Hugh Pain

I first met Hugh in 1975 shortly after I began an assignment in East Africa. He was then, believe it or not, a correspondent for Radio Voice of the Gospel, a US outfit, in Addis Ababa and a stringer for Reuters. He had previously, I believe, done a safari right through Africa. He was an excellent colleague and guide, especially as I gingerly felt my way in Ethiopia under the Dergue, and of course wonderful intellectual company. We covered several stories together in ET including an AU summit presided over by Idi Amin and an African Nations Cup. We had to fly to Dire Dawa to cover one match and fly back to Addis before we could file. I remember Hugh's famous rage when a bunch of Sudanese officials with their characteristic white turbans sat right in front of us, blocking the view. I believe there was one reference to people wearing table cloths on their heads in a fearsome tirade which did persuade them to leave the press box rather sharpish.

As most people will recall, Hugh's intellect sometimes led to him being called Huge Brain, I believe to his annoyance, but the speed with which he did the Times crossword every day was very daunting.

A great colleague and friend. ■