hurst scored England's fourth goal against West Germany in extra time at the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley. At precisely the same time on ITV, his counterpart - Hugh Johns - concentrating his thoughts on a hat trick possibility, told the viewers:
"Here's Hurst, he might make it three. He has! He has! ..... So that's it. That is IT!"
Hugh went on to become a much loved and greatly respected sports commentator and journalist. For many people, the mere mention of his name evokes fond memories of ITV's Sunday afternoon football programmes "Star Soccer" and London's "The Big Match" in the 1970's - when he regularly commentated on matches from the English Midlands.
Sadly, Kenneth Wolstenholme died on 25th March 2002, but Hugh is still very much with us - and likely to remain so for some time! Now in his early 80's, he is remarkably active and able to run rings (mentally and physically) around people half his age! Hugh lives in northern Cardiff, at the home he shared with his dear wife Joan until she passed away in November 2003. Hugh and Joan, who was herself a noted international sportswoman, enjoyed 53 years of very happy marriage.
Initiated in 1964, Hugh - a very active Freemason - is a long-standing member of Cardiff's Proscenium Lodge. Proscenium is known in Freemasonry as the "Actors' Lodge" because it draws its membership mainly (but not exclusively) from those concerned in the entertainment business. He is the Director of Ceremonies and also the Preceptor - two very busy and important roles in any Lodge.
In recent years, Hugh has also been the Province's External Communications Officer - dealing with Press and Public Relations issues. This too is a busy role, particularly in the light of the recent deliberations of the National Assembly for Wales on the issue of Freemasonry.
In 2002 Hugh was presented with a 'Golden Microphone' Lifetime Achievement Award for services to Midlands soccer by the inimitable Brian Clough at a dinner arranged by Carlton Television. Carlton is a successor company to ATV, producers of Star Soccer, which featured Hugh's commentaries from 1966 to 1982. In a 35 years television career, Hugh commentated on some one thousand League, International and Cup-Tie football matches. FA Cup Finals, European Cup Finals and four World Cup Finals were the highlights.
His love of sport also provided the opportunity to present TV commentaries on many other events including boxing, bowls, snooker and darts. He was commentating on football matches for HTV Wales until well into his seventies.
Hugh's Masonic 'awards' have been numerous and impressive. The most recent, in June 2002, saw him promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden, one of the highest honours that can be conferred within the Province.
first published 10th April 2002
updated 27th January 2004
updated 27th June 2007
