SIR – Chris Jaeger’s departure from the chief executive’s chair of Worcester Live should not – as is so often the case with unique individuals who make a real difference to our lives – go unremarked.

I should perhaps declare an interest. As a staff writer and sub-editor on the then Worcester Evening News back in the 1990s and early 2000s, I campaigned week after week in The Phillpott File comment column for Jaeger to take over the ailing Swan Theatre.

I had no doubt whatsoever that he was the right man for the job, having already dramatically turned around the fortunes of the Huntingdon Hall. What had once been a poorly attended concert hall was almost overnight transformed into Worcestershire’s premier music venue.

Jaeger had succeeded with the Huntingdon. It was therefore logical that he could do the same for the Swan.

Back then, the theatre was effectively being run as a private club with steadily declining audiences. But ranged against Jaeger’s bid was the Swan board, members of Worcester Labour Party, a number of local Tories, and the city’s Old Guard, who probably reasoned that because he wasn’t born in Worcester, must therefore be unqualified for the job.

And despite the fact that it was obvious that he could potentially work the same Midas touch with the Swan, the combined forces of the Worcester Establishment did everything in its power to prevent his appointment.

Over the last 25 years, Jaeger has immeasurably enriched the artistic life of Worcestershire and his enduring legacy should never be underestimated, let alone forgotten.

He will no doubt now turn his many talents to other endeavours.

I wish Chris Jaeger well... make no mistake, he will certainly be a hard act to follow.

JOHN PHILLPOTT

Worcester