Josie Fowler

26/5/1937 - 11/6/2007

It has been a sad week for NABS.  Our beloved Josie Fowler has died.  Josie has been an integral part of NABS life for almost 17 years.    Denise Larkin, the chief executive of NABS in 1990, begged and pleaded with her to come and help out with credit control for the fundraising team for a couple of days for a fortnight or so.  The couple of days a week soon became three, then four and then five.  Added to this Josie could be relied on to attend every fundraising event.   The fortnight’s short term help turned into 17 years of total dedication and commitment to the charity. 

When she came to work at NABS, Josie was no newcomer to the charity – she was already an active fundraiser through her involvement with the Publicity Club of London.  She was the Honorary Treasurer of the Publicity Club of London for 25 years and organising the finances for the Publicity Club’s NABS Ball had been one of her regular tasks. 

Her involvement however in the annual presentation of the Publicity Club of London Cup which took place at Mansion House, was even more significant.  This award was presented to the person whose performance in “advertising and marketing during the previous 12 months deserves the most honoured recognition”.  Winners include David Abbott, Lord Bell, Michael Grade and Sir Martin Sorrell.  Josie worked on every aspect of this event from sending out the invites, putting together the marketing and drawing up the table plans. 

But that was Josie – no task was beneath her or beyond her.  She could really turn her hand to anything. Her early working life was spent in the printing industry.  After working for Reg Fielder as a PA at Noakes Brothers (engravers and typesetters), she went with him to St Clements Press and then in partnership they set up Crown Visual. 

It was when she had retired from Crown Visual that NABS was lucky to lure her to join the team.  We will be forever grateful to Denise’s persuasive skills.  Josie became the cornerstone of NABS, the glue that held everyone together, no matter what their age or status.  She knew everyone and everyone knew and respected her.  Gathering in the fundraising money was her forte – when Josie chased, the money came in (including the weekly lottery money!).  Her reputation followed her – WACL organisers will miss Josie and her credit card machine!  Whatever the occasion Josie could be relied upon to be professional, efficient and always up for some fun.

Nothing will be the same without her . It is hard to imagine NABS without her cheeky laugh, her dignity and her professionalism. She has however, left us all with many wonderful memories.