JOY COWLEY BECOMES PATRON OF FEATHERSTON BOOKTOWN
World-acclaimed New Zealand writer and Featherston resident, Joy Cowley, has taken up the role of Patron of Featherston Booktown.
Joy Cowley, is a prolific, widely-published and much celebrated writer of fiction for adults and children. She began her career writing short stories and novels before moving into the realm of children’s literature. Joy has published numerous novels, as well as short-stories that have featured in journals, anthologies and book-length collections. She has written a remarkable range of children’s books and stories, often illustrated by renowned artists. Joy was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children’s literature in 2005 and was awarded a Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement for Fiction in 2010. She is “Kaumatua” to the New Zealand Society of Authors.
“I have watched with interest how Featherston Booktown has grown over the last three years – and how it has done so much for the Featherston community and Featherston’s profile,” Joy Cowley said.
“I’m very excited – and honoured – by this role and I’m looking forward to supporting the Featherston Booktown Trust as much as I can by suggesting ideas for Featherston Booktown and making connections between Featherston Booktown and writers and speakers.”
Interim-Chair of the Featherston Booktown Trust, Peter Biggs, said that the Trust was delighted that Joy Cowley had accepted the role of Patron.
“We are determined that Featherston Booktown becomes a nationally and internationally renowned phenomenon and having a Patron of national and international stature like Joy Cowley is a huge boost for Featherston Booktown and our ambition.
“We are very grateful to Joy for accepting this role.”
ENDS
Peter Biggs: Interim-Chair, Featherston Booktown
021 308 828
Vanessa-Jayne Hunt: Programme Director, Featherston Booktown
021 021 09883