Travel Weekly is compiling a memory book for Penny’s family. If you would like to share your memories of Penny, please email them to travel.weekly@rbi.co.uk or post them to:
Travel Weekly
Quadrant House
The Quadrant
Sutton
Surrey
SM2 5AS
A selection of messages will also be published online (see below); please advise if you would rather your message remained private.
Donations
Please send donations to:
The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign
c/o W A Truelove & Sons
121 High Street
Banstead
Surrey
SM7 2NS
Memories of Penny
I worked with Penny on Travel Weekly for almost 20 years and she was a very special lady. She was a kind, caring person who had the ability to make everyone smile.
One of Penny’s greatest skills was making everything appear effortless although those close to her knew that she worked extremely hard to achieve her success. She was calm, sensible, honest and totally committed to Travel Weekly. We had great fun working together, especially at the the many ABTA Conventions and the numerous Globe Awards. Penny’s life has been cruelly cut short. She was loved and respected by all those who knew her and she will be greatly missed.
It was a privilege to know Penny, to work with Penny and to laugh with Penny.
I loved Penny like another daughter and I will miss her so much.
My thoughts are with her husband Mark, her two little boys Jake and Luke, her sister Sue and her parents Lorna and George.
Goodbye Pen and God Bless.
Trevor Harding, Travel Weekly lifetime vice-president
I’ve tried to post on here on several occasions but have struggled to find the right words.
When I joined Travel Weekly in 2001, I didn’t know anyone in the trade, and it could be daunting walking into a room full of strangers. But that soon changed, in large part thanks to Penny, who never failed to introduce me to her many friends in the industry. I soon came to realize why she was so popular – she was the most helpful, friendly and efficient colleague, utterly reliable and a lovely person to boot.
There are several ex-Travel Weekly staff now plying our trade Down Under who worked with Penny – she will be sadly missed by all of us.
Martin Lane, Travel Weekly Editor, 2001-2005
We were so saddened to learn of Penny’s passing – we will always remember her as ‘the girl with the smiling eyes’ – always cheerful, friendly – perfectly suited for the job she did so well.
She will be greatly missed in the travel trade.
Jill & Giulio Ugo, U-GO Marketing
A little star light has been put out but heaven has gained an angel.
When I arrived from South Africa you made me feel part of the UK travel industry and were never afraid to introduce me to your network. I am forever grateful.
Gone but fondly remembered
Kevin Hall, Senior Director, Orbitz Worldwide
I was extremely shocked to hear of the tragic death of my former colleague at Travel Weekly.
Penny was a cheerful, loving and extremely helpful colleague. She will be badly missed by friends in the travel industry, an industry she made her home for so many years.
I extend my sympathies to Penny’s young family, god bless them and give them the strength to pull through this difficult period.
Updesh Kapur, Qatar Airways – Doha
I was on holiday in Mexico when I heard the tragic news of Penny’s sad passing. It only seems like weeks ago I was discussing the Travel Weekly Road Shows with her – Time passes too fast. I had heard she had cancer, but never believed that someone so dazzling wouldn’t survive and beat the disease. She seemed to be fighting it with the usual courage and humour I will always remember her for.
Everyone who worked with Penny loved her tireless energy and enthusiastic approach to everything she did. For the last 20 years she and I have collaborated on numerous functions and events and always had fun and laughter together. She was an asset to Travel Weekly and the travel industry will be a different place without her. Our thoughts are with Mark, her children and all her family.
Stella Clery Ackland, managing director, Cellet Travel Services
I knew Penny through the industry for over 15 years, attended her first wedding to Jerry, got drunk and partied with her, always thought and remarked how organized all the events she organized for Travel Weekly were. It was NEVER too much trouble for Penny to help anyone and her bubbly can do attitude and caring nature I will always remember as I am sure many others will too.
Penny, my heart goes out to your family who will miss you sooooo much, but we must thank you for all the joy, friendship and love you gave everyone you met and touched. You are a special lady and know you will be floating on a very fluffy cloud with a glass of fizz in hand. Goodbye my darling lady and thank you for everything you did for me and all of us. xxx
Tricia Warwick, general manager, AEG Live Middle East
I had the good fortune to work with Penny on numerous projects and over the years she became a dear friend. I was truly devastated to hear that Penny lost her battle to cancer recently.
The travel industry certainly has lost one of its shining stars. Penny was forever glamourous, smiley and always interested to hear what was going on both in and outside of the industry. I have so many memories of Penny, that I don’t really know where to start. But I think the late night glasses of wine at a bar at one conference or another putting the world to rights sticks with me the most!
My heartfelt sympathies go to Mark and the boys, and all of her colleagues at Travel Weekly. Rest in peace Penny – you will be greatly missed by all, we have all lost a good friend!
Sarah Clayton-Turner, client marketing manager, C&M Recruitment
Penny and I became friends as a result of living close to each other in Ealing and we would, inevitably, share a car home after dinners and events in town. I, and so many others, have lost a good friend and the travel industry one of its hardest working and nicest personalities. Penny was great fun, generous and kind and always made me feel as if I was special to her; and, watching her at an event, she managed to make time for everyone, no matter that she was the busiest person there. My heart goes out to Mark and the boys, our loss is small in comparison to theirs.
Alyson Playford, head of global travel partnerships, British Airways
I have just heard the news that Penny passed away after a battle with cancer.
I have tears in my eyes just typing this message.
I worked with Penny at Travel Weekly before I joined Sandals Resorts. Penny was such a lovely person, always happy and bubbly. We would have a catch up chat at the Globes and otherindustry events. My heart goes out to Penny’s family at this sad time.
Rest in Peace my dear Penny.
Deana Stefano, operations manager, Sandals & Beaches Resorts
I first met Penny in the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney just south of Dublin just after she joined Travel Weekly, the ABTA Irish Open Golf was being played in Ireland and we instantly became friends. Trevor tried to warn her about the company she was keeping but she chose to hang about with Gerry Boyle, Paul Fitzpatrick, myself and quite a few others who enjoyed spending some time in the bar as well as playing golf.
I can’t remember if it was 1989 or 1991 but I found a friend all those years ago that I could count on and have nothing but pleasant memories of our times at various Travel functions, Travel Industry Golf Masters Events, numerous ABTA conventions and many other occassions. One thing I could always rely on was Penny’s smiling face and the knowledge that when all the friends got together we knew we were going to have some laughs.
I can’t believe I won’t be able to see her again but the memories of all these years make me feel pleased and honoured to have been Penny’s friend.
I will think of Penny often and be grateful of all the fun and vitality she showed in all our years of friendship.
Ian Scott, Senior Partner, The Scott Partnership
The news of Penny’s passing was tragic and extremely saddening to all who knew her. Pen was my manager, mentor and friend and I miss her dreadfully. Memories are filled with her smile, caring nature and her sense of humour and enjoyment of life. She will remain in my heart and will always be remembered with warmth and kindness.
Rest in Peace Penny.
Angela Hamilton-Jones, events executive, Travel Weekly
I was absolutely devastated to hear the news of Penny’s death this week.
I have worked with Penny many times but in the capacity of a supplier rather than a client. She was always so professional and efficient in everything she did with absolute attention to detail – she certainly kept us all on our toes!
We have shared and compared many stories about the boys and my heart goes out to them and Mark. I just can’t delete her name from my mobile phone as I can’t believe I will not see her again.
God bless you Penny.
Jane Dyson, managing director, The Network
I am so, so sad to hear about Penny and wanted to send my heartfelt sympathies to her family. It is difficult to believe that somebody so young, gorgeous and vibrant is no longer with us.
Having got to know Penny while working with her at Travel Weekly, I have always enjoyed catching up with her at travel industry events. She was always so smiley, warm and great fun to be with. She will be truly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Beverley Fearis, freelance journalist and former Travel Weekly reporter
I just wanted to say how very, very sorry I was to hear about Penny. I was genuinely shocked.
She was such a lovely lady, always bubbly, very affectionate and never without a smile. It must be a very sad time for you all at this moment.
Along with everyone else I will greatly miss her.
Julian, JMF Associates
I had not seen Penny for the last few years and was unaware of her illness, and this news has shocked me.
She was always the consumate professional, always smiling, always happy in her work and working to make others happy.
Please pass on my deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
David Townend, Sales and Marketing Manager, First Hull Trains (Previously with P&O North Sea Ferries and Irish Ferries)
Penny,
I remember the last Travel Weekly Globe Awards in January 2008 and remember how strikingly beautiful you looked that night. It was also the very best Globe Awards under your stewardship Travel Weekly had ever put on, and a fantastic tribute to you and the commitment and passion you put into The Globes.
But its your human side that made us all warm to you so much, your genuine friendliness, down to earth approach and utter honesty. A wonderful colleague and friend to so many.
Penny, I will miss you, and remember you with love and affection always.Much love, may the angels shine more brightly for your presence.
Fiona Jeffery, Chairman, World Travel Market & Just a Drop
It is with deep sadness that I have learnt that our dear friend Penny has lost her battle with Cancer.
I remember Penny with great affection having worked very closely with her over the years on a number of projects. She was one of the industry’s true professionals and someone that constantly strived for perfection in everything she did. She was always immaculately dressed and the perfect ambassador for Travel Weekly.
I am delighted that she finally found time to spend with her young family and I am sure that she will leave them with many happy memories.
Her suffering has now ended and we will all be left with very affectionate thoughts of a very dear friend and colleague.
God bless her.
Trudy Redfern – Managing Director, Silversea Cruises, UK/Ireland/Middle East
When Penny joined Travel Weekly and the then Publisher Richard Caisley, her first ever meeting was with me at Sealink Stena Line. It struck me at the time how nice she was and how very shy. It didn’t take long though before the efficient organiser we all grew to love emerged.
For nearly 20 years she has been a smiling, happy point of continuity. She is already sadly missed and I cannot imagine how her family are feeling.
God bless Penny, hope you take over the Heaven awards and get them sorted too.
Tony Seaman, Sales and Marketing Director, Attraction World
I have worked with Penny for several years as my previous employer, Southall Travel, was a sponsor of the Globe Awards.
I have also been her guest on various occasions at other industry functions and I like to think that we became friends too.
Besides being one of the most efficient and professional person I have met, she was also kind hearted and a caring mother.
She had amazing stamina, even after the Globe Awards, which runs into the early hours, she would be at her desk by 9am, which shows total dedication, even after the job was done.
She has left an amazing gap in this world and will be sadly missed.
Sam V.Eliatamby, Product Director (Designate), Dreamticket.com
I have just read the devastating news that Penny has lost her fight against cancer. Although I have been out of the industry for a number of years I still remember with great affection the many occasions when events brought us together be they award ceremonies, ABTA Conventions, WTM or the many other great events Penny organised on behalf of Travel Weekly or attended as a guest or representative of her company.
Penny will be missed by everyone in the travel industry and my sympathies go to her family. She was truly a wonderful asset to both Travel Weekly and the trade over many years and will be sadly missed by all.
I have many memories that will remain in my affection.
With sympathy
John Roberts, Ex Director Leisure Sales, Hertz Corporation
Its at times like this that we remember how truly cruel life can be. I know I speak for many other colleagues when I say how blessed we have all been to have known such a lovely woman who will forever be remembered as the smiling, glamorous lady behind the Globes!
Julia Lo Bue-Said, Director, Commercial, Advantage
I am not sure I can explain just how sad it was to hear the tragic news about Penny and how she has now lost her battle with cancer. I am writing this with many tears but many wonderful memories of a beautiful and lovely friend and industry colleague.
Having known Penny for many years and being in her company on many occasions I will miss her smiling face and lovely attitude towards everyone. She always managed to find time, even in the middle of organising a huge industry function, or during a busy conference, to chat and find out how things were for everyone and she always remembered people’s names. Penny always look stunning but had time to compliment other people.
Penny was a delightful, happy, smiling person to know and she will be missed by so many of us.
My sincerest thoughts are with her family and especially Mark and her boys during this very sad time.
Rest in Peace Penny.
Diane Court, Key Account Manager, Virgin Holidays
Penny, you were a joy to work with in every sense of the word, always smiling and happy to help. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace.
Frank Docherty, Sales Director, Traveltek Ltd
For all those that had the privilege of knowing Penny either professionally or as a friend, you will understand how big a loss this really is.
I knew Penny through our involvement with the globes and a nicer lady you couldn’t wish to work with. Always helpful, always professional and always on the ball but in a way that made you feel relaxed and comfortable. She always seemed so calm and relaxed (when I’m sure she must have been pulling her hair out at times), and would always take that extra couple of minutes just to make sure everything was OK with you.
My lasting memories of Penny will be her sweeping in to the Globes, looking fabulous in her latest ball gown, big smile on her face and a kind word for everyone.
Everyone knew Penny and everyone liked Penny.
Goodbye Penny.
We will miss your smile.
John Tolmie MREC, Managing Director, AA Appointments Ltd
Please pass on all our sincere thoughts and sympathies to Penny’s family. Penny was so well known to us all and we had such happy times doing the cruise road shows with her. She was always smiling and cheerful and she will be sorely missed.
Best Wishes from all the team at Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America Line”
Lynn Narraway, Managing Director – UK Business, Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line
My memories of Penny will always be of a wonderful, calm lady who was never seen without a smile on her face. I remember some very long lunches we had with Christine Ryan-Bell and how we were always safe in the knowledge that Penny at least would be sensible and look after us! I will miss the late night catch ups at conferences over a glass or two. Like all who knew her in the industry I will miss Penny dreadfully but feel privileged to have known her. My heart goes out to her family.
Kathryn Beadle, Head of Commercial, Hurtigruten Ltd
Such sad news for the industry…the loss of an individual who in my experience only ever had a smile on her face, and who carried with her a passion and energy that was enviable. I can’t imagine she will ever be forgotten.
Ian Scott, Director, Dubai Tourism
I have just read the tragic news that Penny passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer and was extremely saddened to receive this news.
I was not aware that Penny was battling with cancer – having not been involved in the mainstream of the industry for a few years. But I did know Penny well in the mid-1990’s when I was Sales & Marketing Director at DFDS and worked with Penny on a number of promotional events (especially in conjunction with Travel 2/4). She was an amazingly composed and calm lady – even when faced with incredibly stressful event organisation. She was always smiling and ready to help.
She will leave an enormous gap at Travel Weekly – and many happy memories of years past. Please pass on my condolences to her family – her husband and sons are particularly in our thoughts at this time.
Robert Mackenzie, managing director, C.I.Travel Group Ltd
I’m so, so sorry to hear the news and can only imagine the sad atmosphere in the office. My thoughts go to everyone who worked with and loved dear Penny. Please do let me know if the group organises a collection for her family.
Jackie David, freelance journalist and former Travel Weekly writer
For all of those who knew Penny very well like me we all have lost a very special and loving person, the industry has lost one of its most precious jewels. My heart and sympathy goes out to Penny’s family especially those two little boys.
I have some very fun and wonderful moments to remember Penny by and I shall cherish very close to my heart; but it was my pleasure and honour to have know Penny as a friend and an industry colleague – dear Penny rest in peace.
“WolverineXes”, posted on Travel Weekly’s forums
If you would like to share your memories of Penny, please email them to travel.weekly@rbi.co.uk