One of the important stated objectives of the John Clare Society is ‘continuing publication of [Clare’s] works to promote a wider appreciation.’ A crucial avenue has been through the sale of books, and some other items. Central to that task has been the Society’s Sales Officers. Although the Society has long promoted book sales, its first credited Sales Officer was the late Peter Moyse in 2003. He was followed by Peter Cox in 2007 and Mavis Leverington in 2013. Our current Sales Officer is David Smith who took over in 2019 (See profile in JCS Newsletter, No.154, June 2025, pages 10-11). He has been tireless in his quest to find outlets for sales. Formerly in the publishing industry, he has a keen eye for events that could benefit the Society. He can often be found, therefore, with the Society’s stall fully set up and backed by our new banner. For the recent festival David went back and forth several times from his home near Hitchin, and on Sunday 12 July he was back and set up in St. Andrew’s Church, Northborough for another ‘Poesies for Patty’ event. Not only does he have to deal with online orders and event sales, but he must also find the space at home to store our large stock, no mean feat. If that wasn’t enough, David has also been the Society’s Hon. Treasurer since 2022. It is to committed and dedicated volunteers like David Smith that keep the Society functioning and for which all members are greatly indebted.

Dr Mike Mecham OBE
Chair, John Clare Society

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