Modern Quarrying July-August 2016

AROUND THE INDUSTRY EDITOR’S COMMENT

The song is ended – but the melody lives on

T his month, I’d like to dedicate my column to Jenny Warwick, the founder of Crown Publications who passed away on 2 June, after a long battle with illness. She was a phenomenal human being and a phenomenal publisher who supported me in every way possible. When I joined Crown some 12 years back, she welcomed me with open arms and sup- ported and encouraged every move I made (some of which were new and strange to the Crown phi- losophy at the time). She encouraged me in start- ing up two quarterly magazines – one of which is Modern Quarrying – and she took the financial risk and jumped in guns blazing. For that, I can never thank her enough, and I wish that I had. I was always so proud of her; she was an incredible mentor, tough when she needed to be, but kind in every possible way. She loved life and she loved her Crown family so much. I always remember trying to dash past her office before she noticed (she really believed in an open door policy in every way). And inev- itably she’d call me back for a chat, or to replace my chewed off lipstick with a dash of her own! She always said that whenever one was sad or stressed, lipstick was the solution; I’ll never forget that particularly as she loved pink. which was not my colour. What an incredible life she led. Born in 1944 in Bedfordview, Jenny attended Jeppe Girls’ High School from which she matriculated at the age of 16. She then joined Anglo American, where she was personal secretary to one of the top execu- tives. She spent a number of years in the London office of the company. On returning to SA, she worked with her first husbandWilliam Smith at Star Schools, helping him run the business and looked after their two children David and Lee-Ann. After her divorce, Jenny spent some time at Braby’s before she joined Avonwold Publishing where she was a director from 1978-1986. She left there to form her own B2B publishing com- pany, Crown Publications, and once her business was successful, turned her attention to the indus- try as a whole. She served as a board member on the Specialist Press Association from 1998-2000, a board member of the Magazine Publisher’s Association from 2000-2003 and was chairman of the Pica Awards (for excellence in magazine pub- lishing) from 1998-2003.

Jenny was as active in her personal life as she was in business. She was a founder member of the Bedfordview Tudor Rose Ladies Club and an active member of the Housewives League. From 1997-1995 she served Bedfordview in the following roles: Town Councillor, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Deputy Chairman of the Management Committee. She also held portfolios in Electrical Engineering, Library Services, Health, Investments, Environment, Parks and Recreation. From 1990- 1992 she was part of the negotiating team involved in the amalgamation of the City Council of Germiston and the town councils of Kathlehong, Palm Ridge and Bedfordview; and from 1992-1994, was a City Councillor on the Germiston Transitional Council. In 2001, Jenny was awarded the Paul Harris Award for her contribution to the community. Jenny really loved life. With her husband John, she loved laughing, entertaining, good food and socialising. She was a consummate cook and enter- tainer and was famous for her voluble dinners; her recipes and good cheer being legend. She enjoyed travelling around the world with family and friends, and particularly enjoyed long week- ends in the bush with close friends. She adored and was exceptionally proud of her children and three grandchildren. It is impossible to do her dauntless spirit jus- tice as she truly had energy enough to power a city. Some people touch our lives briefly, while others leave a lasting impression and are never forgotten. Jenny is one of those.

JennyWarwick 24 January 1944 – 2 June 2016

Founder and former publisher of Crown Publications, Jenny Warwick.

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MODERN QUARRYING

July - August 2016