LIBBY PURVES has that certain something which combines natural wit with an incisive perception. A writer and broadcaster par excellence, she stands out as one of the few journalists of national stature who actually bangs the drum for cartoonists. As a young reporter, in pre-Ipod, soft loo rolls and laptop days, and doubtless against clerical, parental and psychiatric advice, she enjoyed the company of cartoonists, and her continuing enthusiasm for the art form made her a target for the PCO. That she accepted the Organisation's invitation to be a patron is also highly placed in our chuffed department.




ANDREW MARR. Just a fleeting glance at Andrew Marr's BBC biog immediately flags him up as a target for any patron-hungry Cartoonists' Organisation. Owner of a BAFTA for Best TV Presenter, he is a hands-on, respected authority on the media in all its forms. He has written for The Economist, The Observer, and edited the Independent. He lists his hobbies as reading, painting, cooking and remembering his children's names. He goes on, " I like to paint, and to run, though rarely at the same time" This last is presently being scrutinized by the PCO's Should-Patrons-be-Allowed-to-Make-Pretty-Good-Jokes sub committee. The PCO is delighted to welcome Andrew Marr on board, and is very happy he said yes.




BILL TIDY. As far as the Mighty Tidy is concerned, "Doyen" springs easily to mind. Nine out of ten housewives cannot tell him from a well - known margarine spread. He is the cartoonists' cartoonist, and co -incidentally the favourite of several million non - cartoonists too. It is only right that an organisation like PCO should seek the support of Bill Tidy. Mind you it took some doing, but he was finally brought down on a turning pitch in bad light at Lords' Taverners. Bill's work has been and is an inspiration. His drawing, joke - making, story - telling, huge productivity and sheer experience makes him the perfect Patron. [is that enough creeping ? Ed]




MARTIN WAINWRIGHT. Martin Wainwright’s media career began with a raunchy cartoon-strip in a student publication that he had little difficulty getting past the editor/proprietor (M Wainwright). Ditching a future in cartoons, Martin has flourished instead as journalist, broadcaster and campaigner v prejudice. As Northern Editor of The Guardian, Martin knows a bit about stereotypes, cliches and the pleasure of fighting both with humour. A glance at his book-list reveals a few of the causes that Martin has championed: hillwalkers, country diarists, Morris Minors, April Fools and the North (‘England’s better half’). All this he has found time to share with a love of adventure and a fondness for cress. Just the man to haul on board to wave the flag for the PCO.