Memoirs of a press officer

My first encounter with the media was about 17 years ago when Marjorie Wallace turned up at a College meeting. As the conference organiser, I was told by the then secretary of the College, Natalie Cobbing, to ensure that Marjorie was not admitted, as our meetings were closed to the press. In fact, the fear of God was instilled in the staff at that time about the press – no staff were to talk to the media. Disobedience could be seen as a sackable offence. Ironically, Marjorie Wallace is now an Honorary Fellow of the College in recognition of the work she has done in mental health, both as a journalist and campaigner.