This month we said a fond farewell to Alison Bevan, who, after more than 10 years at the helm of the RWA, stood down as Director. Thank you to everyone who came to her wonderful Friends’ talk and presentation in May – one of several events to celebrate her time at the RWA.
Alison has had a transformative impact on the RWA, expertly navigating the organisation through some difficult circumstances in her first few years by bringing everyone together and establishing excellent relationships across the board. She has been a constant, passionate advocate for the RWA and a tireless fundraiser – in one instance quite literally putting her body on the line in a sponsored 100ft free-hanging abseil in fancy dress!
In recent years she has guided the RWA through the pandemic, and then secured the funds for the wonderful Light & Inspiration renovation project, which will stand as a lasting legacy for her tenure as Director. It’s no exaggeration to say that, had it not been for Alison, the RWA would have been in serious danger of closing its doors a decade ago. Now it is a beautifully restored, fully accessible building with a thriving, engaged audience, excellent facilities and cafe, and a strong community outreach programme.
Alison has always been very supportive of the Friends, and has brought so much energy, enthusiasm and cheer to everything she does. She will be much missed – but we hope to see her on many more occasions back at her beloved RWA, and we look forward to working with her successor as Director, Ren Renwick.
Andrew Nixon, FRWA Chair
The Floating Circle 
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