Retiring Sisters in Crime convenor, Ann Byrne, was presented with a a Lifetime Membership at Sisters in Crime’s AGM on 27 October.
Secretary Carmel Shute awarded the Lifetime Membership yo Ann along with a framed ‘book cover’ designed by fellow convenor, Caz Brown.
Carmel said: “This means Ann’s notched up 10 year service as a convenor – though I am sure that some of the time, it seemed like a life sentence since Ann became our review editor.
“It might sound glamorous but it involved huge amounts of slog – picking up all the review copies at the post office, lugging them up to the third floor with heavy bags, sending out appeals to members who said they’d review books, taking them back to the post office, posting them out and, then, all too often hearing nothing, zilch, nada, despite reminders and entreaties.
“Then Ann had to edit and upload the reviews to the website and then there was not a lot of feedback!! Almost every AGM, we’ve appealed for reliable reviewers but they have been far and few between. Thank you for your perseverance Ann!
“Ann has also played a key role in getting Sisters in Crime’s finances onto an even keel and improving our governance processes.
“And also thank you for sponsoring the Best Financial Crime Story Award as part of the Scarlet Stiletto Awards.
“We hope you enjoy this cover especially designed for you by Caz Brown – and your special red Lifetime Membership Card.”