Well-loved and respected General Secretary of the Guild of Motoring Writers, Patricia Lodge, retires today after more than two decades serving the world’s largest organisation for motoring professionals. Her replacement is Guild member Melissa Chadderton, who has been working alongside Patricia since late 2019.
Patricia first started working for the Guild back in 1997, as Update production assistant to editor Chris Adamson. She continued in this role until 2004, after becoming General Secretary in 2003. In that time, Patricia has worked with two Presidents, two Honorary Treasurers, two Honorary Secretaries and TEN Guild Chairman. There have also been many hard-working Guild Committee members who have all benefitted from Patricia’s tireless efforts.
Melissa takes over Patricia’s role as General Secretary from Friday 1 May 2020. She will be inheriting the [email protected] email address and can be contacted on landline at 01903 386423. During the current lockdown, Melissa’s main duties will involve membership matters, plus dealing with enquiries about GOMW benefits and discounts.
“I will miss you all,” said Patricia. “GOMW members, you are in very safe hands with my successor, Melissa, who is already up to speed with the role. It has been a pleasure… I wish you well.”
Patricia adds that, sadly, she has been unable to say a personal farewell to members, due to the coronavirus lockdown. It had been planned to celebrate Patricia’s service to the Guild during the 2020 AGM, due to be held at Silverstone on 13 May. The Guild has since been forced to cancel this and is planning an online AGM.
However, the Guild has no intention of letting Patricia retire without celebrating her work and achievements. Members, PR colleagues and other friends of the Guild can look forward to an event to honour Patricia’s key role in the history of the organisation once lockdown and social distancing measures ease sufficiently.
In the meantime, do please send your best wishes and thanks to Patricia via email to [email protected], on Twitter or via our Facebook page using the social links below.
From everyone, Patricia, thank you.
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